How CalExotics Turned ANME's 30th into a Product Launch and Award Triumph

Amanda Miller · 2026-07-21

### A Milestone Show for a Founding Company When you've been part of an industry event from the very start, its 30th anniversary hits different. That's exactly how it felt for CalExotics at this year's ANME Founders Show. As one of the founding companies, they didn't just show up. They made it count. CalExotics rolled out its Fall 2026 New Item Collection, racked up seven StorErotica Award nominations, and saw Vice President of Business Development Austin Ferdinand take home Businessman of the Year honors. Not bad for a few days' work. ### What They Unveiled at the Show Throughout the event, the CalExotics booth was buzzing. Retailers, distributors, and industry partners got an exclusive first look at the Fall 2026 lineup. The company didn't just toss out new products. They built on what was already working. Here's what stood out: - Expanded fan-favorite collections like **California Dreaming**, **Milk Master**, and **Stroke It** - Fresh innovations designed to help retailers grab attention and drive sales - Updated branding and merchandising that made everything feel more polished - A product strategy laser-focused on retail partner success It wasn't just about new stuff. It was about making sure those new items actually sell. ### Bringing the Show to Those Who Couldn't Attend Not everyone could make it to ANME. CalExotics knew that. So they partnered with Williams Trading University for a special livestream on opening day. The virtual event walked through the Fall 2026 collection, highlighted key product introductions, and let retailers explore everything from anywhere. "This year's ANME carried special meaning for all of us," said Susan Colvin, Founder and President of CalExotics. "As one of the founding companies behind this show, celebrating its 30th anniversary was incredibly rewarding. It was wonderful to connect with our customers, introduce our newest collections, and extend that experience beyond the show floor through our WTU livestream. The enthusiasm we saw throughout the week reminds us why these relationships continue to be at the heart of our business." ### Awards and Recognition The celebration kept rolling during the 15th Annual StorErotica Awards. Austin Ferdinand was named Businessman of the Year, a nod to his more than two decades of leadership, his dedication to customer relationships, and his lasting contributions to the pleasure products industry. CalExotics also scored seven StorErotica Award nominations total. That kind of recognition across multiple categories doesn't happen by accident. It reinforces why the company is seen as one of the most respected and innovative brands in the business. "Receiving the Businessman of the Year award is an incredible honor," said Ferdinand. "I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, especially our customers, our partners, and the entire CalExotics team. ANME has always been about building relationships, and being recognized during the show's milestone anniversary made the moment even more meaningful. Congratulations to all of this year's nominees and winners." ### What It All Means From celebrating three decades of ANME to unveiling fresh innovations and earning industry honors, this year's event marked another memorable chapter for CalExotics. The company keeps evolving its brand and product lineup, but the core mission stays the same: deliver innovation, quality, and the kind of service that makes retail partners want to stick around. For anyone watching the adult industry, this was a clear signal. CalExotics isn't resting on its history. They're using it as a springboard.