The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) will welcome retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals from around the world to New Orleans, April 17–20, 2026, for the annual PCA Trade Show, the premier business event for the premium cigar industry.
This year’s show will feature a full schedule of seminars, networking receptions, Best of Leaf and Step-up Awards, and evening smoking lounges, along with a new tradition designed to start each day on the right note: the PCA Welcome Cigar.
Friday: Education, Seminars, and the PCA Annual Meeting
This year’s trade show kicks off on Friday, April 17, with a day dedicated to education and industry insight. Confirmed seminar sessions include:
- Exclusive Pairing Session presented by La Aurora and E. León Jimenes Rum, featuring Master Blender Manuel Inoa and National Sales Director Antonio Suarez
- The premiere of “Hand Rolled: Padrón”
- “Hospitality Meets Ritual: The Art of Crafting Unforgettable Guest Experiences,” sponsored by Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
- Nick Hammond moderated panel “Around the World in 80 Cigars: The American Premium Cigar Story,” sponsored by J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
The day includes the PCA Annual Meeting, sponsored by Foundation Cigar Co., and a special keynote event moderated by Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Networking & PCA After Hours
Following the seminars, attendees will gather for a series of evening receptions, awards, and networking events throughout New Orleans.
Highlights include:
- An expanded Opening Reception on Friday, April 17: The first part will be held at the Mississippi River Heritage Park, sponsored by Espinosa Premium Cigars, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Xikar, EH Taylor, and CAO; the night continues nearby at The Warehouse (formerly the Sugar Mill), sponsored by The Leaf Master and World Cigar Show.
- Best of the Leaf Awards & Step Up Awards (sponsored by Arango Cigar Co.) at The Warehouse on April 17 beginning at 9 p.m.
- PCA After Hours Smoking Lounges, open nightly through the weekend. This year’s sponsors include Arango Cigar Co., Notorious Cigars, Gran Habano, C.L.E. Cigar Company, JM Tobacco, Plasencia, CigarTV, and Smoker Friendly
Additional manufacturer-hosted events and receptions will take place across the city throughout the show.
New for 2026: The PCA Welcome Cigar
New this year, PCA is introducing a daily Welcome Cigar, giving attendees the chance to start each morning with a featured cigar from participating partners.
Available each morning while supplies last:
- April 17 — Plasencia Cigars
- April 18 — Alliance Cigar
- April 19 — EGM Cigars
- April 20 — Flor De Mi Pueblo
The Welcome Cigar is designed to bring attendees together at the start of each day and celebrate the shared passion that brings the industry together.
Join the Industry in New Orleans
With new product launches, education sessions, networking events, and evening celebrations across the city, the PCA 2026 Trade Show continues to be the most important gathering for the premium cigar industry.
For the full event schedule and additional details, visit:
https://pcashow.org/schedule/. You can also download the official PCA26 app from the Apple and Google stores by searching “PCA26” or by clicking here.
To register to attend PCA26, visit pca2026.expotracker.net/Index.aspx.