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TPE Press Releases Press Release: March 4, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Susan Reuter Highest Attendance at TPE 2011 More than 2,400 attendees shopped the more than 36,000 square feet of exhibits that showcased tobacco products and accessories on the trade show floor. Many of the buyers also participated in the educational seminars and took advantage of the savings offered through the show specials. By all accounts, the show was a rousing success. “We picked up several distributors in states where we don’t currently sell,” said Ronald “Big Ron” Bowen, president of Ayden, North Carolina-based RSB Tobacco, who was one of many manufacturers who enthused about the steady stream of attendees on the show floor. “In fact, in two days we did over $1 million in business.” Retail attendees were impressed with the sheer number of exhibitors, the wide array of product categories on the show floor and the number of international company exhibitors. “We come to this show because it’s such an efficient way to see what’s out there and what’s selling, as well as to make new contacts,” said Frankelly Santana of Stafford, Virginia-based CoCi International stores. “Two days here goes so much further than spending the same amount of time paging through catalogs and trolling web sites.” Both exhibitors and attendees enjoyed Jose Blanco of La Aurora during the Cigar Blending Session about the various components of a cigar blend and the six key elements that a good premium cigar must have: flavor, strength, aroma, complexity, balance and a finish. “I’ve been selling cigars for 20 years and hands-down this was the best educational event I’ve been to—there was something for everyone,” said a smoke shop owner who participated in the event. Attendees also raved about the complimentary breakfast and free educational seminar series held each morning of the two-day show. “These were the best trade show educational sessions we have been to in 10 years,” said Joan Livingston of Temple, Texas-based Tobacco Junction. Itzel Santana of CoCi International took away helpful tips from speaker Terry McKenna’s presentation on successful hiring practices. “Hiring good employees is very difficult in an industry like ours where employee turnover is so high,” she notes. “His recommendations how to effectively interview and check references—and where you can go wrong—were right on target.” Barry Cohen of New Brunswick, New Jersey-based Barry’s Smoke Shop found the session on branding particularly apropos. “I got some fantastic tips at a perfect time, since I’m in the process of rebranding my shop,” said Cohen, who recently left a franchise arrangement to go out on his own. Speaking with TOB shortly after placing an order at Perdomo Cigar’s booth, Cohen said he also enjoyed networking with the many cigar companies exhibiting at the show, as he’s ramping up his selection in anticipation of a month-long promotional event at his store and looking to work directly with cigar companies. Photos and more detailed coverage of the Tobacco Plus Expo International 2011 will soon be available at www.tobonline.com and in the upcoming issue of Tobacco Outlet Business. The dates and details for Tobacco Plus Expo International 2012 will be announced shortly at www.tobaccoplusexpo.com. ---- Press Release: January 11, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Susan Reuter TPE 2011: Exceeding Expectations The Tobacco Plus Expo International—opening in Las Vegas on March 2—brings together the broadest array of tobacco, tobacco products & accessories under one roof. Three full days packed with exciting activities and informative events. Tobacco Plus Expo has the reputation of being the ultimate tobacco trade show experience for the tobacco industry. Bigger and better than ever, TPE 2011 promises to live up to that reputation. The show features a fabulous array of more than 150 exhibitors and conference sessions that focus on building business. This year’s not-to-be-missed trade event features hundreds of show specials and networking opportunities. With nearly 90 percent of exhibitors offering exclusive show deals, the savings attendees realize will offset most travel costs. TPE 2011 marks the debut of the TPE Masters Charity Golf Tournament which will be held on March 1. Each registrant will enjoy a light breakfast when they arrive, practice play and 18 holes of golf at the Silverstone Golf Club. The day will be capped off with an Awards Cocktail Reception and Charity Auction; proceeds to benefit the Cigar Rights of America, an organization playing an increasingly vital role in fighting for cigar smokers’ rights. This year’s lineup of Conference Sessions will address these topics: More than 40 new exhibitors will be showcasing their products. TPE 2011 also welcomes exhibitors from across the world from these countries: China, The Netherlands, Spain, Egypt, Taiwan, Sweden, Jordan, and Canada. These and others will be highlighted in the Show Directory with their nation’s flag appearing next to their listing. Tobacco Plus Expo International is the only tobacco trade show that doesn’t impose any qualifiers or restrictions on exhibitors or attendees. Participants just need to be in the tobacco business and over age 21 to attend or exhibit. The Cigar Bar & Lounge; a comfortable area where attendees can gather to enjoy a complimentary beverage and enjoy a fine cigar will again be a feature of the show. Also, back by popular demand is the Spin & Win Wheel which offers buyers the opportunity to try their luck at winning great prizes. With all this and much more to offer, TPE 2011 is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for anyone in the tobacco industry. To register online click here or call toll free 888-737-3976. ---- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marilene Rivera, Sales Manager TPE 2011: Signs Point to Stellar Attendance A record level of early commitments suggests that Tobacco Plus Expo 2011 will continue to be the nation’s largest and most well attended retail tobacco industry show. Building on the success of 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,” reports Ed O’Connor, president of TMG International, the 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.” In addition to a bustling trade show floor, TPE 2011 will feature an educational seminar program offering insights from leading experts on issues of vital 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 ever, 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,” notes O’Connor, who adds that 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 will also 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 website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com over the coming months. For information about exhibiting or attending TPE 2011, please contact Marilene Rivera (888) 737-3976 or marilene@reuterexpo.com. About Tobacco Plus Expo The Tobacco Plus Expo (www.tobaccoplusexpo.com) is an annual industry event that provides retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers with a forum where they can glean industry news and insights, learn about new products and exchange ideas to attract customers, build brand awareness and ultimately increase profits. TPE 2011 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, March 2-3. ---- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Susan Reuter, President TPE to Partner with the LVCC to Launch an Expansive International Promotion Campaign for 2011 Show After wrapping up the most successful TPE in recent years, exhibitors have already booked their space for the 2011 event! With nearly a year to go…the buzz is that TPE out-performed all expectations Registration was nearly double that of the 2009 show in New Orleans. More buyers equaled more business opportunities for exhibitors and more excitement and activity in the very busy exhibit hall. Plans are underway for greater expansion into domestic and international attendance in all the key categories of buyers. Association outreach and greater focused buyer marketing will highlight the TPE show management will partner with the Las Vegas Convention Center to reach key buyers of tobacco and tobacco products via 12 international sales offices that touch 75 countries to promote and sell the benefits of attending Tobacco Plus Expo. ----
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