The PCA26 Trade Show is more than a few days on a convention floor—it’s one of the most important moments of the year for the premium cigar industry. With thousands of retailers, manufacturers, and partners coming together in New Orleans, preparation and intention can make the difference between a good show and a great one.
Whether you’re exhibiting or attending, here are a few smart ways to maximize your time, energy, and opportunities at PCA26.
For Exhibitors: Set the Tone Before the Doors Open
- Define your goals early.
Before arriving in New Orleans, be clear about what success looks like for your brand. Are you focused on opening new accounts, strengthening existing relationships, debuting a new release, or gathering retailer feedback? Clear objectives help guide booth design, staffing decisions, and follow-up plans. - Design your booth for conversation, not congestion.
An effective booth invites people in and makes it easy to talk. Ensure product displays are visible, signage is clear, and staff can comfortably engage visitors without bottlenecks. A welcoming layout encourages longer, more meaningful interactions. - Train your team—and pace them.
Your booth staff should be aligned on messaging, pricing structures, and order-taking procedures. Just as important: schedule breaks. A refreshed team is more attentive, professional, and engaging over the course of the show. - Capture information and follow up quickly.
Have a system in place to track conversations and orders in real time. Notes taken during the show make post-event follow-up more personal and effective—ideally within a week of returning home.
For Attendees: Plan With Purpose
- Do your homework.
Review the exhibitor list and show schedule in advance. Identify must-see brands, new products you’re curious about, and meetings you want to prioritize. A loose plan helps you stay focused without feeling rushed. To help with this, make sure you download the official PCA26 trade show app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. - Schedule, but leave room to explore.
Appointments are valuable, but some of the best discoveries happen between them. Build in time to walk the floor, talk with peers, and explore brands you may not have planned to visit. Pacing is super important–if you can, plan to attend the full show, including Monday, to maximize your networking and booth visits. - Ask thoughtful questions.
Manufacturers appreciate engaged retailers. Ask about production plans, allocations, support programs, and what’s new or changing in the year ahead. These conversations help inform smarter purchasing decisions. - Take notes—your future self will thank you.
After a full day on the show floor, details can blur together. Quick notes on pricing, impressions, and follow-up needs will be invaluable once you’re back at your store.
For Everyone: Mind the Experience
- Comfort matters.
Trade shows are demanding. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and pace yourself. Taking care of your energy helps you stay present and productive. - Respect the time and space.
Whether you’re hosting or visiting a booth, be mindful of others waiting and conversations already in progress. A little courtesy goes a long way in a busy show environment. - Network beyond the floor.
PCA26 isn’t just about what happens inside the convention center. Dinners, receptions, and informal meet-ups are often where relationships deepen and new ideas emerge. PCA’s After Hours events at The Warehouse and Cuban Creations are great places to meet others attending the trade show. - The Big Picture
At its core, PCA26 is about connection—between retailers and manufacturers, new brands and longtime partners, and an industry that continues to evolve together. With thoughtful preparation and an open mindset, the trade show becomes more than a series of meetings—it becomes a shared experience that strengthens your business and the premium cigar community as a whole.
Plan ahead, stay engaged, and enjoy New Orleans. PCA26 is your opportunity to make every conversation count. Get all the latest information on this year’s trade show at pcashow.org.