Tobacco Insiders Ready to Take Vegas by Storm

LAS VEGAS -- Organizers of Tobacco Plus Expo International 2011 are gearing up for one their best trade shows, with response already exceeding expectations with six weeks to go before the show opens. The show runs March 2-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This year’s show will feature more than 150 exhibitors -- 40 new to TPE 2011 -- and conference sessions will focus on building your tobacco business. Topics covered in the sessions include Turning Your Tobacco Business into a Profitable Brand, Cigars -- A Perspective Seldom Seen, and Hiring the Best Employees. The show also offers networking opportunities and hundreds of show specials, with nearly 90 percent of the exhibitors offering exclusive show deals, according to TPE 2011 organizers.

The TPE Masters Charity Golf Tournament will make its debut at this year’s event on March 1, the day before the show opens. Participants will receive breakfast, practice play and 18 holes of golf at the Silverstone Golf Club. An awards cocktail reception and charity auction will serve as a nightcap, with proceeds benefiting the Cigar Rights of America.

In addition, internationally known cigar blender Joe Blanco of LaAurora will host a class each day about how various blends and fillers create a premium cigar blend.