Cigar Culture Summit: Renowned speakers ensure valuable insights at new InterTabac pre-event

Panels and workshops programmes are available online.

The cigar world is eagerly awaiting the day before InterTabac and InterSupply. Because 17th of September will mark a premiere in the Dortmund exhibition halls. For the first time, the Cigar Culture Summit will attract leading figures from the cigar industry: from manufacturers and growers to influential media, importers, trade associations and retailers. Supported by expert partners and sponsors from the industry, Messe Dortmund and The Cigar Academy have put together an exclusive programme for this summit. It promises valuable insights and inspiration for participants.

Dortmund, 02 September 2025 – “Pleasure. Knowledge. Connection.” will be the ethos of the summit, that is taking place from 13:00 to 18:00 hrs in the conference rooms at the North Entrance. The summit’s conference programme is divided into three streams, each addressing different target groups. Stream 1 is aimed at manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, associations, and media. The panels programme is designed as a compact conference to explore the innovation, identity, and international dynamics that define and challenge the cigar world today. The diverse workshops in Stream 2 revolve around expertise in craftsmanship and cigar culture and are primarily aimed at wholesalers, distributors, retailers, media, and aficionados. Stream 3, on the other hand, focuses on the target group of specialist cigar and pipe retailers in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Here, everything revolves around the question: How can we strengthen retailers for the future in these dynamic times? Streams 1 and 2 will be held in English, while Stream 3 will be held in German.

In organizing the Cigar Culture Summit, Messe Dortmund can rely not only on the expertise of its partner, The Cigar Academy. Other strong partners and sponsors are supporting the Cigar Culture Summit with their expertise and experienced speakers who will share their knowledge with participants. Boveda, VRIJDAG B.V., Faieq Alzayani Co. W.L.L. (FAZCO), the Humidif Group, and The Leaf Master Cigars are among the main sponsors. Other supporters include The Humidor, Brun del Ré, and Villiger Cigars. The Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Stauffenberg Cigars, CST Consulting, and Grupo TPG are also sponsors. In addition, there are partners such as the Cigar Association of America (CAA), the International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA), ProCigar, and EtwasGenuss contributing to the event.

The panel discussions in Stream 1 will address important topics such as how sustainability, education, and ethical supply chains can become the new standard in growing regions. They will also focus on access to global markets and on the question how to reach new target groups by striking a successful balance between traditional culture and new media.

In Stream 2, The Cigar Academy has put together practical and informative workshops. With the support of renowned companies from the cigar world, participants will dive deeply into topics such as humidity, fermentation, packaging, and even cigar ratings and awards.

The speakers in Stream 3 are committed to shaping the specialist trade in the DACH region. Renowned experts aim to provide guidance in times of change: through practical knowledge, new perspectives on enjoyment, community, and brand management – and through the shared experience of what makes the specialist trade so special. Focus will for example be on the creation of unforgettable customer experiences through events, tastings, and personalization, on regulation and also on the role of the specialist retailer and the POS.

Empowering the industry and community
Ricardo Carioni, Director of International Affairs and Education at the Premium Cigar Association, and Co-Founder of The Cigar Academy sums up the significance of this additional knowledge exchange at the world’s leading trade fair, InterTabac: “The Cigar Culture Summit is a historic and timely initiative – uniting tradition, expertise, and global perspective at the very heart of InterTabac. Together, we are introducing a meaningful cultural and educational dimension, bringing the industry’s soul, heritage, and future together under one roof. Across five high-level panels and a series of immersive workshops, we will be joined by more than 25 speakers and organizations – from master blenders, growers, and manufacturers to cultural leaders, retailers, media, and international associations. This Summit will empower not only the cigar industry, but also the global community of aficionados, storytellers, and stewards who carry our culture forward.”

The complete programme and ticket shop can be found on the Cigar Culture Summit website.

>>> Note for media representatives: Plan your visit to InterTabac now and register online in our press shop. For the Cigar Summit, you will need to select a separate press ticket in addition to your trade show ticket.
If you have any questions or interview requests, or if you already have specific events in mind that you would like to attend as part of the Cigar Culture Summit, please contact our press team by email at presse@intertabac.de.