FSC Award Recipients Announced

Free Speech Coalition proudly announces the recipients of the 2015 FSC Awards, which recognizes industry professionals and businesses, for excellence in business and representing a pro-adult image through advocacy and actions.

A new award has been added this year to the roster of awards, in honor of late FSC Board member Christian Mann. Called the Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award, it is given to a member of the adult entertainment or pleasure products community who has shown exemplary courage and leadership in standing up and fighting for the rights and image of the industry.

The award recipients are as follows:

Legacy Award – Phil Harvey

The Legacy Award is given to an individual who, though innovative ideas and successful business practices, has built a solid presence in the adult entertainment industry.  Furthermore, this individual has gone above and beyond to not only protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses within the industry, but also to improve the stature of the industry as a whole.  This award is called the Legacy Award rather than a lifetime achievement award because while the individual has done much to build an outstanding legacy, FSC knows that this individual’s great contributions are far from over.

Performer of the Year Award – Chanel Preston

The positive image award goes to industry performers who have gone out of their way to dispel the myths and misconceptions of the adult entertainment industry through advocacy and public awareness programs, and community service.

Man of the Year and Woman of the Year – Christian Mann, Lorelei Lee

The Man and woman of the Year awards go to individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities both within their own business, and throughout the industry. While the recipient of this award is clearly a successful business professional, the individual who is awarded FSC’s Man or Woman of the Year has made a significant positive contribution to the overall welfare of the adult entertainment industry.

Pleasure Products Company of the Year – Pipedreams

The Pleasure Products Company of the Year award goes to the pleasure products company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole. In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Retailer of the Year – Castle Megastore

The Retailer of the Year award goes to the retailer that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Production Company of the Year – Wicked Pictures

The Production Company of the Year award goes to the production company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Internet Company of the Year – Clips4sale

The Internet Company of the Year award goes to the Internet company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award – Peter Acworth

The Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award is given to a member of the adult entertainment or pleasure products community who has shown exemplary courage and leadership in standing up and fighting for the rights and image of the industry. This award is not automatically given annually—only when warranted by great works—that would honor our great friend, Christian Mann.

Leadership Award – Streamate

FSC’s Leadership Award is presented to the adult entertainment industry business or individual that demonstrates excellence in the adult entertainment industry in leading by example. This award can be given for community service, activism, creating a positive and outstanding work environment, innovations and other qualities that lift the business or individual above the rest.

A presentation ceremony for the FSC Awards is scheduled on January 14, at 6pm, at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, which also is the site of the FSC Summit and XBIZ 360 shows. If you would like more information on the FSC Awards, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

FSC Summit Panels will Feature Industry Leaders

FSC is proud to announce industry leaders, including Adam and Eve founder Phil Harvey, Vivid Entertainment founder Steven Hirsch and XBIZ founder Alec Helmy, are to be panelists at the upcoming FSC Summit (hosted at the XBIZ 360 show) on January 14-15. Both shows will be held at the Andaz Hotel, on the Sunset Strip, in West Hollywood, CA.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer industry members a roster of industry leaders to speak at the show,” said FSC CEO Diane Duke. “These are long-standing, successful members of the industry that you don’t hear from every day, and they have insight into where the industry is headed.”

“The other panels that are being hosted at the FSC Summit are important and engaging for anyone that is interested in the issues of the day, in the adult entertainment and pleasure products business. We hope to see many friends and colleagues at XBIZ 360 and FSC Summit,” Duke added.

The complete seminar roster is as follows:

Wednesday, January 14, 10am
Cutting Costs – how to improve your bottom line
Adult businesses are no different than any other business when it comes to the need to maximize revenue and curve expenses.  From legal services to inventory control, are you getting the best bang for your buck (pun intended)?  Don’t miss this panel, it will help you get creative and save money on everyday expenses thus improving your bottom line.

Moderator:  Larry Garland, CEO of Eldorado Trading Company
Panelists:
Nick Boyias, Allstate
Jeffrey Douglas, industry attorney
Joel Kaminsky, CEO of Good Vibrations
Joe Evans, IT consultant

Wednesday, January 14, 11am
Industry Leaders Panel
They, and their companies, are at the top of their field.  How did they get there? More importantly, in today’s ever-changing adult business environment, how do they stay there?  This panel provides a rare opportunity for industry professionals to get an inside look at the key factors to success for adult business and adult business professionals as told by the best of the best.

Moderator:  Diane Duke, CEO of Free Speech Coalition
Panelists:
Phil Harvey, founder Adam & Eve
Steve Hirsch, founder and Co-CEO Vivid Pictures
Alec Helmy, President and founder of XBIZ

Thursday, January 15, 10am
Sex and Politics
It seems these days you can’t have one without the other.  But, how is that impacting your business?  What do politicians think about our industry?  Don’t miss this panel!  You will hear from the people who have been on the front line of advocating for and lobbying public officials about the adult industry.  They will let you know exactly what happened in 2014 and what you need to pay attention to about in 2015.

Moderator:  Diane Duke, CEO of Free Speech Coalition
Panelists:
Ignacio Hernandez, CEO Hernandez Strategy Group (Sacramento lobbyist)
Karen Tynan, industry attorney
Kevin Bland, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (CalOSHA specialist)
Lorelei Lee, performer and activist

Thursday, January 15, 11am
We’ve Got Issues…Can we talk?!
How often do you get a chance to sit around a table of your peers and discuss adult industry issues that you care about?  Roll up your sleeves and be ready to participate because you are an intricate part of this panel.  We are surveying thousands of industry members to determine the top four issues of concern and will lead four different discussion groups on those topics.  Groups will meet in smaller rooms for a moderated discussion of the industry’s most pertinent topics.

Topics selected by survey and moderators:
Pleasure Product Counterfeiting – Peter Phinney, Porn Guardian
Content Piracy – Colin Roundtree, Wasteland.com
Condoms in Porn – Diane Duke
2257 – Jeffrey Douglas, attorney

An annual event, the FSC Summit also hosts the FSC Awards, which recognize industry professionals and businesses, for excellence in business and representing a pro-adult image through advocacy and actions.

Active FSC members are welcome to attend FSC events at the XBIZ 360 show. If you would like to attend seminars or the FSC Awards (but are not already attending XBIZ 360), please RSVP to joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

2015 FSC Summit to be Held Jan 14-15

The FSC Summit has been scheduled for January 14–15, to be held in conjunction with the XBIZ 360 show. Both events will take place at the Andaz Hotel, on the world-famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA.

“We are very grateful to XBIZ organizers for hosting us and creating this opportunity for FSC to connect with industry members,” said FSC Membership Director Joanne Cachapero. “So often the behind-the-scenes work that FSC does must go unacknowledged; this is a platform for FSC to update its membership on the latest legal and business topics, as well as a chance for FSC members to share their thoughts, interests and expertise with other industry professionals.”

The Summit will include informative panel and roundtable discussions (the full schedule of topics and speakers are to-be-announced), addressing the legal issues and business challenges that face adult businesses today. All active FSC members are invited to join and participate.

The FSC Awards also will be presented during the Summit. The awards honor industry leaders and innovators for demonstrating excellence in business and community citizenship.

If you have any questions about the FSC Summit, or are in need of any other information, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.

Winners of the 2014 FSC Award Winners Announced

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is honored to announce the winners of the 2014 FSC Awards, to be presented at the XBIZ 360 conference on January 22, in Hollywood, Ca.  The awards are in recognition for excellence in business and outstanding service to the adult industry business community.

The recipient of this year’s Legacy Award – which recognizes innovation, successful business practices and contributions to the industry as a whole – will be presented to Vivid Entertainment founder Steven Hirsch.

The Positive Image Award is presented to performers that have helped to dispel negative stereotypes and misconceptions connected to work in the adult industry. This year’s award goes to performer James Deen.

Man and Woman of the Year Awards are given to business professionals that have shown exceptional leadership in building solidly established businesses, as well as within their communities. 2014 Woman of the Year is Honey’s Place owner Bonnie Feingold, and Man of the Year is Pipedream’s Nick Orlandino.

Novelty Company of the Year will be presented to California Exotic Novelties for their many years as a leader in the pleasure products sector, and for their continued innovation, high standards and ethics.

Retailer of the Year will be presented to the Lions’ Den chain of adult stores for many years as a leading retailer of adult products, innovative marketing and ethical standards for customer service.

Production Company of the Year goes to gay studio Hothouse Entertainment. Founded by Hall of Fame director Steven Scarborough, Hothouse exemplifies creative innovation, high standards and ethical conduct.

Internet Company of the Year will be presented to Gamelink. The award recognizes excellence, innovation and contributions made to the adult industry overall.

Benefactor of the Year has been awarded to Wicked Pictures. The recognition is for unwavering support, through philanthropy and advocacy, of adult industry and mainstream causes. As well as setting a good example, the company also has diligently attempted to protect the adult industry business community from legal challenges, business risks and critics.

Finally, the Leadership Award – to be presented at the XBIZ Awards gala on January 24 – is given to an individual or individuals that have demonstrated leadership by example. This year’s award will be presented to performer Nina Hartley and director Ernest Greene for their outstanding work in advocacy, education and community service.

The FSC Awards presentation will be held at 6pm, on January 22, at the W Hotel in Hollywood, CA, in conjunction with the FSC Summit and XBIZ 360 conference. For more information on these events, contact info@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.