April 16, 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 presented by Nu Sensuelle on August 3, 2026, at the historic Woolworth Theater in Nashville, Tennessee.
In its inaugural year, STIMULATE+Awards presented by Nu Sensuelle looks forward to honoring excellence across the sexual wellness industry and will recognize standout products, visionary leaders, and meaningful innovation shaping the future of the category. STIMULATE+Awards presented by Nu Sensuelle will spotlight a diverse range of categories spanning both product innovation and industry leadership, and 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 awards are now open for submission, and include 20 categories, which are highlighted below:
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
7. Emerging Product of the Year | This award spotlights recently launched (within August 2025 and 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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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. SUBMIT HERE.
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
The STIMULATE+Awards presented by Nu Sensuelle will take place during STIMULATE 2026, offering a memorable evening dedicated to recognition, connection, and celebration within one of Nashville’s most historic venues, the Woolworth Theater. 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.
“The launch of the STIMULATE+Awards marks an important milestone for our industry, and today we’re proud to officially open submissions,” 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 shaping the future of sexual wellness.”
To explore categories and submission details, click here.
For more information and media inquiries, please connect with 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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