Author Archive: tasevilla

TPE 2021: New Dates, Same Location Tobacco Media Group moving the Tobacco Plus Expo to May 2021

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tobacco plus expo

For immediate release:

CONTACT
TPE Show Contact: Dawn Conger

dawnconger@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

TPE 2021: New Dates, Same Location

Tobacco Media Group moving the Tobacco Plus Expo to May 2021

August 2020 – In an exceptional year of uncertainty due to COVID-19, Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is taking steps to support the Tobacco, Vapor, and Alternative Industries by moving their Tobacco Plus Expo to May 12-14, 2021.

Generally a tradeshow scheduled at the beginning of the year, TMG had been moving forward with plans for TPE 2021 in January, with most of the show floor already sold out to Exhibitors. The opportunity arose to move the show to May, and TMG recognized that the later timing would be better for the industry and the peace of mind for all who attend TPE. After careful thought, the company made the decision to move forward with the new dates.

Says Ben Stimpson, Managing Director of Tobacco Media Group, “A lot of work has already gone into the planning of a blockbuster TPE 2021, so when we were presented with the opportunity to move the show to May, we knew we needed to jump on it. It is our hope that the later timing allows the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 to improve and gets us well out of range of the traditional winter flu season. Plus, the warmer weather of May gives us more options to safely execute the business and networking aspects of the show. We are committed to producing a successful TPE 2021 for all of our Exhibitors and Attendees and feel confident that this new timing has everyone’s best interests in mind.”

As TPE 2021 planning progresses, TMG will continue to gather safety insights and suggestions from voices within the tobacco industry and will release show details as they further fall into place. Additionally, TMG is working closely with the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Visitor’s Bureau to stay abreast of the latest safety guidance advisories for the city. The company will be keeping a close eye on evolving health and wellbeing protocols and will make every effort to ensure best practices are followed.

When informed of the decision to move the dates of TPE 2021, CEO of Drew Estate, Glenn Wolfson said “Drew Estate has always been a big supporter of TPE and it has been gratifying to have witnessed the tradeshow’s increased quality and impact on the entire industry. While we certainly will miss not being able to participate in the trade show at the end of January, which is designed to help create a fast start for all industry stakeholders in the new year, the decision to defer the show to May was smart, and the right thing to do. TMG has really elevated the business opportunities available to retailers and manufacturers.” Wolfson went on to add that “what is most gratifying is that TMG reached out to solicit the perspectives of more than 125 retailers and 50 exhibitors via telephone and Zoom video conversations and an email survey. Their interest in listening to the voices of so many industry participants about the design of the 2021 show is refreshing, and the decision to change dates this far ahead of the original dates, demonstrates TMG’s commitment to true collaboration with, and respect of, the needs of both retailers and manufacturers. Drew Estate will certainly be participating in TPE 2021.”

Echoing similar sentiments for TPE, Eli Davis and Shahar Ilus from Ketoret BioNaturals, Inc. offered, “We’re very excited to get back to some normalcy. TPE’s new show dates will give our world the chance to make a strong comeback.”

TPE 2021 will be held May 12-14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only thing different from the original TPE 2021 plan are the dates. The exhibiting space, show floor layout, and convention center hall will be the same as initially planned when the show was in January. For more information, please visit the TPE 2021 website.

# # #

 

About TPE:

Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2021 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held May 12, 2021 through May 14, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

CARES Act Passes House & Heads to the President

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CARES Act Passes House & Heads to the President

 

March 27, 2020 —Today, the House of Representatives passed a historic stimulus package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or “CARES” act, which contains an unprecedented $2.2 trillion in total financial relief for businesses, public institutions and individuals hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate passed the bill earlier this week and President Trump is expected to sign the legislation into law shortly.

 

Included in the CARES act are critical provisions from Senator Marco Rubio’s bipartisan Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, a small business emergency economic relief plan that provides more than $377 billion for small businesses to meet their payroll and expenses, and receive education and assistance throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Provisions like the Paycheck Protection Program in this act will assist small businesses in retaining employees through these difficult times. The program has $350 billion dollars to support employers with 500 employees or less to maintain their payroll. This program is retroactive to February 15, 2020 to help bring workers who may have already been laid off back onto payrolls as well. Many PCA members will be eligible for provisions of the CARES act when it is signed into law.

 

Resources:

 

Stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 information, resources and news by visiting (and bookmarking) our COVID-19 web page.

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA) filed a Joint Petition with several independent premium cigar manufacturers requesting that both the Secretary of Health and Human Services as well as the Commissioner of the FDA to enact a six month stay from the May 12th deadline for filing Substantial Equivalence Reports due to COVID-19.

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The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA) filed a Joint Petition with several independent premium cigar manufacturers requesting that both the Secretary of Health and Human Services as well as the Commissioner of the FDA to enact a six month stay from the May 12th deadline for filing Substantial Equivalence Reports due to COVID-19.

 

These Substantial Equivalence Reports are required to continue to sell the thousands of premium cigars introduced to the markets between February 15, 2007 and August 8, 2016 and each report requires time, considerable cost, and effort.

 

The Secretary has the authority to stay any regulatory report in the public interest and the interests of justice and the Commissioner has independent authority to do the same for any Report required to be filed during a “public health emergency” and “as events reasonably require”. Given the hardship of completing these reports and the required closing of both Factories and Offices of the Premium Manufacturers, we asked both Secretary Azar and Commissioner Hahn to exercise their independent statutory authority to grant the delay.

 

Given the looming Substantial equivalence Report Submission Date, we advised both the Secretary and the Commissioner that absent such relief, that PCA and CRA would be amending our Complaint in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia at the end of the week and requesting Judge Mehta grant the Premium Cigar Industry relief from the crushing burden and impossible schedule for these Reports caused by this unexpected Pandemic.

 

“Despite the challenges facing the industry and the new challenges presented by COVID-19, PCA will continue to advocate on our members behalf, provide timely and accurate information, and serve as the voice of the premium cigar industry in Washington, DC, State Capitols across the country, and before regulators and the courts on a consistent basis,” says Scott Pearce PCA Executive Director. We hope that everyone continues to stay safe and well during this crisis as we continue to protect the interests of Premium Cigars retailers, manufactures, and enthusiasts.

Stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 information, resources and news by visiting (and bookmarking) our COVID-19 web page.

gracie sevilla type 1 diabetes awareness

PRESS RELEASE: Discrimination Alleged Against Under Armour and Riverside Under the Lights Flag Football, Specific to a 6-Year Old Type 1 Diabetic Flag Football Player Girl – Gracie Sevilla; Department of Justice Complaint Filed

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January 15, 2020

 

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Tommy Sevilla (951) 289-1710

Sevilla Local Media

tommy@sevillalocalmedia.com

 

Discrimination Alleged Against Under Armour and Riverside Under the Lights Flag Football Franchise, Specific to a 6-Year Old Type 1 Diabetic Flag Football Player Girl – Gracie Sevilla; Department of Justice Complaint Filed

A Federal complaint was filed against the multi-national sports apparel and equipment company – Under Armour, and the Under the Lights Flag Football Franchise, alleging that the local league – Riverside Under the Lights, headed by Cory Wells and the parent league; a Florida based company headed by ex-Arena Football League Quarterback, John Kaleo, willfully discriminated against a person with a qualifying disability – Gracie Sevilla, age 6.

The Complaint, a precursor to a Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit, alleges that a willful and malicious discrimination against a person with a qualifying disability under The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, occurred and is currently under review by the Department of Justice.

In May 2019, Gracie Sevilla, a 6 year old standout flag football player on her father, Tommy Sevilla’s K-2 Under Armour Friday Night Lights – Riverside Steelers – 7 on 7 Flag Football Team, was blatantly refused “reasonable accommodation” to play in the Steelers playoff game(s) by League Commissioner, Cory Wells, after such was requested by her coach and father and her mother, Melodie Sevilla, in writing.

 

 

Gracie, as a Type 1 Diabetic, wears a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring device (“CGM”) affixed to her thigh, while playing sports and otherwise. The device has a small filament that penetrates the skin’s fluid just below the epidermis and reads her blood glucose level every 5 seconds, rendering a cumulative reading every 5 minutes, that if high or low, signals alarms. The alarms then allow the parent or caregiver ample time to treat the life-threatening high or low.

For a Type 1 Diabetic, a blood sugar level reading that is too high or low causes a multitude of ill symptoms and leads to a diabetic coma then death when not treated in a timely manner.

The receiving medical device must be within 10 yards of Gracie at all times or a signal loss will occur and no potentially life-saving reading will be given. Gracie’s River Springs Charter School nurse, teacher and school campus proctor are others who have the app downloaded on their personal cell phones for monitoring, alerts, treatment and emergency care.

Type 1 Diabetes is an incurable autoimmune disorder of the Pancreas whereby the Pancreas stops producing life-saving Insulin necessary to survive and metabolize carbohydrates. Type 1 Diabetics like Gracie, must receive Insulin via needle injections into the skin; on average, Gracie receives 10-15 Insulin injections per day.

Commissioner and League Owner, Cory Wells, after barring Gracie’s father from coaching in the Playoffs, due to a personal dispute with him over Wells’ failure to address the misconduct of a rival coach that lead to a near riot on the football field with parents and coaches, and ensure the safety of his players and others for the upcoming playoffs, Gracie’s coach and Father, in an email, advised Wells that he was obligated under Federal law to have either Gracie’s mother or trained medical personnel on the field with the receiving device (within 10 yards of Gracie) to allow Gracie to play, to which Wells’ scoffed at the request.

Commissioner/Owner Wells, in an email, arrogantly refused the request by Gracie’s parents; dismissed the ADA provision and mandate for a “reasonable accommodation” and brashly welcomed threatened complaints and impending lawsuit(s).

In further retaliation toward Gracie and her parents an unprecedented league-wide email. Cory Wells, stated that no unauthorized persons would be admitted on to the field and that the gate would be locked and security tight; a specific reference to Gracie coach and father, Tommy Sevilla, as well as her mother, who could have taken her coach and father’s spot on the field with the receiving device and thus allowing her to play.

Cory Wells, the league commissioner, was well aware of Gracie being a Type 1 Diabetic. Gracie Sevilla was the youngest player in his league for the second season in a row, the only girl, and the only Type 1 Diabetic; one who had brought great positive publicity to his league, receiving local, regional, national and International media coverage associated with her being a unique young female athlete playing Football with Type 1 Diabetes.

Statement from Under Armour Friday Night Lights Coach, Tommy Sevilla, father to Luke and Gracie Sevilla:

“It is mind-boggling that a person in such a position that Corey Wells is in, purporting to operate a youth sports franchise for kids with a pure motive, acted in such a manner, proving clearly that it’s all about money and he has no regard for the safety and welfare of the kids in his league both from a security and health standpoint.

As a father himself he should no better and to scoff at Gracie’s condition and legitimate request for a reasonable accommodation, he must have a dark, arrogant soul.

Yet, how shameful is it of Under Armour and Under the Lights also, to have responded as they have!

John Kaleo, is an arrogant, cocky jerk and Eric Ogbogu, totally turned his back on the issue after handing it over to Kaleo, showing that Under Armour simply passed the buck and has no regard for Gracie or other Type 1 Diabetics.

We, as a family, rock Under Armour gear and have supported the Brand for years. It is unbelievable for John Kaleo to state that their (Under Armour) “team of lawyers”  assured him that this was not discriminatory, nor a civil rights violation and much less an ADA issue. It is utterly shameful and insensitive; an example of corporate greed and human disconnect.

Gracie was supposed to just play without medical supervision, signal loss from her medical device whereby we have no idea what her blood glucose level was?!

How hard was it to allow Melodie, Gracie’s mom on the field, in my place, with the receiver, to monitor her blood sugar level and treat her accordingly?!

The actions of Under the Lights, Under Armour and Cory Wells has been arrogant, proud and an absolute affront to children with disabilities; a complete and utter contradiction to what they claim their brands’ stand for and they owe, at minimum, a contrite and sincere apology to Gracie, and to all like her who without proper medical supervision and treatment, can die suddenly.

Unbelievable how it has come to this, how they have robbed this little girl and her loyal brother, who refused to play without his sister, Dad and coach on the field, of a playoff and National Championship Tournament experience, all on account of Cory Wells’ deliberate indifference, sickening arrogance and blatant disregard for a young girl with a life threatening illness.

Pathetic.”

The Federal Complaint against Cory Wells, alleges that Wells retaliated against Gracie and her parents with foresight of malice, because he was angry with her father (the team’s Head Coach for the second year in a row) for him having complained about Wells’ unfair treatment to Under Armour seeking their intervention.

When Under Armour was contacted about the situation, Eric Ogbogu, a former Dallas Cowboy, passed the issue along to John Kaleo, the Friday Night Lights Franchise Founder and Owner, who mocked and dismissed Gracie’s situation and its relevance to the American with Disabilities Act, both showning a deliberate indifference toward accommodating a person with a qualifying disability; Gracie Sevilla, a 6-year old Type 1 Diabetic girl football player.

In attempt to appease Gracie’s father and coach, John Kaleo, extended an invitation to Tommy Sevilla, the Steelers coach, for them to compete in Under Armour’s National Championship Tournament, since Gracie, nor her brother, Luke Sevilla, the teams star quarterback and player, couldn’t compete in the league’s playoffs to qualify fairly for the tournament; the Steelers would would fail to advance without Luke, Gracie and Coach Tommy on the field and barely have enough players to field a team. However, this was an insincere invitation as it  would be impossible for Sevilla to field a team due to the negative fallout surrounding the original near riot incident and Commissioner Wells’ steadfast refusal to share the leagues other coaches’ contact information, so as to allow Coach Sevilla to invite the league’s other players to join his National Championship team, thus making the invitation to compete of no value.

Kaleo refused to intervene in Wells’ retaliation and assist Sevilla in adding players to his team, and it was learned that Wells, in fact, helped the opposing coach (the one who committed the original misconduct) form a team by adding the league’s best players from other teams to his team; the very thing requested by Sevilla.

Previous to this ADA violation, the previous Fall Season of the Riverside Under Armour League, Wells, and the Hillcrest High School Football Coach and Athletic Director, scoffed at and refused to remedy a situation whereby, spectators to the Under Games were forced to park in the lower student parking lot and walk up a steep grade, several hundred yards to steep steps that lead to the football field. This unreasonable trek prevented elderly persons and persons with physical disabilities from accessing the field. Wells failed to address the issue of the gate, which lead to the upper parking lot and access ramps/stairs, being locked, which forced all spectators, including the disabled, to make the long, challenging trek up the steep grade.

The Hillcrest High School Football Coach and Athletic Director, believing he had called Wells to complain about the “woman” who complained about the situation, actually called her, and began the phone call by disparaging the complaining party.

A long email thread substantiating the allegations against Under the Lights and Under Armour exist and upon exhaustion of administrative remedy, a Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit will be filed against Under Armour, the Under the Lights Football Franchise (John Kaleo) and Cory Wells’ corporation that is associated the league, as well as specific persons in their individual capacities, for a deliberate indifference toward Gracie Sevilla, a person/athlete with a Federally recognized physical disability.

Gracie Sevilla has continued to play sports without such retaliation and discrimination since the incident, excelling as an infielder and pitcher with Jurupa Valley Little League, thriving as a Quarterback with the Corona Friday Night Lights Flag Football League with her father Tommy as Head Coach, and most recently in Gymnastics.

Brother Luke Sevilla, would subsequently, lead his Ohio State Buckeyes Team to the Corona Friday Night Lights – Sophomore Silver Division League Championship, with his father as Coach.

Gracie will be joining the 3G Wrestling Team out of La Verne, California, a team her brother, Luke, currently competes with, and will also begin her training as a Boxer with the Jurupa Valley Boxing Club, where her father sits on the Board of Directors.

It is believed that she would become the only and youngest female wrestler and boxer with USA Boxing and USA Wrestling.

Gracie has been featured as a Type 1 Diabetic Athlete in International, National and Local news sources, both in print and on television.

Gracie has a website and You Tube channel in development; website currently points to her GoFundMe page created for Type 1 Diabetes Awareness and fundraising for a specially trained Diabetic Alert Dog: http://GraceForTheCure.org and http://GracieSevilla.com

 

TPE 2020: New Products Releases, Streamlined Scheduling, Smart Panels, and 1 Big Party The first big show of the year aims to position all attendees on a path to success.

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For immediate release:

CONTACT
TPE Show Contact: Dawn Conger

dawnconger@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

TPE 2020: New Products Releases, Streamlined Scheduling, Smart Panels, and 1 Big Party

The first big show of the year aims to position all attendees on a path to success.

January 2020 – With thousands of products and buyers, exclusive show deals and experiences, and the latest industry information, attending the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE 2020) is the ideal way to start the year for all facets of the tobacco business. Happening Wednesday, January 29, 2020 through Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the show offers 3 days of business, learning, networking, and fun, paving the way for a successful and profitable year for the industry.

It Starts Here: Business

With TPE 2020 projecting increased numbers over 2019 attendance and exhibiting brands, selective exhibitors are taking notice, and TPE 2020 may be your only chance to meet with some of them. And many companies are releasing new products at TPE 2020, giving this year’s attendees an extra advantage in keeping inventory fresh for their customers. To easily find these new launches amidst the thousands at the show, TPE 2020 will feature a Product Spotlight, where attendees can expect to see new products from brands like:

  • Agnorsa Leaf
  • Alec Bradley Cigars
  • Drew Estate
  • Espinosa
  • Fratello
  • Illusione
  • Jas Sum Kral
  • JRE Tobacco
  • Maya Selva Cigars
  • Nova Cigars
  • Republic Tobacco
  • Room 101
  • Santa Clara
  • Vicarias
  • Villiger
  • Committed to hosting a fun, educational, and successful show, the Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is pleased to offer the TPE Connect Program, an online platform that matches buyers and exhibitors, and allows them to schedule meetings during show hours. To optimize your TPE time and participate in TPE Connect, just log in to your attendee or exhibitor portal prior to the show and update your product preferences so you can be matched to meet with colleagues relevant to your business.
  • Learning: The Best Way to Get Ahead
  • Moderated by tobacco industry leaders, TPE is proud to offer IGNITE- a series of educational sessions aimed at keeping attendees and exhibitors on the cutting edge of our industry. From regulations and retail growth to merchandising and market trends, TPE 2020 offers relevant information with your growth in mind. For a complete list of session topics and times, please visit: https://tobaccoplusexpo.com/education/. And did we mention that 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone is the TPE 2020 Keynote Speaker? You won’t want to miss this.
  • Networking and Fun
  • What’s a TPE Show without entertainment? This year, we have a 4-in-1 all-industry party on Wednesday, Jan 29 at the Sahara Hotel & Casino (formerly the SLS Hotel) from 6pm to 9pm. Held at 4 venues in close proximity, party-goers can relax at Club 101 with dueling pianos and a cigar-lounge, cavort over carving stations at Bazaar Meat, enjoy a club scene with DJ Eli from Drew Estate at the Theater, and revel in classic Vegas at the Gaming Casino. Whether you hit all the parties or settle in at one, it’s a night of food, drinks, and networking that should not be missed.
  • “We’ve invested in TPE and our industry,” says Ellie Hansen, Trade Show Director for Tobacco Media Group. “We’ve put together a show that offers what people are looking for- solid brands and products, quality buyers actively looking to stock their shelves, education panels to keep people informed and ahead of industry happenings, and networking opportunities that are actually fun. We’re feeling good, and are planning to see you at TPE 2020.”
  • The Path to Success for 2020
  • Tickets are still available for TPE 2020, so do not miss your chance to set yourself up for growth and profit in the new year. Please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo to register.

  • # # #

  • About TPE:
  • Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2020 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held January 29, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.
tobacco plus expo

Press Release: Tobacco Plus Expo: Supporting the Support Beams of the Tobacco Industry

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For immediate release:

CONTACT


TPE Show Contact: Hilary Manning

hilarymanning@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

NATO Contact: Thomas Briant

info@natocentral.org

tobacco plus expo

Tobacco Plus Expo: Supporting the Support Beams of the Tobacco Industry

Tradeshow partners with NATO, offering contributions and a platform to help all facets of the tobacco business.

December 2019 – With the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE) shaping up to be a must-attend event for the new year, the Tobacco Media Group, Inc. (TMG), is pleased to announce its continued support and partnership with the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), which includes a significant presence at the TPE 2020 show, held Wednesday, January 29, 2020 through Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With 60,000 members, NATO works endlessly to protect the rights and interests of tobacco retailers and consumers, while influencing significant business decisions and legislation. They are a resource to all, disseminating details on FDA regulations and local, state, and federal issues regarding tobacco, e-cigarettes & vapor, adult rights, and retailer freedoms. TMG has battled regulations right alongside NATO, using Tobacco Business, their popular magazine, as a means of distributing information and being a reputable resource for the latest industry news.

Like many in the industry, TMG and their parent company, Kretek International, Inc. also contribute monetarily to NATO, facilitating and fighting legislation that affects the entire tobacco business. In addition to this financial support, TMG is dedicated to elevating the organization by bringing NATO to TPE and bringing the industry to NATO.

NATO will be a strong presence at this year’s show, occupying a booth with team members offering information and insight to attendees and exhibitors. They will also be leading several of TPE 2020’s IGNITE educational sessions, speaking on market trends and current legislation.

“We see the TPE show as a huge opportunity to partner with organizations like NATO,” says Ben Stimpson, Managing Director of the Tobacco Media Group, Inc. “Tom Briant and his team are leading a comprehensive and imperative legislative charge to help educate and fight for all businesses in the tobacco industry. The information we share, and the money we donate helps their legislation efforts at local and state levels and strengthens our industry as a whole. NATO is the ace in all of our pockets.”

The first major tradeshow of the year for the tobacco and alternative industries, TPE 2020 brings together retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry media for three days of solid business, networking, learning, and fun. For information about exhibiting or attending, please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

# # #

 

About TPE:

Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2020 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held January 29, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

 

About NATO:

Started over 15 years ago, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Inc. (NATO) is a national trade association organized to strengthen the business interests of all tobacco retailers on a collaborative and individual basis. Headquartered in Minneapolis, it helps its over 60,000 members across the country navigate and stay on top of tobacco-related legislation on the local, state, and federal levels. To learn more about NATO, please visit the website www.natocentral.org.

daniel marshall

Press Release: Daniel Marshall Takes Home Lifetime Achievement Award in London

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Daniel Marshall Takes Home Lifetime Achievement Award in London

 

London, England (Dec 2, 2019) – Boisdale of Canary Wharf hosted the seventh annual star-studded Cigar Smoker of The Year Awards Dinner celebrating the world’s finest cig­ars, pro­duc­ers, writ­ers, ter­races and icons. Thirty-seven year cigar veteran Daniel Marshall received the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” The annual event, considered to be the “Academy Awards” of the Cigar World, is the world’s most pres­ti­gious Cig­ar Awards event out­side of Havana.

 

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award include: Academy Award Winner Jeremy Irons; Leg­endary Hol­ly­wood actor and direc­tor, Burt Reynolds; British Conservative member of the House of Lords and once a code-breaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, Baroness Trumpington; Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London, and cel­e­brat­ed British broad­cast­er and jour­nal­ist, Andrew Neil. Historical win­ners of the Cigar Smoker of the Year Award, nom­i­nees and guests also includ­e Simon Le Bön, Arnold Schwarzeneg­ger, Jonathan Ross, Kelsey Gram­mer, Tamar Has­san, Char­lie Sheen, James Cos­mo, and Chris Noth.

 

London holds a special place in Marshall’s heart as he reflected upon his beginnings during his acceptance speech. “Thirty-eight years ago, a 19-year-old California surfer landed in this amazing beautiful city of London with a dream and a challenge. The dream was to obtain Alfred Dunhill of London‘s approval of quality and trust for the humidors I was making in California.”

 

Marshall told two stories from his 37-year journey on the cigar trail. At age 12, He was in an oratorical contest and up against the most popular boy in school at the time – 14 year old actor Sean Penn. Marshall would go on to win the contest. “With Sean’s massive popularity and with me being an overweight, insecure, least popular kid at school, I was terrified to go onto the playground and possibly meet him or any of his friends for fear of being beat up. I very happy that this never occurred!” Marshall continued, “Two years ago I met Sean at President Macron’s environmental summit and told him this story. He remembered the contest and laughed. Hardly the reaction I was so scared of. I learned an important life lesson on this day that most of our fears never come to pass.”

 

His acceptance speech included an example of the “power of the cigar” and whom one can meet thru a cigar. “One of my most memorable moments was when Mr. Marlon Brando called me to build two large humidors for him. He told me when he visits his island off the coast of Tahiti, all his scripts get moldy and destroyed by the humidity and he wanted to use our humidors to keep the humidity out!”

 

He went on to acknowledge Ranald Macdonald of Boisdale, “Thank you and your incredible team for your vision and commitment for having cigar lounges in each one of your outstanding destinations, allowing us a place where we can create the ‘modern day campfire’.”

 

Marshall expressed his deepest admiration for all nominees and congratulations for the winners including “Cigar Smoker of the Year”. This top award recognizes a high-profile individual that possesses a passion for the pure enjoyment of the cigar. This year’s honor went to actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren best known for his roles in Rocky IV, The Expendables, The Punisher, and Universal Soldier.

 

In concluding his speech, Marshall left the esteemed audience with a final thought, “I truly believe it’s all about dreams. Dreams cost nothing. The hard part is keeping them going and never giving up. As Sir Winston Churchill said so famously, ‘No matter the challenge, we must never, never, never give up.’”

 

View a film of the event: https://youtu.be/p7_o0aSjeXU

 

About Boisdale of Canary Wharf:

 

Boisdale of Canary Wharf is a lively restaurant and music venue serving modern

British food featuring a glowing amber whisky bar of liquid gold, stunning terrace and oyster bar & grill overlooking the city skyline of Canary Wharf. The Whisky bar holds over 1000 bottles of rare malt whiskies and is undoubtedly one of the most extensive and magnificent bars in the world. On the first floor the art deco inspired oyster bar is surrounded by palm trees and serves a definitive range of oysters and shellfish. Or you can settle down outside on the awning-covered heated terrace with tartan upholstered armchairs and sofas, equipped with tartan blankets. The main restaurant on the second floor overlooks the fountains of Cabot Square with a view to the City of London skyline. This restaurant is one of the most majestic premises to have opened in London in recent years. It bears the distinctive Boisdale design of lacquer red and dark green walls, rich mahogany paneling, with an eclectic collection of classical and modern original artwork including works by Picasso and Gauguin. www.boisdale.co.uk

 

About Daniel Marshall:

 

Daniel Marshall, a 37-year veteran of the cigar industry is one of the leading names in the cigar world. He is Cigar Aficionado’s No.1 rated Humidor designer and creator of the coveted 24kt Golden Cigar. DM Humidors & cigars are enjoyed in the homes and offices of countless Hollywood celebrities, US Presidents, dignitaries, titans of industry, fashion designers and the most discriminating cigar lovers worldwide. Marshall is also a cigar and humidor supplier of England’s Royal Family.

 

Since 1982, Daniel Marshall has created and designed for the prestigious luxury gift houses Dunhill, Tiffany & Co., S.T. Dupont, Cartier, Hermes, Fred Joaillier, Harrod’s, Bally of Switzerland, and Garrard’s of London. Daniel Marshall’s humidors are historic, with a collection on display at the Smithsonian Museum.

 

One of DM’s highly collectible Governor Schwarzenegger Humidor’s broke sales records in 2016 at Leonardo DiCaprio’s Foundation Gala Fundraiser in St. Tropez. This extremely rare humidor topped the charts for highest amount paid for a modern day humidor with new world DM Cigars.

 

In September 2017, a 1 of 1 humidor DM made for Prince Albert II of Monaco with Daniel Marshall Cigars was put on the block and raised 75,000 Euros to benefit our global oceans.

 

Since the opening of the Daniel Marshall Cigar Lounge in the Kitzbuhel Country Club, Austria in 2013, Daniel Marshall has been hosting elite and exclusive “Modern Day Campfire” Experiences with discriminating connoisseurs across the globe.

 

For upcoming DM Campfires and to join the “DMCC” The Daniel Marshall Campfire Club email: TheCampfire@DanielMarshall.com

 

Visit Daniel Marshall’s site at www.danielmarshall.com

 

You can also find Daniel Marshall on Facebook at www.facebook.com/danielmarshallhumidorsandcigars or follow Daniel Marshall on Twitter @DMCigarWorld or Instagram @DMCigars for real-time updates.

 

For Daniel Marshall:

Trang Trinh, 714-973-8660, info@danielmarshall.com

NBA Legend – Karl Malone to kick off Tobacco Plus Expo with insight and inspiration for all facets of the Tobacco Industry

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For Immediate Release:

CONTACT
TPE Show Contact: Dawn Conger

dawnconger@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

Karl Malone, Keynote Speaker of TPE 2020

Malone to kick off Tobacco Plus Expo with insight and inspiration for all facets of the Tobacco Industry.

November 2019 – The Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is excited to announce 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone as the Keynote Speaker for the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE 2020). Well-respected for his performance, talent, and many achievements on the court, including being the NBA’s 2nd all-time leading scorer, a 2-time Olympic Champion, and a 2-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Malone has brought his leadership and vision off the court and into the tobacco industry, developing a premium cigar using tobacco aged in rum barrels in collaboration with Guillermo Leon Herbert, the owner of LA Aurora. Malone has long since enjoyed relaxing with cigars, and the development process has given him a new view on the industry. As the TPE 2020 Keynote Speaker, Karl Malone will offer attendees insight as an enthusiast, a manufacturer, and even as a retailer on behalf of his daughter, Kadee Malone, who owns Legends Cigar & Vape. Perfect for a B2B show that brings the entire industry together, the Keynote Session at TPE 2020 will lead a well-rounded schedule of interesting educational sessions covering different categories, facets, and perspectives.

 

karl malone nba legend

 

The first major tradeshow of the year for the tobacco and alternative industries, TPE 2020 runs Wednesday, January 29 through Friday, January 31 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. For TPE 2020, TMG set out to re-invigorate the trade show’s educational benefits by bringing in some of the premium tobacco industry’s biggest disruptors and headliners. Each session of IGNITE has been designed to empower retailers and manufacturers and improve their businesses with insights from companies and entrepreneurs who are making a difference and challenging the status quo of their respective industries.

 

“TMG’s mission and goal is to provide our audience with timely, useful content that will help them do business better. When it came time to plan out the educational lineup for TPE 2020, we wanted to bring the same energy and top-notch content we feature in each issue of Tobacco Business Magazine into the upcoming trade show,” says Antoine Reid, Senior Editor and Digital Content director for TMG. “We understand that the typical educational conference can be boring and a chore to sit through, but that’s not what TPE 2020’s educational sessions will be. IGNITE will be informative, engaging and feature a diverse lineup of speakers and experts that will leave attendees feeling inspired, invigorated and ready to take on the rest of 2020 with excitement and the knowledge needed to be successful in business.”

In addition to the Keynote Address, TMG is pleased to announce the following sessions and moderators, which will also include a panel of industry experts on each topic:

Thursday 1/30/20

11:30-12:15 Sisters of the Leaf: Selling, Marketing, and Promoting Tobacco Products to Women, moderated by Erica Arroyo

2:30-5pm NATO: Local, State, and Federal Tobacco Legislation and Regulations: What Industry Members Need to Know with Thomas Briant

Friday 1/31/20

11:30-12:15pm Tobacco Retail Rebooted: Jumpstart and Rejuvenate Your Retail Operation, moderated by Dave Garofalo

2:30-3:30pm State of the Union: Cigar Legislation Update, moderated by Glynn Loope

Our education session calendar is continuously being updated as new conferences are added to the show. For additional details and the most up to date scheduling information, please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

It’s not too early to secure your pass for TPE and success in 2020. Just visit www.tobaccoplusexpo to register.

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About TPE:

Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2020 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held January 29, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.