ASN Awards 2026 Goes Digital: Live Show Canceled

Amanda Miller · 2026-07-09

The ASN Awards have always been about the people. Year after year, we gather to honor the creators, performers, and brands who define the adult, lifestyle, and alternative industries. But being community-first means making hard choices when the community is facing real challenges. This year, we're making one of those tough calls. The 2026 live awards show is officially canceled. In its place, we're moving to a fully digital format. Here's why, and what that means for you. ### Why We Made the Switch The decision wasn't easy. Live events are special—they bring people together in a way digital can't fully replicate. But we've listened to our community. Rising costs, travel uncertainties, and shifting priorities made a live show less accessible for many of you. Instead of forcing a traditional event that might exclude a significant portion of our audience, we're choosing inclusion. The digital format means everyone can participate, no matter where they are or what their budget looks like. No flights, no hotel fees, no time off work. ### What the Digital Format Looks Like Think of this as a virtual celebration, not just a livestream. We're designing an interactive experience that captures the energy of the live show while adding new opportunities. - **Live streaming ceremony** with real-time audience engagement - **Virtual networking sessions** where you can connect with peers and nominees - **On-demand content** so you can watch at your convenience - **Community voting** that gives you a direct voice in the final results We're also exploring partnerships with platforms that support interactive digital events, making sure the experience feels immersive and personal. ### What This Means for Nominees and Winners If you're a nominee or a past winner, this change doesn't diminish your recognition. In fact, it amplifies it. The digital format allows for broader exposure, with more people able to see and celebrate your work. We'll be announcing the full schedule and technical details soon. All nominees will receive personalized instructions on how to participate, including how to submit acceptance videos or join live segments. ### Our Commitment to the Community This isn't a step back—it's a step forward. By going digital, we're reducing our carbon footprint, lowering barriers to entry, and creating a more inclusive event. We're also saving money that we can reinvest into the community through grants, educational resources, and support programs. Here's what we're committing to: - **Transparency**: We'll share exactly how the digital event will work and what to expect - **Accessibility**: The event will be free to watch, with optional paid tiers for premium features - **Engagement**: We'll host Q&A sessions, polls, and live chats during the ceremony - **Recognition**: Every nominee and winner will receive the same level of spotlight and celebration ### Looking Ahead Change is rarely comfortable, but it's often necessary. The ASN Awards have evolved over the years, and this is just the latest chapter. We're excited about the possibilities a digital format opens up—reaching a global audience, experimenting with new formats, and building a stronger, more connected community. We'll be updating our website and social channels with more details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have questions or suggestions, we want to hear them. This is your event, and we're building it for you. Thank you for your continued support. Here's to a memorable digital celebration in 2026.