2026 XBIZ Honors: Little Leaf Agency Founder Kathryn Byberg Wins Marketing Executive of the Year 

Little Leaf Agency kicked off 2026 with a defining moment, marking not only its first appearance at the industry-leading XBIZ Expo, but also a major win on one of the biggest stages in the adult and sexual wellness business. At the 2026 XBIZ Honors & Executive Awards, held during the red-carpet gala at Avalon Hollywood on Sunday, January 11, Little Leaf Founder and CEO Kathryn Byberg was named Marketing Executive of the Year — a prestigious accolade recognizing her leadership and impact on communications and brand-building across the pleasure and sexual wellness space.

Little Leaf’s journey and Kathryn Byberg’s inspiring win 

For a boutique agency founded just five years ago, the win signals how far Little Leaf has come and how influential it has become. Launched in 2021 by industry vet Kathryn, Little Leaf Agency was built with a clear mission: to help sexual wellness brands grow with integrity, creativity, and confidence, while helping normalize pleasure-positive, body-affirming, and inclusive conversations in both mainstream media and broader culture. Under Kathryn’s leadership, the agency has evolved into a trusted strategic partner for award-winning brands, educators, and founders, known for its thoughtful storytelling, smart media strategy, and ability to bridge B2B credibility with consumer-facing impact.

Reflecting on the honor, Kathryn shared her gratitude and surprise at being recognized among such a strong field of peers.

“What a great debut at XBIZ! I’m so grateful to receive this recognition from the XBIZ team and industry peers,” she commented. “I was up against some incredible people within the industry that I love and admire, and I’m honestly just so overwhelmed and honored at the moment. This recognition sets Little Leaf Agency in great stead for the year ahead!”

She also emphasized that the award is a collective achievement, adding: “This award is a reflection of the people who believed in Little Leaf from the beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us with their brands, and to our team for the passion and talent they bring every day.”

Many Little Leaf Agency clients take home awards

The night was not only a personal win for Kathryn but a banner moment for Little Leaf’s entire client roster. Several brands and leaders represented by the agency were also honored during the ceremony, highlighting the strength of the agency’s partnerships and its role in elevating voices across the industry. Among the evening’s highlights:

• Luxus took home Best Couple’s Toy, celebrating innovation in connected pleasure.
• Kate Kozlova (Kiiroo) was named Brand Ambassador of the Year for her leadership and advocacy.
• Alicia Sinclair Rosen (COTR) received Sex Educator of the Year for her groundbreaking work in pleasure education.
• Kim Faubel (COTR) was honored with Brave Voice of the Year for her powerful storytelling and community impact.

Kathryn’s panel talk on the future of adult retail

Beyond the 2026 XBIZ honors stage, Kathryn also played an active role in shaping the broader industry conversation throughout the weekend. She joined fellow leaders on a panel titled “From Storefront to Digital: The Future of Adult Retail,” where discussions centered on how brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms are evolving in an increasingly omnichannel world. The conversation explored how consumer behavior, community building, experiential retail, and digital storytelling are reshaping how people discover, learn about, and purchase sexual wellness products.

Little Leaf Agency’s successful debut at 2026 XBIZ Honors is more than a milestone; it’s an emblem of momentum. Being recognized as Marketing Executive of the Year at one of the industry’s most respected awards programs places Kathryn Byberg and the agency she built firmly among the leading voices shaping the future of sexual wellness marketing and communications.

As Little Leaf enters its fifth year, Kathryn’s award, as well as our clients’ many wins at the 2026 XBIZ Honors, showcase how the agency is redefining the way pleasure and sexual health are discussed in our culture. With an award-winning roster, a growing global footprint, and a values-driven vision, we’re so excited for our next chapter as we continue to challenge stigma and bring smart, creative storytelling to the forefront of the adult industry.