Building on the success of the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) 2010, the Tobacco Plus Expo slated for March 2-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is attracting a record level of early interest from both exhibitors and attendees.
“A full 10 months out we already have commitments from the majority of last year’s exhibitors, as well as many new exhibitors who have never participated before,” said Ed O’Connor, president of TMG International, the parent company of TPE and Tobacco Outlet Business. “As of today, TPE 2011 is within 33% of achieving last year’s actual performance in terms of the number of exhibitors, and we are experiencing a similar level of interest from the retail community. Based on the early response from suppliers, all signs point to the 2011 show being the strongest tobacco show ever.”
In addition to a bustling trade show floor, TPE 2011 will feature an educational seminar program offering insights from leading experts on issues of concern to people who make their living buying and selling tobacco products. From the latest taxation and regulatory developments to the recent trend toward “alternative” and “harm-reduction” products, the Conference Program will cover issues and inform the industry on the most current debates. For the first time, those sessions, as well as a pre-seminar breakfast each day, will be available to all conference attendees on a complimentary basis.
“Together, Tobacco Plus Expo and Tobacco Outlet Business magazine have a long history of supporting tobacco retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers,” noted O’Connor, who said 2011 will mark the third year of a five-year program of enhancements to TPE. “At a time when the tobacco retail industry is under threat from multiple sides, it’s more critical than ever those retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers have a forum where they can glean industry news and insights, new product information and business ideas. That is why we are redoubling our effort to expand and refine TPE to deliver even more value to our exhibitors and attendees.”
TPE 2011 will once again sponsor the popular Lady Luck Premium Cigar Lounge, a haven where all show attendees can congregate to relax in comfort and enjoy complimentary beer, wine and beverages. The world-renowned cigar blender José Blanco of Miami Cigar also is scheduled to return in 2011 to offer cigar-blending demonstrations that include the blending techniques that create the complex flavors and taste of different cigars.
Further enhancements to Tobacco Plus Expo are in the planning stages and will be announced on the Web site: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com over the coming months. For information about exhibiting or attending TPE 2011, please visit http://www.tobaccoplusexpo.com or contact Marilene Rivera (888) 737-3976 or [email protected]