The adult nightclub industry’s biggest week lit up Las Vegas as the 2025 Exotic Dancer Expo and ED “Honors” Awards Show returned to Sin City this past August 24–27
When it comes to putting on a show, no one does it quite like the adult nightclub industry and this year’s Exotic Dancer EXPO & Honors Awards Show proved just that. Hosted at the iconic Flamingo Hotel & Casino, the four-day celebration brought together club owners, entertainers, DJs and industry leaders from across the country to network, party, and, of course, honor the best of the best.
Now in its third decade, the EXPO continues to be the marquee event for the multi-billion-dollar adult nightclub industry with 2025 being no exception. This year marked the debut of the reimagined ED Honors Awards Show, a new chapter in the tradition of celebrating excellence across the adult entertainment landscape.
For the first time in Expo history, the celebration spanned four straight nights of industry-only events at some of Las Vegas’ hottest venues. From the EDI Finals at Peppermint Hippo (featuring Dyna Divine, Angel Beau, Hayla Faye and Chère Noble), to the first-ever “Pink Party” at Sapphire Las Vegas, a wild $10,000 Bikini Contest at Drai’s Beachclub, and a sizzling Latin-themed blowout at Las Toxicas, attendees were treated to an unforgettable citywide takeover.
“Vegas offers no shortage of venues, but it was amazing to see each of our events packed wall-to-wall with our Expo family,” said Dave Manack, Publisher of Exotic Dancer. “Let’s be honest, nobody parties harder than the people who throw parties for a living.”
The crown jewel of the week was Tuesday’s ED “Honors” Awards Show, held at the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood. Hosted by rising stand-up comedian Kellen Erskine (Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central), the show delivered the perfect mix of glamour, humor and raw talent. Opening performances by Little Miss Nasty, Vegas’ most provocative burlesque troupe, set the tone, while Chère Noble and Hayla Faye, the EDI Finalists, captivated the crowd with dynamic stage routines.
In addition to club and entertainer awards, the ‘Honors’ introduced new categories recognizing individual excellence in club operations, innovation, and leadership. These included: Industry Innovator of the Year, Progressive Leader (GM/Regional) of the Year, Outstanding Employee of the Year, Club Transformation of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, and the Carol Doda Award (in honor of the very first topless entertainer).
Winners were selected by the newly established ED Honors Board, comprised of respected industry professionals representing a broad cross-section of clubs, from boutique venues to national giants.
The evening’s top honors went to: Sapphire Las Vegas (Overall Club of the Year); The Body Shop in Hollywood, CA (Overall ‘Small’ Club of the Year); “Magic” Michael Barney of Magic City in Atlanta (ED Hall of Fame inductee), Phoenix Phires (Entertainer of the Year) and Chère Noble (2025 EDI Grand Champion).
Chère Noble clinched the title after winning the EDI West in June and delivering a show-stopping finale at the Peppermint Hippo on August 23.
Other notable winners included David “Slim” Baucom (MAL Entertainment), recipient of the Don Waitt Industry Ambassador Award for his ongoing charitable efforts, Dani Daniels, becoming the first recipient of the Carol Doda honor, and Mons Venus in Tampa for the Club Transformation of the Year Award.
“Our evolution into the ED Honors Awards reflects the growing professionalism and pride within our industry,” added Manack. “It’s not just about the clubs anymore—it’s about the people behind them. The ones pushing boundaries, setting standards and keeping this community thriving.”
Stay tuned to ExoticDancer.com and theEDexpo.com for a full recap of EXPO 2025, including seminar coverage, keynote highlights, and hundreds of photos from a week the industry won’t soon forget.
For more information about EXPO 2025, contact kris@edpublications.com or call 727-726-3592.
David “Slim” Baucom
ED Hall of Fame inductee Michael Barney
Here is the complete list of ED Award Winners for 2025:
Overall Club of the Year
Sapphire, Las Vegas
Overall “Small” Club of the Year
The Body Shop, Hollywood, CA
Club of the Year East Region
Spearmint Rhino, New York City
Small Club of the Year East Region
Godfathers, Wheeling, WV
Club of the Year Central Region
Rick’s Cabaret, Chicago
Small Club of the Year Central Region
Rumors Cabaret, Springfield, MO
Club of the Year West Region
Rick’s Cabaret, Denver
Small Club of the Year West Region
Las Toxicas, Las Vegas
Feature Club of the Year
The Pony Club, Huntsville, AL
Progressive Leader of the Year
Mike Dickinson (The Pony Clubs)
Outstanding Employee of the Year
Alex Tierney (Manager, Diamonds & Lace)
Industry Innovator of the Year
Scott Richter, Platinum 84, Denver
Businesswoman of the Year
Greta Torres, Bucks clubs
Club Transformation of the Year
Mons Venus, Tampa, FL
Carol Doda Award
Dani Daniels
EXOTIC DANCER Invitational Grand Champion
Chère Noble
Feature Entertainer of the Year
Phoenix Phires
Newcomer Entertainer of the Year
Vampiress
Club Favorite Entertainer of the Year
Raychel Revolver
Miss ExoticDancer.com of the Year
Jordan Dove
EXOTIC DANCER Hall of Fame
Michael Barney, Magic City, Atlanta
Don Waitt Industry Ambassador of the Year
David “Slim” Baucom (MAL Entertainment)
