Defending Winner Recognized for Innovation, Leadership, and Transforming the Guest Experience Across Pony Clubs
Chicago — After earning the Exotic Dancer Magazine Progressive Leader of the Award in 2025, Mike Dickinson, Regional Manager & Operator for Pony Clubs, has once again been nominated for one of the adult entertainment industry’s highest honors at the ED Honors.
The nomination for 2025 Industry Innovator of the Year follows another landmark year for Dickinson and the clubs he oversees, marked by innovative programming, sold-out events, celebrity appearances, national marketing campaigns, and multiple industry award nominations.
Under Dickinson’s leadership, three Pony Clubs locations have been nominated for Club of the Year in their respective regions, while Chicago’s World Famous Admiral Theatre has earned a nomination for Overall Club of the Year.
Throughout the past year, Dickinson helped produce and promote some of the industry’s most talked-about events, including activations surrounding Exxxotica and SexCon, while continuing to introduce fresh entertainment concepts that attracted national attention.
Among the year’s highlights were:
Booking Pumpkin (Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird) of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Mama June: Family Crisis for her first-ever feature performance at a gentlemen’s club.
The nationally recognized Great Jeans Contest featuring Farrah Abraham.
Social media sensation Coco Bliss performing her viral hit “Bad B Energy” live at the Admiral Theatre.
Adult entertainment icon Alexis Texas making her first-ever live DJ performance at the Admiral Theatre.
High-profile celebrity appearances, influencer collaborations, themed events, and immersive nightlife experiences across Pony Clubs properties.
Dickinson has also earned a reputation for combining entertainment with philanthropy, community partnerships, and creative marketing campaigns that elevate both the guest experience and the industry’s public profile.
“Innovation isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating experiences people can’t find anywhere else,” Dickinson said. “Every event is an opportunity to surprise our guests, support our entertainers, and continue raising the bar for our industry. I’m honored by the nomination, but this recognition belongs to every member of our team.”
Dickinson also credited his longtime mentor, Jerry Westlund, affectionately known throughout the industry as the Pony Boss.
“Jerry gave me an opportunity when few people would, and I’ve tried to honor that every day by paying it forward. Watching our clubs succeed, our teams grow, and our properties earn national recognition is what makes me the proudest.”
The winners of the ED Honors will be announced in Las Vegas, recognizing excellence and innovation across the adult entertainment industry.