Tobacco Plus Expo Gears Up for Record Show
LAS VEGAS -- Although the 2011 Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is still 10 months away, the show is attracting a record level of early interest from both exhibitors and attendees, according to show organizers.
“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,” Ed O’Connor, president of TMG Intl., parent company of TPE and Tobacco Outlet Business. “As of today, TPE 2011 is within 33 percent 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.”
Slated to be held March 2-3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the TPE 2011 will feature an educational seminar program offering insights from leading tobacco experts, including topics such as taxation and regulatory developments, and trends toward “alternative” and “harm-reduction” products. And for the first time in its history, the sessions, as well as a pre-seminar breakfast each day, will be available to all conference attendees on a complimentary basis, according to TMG Intl.
“Together, Tobacco Plus Expo and Tobacco Outlet Business magazine have a long history of supporting tobacco retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers,” O’Connor said, adding 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.”
In addition, TPE 2011 will again sponsor the Lady Luck Premium Cigar Lounge, and world-renowned cigar blender José Blanco of Miami Cigar will also return to offer cigar-blending demonstrations.
Further enhancements will be announced on the TPE Web site -- www.tobaccoplusexpo.com -- over the coming months. Information for exhibitors or attendees can be found at -- www.tobaccoplusexpo.com, or by contacting Marilene Rivera (888) 737-3976.