LAS VEGAS -- Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) and Stagnito Media have entered into an exclusive partnership naming Convenience Store News the official convenience store media sponsor of the trade show for tobacco industry professionals.

As official media sponsor, Convenience Store News will provide awareness for the Tobacco Plus Expo within the entire convenience store industry through its industry-leading print and online products throughout the year. New tobacco industry-relevant content for convenience store retailers will include a series of TPE Showcase reports including information on new tobacco products, suppliers, wholesalers and distributors; a pre-show planner; expanded tobacco category coverage on CSNews.com with links to TPE; and more in-depth coverage of the 2013 Tobacco Plus Expo in CSNews and Convenience Store News for the Single Store Owner magazines, and online.

This year's TPE International will open in Las Vegas on Feb. 1. The event will feature a trade show floor with more than 200 manufacturers and wholesalers -- a record high -- including 75 new exhibitors. "This year's show, themed 'It's All About Tobacco Business,' promises to be the most successful yet, jam-packed from start to finish with business opportunities," said Edward O'Connor, president and CEO of TMG International, the parent company of TPE. "Whether you're looking to find that next blockbuster item for your store shelves or to promote your products and services, you'll find TPE 2012 the ideal venue to achieve your goals."

The annual expo has been steadily evolving to meet the changing needs of its exhibitors and attendees, O'Connor added. "Everything about this year's show is geared toward helping exhibitors and attendees place orders, network and learn better business strategy that will increase their bottom lines," he said.

The first day's morning program of conference sessions will cover the latest news and trends driving the tobacco industry, as well as offer information and ideas to help attendees work smarter and boost revenues. In response to feedback received from last year's attendees, the trade floor will open immediately following the first day's seminar agenda and at 8:30 a.m. the following morning to help attendees make the most of their time in Las Vegas.

A Super Bowl-themed opening night reception at the Las Vegas Hotel will offer an opportunity to socialize and network with colleagues in the tobacco industry. And a newly expanded cigar lounge on the trade show floor will serve complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks, and provide a place to relax and recharge while forging connections.

In addition to the record number of exhibit booths, registration for TPE 2012 attendance is also expected to be stronger than ever. More than 2,000 representatives from tobacco retail stores, tobacconists, convenience stores, wholesalers, importers/exporters and manufacturers are expected to attend the two-day event.

For more information about Tobacco Plus Expo International 2012, visit www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.