Attendees at some of the best colleges and universities are often notorious for their "work hard, play hard" mentality. The same could be said for attendees of the largest tobacco show in the United States — Tobacco Plus Expo International (TPE 2013), being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Jan. 30-31.

The largest U.S. tobacco show promises to be the year's best opportunity for retailers, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to share insights and conduct business

The show promises to have two strong prongs: an educational component and a hospitality component, according to Ed O'Connor, publisher of Tobacco Outlet Business magazine, which is a subsidiary of the same holding company as the show, TMG International Inc., owned by Kretek International Inc.

"This is the fourth year of the new ownership's stewardship of the show, with the commitment that each show will be an improvement over the previous year, and TPE 2013 will be no exception," O'Connor told Convenience Store News.

More Space
Right off the bat, the most obvious improvement this year is that the show floor, showcasing tobacco products and accessories across all industry subcategories, is bigger than ever — 50 percent larger, to be exact. O'Connor explained that last year's exhibit space was sold out, so to accommodate for the increasing interest in TPE, show management contracted for a third quadrant of the exhibit hall this year.

Global Flavor
The show's international aspect is also expanding this year, as more than 25 countries will be represented, including those in the Middle East, India, Central and Eastern Europe, China, Canada and even Africa. "The benefit for retailers is to be able to access some of the best new products from around the world. China, for instance, has really pioneered in the booming electronic cigarette arena," O'Connor said.

Show Specials
No reputable show would be complete without buyer specials. At TPE 2013, 90 percent of the exhibitors will offer show deals available exclusively to TPE International attendees. As a welcome token on move in/set up day, each exhibitor will receive a $5 coupon they can spend on concessions available in the show hall.

Once the show floor gets rolling, eyes and ears will be on the lookout for novel items not seen before. This year, for the first time, prizes will be awarded to the exhibitors with the best new products. The expectation is that there will be a lot of good contenders as the industry moves forward with less harmful tobacco alternatives.

"The tobacco and cigarette industry has been a ‘bad boy' story, but that's yesterday's news," said O'Connor. "We are now positioning ourselves on the right side of history. To me, it will have a cleansing effect. It offers the industry a new future."

Educational Insight
This year, it is not the quantity of educational sessions being emphasized, but the quality. On the first day, TPE 2013 will feature an interactive marketing seminar, during which tough operational questions will be asked of all participants. Using provided mobile devices, participants will give their responses and then, those confidential peer responses will be immediately projected onto a large screen for audience review.

On the second day of the event, the keynote presentation will examine how the tobacco retail business has evolved, sharing new, never-before-published research on key product trends for the next 18 months.

Another new feature of this year's show will be the opportunity to participate in lively, expert-moderated discussions on seven top-of-mind topics. They include electronic cigarettes, cigars, non-tobacco products, operational management, marketing strategies, crossover products and other tobacco products.

New products will again be a focus at TPE 2013. For the first time, prizes will be awarded for the best new items.

Gala Reception
TPE 2013's opening night reception is intended to be an evening to remember. It will be held in the 15,000-square-foot Verona Sky Villa, which is the largest suite in Las Vegas and a former home of Elvis Presley. Attendees who purchase tickets to this special event will get the opportunity to socialize in a spectacular setting, according to show organizers.

From marble floors and hand-painted murals of angels on the walls and ceilings, to chandeliers and a grand piano, the Verona is not lacking in opulent features. However, it is best known for its expansive living area and private outdoor pool and gardens, which TPE 2013 attendees will get to experience firsthand. Private elevators will begin transporting ticket holders to the suite, on the 29th floor of the Las Vegas Hotel, at 5:30 p.m. on the show's opening day. This fabulous space will allow attendees to enjoy music, fine food and an open bar.

Lounge Around
For the fourth year running, TPE 2013 will host the Cigar Bar & Lounge, a comfortable retreat where showgoers can network while enjoying a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink. Once again, the space has been increased to 4,000 square feet.

"The benefit to attendees is they can meet with suppliers and get refreshments right on the show floor, without having to go hunting for a place to sit and talk," O'Connor noted.

CALLING All TOBACCO RETAILERS
TPE 2013 aims to appeal to all retailers that sell tobacco, including convenience stores. O'Connor believes the time for show participation is particularly crucial for single stores and smaller chains that may not realize how dynamic the market is.

"The market is changing dramatically and e-cigarettes, which make up a key product category at our show, are items that should become a staple profit item within the c-store environment — and all outlets that sell tobacco," he emphasized. "If a retailer that sells tobacco is not carrying e-cigarettes right now, they are missing the boat. And those that are carrying them should realize that they will double their business in that category in the next 12 months, at least. Even if it is only for that one product category, c-store retailers should be at our show."

Of course, TPE 2013 will also showcase many other product categories of interest to retailers that sell tobacco. Show attendees will find cigarettes, premium cigars, domestic cigars, filtered cigars, smokeless and snus, shisha, hookahs, lighters and accessories, pipes, pipe and roll-your-own tobacco, alternative tobacco products and more.

Convenience Store News is the official convenience store publication of TPE 2013.