The Women of PCA Tampa Tour, held from November 11-13, 2024, was a remarkable event that brought together women from all facets of the premium cigar industry. This three-day experience highlighted the mission of Women of PCA: to create an environment for networking and mentorship while emphasizing industry education and advocacy.
A Vibrant Experience
The tour began with a warm welcome reception hosted by J.C. Newman and She Smokes Too, which set the tone for a series of events focused on learning, connection, and celebration. Attendees enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic J.C. Newman El Reloj Cigar Factory, participated in hands-on cigar rolling sessions, and experienced a unique tobacco tasting that enhanced their understanding of cigar craftsmanship. Networking continued at Casa Santo Stefano’s rooftop social, sponsored by Smoker Friendly and Altadis U.S.A., where attendees engaged in valuable conversations and built camaraderie.
The final day featured a guided exploration of Ybor City, showcasing the rich cigar history embedded in Tampa, and concluded with a grand gathering, “Champagne and Cigars,” sponsored by Arturo Fuente, at the renowned Grand Cathedral Cigars, owned by Angela Yue. This event encapsulated the spirit of Women of PCA, emphasizing community, shared experiences, and celebrating the significant contributions of women in the industry and advocacy.
Embracing the Mission
The Women of PCA Tampa Tour exemplified the mission of providing a space for industry women to build relationships, gain knowledge, and advocate for the future of premium cigars. As Kathleen Kelly, founder of Women of PCA, expressed, “The Women of PCA trip was a resounding success, uniting outstanding women to share knowledge, learn from one another, and elevate our industry.”
Capturing the event was CigarTV, a global streaming channel dedicated to the cigar industry and lifestyle.
“What stood out to me was the opportunity to learn about these incredible women, their vital roles in the industry, and their passionate advocacy for cigars,” commented Sean Mobley of CigarTV. “The Women of PCA are leading a movement to ensure the cigar industry is respected, preserved, and properly portrayed for future generations.”
CigarTV plans to turn the footage captured during the event into a documentary that will be available soon on its platform. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Women of PCA, both as individuals and as a group, to further showcase their impact in one of our original series. Their love for cigars and dedication to advocacy are shaping the future, inspiring both the next generation of women and the cigar industry as a whole,” added Mobley.
A Unified Community
This successful event was more than a gathering; it was a testament to the collective power and dedication of women committed to advancing the premium cigar industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and made this experience memorable. Your support and participation highlight the unity and strength within our community.
We look forward to future events that continue to inspire, empower, and strengthen the bonds within the Women of PCA network.
For more information on the Women of PCA, email womenofpca@premiumcigars.org.
– Photos courtesy of CigarTV. https://www.cigartv.com