Would anyone attend a wine show where you could not sample wines? Would anyone attend a food show where you could not eat? No.
But for many businesses that sell tobacco products, that’s exactly what can happen. If the industry show you attend does not permit smoking on its show floor, you need to add the Tobacco Plus Expo 2008 in Las Vegas on April 24 and 25 to your calendar. We are not only the largest tobacco show in the U.S., but also the only show at the Las Vegas Convention Center that permits smoking throughout the show.
Those who will and should be attending TPE 2008 include.
• Tobacco Outlets. For stores that generate 80 percent to 90 percent of their total sales and profits from tobacco and tobacco accessories, TPE 2008 is a must. Tobacco products are the core of your business, and TPE 2008 will help you improve your product mix and allow you to visit with almost all of your vendors under one roof.
• Distributors. Companies that generate a major portion of their sales and profits by distributing tobacco products should attend. Two days at TPE 2008 will allow you to see many new products and get up to speed on the new best practices for your trade class. For the first time, TPE 2008 will have a seminar dedicated to the distributor side of the business.
• Supermarkets. These operators were once the industry’s leading channel, accounting for almost half of tobacco sales. Tobacco and tobacco-related products are still purchased by more than 25 million consumers. At TPE 2008, supermarkets can reacquaint themselves with this $50 billion category. At TPE 2008, supermarket tobacco buyers will have an opportunity to visit major suppliers and new vendors to learn about new tobacco products and new nontobacco offerings in this market.
• Tobacconists. They generate the majority of their sales and profits from tobacco and tobacco accessories. TPE 2008 offers the largest mix of tobacco products under one roof, and allows tobacconists to keep up-to-date on new products and new product categories. You’ll see a vast array of accessories and unique, high-margin items. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the cigarette companies who don’t call on you regularly, but still offer unique and interesting products that can contribute to your bottom line.
• Convenience Stores. C-stores are the No. 1 trade class for cigarettes, claiming more than 60 percent of total volume and averaging more than 140 cartons of cigarettes per week. The key to maintaining that advantage is to stock the products and brands your customers want. Many brands not being carried by convenience stores will be exhibited at TPE 2008. You may not be maximizing the opportunity in other growing tobacco products, especially MYO/RYO, specialty cigarettes, and little cigars. At TPE 2008 you’ll see all the manufacturers of these products, and for the first time, there will be a seminar session hosted by CSN Magazine specifically for convenience stores.
Put Tobacco Plus Expo 2008 (website at www.tobaccoplusexpo.com) on your show calendar because it makes good business sense, and it allows you to do what you do at every other type of show—sample before buying. •