WHEN: August 3, 2026
WHERE: Woolworth Theater in Nashville, TN
WHY: Because It’s Overdue

 NOMINEES TO BE REVEALED JULY 13th

SUBMISSION + JUDGING PROCESS 

Please note all submissions are thoughtfully reviewed by a panel of five judges, each who bring deep professional experience across the industry. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, judges carefully assess every entry to determine the top 3 to 5 nominees in each category. We encourage thoughtful, thorough submissions that truly reflect your brand, product, or leadership – our judges are paying close attention.  Please also note submissions do not include a ticket to the event. Only those who are recognized as nominees will be provided a ticket. Additional tickets are provided to all registered STIMULATE attendees.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Pleasure Product of the Year | This category celebrates standout pleasure-focused products across the industry. Winners demonstrate excellence in performance, design, and customer satisfaction. It highlights products that elevate the pleasure experience while resonating strongly at retail. 

4. Best Product for First-Time Exploration | This award highlights entry-level products designed to be approachable, un-intimidating, and educational. It supports sellers in welcoming new customers with confidence while empowering first-time users. These products help make the first step into sexual wellness a positive and comfortable experience. 

5. 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. 

6. Body-Safe + Wellness Innovation Award | This category honors products that raise the standard for safety, quality, and wellness. It includes innovations in materials, formulations, certifications, and health-forward design. Winners demonstrate a commitment to trust, transparency, and consumer well-being.

7. Emerging Product of the Year | This award spotlights recently launched (within August 2025 to August 2026) products making a strong impact. It celebrates innovation, momentum, and fresh perspectives entering the market. These are the rising forces shaping the future of sexual wellness – whether from a legacy brand or emerging brand – these products will change the future of sexual wellbeing. 

8. Technology + Innovation Award | This category celebrates forward-thinking advancements where technology meets sexual wellness. From connected devices to digital platforms, it honors innovation shaping the future of intimacy. These solutions push the boundaries of what’s possible in the category.

9. Brand Leader of the Year | This award recognizes individuals leading brands with vision, strategy, and measurable industry impact. It honors those driving growth, innovation, and meaningful brand presence. These leaders are shaping how sexual wellness is positioned and perceived and highlight the importance of strong, honest and trusted working relationships.

10. Emerging Leader of the Year | This category highlights rising professionals making notable contributions across the industry – whether in retail, independent sellers or brand supporters. It celebrates fresh perspectives, leadership potential, and early impact. These individuals represent the future of sexual wellness leadership.

11. Retail Operator of the Year | This award honors store buyers, decision-makers and store operators that demonstrate excellence in retail execution. It recognizes achievements in merchandising, customer experience, and business performance, as well as bringing a spotlight to the dedicated leadership it takes to successfully achieve retail goals. These leaders set the standard for success when it comes to operating commerce experiences that bring valued connections to consumers, ultimately helping to drive growth in the sexual wellness category at large.

12. Independent Seller of the Year | This award honors independent sellers who demonstrate excellence in retail execution through platforms that may include home parties, social media, special events and other non-traditional (brick and mortar) retail avenues. It recognizes their achievements in connecting to consumers, scaling revenue and bringing accessibility to products across sexual wellness in their own, independent ways.

13. Medical Professional of the Year | This category recognizes healthcare professionals advancing sexual wellness through science and care. It includes doctors, therapists, and clinicians bridging the gap between medical insight and product accessibility within sexual wellness through a variety of avenues. These leaders play a critical role in legitimizing and elevating the industry from a consumer and patient perspective alike.

14. Sex Educator / Therapist of the Year | This award honors educators and / or therapists who empower individuals through knowledge and guidance. Their work plays a vital role in normalization, confidence, and product understanding. It celebrates those making a meaningful impact through education and support within the sexual wellness space at large.

15. Education Platform of the Year | This category highlights people 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 normalization, growth and overall category support of sexual wellness.

16. Podcast Excellence Award | This award recognizes a podcast and it’s host/s that demonstrates outstanding storytelling, audience engagement, and industry impact. Honoring creativity, consistency, and the ability to deliver meaningful, relevant content, this podcast stands out for elevating conversations and inspiring its listeners. From compelling interviews to insightful commentary, the recipient exemplifies excellence in audio content and thought leadership within the category of sexual wellness.  

17. Big “O”(vation) Award Founded by NU SENSUELLE | 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. 

18. 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.

19. Inclusive Excellence Award | This award recognizes authentic and meaningful efforts in inclusivity. It honors products and / or people through messaging and initiatives that reflect diverse identities and experiences. Winners demonstrate a true commitment to representation and accessibility.

20. Business Services Partner of the Year | This category recognizes the essential partners supporting the industry behind the scenes. From logistics and technology providers to insurance support and payment solutions, these business services – and more – are critical to success. It honors those who keep the industry moving forward efficiently and effectively.

Submissions are now closed.

All questions can be directed to stimulate@retailminded.com