On September 7, 2024, Quality Importers Trading Company hosted its inaugural QI Spotlight Trade Show & Festival at Quality Importers Headquarters in Weston, Florida. The event was a purchasing event for retailers and distributors, providing a festive and enjoyable transaction environment. On Episode 318 of the Prime Time Show, Michael Giordano (CEO), Alex Goldman (COO/President), Michael Giannini (Chief of Consumer Engagement), and Michael Boswell (Sales Director) joined us to recap the event.

The U.S. cigar industry’s premier buying event is the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. For many years, this has taken place in July or August. This year marked a significant change as the PCA Trade Show was moved to the early Spring. As a result, there pretty much were no trade shows from late March through September. With a gap in the calendar, there was an opportunity for another buying event. As a result, Quality Importers decide to step up and host such an event in September. Putting on such an event allowed Quality Importers to strengthen many of the relationships it has built over the years, as well as give back to the industry.

As planning for the event began, Quality Importers said they had no problem getting the manufacturers to participate. Michael Boswell told us he gained a whole new appreciation for what it takes to plan such an event.

The event offered buyers deals on new and existing products. Several companies pulled vintage products from their warehouses to exclusively offer to buyers (such as Gurkha bringing out Pedro Martin products). Concurrently, a festive environment with games, food, music, and interactive activation occurred. Attendees got an opportunity to tour Quality Importers Headquarters, including the famous SWAG Bunker (QI’s customization arm).

Here is the Prime Time Episode 318 recap of the 2024 QI Spotlight Trade Show and Festival. It wouldn’t surprise me to see this return and continue to grow for many years to come.