For the first time since 2015, the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show will be held in New Orleans. This change has created excitement and raised several questions, including the often-asked question, “Will smoking be allowed at next year’s trade show?”
As always, smoking will be allowed in New Orleans and at the 2025 PCA trade show.
The PCA surveyed its members on desired locations for future trade shows. New Orleans, the site of the IPCPR 2015, was named as a top location for consideration. Other member sited cities–such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Nashville–were also considered. Each of those locations had one or more limitations to hold the trade show. Tampa, for example, has limited exhibit space to host the premium tobacco industry’s leading trade show. Miami and Nashville have various regulations that would prevent smoking and make for a lackluster trade show experience for all involved. This was, however, not the case with New Orleans, which was willing to work with the PCA to ensure its members feel welcomed in the Big Easy.
Through the PCA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, New Orleans became an excellent host city for the annual trade show. In the summer of 2023, Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards signed H.B. 11 into law, legislation that extended tax-exempt status for cigars and pipe tobacco sampled at the trade show.
New Orleans & Company, the former New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, testified in support of the bill, noting that the PCA trade show would have an estimated economic impact of $13.9 million on the state and city.
“PCA was pleased to endorse this legislation and extends its appreciation to Representative [Jason] Hughes and the Governor for their support. The bi-partisan nature of this action and the margins of its passage in the House and Senate clearly depict how New Orleans and the State of Louisiana welcome the industry,” stated Glynn Loope, PCA’s Director of State Advocacy.
In addition to the tax exemption, the city has been working closely with the PCA to ensure those attending the trade show will have a memorable, fun experience at PCA25 as they have had in previous years. One of the significant changes to the city’s smoking ordinance that was changed for the trade show can be read in New Orleans’ LA Code of Ordinances. In summary of that ordinance, you will be able to smoke on the trade show floor and during the seminars as you have in past years.
What about in those hours after the trade show ends? Per the updated New Orleans/LA Code of Ordinances, smoking will be allowed at all tobacco businesses, all cigar bars, designated smoking sections of outdoor, serving areas, and courtyards of bars, and restaurants, sidewalks, streets, and balconies along Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.
Lisa Cox, Senior Director of Trade Show and Events, notes, “The city of New Orleans values our industry, our members, and the value we bring by hosting our trade show. As your association, we are also working with local partners to ensure a centralized location for those attending next year’s trade show to congregate and smoke – both in the French Quarter and in the Warehouse District near our host hotels and the convention center.”
The PCA is working closely with the city of New Orleans to ensure there are plenty of places–and opportunities–for PCA trade show attendees to light up and enjoy their favorite cigars and pipes. As the trade show gets closer, the PCA will share more information on where to smoke and different special events attendees can light up during PCA25.
“The moment PCA24 was over we were getting questions about next year’s show. The earlier timing and change in location has members even more excited about what’s to come,” adds Lisa Sigler, director of membership development.
“Our team is building the 2025 Trade Show into a sensory experience centered around premium cigars. The City of New Orleans has been great to work with and the affordability and value it provides is giving us new opportunities for higher quality networking and social events throughout the trade show,” says Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the PCA.Registration for the PCA25 trade show will open this Fall in conjunction with 2025 membership renewals. The PCA25 will be held in New Orleans, April 11-14, 2025. For updates and details on the show, visit pcashow.org.
Photo: Arielle Lewis Studio