April 7, 2026 | (Denver, CO) — STIMULATE, the premier event at the intersection of sexual wellness, retail, and health, is proud to announce the official launch of the STIMULATE+Awards, debuting on August 3, 2026, at the iconic and historic Woolworth Theater in Nashville, Tennessee.
In its inaugural year, the STIMULATE+Awards is honored to be presented by Nu Sensuelle, a brand known for its commitment to elevated design, sensuality, and innovation within the sexual wellness space. This partnership represents a powerful testament to the industry’s collective support and underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating those driving progress in sexual wellness.
“Partnering with STIMULATE+Awards is an exciting opportunity to recognize the people and brands driving real change within sexual wellness. This industry continues to evolve through education, innovation, and connection, and as a brand this is something we have always valued. We’re proud to support a moment that brings that progress to life and look forward to a dynamic evening of honoring our industry,” shares Thao Luu-Brinberg, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Nu Sensuelle.
Designed to honor excellence across the sexual wellness industry, the STIMULATE+Awards will recognize standout products, visionary leaders, and meaningful innovation shaping the future of the category. From “head to toe, young to mature, purpose to pleasure”, STIMULATE+Awards will spotlight a diverse range of categories spanning both product innovation and industry leadership. Award recipients will be recognized with the prestigious STIMULATE+ Award of Excellence, a distinction designed to become a trusted mark of quality, credibility, and impact across retail, health, consumer and patient channels alike.
“The launch of the STIMULATE+Awards marks an important milestone for our industry,” shares Nicole Leinbach Hoffman, Founder of STIMULATE. “With the support of Nu Sensuelle, we are creating a platform that not only celebrates excellence, but also elevates the voices, products, and leaders who are shaping the future of sexual wellness.”
STIMULATE+Awards will open for submissions to be recognized on April 15, 2026. Among the STIMULATE+Award categories that brands, retailers, medical professionals and industry leaders can look forward to will include the following, with 15 total awards to be announced as part of the inaugural STIMULATE+Awards experience.
Head-to-Toe Wellness Product of the Year | This award recognizes products that support holistic sexual wellness beyond a single function. Honorees in this category contribute to full-body well-being, from intimacy enhancers to body-safe care. It celebrates solutions that align with a comprehensive, “head-to-toe” approach to sexual health.
Purpose-Driven Innovation Award | This award honors products rooted in a strong mission, whether through health benefits, education, accessibility, inclusivity, or social impact. It recognizes innovation that goes beyond function to create meaningful change. This is where purpose truly meets product.
Best Product for Mature Intimate Care | This category recognizes products thoughtfully designed for aging bodies and evolving needs. From menopause support to accessibility and comfort, these solutions prioritize inclusivity across life stages. It shines a light on often-overlooked consumers seeking continued intimacy and wellness.
Barrier Breaker Award | This award celebrates individuals who challenge stigma and push boundaries within sexual wellness. It honors those redefining norms and opening new conversations. These trailblazers are driving progress and reshaping the industry landscape.
Collaboration of the Year | This category recognizes impactful partnerships that drive innovation and growth. From brand and retailer collaborations to work with educators or medical professionals, it celebrates the power of working together. These partnerships are helping to shape a stronger, more connected industry.
Education Initiative of the Year | This category highlights programs that prioritize learning, awareness, and empowerment. Whether led by brands, retailers, or individuals, these initiatives elevate knowledge across the industry. It celebrates the role education plays in both normalization and growth of sexual wellness.
All submissions of the STIMULATE+Awards will be evaluated and ultimately selected by a distinguished panel of judges comprised of respected industry leaders and experts across sexual wellness. Our 2026 judges for the STIMULATE+Awards are:
Dr. Alix Agar | Licensed Marriage + Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist
Dr. Shannon Chavez | Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist
Dan Powers | Creator of Pleasure Engineering and Co-Founder, The Pleasure Movement
Elizabeth Wood | Somatic Sex Educator, Author and Co-Founder, The Pleasure Movement
Dr. Emma Smith |Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist
Each judge brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the sexual wellness category through education, innovation, and responsible practices. All submissions will welcome products – if part of their category submission – to be evaluated firsthand by our judges. It is also exciting to note that Dan Powers and Elizabeth Wood are married, helping to further support evaluations of products that may incorporate shared experiences.
The STIMULATE+Awards ceremony will take place during STIMULATE 2026, offering a memorable evening dedicated to recognition, connection, and celebration within one of Nashville’s most historic venues. Hosting the show will be Laura Desiree, returning to the STIMULATE show for her second year as an emcee and host. Attendee registration for the event will be separate from STIMULATE’s trade show registration. Each category will honor up to 5 total nominees based on submissions and judge review, with additional details that include award submissions, guidelines, full category listings, and ticket information to be available on April 15, 2026, when STIMULATE+Awards officially opens.
All media inquiries can be directed to stimulate@retailminded.com.
About STIMULATE
STIMULATE is a first-of-its-kind event uniting sexual wellness brands, retailers, educators, and healthcare professionals. Focused on innovation, education, and connection, STIMULATE has been redefining how the industry comes together to grow and evolve since it’s virgin show in 2023. Explore more about STIMULATE here.
About Nu Sensuelle
Nu Sensuelle is an award-winning pleasure products brand that empowers the sensually curious to experience elevated levels of connection, intensity, and growth through innovation, education, and inclusion. Barry Brinberg and Thao Luu-Brinberg founded Nu Sensuelle’s parent company, Novel Creations, in Australia in 2009. The company relocated to the United States in 2014, and began winning top accolades from leading industry organizations. At it’s core, Nu Sensuelle is a modern sexual wellness brand dedicated to elevating intimacy through thoughtfully designed, high-quality products. With a focus on innovation, sophistication, and sensory experience, Nu Sensuelle continues to push boundaries and redefine expectations within the category. Explore more about Nu Sensuelle here.
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