CSNews to Take Part in Expanded TPE 2017 Show

LAS VEGAS — Convenience Store News has signed on to take part in a newly expanded Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) show in 2017. The largest B2B show in its category — covering tobacco, vapor and the alternative accessories market — will take place Jan. 25-26 in Las Vegas.

TMG Inc., which owns and operates TPE, is overhauling the event based on feedback from retailers, exhibitors and industry associations. The expo will now offer a larger, easy-to-explore floor plan, interactive areas for networking, and an educational track to help attendees navigate current and changing legislation and Food and Drug Administration regulation.

“We wanted to make this a standout show. We know it’s not easy for independent retailers to step away from their stores, so we’ve created a one-stop show with them in mind,” said Jason Carignan, chief marketing officer. “A place where they can easily find the best products to stock their stores, learn about the best avenues of growth and profit amidst increasing regulation, and have a lot of fun while they’re here.”

Long offering a wide selection of tobacco-related goods and services, the TPE 2017 show floor will be expanded and segmented into four sections: Tobacco Turnpike, Vapor Vista, Alternative Alley, and General Merchandise Main Street. Within each section, hundreds of vendors will be showcasing the latest products and new releases designed to bring traffic into c-stores and smoke shops, which are known for being on the cutting-edge of new products and trends.

The addition of an educational track is an important step in the show’s evolution that will help educate retailers and manufacturers for a changing regulatory and competitive landscape.

CSNews Editorial Director Don Longo is among the industry leaders who will be presenting at the conference. His seminar, titled “Tobacco Category: Still the Key to C-store Profits,” will provide industry and retail intelligence for maximizing category performance.

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) will house its headquarters at TPE. NATO Executive Director Thomas Briant will present two seminars that will provide updates on tobacco regulation and arm retailers with tools for fighting legislation on their home turf.

“Now that NATO recently elected to focus its efforts primarily on fighting local anti-tobacco initiatives, the TPE show is an excellent foundation to communicate our message to the thousands of retailers that come to the show,” stated Briant. “Together, we can prepare them with the tools and techniques necessary to succeed and thrive in this new tobacco era.”

TPE 2017 is purposefully planned for January to give retailers a fresh start to the new year. Kretek, which owns TMG, said TPE attendees can expect to build new relationships with industry friends, colleagues and suppliers. They will find the best products on the market for growing their businesses. And they’ll get expert insight on current legislation and how to navigate the laws with growth-oriented action plans.

“TPE 2017 is a place where tobacco businesses can truly do business. It’s the first, best show of the year, created so the industry can plan for the year ahead,” said Kretek President and CEO Mark Cassar.

For more information, visit tobaccoplusexpo.com.