December 8, 2025 | (Denver, CO) — STIMULATE, a North American trade show, conference and community for sexual wellness, intimate care, and adult retail decision makers, is proud to announce the first wave of committed brands for the 2026 Emerging Brands Experience, an exclusive program designed to elevate new companies entering the business-to-business marketplace of intimate care, sexual well-being and / or adult novelty.
The 2026 Emerging Brands Experience is proud to welcome for 2026 (listed in alphabetical order):
- Bad Foxxx
- Dr. Kellfire
- Dr. Tuggs
- Epiphany
- Lava Lube
- LUWI
- Vellvii
- Vira Sensual
These forward-thinking brands represent fresh innovation, product diversity, and emerging consumer trends across the intimacy and wellness categories. To qualify for the STIMULATE Emerging Brands program, companies must have never exhibited at any other B2B trade show, ensuring that STIMULATE remains their first introduction to the wholesale and retail ecosystem.
A Transformative Experience for First-Time Exhibitors
Each Emerging Brand receives not only exhibition space in a dedicated Emerging Brands space on the STIMULATE show floor, but also access to an exclusive Emerging Brand Mentor Experience — a signature component of the program that prepares founders for long-term success. This will take place on August 2, 2026, one day prior to the STIMULATE trade show floor opening. As part of this experience, Emerging Brands will participate in a closed-room mentorship and learning session featuring seasoned leaders in retail, operations, branding, and business development.
STIMULATE is honored to welcome back Sasha Harris, Director of Women’s Health for CVS, who served as a mentor in 2025 and will return in 2026 to guide the upcoming cohort. Harris brings deep insight into consumer behavior, health-focused product education, and national retail strategy.
Joining the mentorship panel for 2026 is Dr. Alisa Brady, Founder of personal care brand Sweetums and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with more than 20 years of combined experience across healthcare, business development, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Brady has founded multiple companies and successfully navigated several acquisitions, bringing invaluable expertise to the Emerging Brand experience. Sweetums has also been an exhibitor at STIMULATE since their debut show in 2023 and will return once again in 2026.
STIMULATE also looks forward to welcoming Shonda and Marcus Cleveland, who are the franchise owners of multiple Adam & Eve stores throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, leading one of the region’s most recognized and customer-focused adult retail operations. Known for their strong business acumen and commitment to creating welcoming, education-driven shopping environments, they have both become respected leaders within the sexual wellness, adult novelty and retail community at large.
Additional mentors will be announced in early 2026.
What the Emerging Brand Experience Means to Founders
The Emerging Brand program is designed to help new companies step confidently into the industry, build meaningful connections, gain visibility, and receive real-time, actionable guidance from those who understand the path ahead.
2025 Emerging Brand Founder Frank Lawrence, creator of Vibrating Tarot, shared his experience at STIMULATE by saying:
As I stood there exhibiting my little brand, I felt just as important as the biggest brands in the room. I was busy chatting with show attendees the entire time while deepening relationships with fellow brands, retailers and distributors. The Emerging Brand Mentor Experience was also very informative and extremely worthwhile. STIMULATE has been so supportive of me and my project, and I am proud to attend STIMULATE again in 2026.”
Among last year’s Emerging Brands also included Hugewick Playful Candles.
“We launched Hugewick Playful Candles at the emerging brands event at STIMULATE: A B2B Trade Show + Conference in August 2025. The amount of success with not only connecting with buyers but also opening accounts makes STIMULATE an absolute must for any new brands looking to break into the industry. We will become a regular at the show,” shares Michael Jordan, Hugewick Candles CEO.
Jordan recently announced a significant partnership with Romantix Stores – a leading adult novelty retailer – by securing a 75-store deal to feature their products thanks to having been introduced to Romantix while at STIMULATE 2025. STIMULATE also looks forward to welcoming back Hugewick Playful Candles to their 2026 STIMUALTE show in Nashville.
Limited Availability for 2026
STIMULATE continues to welcome applications from early-stage brands seeking consideration for the remaining spots in the Emerging Brand program. Interest and demand for this exclusive initiative remain high, and confirmed partners will receive access to the full mentorship experience, dedicated PR visibility, and the opportunity to exhibit among established category leaders.
About STIMULATE
STIMULATE is a leading B2B event dedicated to elevating the sexual wellness, intimacy, and modern retail industries through education, community, innovation, and connection. Known for its inclusive environment and industry-forward programming, STIMULATE offers retailers, brands, and professionals meaningful opportunities to grow, learn, and lead. Returning to Nashville in August 2026, STIMULATE will feature more than 40 dynamic sessions, an exclusive ASK THE DOCTORS track, and over 100 exhibiting brands spanning men’s health, feminine care, pleasure products, and lifestyle innovation – plus an Emerging Brand experience. Designed for retailers, healthcare professionals, educators, and creators, STIMULATE continues to elevate the conversation around sexual wellness with a modern, inclusive, and evidence-informed approach.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact STIMULATE at stimulate@retailminded.com.
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