IPCPR 2014: Day 0 Recap

And so it begins.

If you are reading this, the IPCPR convention and trade show has kicked off. Expect live reporting throughout the next four days regarding the specific, but a few observations from the last few days.

• FDA — The IPCPR’s legislative seminar was, how does one put it, poorly attended. There were more people at the Circle Bar—the traditional hang-out—than at the three-hour legislative seminar hosted by the organization. One attendee walked out before it started, saying lunch was more important. It was a sad and concerning reality, but not entirely unexpected. If you were expecting a formalized definition of what a “premium cigar” is by the IPCPR, don’t. The organization did not announce one and is unlikely to do so in the coming days.
• New Product — There’s seem to a bit of concern on the manufacturing side about the amount of new product and the pace that’s now being expected. That being said, almost everyone I spoke to then began to tell me about all of the new products they had.
• New Booths — There are a few redesigned booths from established companies, if you expect anyone other than Drew Estate to win the award for best large exhibitor, you should not be in Vegas betting money.
• Finally congrats to Nikki Covington and Matt Booth of Room101. The couple got engaged earlier in the week, which I think counts as the first surprise of the trade show.