2019 PCA Magazine

18 PCA The Magazine | JULY-AUGUST 2019 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG and consumers coming back each year. The goal will always be to make it engaging enough that it is a must-attend event every year. PEARCE: That’s right. It’s creating a next level of value for the entire industry. CigarCon goes hand-in-hand with our rebrand and how we are evolving to be the “Center of Excellence” for the premium cigar and pipe industry. And CigarCon is going to be the event that exemplifies exactly that. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK CIGARCON WILL HAVE ON THE INDUSTRY? REGINA: We all know we’re in a fight for our lives in this industry, so we need everyone to help. As battles play out at the federal level, the ability for retailers to mobilize their customers at the local level and effect change is a tremendous asset. Our industry is resilient, but we need everyone to be active in carrying the message about protecting premium cigars. So CigarCon will be a link that will connect our industry in ways we’ve never had before. PEARCE: Exactly. This will allow unprecedented marketing and relationship- building opportunities. But really, a stronger, more engaged consumer base in what we do strengthens our message to policymakers and provides us not only a bigger voice, but a completely unified voice. HOW WILL THIS IMPACT PCA ENGAGEMENT WITH CONSUMERS, IF ANY, BEYOND CIGARCON? PEARCE: We’ll be rolling out more and more consumer-based programs as we move into years two, three and beyond. Again, we are going to be a full-service organization and expect the same for our consumer members as well. We have some very exciting ideas planned and can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store. REGINA: We truly feel the best is yet to come and CigarCon is that initial— albeit major—step toward, as Scott mentioned, a full-service organization for the premium cigar and pipe industry. Cigar Con