It turns out the tobacco and alternative tobacco industries will mark the return of conventions to the famed Las Vegas Convention Center. Today, Tobacco Media Group (TMG), the group hosts the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) each year, announced that the TPE 21 event will be the first convention to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
In a press release issued today, TMG reported that TPE in early-2020 accounted for $8 million in total economic impact and nearly $5 million in direct spending in the city of Las Vegas. TMG also reported that in 2018, activity from conventions and trade shows produced $6.6 billion in economic output and helped drive 45,000 jobs, making these an important part of the Las Vegas economy.
“We are excited to welcome TPE 21 to the Las Vegas Convention Center” said Brian Yost, chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “The Convention Center and the entire city are committed to providing show organizers, exhibitors and attendees with the highest level of health and safety protocols during their time in Las Vegas.”
“We can’t wait for TPE 21, and we’ve heard from hundreds of others who can’t wait either,” added Ben Stimpson, managing director of the Tobacco Media Group, which hosts this event every year. “This show will be a strong asset for our own industry and is an opportunity to help people and businesses in Las Vegas who have struggled or have been knocked down by the pandemic. We’re thrilled to be the first convention back and look forward to celebrating with all of our friends.”
“TPE 21 marks an important moment for our industry to get back to business post-COVID-19. At ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, we value our participation in TPE. We love the show and love that TPE gives us the opportunity to meet with new distributors and see what new products are out there. We are excited to be coming to TPE 21 on May 12,” said Chris Gwaltney, Senior Category Manager and Corporate Buyer for Premium Cigars and Tobacco, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits and thehumidor.com.
TPE is working to implement a series of safety protocols that will be in effect for the 2021 Trade Show. Details can be found at www.tpesafe.com.
TPE 21 takes place May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Editor’s Note: Cigar Coop will not be in attendance as the start of the event May 12th was up against a period of our team receiving vaccines. Cigar Coop will continue to offer maximum coverage of TPE 21 from a product perspective. Members of the Cigar Coop team plan to be in attendance at the PCA Trade Show starting on July 9. We look forward to returning in-person to the TPE 22 event in January.
