Page 78 - AVN March 2016

‘O’ Yes!
AVN rewards excellence at annual ceremony
it marks a new level in my life.”
closed, attendees, exhibitors and buyers
As the first day of the AVN Novelty Expo
For the first time, a special new award was also
gathered in the Real World Suite of the
presented at the “O” Awards: the Chaturbate Female
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas to
Empowerment Award.
party during the ANE Bash and celebrate the winners
“You might not know me, but I know all of you,”
of the seventh annual “O” Awards. The party was
said Shirley of Chaturbate (pictured at right). “The
sponsored by AfterDark Labs, Eldorado Trading,
products you create are used on so many platforms
Naughty Business and The Stockroom.
and are so well known.”
The cocktails flowed and partiers enjoyed the
The award was bestowed upon Candida Royalle,
sights of the suite during the event, all while
who first made a name in the adult industry as a
congratulating those who took home these trophies,
performer, then as one of the first female directors
given to acknowledge excellence in the field of
and then as a creator of pleasure products when she
pleasure product design and marketing.
joined on with Natural Contours. The manufacturer
Among those honored was Dave Lampert, creator
specialized in creating non-phallic pleasure products
of the Sybian. Lampert (pictured at left) received the
that were designed for women of all body types.
Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to
The complete list of winners is as follows:
the industry. The Sybian—created in the 1980s—is
“O” Award for Lifetime Achievement: Dave Lampert of
still one of the best-known pleasure products today.
Sybian
Lampert told the crowd he started shipping the
Outstanding Lingerie Collection: Coco Licious Lingerie,
first Sybian product in December 1987, and is now
Rene Rofe
starting his 29th year in the business.
“This award is an honor to receive,” he said. “And
Outstanding Accessory Product or Line: Selfie Stick,
Pipedream Products
Outstanding Marketing Campaign: CalExotics Rebranding
Outstanding Packaging: Tom of Finland, XR Brands
Outstanding Lubricant Product or Line: Electra Lubricant,
Fleshlight
Outstanding Body or Skin Care Line: CandiLand Sensuals,
Doc Johnson
Outstanding Supplement or Enhancement: Astroglide TTC,
Outstanding Non-Powered Product: XPander, Joydivision
Outstanding Powered Product: Twerking Butt, Topco Sales
Outstanding Innovation: Lily 2 Scented, LELO
Outstanding Product for Men: Spotty, Nomi Tang
Outstanding Product for Women: Womanizer, epi24
Industry Leaders Honored at AVN Awards
While much of the focus of the AVN Awards every year is on
me for more than five years) is really amazing at helping folks find the toys and
performers and adult movies, the makers and sellers of pleasure
accessories that they need while also providing a safe and welcoming space to
products are also honored during the big night. Categories cover
everyone who walks through our door.”
everything from Best Fetish Manufacturer to Best Lubricant
Also winning in the retail category this year was Good Vibrations, an adult
Manufacturer and represent some of the biggest and best names in the pleasure
retailer known for more than 30 years for high-quality products, education and
products industry.
information that promotes sexual health, pleasure and empowerment. Good
And just as performers, directors and studio owners love the feeling of winning
Vibrations was named Best Retail Chain—Small at the ceremony, which took place
a coveted AVN Award, those on the sex toy side are just as excited about the
Saturday, Jan. 23, in The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
honor.
“We are grateful for the recognition and are very proud of the award,” said
“As a small, unabashedly feminist shop, I was a little surprised to be nominated,
Jackie Strano, executive vice president of Good Vibrations. “Thank you AVN!”
but winning was a shock for sure!” said Searah Deysach, president of Early To Bed
Manufacturers of pleasure products were also recognized with AVN Awards.
in Chicago, which took home the AVN Award for Best Boutique. “While we have
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer—Large this year was Doc Johnson, which
been recognized locally a bunch of times, a national mainstream win like AVN is
earned an AVN Award in 2011 for Best Packaging.
just an amazing feeling!
“We are honored to receive the AVN Award for Best Large Pleasure Product
“I started my shop in 2001 and when I went to my first AVN show a couple
Manufacturer,” said Chad Braverman, Doc Johnson’s COO/CCO. “We are proud
of years later, a lot of people looked at me with completely blank faces when
to have Doc Johnson’s 40-year commitment to providing the best new products
I explained that we were a feminist, sexual health- and education-focused sex
and brands recognized.”
shop,” Deysach continued. “I really felt like a fish out of water even at a trade
“Receiving this prestigious award is a testimony to the continued growth of the
show for my industry. To now receive recognition from such an influential
Doc Johnson brand,” said Scott Watkins, Doc’s vice president of marketing and
organization is very gratifying … and exciting!
sales. “Our entire team is thankful to everyone at AVN for making this possible.”
“As to what sets us apart, I would like to think it is our shop’s dedication to
Winners of the Pleasure Products and Retail & Distribution categories are as
providing a level of customer service that is beyond what most people expect from
follows:
a sex shop,” Deysach added. “My awesome staff (90 percent who have been with
FEATURE
PLEASURE PRODUCTS
Best Condom Manufacturer
Kimono
Best Enhancement Manufacturer
Classic Erotica
Best Fetish Manufacturer
Spartacus Leathers
Best Lingerie or Apparel Manufacturer
Syren Latex
Best Lubricant Manufacturer
Wet International
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer—Small
Advanced Response
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer—Medium
LELO
Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer—Large
Doc Johnson
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
Best Boutique
Early to Bed (Chicago)
Best Retail Chain–Small
Good Vibrations
Best Retail Chain–Large
Romantix
Best Web Retail Store
AdultEmpire.com
78 | AVN.com | 3.16