Cigar Culture Summit: Concentrated expertise and renowned speakers on the day before InterTabac
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The panel and workshop program is available online.
The cigar world is looking forward with great anticipation to the day before InterTabac and InterSupply. Because on September 17, a premiere will take place in the Dortmund exhibition halls. For the first time, the Cigar Culture Summit will attract the leading figures in the cigar industry: from manufacturers and growers to trade media, importers and retailers. Supported by competent partners and sponsors from the industry, Messe Dortmund and The Cigar Academy have put together an exclusive program for this summit. It promises valuable impulses and inspiration for the participants.
Dortmund, 02.09.2025 – The Cigar Culture Summit takes place under the motto “Enjoyment. Knowledge. Network.” from 1 to 6 p.m. in the conference rooms in the North Entrance. The summit’s conference program is divided into three streams that address different target groups. Stream 1 is aimed at manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers. The panel program is designed as a compact conference to discuss innovations and international dynamics that are shaping and challenging the world of cigars today. The diverse workshops in Stream 2 revolve around expertise in craftsmanship and cigar culture and are aimed primarily at wholesalers, retailers and cigar clubs. Stream 3, on the other hand, focuses on the important target group of specialist retailers in Germany. Here, everything revolves around the question: How do we strengthen the trade for the future in these dynamic times? Streams 1 and 2 will be in English, stream 3 in German.
When organizing the Cigar Culture Summit, Messe Dortmund can not only rely on the expertise of trade fair partner The Cigar Academy. Other strong partners and sponsors support the implementation of the Cigar Culture Summit with their expertise and with experienced speakers who pass on their knowledge to the 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 are The Humidor, Brun del Ré and Villiger Cigars. The
The panel discussions in Stream 1 are dedicated to important topics such as how sustainability, education and ethical supply chains can become the new standard in growing regions. But it will also be about access to global markets and how to conquer new target groups through a successful balance between traditional culture and new media.
In Stream 2 , The Cigar Academy has put together practical and instructive workshops. With the support of renowned companies from the world of cigars, participants delve deep into topics such as humidity, fermentation, packaging and cigar tests and awards.
Important topics for the specialist trade
The speakers in Stream 3 are committed to a strong specialist trade. Here, experts such as Thomas Geissler, owner of Zigarrenkombinat with its own lounge and cigar sommelier since 2006, have their say. He gives valuable tips on how specialist retailers can create unforgettable customer experiences through events, tastings and personalization and thus also increase sales. Bodo Mehrlein, on the other hand, focuses on cigars and cigarillos in the context of regulation. He is Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Cigar Industry (BdZ). He will also address the question of why personality, knowledge and genuine advice are the most important unique selling points in the stationary cigar trade. The speaker on “The role of the specialist retailer – trust through competence at the POS” will be Martin Josuks from the Dr. Eckert GmbH group of companies.
Ricardo Carioni, co-founder of The Cigar Academy and Director of International Affairs and Education at the Premium Cigar Association, summarizes the importance of this additional knowledge transfer at the world’s leading trade fair InterTabac as follows: “The Cigar Culture Summit is a timely initiative that combines tradition, expertise and global perspective at the heart of InterTabac. Together we are introducing a meaningful cultural and educational dimension, bringing together the soul, heritage and future of the industry under one roof. Through five high-level panel discussions 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 not only strengthen the cigar industry, but also the global community of aficionados, storytellers and stewards who perpetuate our culture.”
The enjoyable and sociable conclusion to the exclusive summit meeting will be the Cigar Reception at 7.30 pm.
The entire program and the ticket store can be found on the Cigar Culture Summit website.
>>> Note for media representatives: Plan your visit to InterTabac now and obtain accreditation online here in our press store. You must select a separate press ticket for the Cigar Summit – in addition to your trade fair ticket.
If you have any questions or interview requests or 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 e-mail at presse@intertabac.de.
