The Adult Industry Choice Awards (AICA), described as Australia’s "night of nights" for the adult industry, is opening its fourth annual event to the public for the first time. The event, scheduled for October 17 in Melbourne, will feature a five-star meal, drinks package, entertainment, and a red-carpet experience with adult stars.
Event Details and Public Access
The Adult Industry Choice Awards (AICA) is in its fourth year and has become an annual highlight for sex workers and industry members in Australia. A significant change for this year's event is the decision to open ticket sales to the public. A spokesperson for the event stated that extending ticket sales to the public is a major change and expressed excitement about showcasing the Adult Industry Choice Awards and offering a glimpse into the "real life" of the adult industry.
Attendees will receive a five-star meal, a drinks package, entertainment, and the opportunity to walk the red carpet with adult stars. Nominees from across the country are expected to attend the event in Melbourne on October 17. Awards categories include Best BJ, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Brothel, Best Social Media Engagement, and Hall of Fame, among others.
Show organizers noted that groups, including gentlemen originally planning a bucks night at a strip club and women who opted for the awards instead of their annual Christmas party, have purchased tickets. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on an online platform that is yet to be announced. Last year, 17,000 viewers watched the event's livestream, and organizers anticipate 20,000 viewers globally this year.
The Adult Choice Awards 2025 is described as returning "bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever before," honoring excellence, creativity, and community. Under new management, the event aims to bring a fresh era of sophistication and inclusion to the red carpet. The Adult Industry Choice Awards is presented as a showcase of the Australian adult industry, aiming to set a new industry gold standard. The event is described as an occasion for the community to honor the hard work and artistry of professionals. Last year's event reportedly featured sold-out attendance, mainstream media representation, red-carpet glamour, and onstage dance and vocal entertainment, alongside major awards.
Industry Recognition and Other Awards
The Adult Industry Choice Awards aims to acknowledge achievements and promote associated businesses and individuals within the adult services sector, providing promotion and recognition in a peer setting. Information for purchasing tickets and following the Adult Industry Choice Awards on X and Instagram is available.
Another event, the Sensuous Australian Adult Industry Awards™ (AAIA), is also active in the Australian adult industry. The AAIA, owned and operated by sex expert Maxine Fensom since its inception in 2001, is a black-tie event that acknowledges, celebrates, and rewards achievements across all sectors of the adult entertainment industry. Fensom is known for founding strip clubs, strippers’ agencies, themed events, and adult online stores, as well as the national Miss Erotica and Miss Dream Girl pageants.
The AAIA's aim is to establish legitimacy and mainstream acceptance for the industry and its participants. In 2004, the organizers of the AAIA partnered with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to encourage 16,000 sex workers to declare their income, with the ATO sponsoring the event. John Lark received the lifetime achievement award in 2006 for his contribution as a producer of 20 films featuring Australian stars, including Alice Springs and Kelly Blue.
The 2026 Sensuous AAIA Gala Night is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Rydges Hotel Melbourne. Nominations for the 2026 awards closed on February 28, 2026, with voting opening on March 12, 2026, and closing on May 17, 2026. The 2020 AAIA was not staged due to COVID restrictions.
Key Facts
- The Adult Industry Choice Awards (AICA) is in its fourth year.
- The AICA event will be held in Melbourne on October 17.
- This year, AICA is opening ticket sales to the public for the first time.
- Awards categories include Best BJ, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Brothel, Best Social Media Engagement, and Hall of Fame.
- Last year, 17,000 viewers watched the AICA livestream, with 20,000 anticipated this year.
- The Sensuous Australian Adult Industry Awards™ (AAIA) has been held annually since 2001, except for 2020.
