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2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Retail Nominees Announced: Honoring Leadership, Impact, and Industry Vision
LOS ANGELES — XBIZ has officially revealed the nominees for the Retail Industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, recognizing standout leadership, innovation, and long-term impact across the adult retail and pleasure products sectors.
The awards will be presented during the XBIZ Honors on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in conjunction with the XBIZ Expo. The ceremony is presented by SVAKOM and Kaotik Labs and serves as a key moment during XBIZ Week, spotlighting the business leaders shaping the industry’s future.
What Are the XBIZ Exec Awards?
The XBIZ Exec Awards celebrate excellence behind the scenes — honoring executives, buyers, account managers, marketers, and visionaries whose leadership drives growth, innovation, and cultural relevance within the adult business ecosystem.
Nominees are selected based on a combination of:
- Strategic and financial leadership
- Industry reputation and peer respect
- Community engagement and long-term influence
The Retail Industry edition focuses specifically on professionals working across retail, distribution, manufacturing, marketing, and executive management within the pleasure products space.
New Human-Centered Honorary Awards for 2026
In a notable expansion for 2026, the XBIZ Exec Awards introduce five new honorary distinctions designed to recognize the human impact behind professional success. These awards will be presented without nominees or finalists, emphasizing values-driven leadership and community contribution:
- The Brave Voice Award — Honoring those who speak up with courage to drive meaningful dialogue and positive change
- The Pulse of the People Award — Recognizing individuals deeply connected to the culture and values of the industry
- The Trusted Confidant Award — Celebrating mentorship, guidance, and steady leadership that empowers others
- The Heart of Gold Award — Highlighting compassion, generosity, and acts that uplift the community
- The Shining Spirit Award — Honoring optimism and energy that inspires those around them
This shift reflects a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence, advocacy, and integrity alongside traditional business metrics.
Voting Details: How to Participate
- Voting is now open on XBIZ.net, the industry-exclusive professional network
- Voting closes: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Industry members are encouraged to participate and recognize peers whose work continues to elevate the retail sector.
2026 XBIZ Exec Awards: Retail Industry Categories
The 2026 Retail Industry nominations span a wide range of leadership and professional roles, including:
- Retail Buyer of the Year
- Distributor Account Executive of the Year
- Pleasure Product Account Executive of the Year
- Business Development Executive of the Year
- Marketing Executive of the Year
- Progressive Leadership Award
- Community Figure of the Year
- Brand Ambassador of the Year
- Road Warrior of the Year
- Executive Leadership Awards (Retail & Pleasure Products)
- Team Manager of the Year
- Businessperson of the Year
- WIA Woman of the Year
The full nominee list underscores the depth, diversity, and global reach of today’s adult retail industry.
Why This Matters
The 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Retail nominations highlight a moment of evolution for the industry — one where commercial success, cultural awareness, and community leadership are increasingly intertwined. By expanding recognition beyond performance metrics to include advocacy, mentorship, and emotional leadership, the awards reflect where the business of pleasure is headed next.
Winners will be announced January 11, 2026, during the XBIZ Honors ceremony at XBIZ Expo.
