Industry leaders, innovators, educators and changemakers honored during the August 3 celebration, hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Laura Desiree and supported by Nu Sensuelle
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — August 2026 — STIMULATE proudly announces the winners of the 2026 STIMULATE+Awards presented by Nu Sensuelle, following a historic evening of celebration, recognition and connection on August 3, 2026, at Nashville’s iconic Woolworth Theatre.
Bringing together leaders from across sexual wellness, intimate care, pleasure products, education, technology, retail, medical innovation and business services, the STIMULATE Awards recognized the people, products and organizations helping move the industry forward.
Guiding guests through the evening was STIMULATE’s Mistress of Ceremonies, the alluring Laura Desiree, whose presence, wit and unmistakable energy helped make the celebration an evening to remember. STIMULATE also extends its sincere appreciation to Nu Sensuelle for investing in the vision behind the awards and supporting the creation of a platform designed to recognize achievement, elevate innovation and celebrate the people shaping the future of intimate wellness.
The evening culminated in the presentation of awards across 20 categories, honoring established industry leaders alongside emerging voices, groundbreaking products, educators, medical professionals, independent sellers and purpose-driven innovators.
And the winners are:
2026 STIMULATE Award Winners
Best Product for First-Time Exploration
Anal Training & Education 5-piece Complete Set | b-Vibe
Best Product for Mature Intimate Care
Cooch Ball | Bloom Better
Body-Safe + Wellness Innovation Award
Dive Submersible Rechargeable Vibrating Massager | Le Wand
Brand Leader of the Year
Cassie Pendleton + jessica drake, aka “Cassica” | Wicked Sensual Care
Business Services Partner of the Year
Essence Protection
Collaboration of the Year
plusOne for the Cosmopolitan x plusOne All Yours Collaboration
Educational Platform of the Year
Success Systems
Emerging Leader of the Year
Thao Luu-Brinberg | Nu Sensuelle
Emerging Product of the Year
Popstar Performance Boosters | Popstar Labs
Head-to-Toe Wellness Product of the Year
Cooch Ball | Bloom Better
Inclusive Excellence Award
Matty Hennessey | Eversense Toys
Independent Seller of the Year
Amy Cook
Medical Professional of the Year
Dr. Andreas Kogelnik | ProDx Health
Podcast Excellence Award
Please Me! Podcast with Eve
Purpose-Driven Innovation Award
Play Safe Pro | ProDx Health
Retail Operator of the Year
Tiara Trudeau-Gullotta | Sultry Company
Sex Educator / Therapist of the Year
Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn | Luvbites by Dr. Tara
Technology + Innovation Award
Rose Gold vFit | Joylux
Pleasure Product of the Year
XLR8 Vibe Baelii | Nu Sensuelle
Big O(vation) Award by Nu Sensuelle
Kraig McGee III | TAF Distributing (Adam & Eve Stores)
A Night Built Around Recognition
The inaugural, 2026 STIMULATE+Awards presented by Nu Sensuelle were created to shine a spotlight not only on standout products, but on the people, partnerships, ideas and organizations driving meaningful progress across the intimate wellness industry.
From emerging leaders and independent sellers to medical professionals, educators and innovators, the evening reflected an industry whose impact extends far beyond the products on a shelf. Against the historic backdrop of the Woolworth Theatre in Nashville, the August 3rd celebration created a stage for achievement, community and the continued evolution of intimate wellness.
STIMULATE congratulates every 2026 winner, finalist and participant who helped make the evening possible.
Special thanks are extended to Nu Sensuelle for its investment in STIMULATE’s vision and its support of an awards experience built to recognize the individuals and companies advancing the industry.
Congratulations to the 2026 STIMULATE Award winners.
About STIMULATE
STIMULATE is a business-to-business platform bringing together leaders, innovators, educators, retailers, brands and professionals across the evolving intimate wellness industry. Through connection, education, recognition and collaboration, STIMULATE creates opportunities to strengthen the businesses and people helping shape the future of sexual and intimate wellness. For more information, connect at stimulate@retailminded.com.
