T hygiene measures, with disinfectant dispensers available throughout the event area and state-of-the-art ventilation systems still in operation in the exhibition halls. Sabine Loos commented: “We’re appealing to exhibitors and trade visitors to use their sense of responsibility and observe social distancing as before. Beyond that, however, we’re not planning any restrictions.” For those who can scarcely wait for the new InterTabac/InterSupply shows, the Dortmund organisers have set up a new platform that has long since become an established feature of the industry: ‘Business Insights’, an online platform where manufacturers and industry experts can stay in touch 24/7 throughout the year, make new contacts and grow their business relationships. It also contains regular updates on new, important trends and other industry information in multiple formats including written articles, videos and podcasts. But even though the trade shows are becoming more digital: “The beating heart of InterTabac and InterSupply is on site at the venue, and the entire industry is eagerly awaiting this trade show experience. So it remains very much ‘the place to be’ for everyone who wants to be at the cutting edge of things,” Loos is convinced. More information, news and highlights of the shows can be found on the show websites at www.intertabac.de/en or at business-insights. intertabac.de/en-gb. Together with InterSupply, which takes place in the same time period, InterTabac is a highlight in the Dortmund trade show calendar which the Messe Dortmund team always looks forward to. And exhibitors likewise, it would appear: “Although it’s early days yet, bookings are looking really good already – across all segments of the tobacco industry.” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue. “In addition, we’re hearing a lot that many industry experts are looking forward to returning to Dortmund and are very excited about what we’re going to be offering at the twin shows this year. Taken together, these are strong signals that are giving us an added spring in our step as we get on with organising the twin shows,” she continued. The last time InterSupply and InterTabac were held – back in 2019 – they set a new record of 13,800 visitors. For two years now, the industry has had to do without the twin shows when it came to exchanging ideas in a central location and implementing business deals. Contact between manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers was difficult, and there was also a lack of information on new products, international trends and the ever-stricter legal constraints being imposed on the tobacco industry. Versatile programme for the whole industry The organisers of InterTabac and InterSupply have responded to this and, among other things, have again strengthened the supporting programme for the forthcoming show. This year, for example, informative talks and seminars are planned, addressing the political environment surrounding conventional retailing. What has remained the same, however, are the international credentials of InterTabac and InterSupply which play such a central role in making them superb business and communications platforms – indeed, over 40% of their visitors come from abroad. In addition to all the information on offer, there will of course also be plenty to enjoy: after all, InterTabac is the show where products can be felt, tasted and smoked at any time. Cigar tastings and pairings are once again being planned. And employees in the cigar retailing trade will be able to be trained in person on how to recognise a good cigar, and how it should smell and taste, thereby putting them in a position to advise clients to optimum effect, no matter how demanding their clients may be. Also, the end of nationwide and state-wide Covid restrictions is fuelling hopes that it will once again be ‘business as usual ’ at the two events with straightforward travel arrangements and a relaxed time for everyone at the venue. Nevertheless, Messe Dortmund is retaining some important basic ADVERTISING InterTabac bookings trending nicely. Tobacco industry looking forward to twin shows – already almost 160 new registrations overall. Following the announcement that InterTabac is to be held in Dortmund in parallel with InterSupply from 15 to 17 September, and following the news that Covid restrictions have been dispensed with across Germany, the phones at Messe Dortmund are running red hot, with more and more exhibitors coming forward to reserve spaces. “So far, we‘ve taken almost 160 new bookings for both shows together – i.e. from exhibitors who have not yet participated in InterTabac or InterSupply – even though we‘re still in the early planning stage. This is proof positive that the industry is 100% behind Messe Dortmund and is looking forward to the new show later this year,” said Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe.
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