The adult industry and its fans are buzzing about the return of the EXXXOTICA Fan Choice Awards on Saturday, April 12, as part of EXXXOTICA’s first show of the year.

The event just got even bigger with the news that adult superstar Maitland Ward is signing on to co-host The Fannys alongside rising comedian Usama Siddiquee.

Maitland Ward’s rise in adult entertainment has been nothing short of meteoric. Since the Vixen Media Group contract star transitioned from mainstream Hollywood, the former “Boy Meets World” actress has taken the industry by storm with a string of high-profile movies for Vixen. Maitland has taken home 25 major awards since entering the adult industry, so hosting one of its biggest nights is a natural fit for one of its stars.

The actress will also meet fans at EXXXOTICA for limited appearances and will take part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday night to officially open the expo’s 20th-anniversary Chicago event.

“We wanted to do something special in Chicago to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and adding Maitland as co-host of the Fanny Awards is the cherry on top,” said J. Handy, Executive Producer of 3XEvents and creator of EXXXOTICA. “We couldn’t be more excited to have her leading the way on such an amazing night.”

The Fannys return on Saturday, April 12, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, where the EXXXOTICA Fan Choice Awards winners, presented by Chaturbate, will be revealed in a live event. Maitland’s co-host will be Usama Siddiquee — a comedian known for his high-energy performances and appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” Comedy Central, and a major streaming service.

For the EXXXOTICA Fan Choice Awards, the public can vote once per day in more than a dozen categories at TheFannys.com. The nomination round is currently underway, where the top 10 fan-written nominees in each category will advance to the final round. Winners will be announced live during a star-studded event featuring celebrity presenters, live performances and special guests. The entire process — from nominations to finalists to the eventual winners — is decided by the fans.

The Fannys will begin with a pink carpet pre-show, where adult entertainment stars will make their grand entrance before Ward and Siddiquee take center stage to kick off a night to remember.

Tickets for The Fannys are on sale now at TheFannys.com and exxxoticaexpo.com/tickets, including a limited number of VIP banquet tables and seats with drink service.

The return of The Fannys is one of several special events planned for EXXXOTICA Expo’s 20th-anniversary celebration, which kicks off in Chicago before heading to Miami, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

EXXXOTICA Expo takes place April 11-13 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Tickets are available at exxxoticaexpo.com/tickets, including VIP passes that come with a custom VIP T-shirt and show bag, a commemorative poster and pin, exhibitor freebies, and discounts. VIPs also get access to the exclusive VIP viewing area with a cash bar and preferred entry to nightly after-parties.

• Follow EXXXOTICA on X at @EXXXOTICA.
• Follow Maitland Ward on X at @MaitlandWard.