BURBANK, Calif.—Last night the annual StorErotica Awards were announced at a festive dinner held during the Adult Novelty Manufacturers Expo (ANME). In attendance were many exhibitors from the show, as well as distributors, retailers and members of the press.
The ceremony was hosted by former Skid Row drummer Phil Varone, whose achievements in the adult industry include a line of sex toys manufactured by California Exotic Novelties and a new line of DVDs celebrating the swinger lifestyle for Vivid Entertainment. And on Aug. 17 the rock star turned porn star will add to those a new show on Playboy Radio called Sex Standup.
At last night’s gig, Varone showed his comfort behind a mike, despite occasional technical difficulties with the sound system. He kept the show moving briskly, announcing the 13 awards with a brief break in the middle for the induction of two industry veterans into StorErotica’s Hall of Fame: Sara Lee Goff of the Texas-based adult stores Sara’s Secret and Condoms to Go, and Pipedream Products CEO Nick Orlandino. Both were greeted with heartfelt applause and a standing ovation.
In addition to Pipedream Products, the other four sponsors of ANME—California Exotic Novelties, Doc Johnson, Nasstoys and Topco—were also in attendance, as were most of the nominated companies, which ensured a steady stream of cheers from various corners of the tented pavilion as Varone read the nominees.
The following winners were announced at the event:
Boutique Brand of the Year
Tantus Inc.
Sexual Enhancement Company of the Year
The Screaming O
Fetish Company of the Year
Sportsheets
Special Focus Award for European Novelty Companies
Fun Factory
Lubricant Company of the Year
Wet International
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Doc Johnson’s School of Doc
Distributor of the Year
Eldorado Trading Company
“Hot Product” of the Year
Intensity by Jopen
Retailer of the Year—Independent
The Pleasure Chest
Retailer of the Year—Chain
Hustler Hollywood
Novelty Company of the Year
Pipedream Products
