76
TOBACCO OUTLET BUSINESS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
Known as the trade show where business gets done, TPE 2013 offers an
exciting lineup for attendees and exhibitors.
Our last issue offered a preview of the annual Tobacco Plus Expo show, which will be held in Las
Vegas on January 30-31, but exciting developments demand an update on activities planned during
this not-to-be-missed two-day industry event. In addition to an immense exhibit floor showcasing
tobacco products and accessories, including the offerings of many international exhibitors and dozens
of show specials, this year TPE will debut several brand-new show features, including:
Interactive Marketing Session:
Recognizing that the most valuable information comes from the
front lines of retail, TPE has developed a questionnaire addressing the product and marketing issues
retailers face on an ongoing basis.This session will give participants the opportunity to use handheld
mobile devices to confidentially respond to survey questions and see the analysis of the resulting data
just moments later. Conducted by Tinder Box’s Craig Cass, an owner and operator of both premium
and outlet tobacco stores, this seminar will be held at 8:30 A.M. on opening day of the show.
Roundtable Discussion Groups:
Another brand new feature of this year’s show will be the
opportunity to participate in lively, expert-moderated discussions on top-of-mind issues and product
trends. Show attendees can choose from a variety of topics, each moderated by an editor or industry
expert. Topics assigned thus far include:
•
Electronic Cigarettes moderated by
Convenience Store Decisions’
John Lofstock
•
Cigars, moderated by Cigar Rights of America’s Glynn Loope
•
Non-Tobacco Products moderated by
TOB
’
s Jennifer Gelfand
•
Operations Management moderated by
Convenience Store Decisions
’
Jeremy Nedelka
•
Marketing Strategies in China moderated by
Chinese BIZ News’
Grace Su
•
Crossover Products moderated by
B2B Wholesaler Magazine’
s Howard Riell
•
OTP moderated by
Convenience Store News’
Don Longo
Gala Opening Night Reception:
To be held in the 15,000-square-foot Verona Sky Villa on the
29
th floor of the Las Vegas Hotel, this year’s opening night reception will truly be a luxurious affair.
Attendees who purchase tickets to this special event will socialize in a spectacular setting—the largest
suite in Las Vegas and a former home of Elvis Presley. From marble floors and hand-painted murals
of angels on the walls and ceilings to opulent chandeliers and a grand piano, the Verona has many
spectacular features but is best known for its expansive living area and private outdoor pool and
gardens. Private elevators will begin transporting ticket holders to the suite at 5:30 P.M. on the
show’s opening day.
TPE 2013 Keynote:
This presentation by our very own Ed O’Connor will look at how the tobacco
retail business evolved, presenting new, never-before-published research on key product trends for
the next 18 months.
With a lineup like this, what are you waiting for? Reserve your place at TPE 2013 today. For more
information or to register, visit
www.tobaccoplusexpo.com
.
What’s New
at TPE 2013?
TPE’s Opening Night Reception will be held in
the Verona Sky Villa on the 29th floor of the
Las Vegas Hotel, former home of Elvis Presley.