Whether it’s your first PCA trade show or you’ve been attending the show for some years, there’s plenty to look forward to when it comes to PCA24! This year’s trade show is on track to be one of the most memorable yet, with a long list of who’s who in the premium cigar and pipe tobacco industries exhibiting, new products slated for big reveals, and plenty of opportunities to network over the course of four days.
Here are 10 things you need to know about PCA24, with some added tips that will ensure this year’s show is your best yet.
1. Register Early. Yes, you can register onsite, but why do that when you can save time and register ahead of time? Register now for your PCA24 badge at pcashow.org and save yourself some time when you arrive at the show.
2. New Location. This year’s trade show is taking place in an all-new location. PCA24 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall.
3. Save on Transportation. For those staying at Resorts World Las Vegas, use the Las Vegas Loop, also known as the Tesla Tunnel, to get to and from the convention center (https://lvloop.com/tickets). There is a $5 cost to use the Tesla Tunnel from the hotel. For those staying on other properties, all PCA hotels are within a 5–10 minute walk; or consider using the Las Vegas Monorail that runs regularly throughout the day and runs from the Sahara all the way through the Strip. Get discounted Las Vegas Monorail tickets at https://tix.lvmonorail.com/PCA24.
4. Download the App. To make it easier to navigate this year’s trade show, download the official PCA24 app. In the Apple App or Google Play store, search for “PCA24 Trade Show” and download the app (https://pcashow.org/pca24-app). You can save your favorite exhibitors and products, take notes, and access the current floor map, all in the palm of your hand.
5. Pack Your Badge. Make sure you always have your PCA24 badge with you. It will give you access to the trade show floor, educational sessions, parties and more.
6. Don’t Be Late. Don’t miss out on top-quality education, show deals and exclusive releases! Plan to arrive at the trade show at 9:00 a.m. every day for our “coffee talk” education sessions, where you can smoke and learn. Then, when the trade show doors open at 10:00, you’re ready to go. And on March 25, the trade show floor opens at 9 a.m.
7. Can’t-Miss Seminars. While the trade show floor doesn’t open until the second day of the show, there’s plenty to do and look forward to on Friday, March 22. The show kicks off on March 22 at noon with a new Handrolled Cigar Docuseries premiere. At 1 p.m. there will be a Cigar & Rum Pairing Seminar with La Aurora, followed by a Connecticut River Valley Presentation with Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigars at 2 p.m. The Padrón family will take the stage at 4 p.m. for what will be a memorable keynote presentation. There will also be a session on retail-focused marketing education at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 24.
8. Member Benefits. Want to know how your dues are being turned into big benefits to you? Make sure to attend the Annual Meeting on March 22 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Plus, new benefits for health care and retirement plans for members will be unveiled and discussed at a special session on Saturday, March 24, at 9 a.m.
9. Fun on the Floor. There will be plenty of exhibitors and things to do on the trade show floor this year. Make plans to visit the returning BCA Pavilion, featuring a number of boutique cigar companies. Explore the new Spirits Pavilion, located near the food court, where several well-known spirit brands will have their products on display. Stop by the PCA Lounge the last two hours each day for drinks at the daily Happy Hour.
10. Get Ready to Party. This year there will be two opportunities to party and celebrate with your industry peers. The opening party, sponsored by Crowned Heads and E.P. Carrillo, will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center Central Hall from 5:30–7 p.m. on March 22. New this year is the Best of the Leaf Awards Reception, honoring the best in tobacco retail, Sunday, March 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Make sure to pick up this year’s PCA24 Attendee Guide for a preview of this year’s product releases, a guide to where to smoke in Las Vegas, and an inside look at Vegas and its cigar culture. Visit pcashow.org to register to attend PCA24.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 1, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.