Sapphire Vegas, Chère Noble and Phoenix Phires Take Center Stage at Expo 2025

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 on August 24–27, 2025

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.

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 ED Hall of Fame inductee Michael Barney of Magic City in Atlanta, 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.”

Here is the complete list of ED Award Winners for 2025: