The annual ED (EXOTIC DANCER) EXPO, scheduled for August 23-26, 2026, in Las Vegas, is offering discounted room rates, with some industry professionals citing competitor reluctance to support the event due to its association with Rick's Cabaret.
ED EXPO and Awards Show Details
The ED EXPO, established in 1993, is the national convention tradeshow for the adult nightclub industry. The 2026 EXPO will take place from August 23-26 at the Rio Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Room rates for attendees are listed at $69 per night.
The ED Honors Awards Show, produced by ED Publications, is the national awards show for the gentlemen's club industry. This event is slated for August 25, 2026, at the Penn & Teller Theater, located inside the Rio. Comedian Matt Richards is scheduled to host the 2026 ED's Awards Show.
The ED's Awards Show was established in 1998. The pre-nomination voting site allows industry professionals to nominate clubs, staff members, entertainers, and industry executives for an ED Award nomination. The 2025 show introduced several ED "Honors" Awards, acknowledging individuals for significant contributions to the industry. Winners of these awards are selected by the "ED Honors Board," a group of industry professionals representing various aspects of club operation.
The ED "Honors" Awards introduced in 2025 include Industry Innovator of the Year, Progressive Leader (GM) of the Year, Outstanding Employee of the Year, and Club Transformation of the Year.
The Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI)
The Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI) is a competition for touring showgirl entertainers, established in 2014. It is described as the most predominant showgirl dance competition globally, showcasing feature entertainment and offering an arena for touring showgirl entertainers in North America.
The EDI is a three-night event that occurs twice annually, featuring two divisions: Showgirl and Starlet. Competitors vie for industry titles and cash prizes. Upcoming events include EDI West, scheduled for June 3-5, 2026, at Platinum84 in Denver, CO. Lauren Phillips is listed as the 2023-26 Title Sponsor.
Industry Consolidation and Branding
The adult entertainment industry has seen the development of large strip club chains, such as Spearmint Rhino and Rick's Cabaret. These chains have aimed to brand their services to appear more mainstream and businesslike. Jessica Berson, author of "The Naked Result: How Exotic Dance Became Big Business," notes that strip clubs have become branded entities, moving away from their previous perception as underground businesses.
Berson's research, which included her own experience as a dancer, explores the commodification and corporatization of exotic dance. Her work addresses questions regarding whether stripping is empowering or disempowering, and if the feeling of empowerment might align with broader patriarchal structures. Berson does not offer definitive answers to these questions.
The reported association of the ED EXPO with Rick's Cabaret has led to some competitors expressing reluctance to support the event. This situation is cited as a reason for the discounted rates offered for the convention, including room costs.
Key Facts
- The ED EXPO is scheduled for August 23-26, 2026, at the Rio Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
- Room rates for the 2026 EXPO are advertised at $69 per night.
- The ED Honors Awards Show will take place on August 25, 2026, at the Penn & Teller Theater in Las Vegas.
- The Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI) is a separate competition for touring showgirl entertainers, established in 2014.
- Rick's Cabaret is identified as one of the large global strip club chains that have developed in the industry.
- Some industry professionals are reportedly hesitant to support the ED EXPO due to its connection with Rick's Cabaret.
