IGNITE26

The Premier Trade Show for

Independent Tobacco Retailers

IGNITE is the UK’s leading annual trade show dedicated to independent tobacco retailers, bringing together top suppliers, industry experts, and business owners for an exclusive weekend of networking, deals, and insights.

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ABOUT

THE WEEKEND

Check out this brilliant write-up from @LondonCigarSmoker, who we invited to IGNITE 2025 as a special guest to give you the inside scoop! From exclusive cigar launches to the atmosphere of the gala, his blog covers it all. Whether you're a consumer curious about the buzz or a retailer wondering what to expect, this is your all-access pass. 👇

The IGNITE 2025 Info Pack is your complete guide to the weekend! Inside you’ll find the full event itinerary, detailed venue maps, sponsor features, seminar highlights, and more. Whether you're a retailer planning your visit or a guest wanting the full rundown, this is everything you need in one place. 👇

Friday Fiesta

Start the weekend in style with a night of great cigars, bold flavors, and live music under the open sky. Enjoy a complimentary whiskey or rum on arrival, then dive into a bespoke BBQ buffet set to the sounds of world-class Nicaraguan composer Omar Rios Melendez.

FRI

The Exhibition

Spanning over 4,300 square feet, the IGNITE exhibition features 18+ leading suppliers showcasing the latest industry products. Alongside exploring the main trade show, attend our seminars, sit and chat at the sponsor marquees, and explore the outdoor sampling garden, food and coffee vans.

SAT-
SUN

Gala Dinner

Unwind after a successful day at the exhibition with a three-course meal while Adrian Garcia sets the mood with his soulful performance.This is the perfect chance to catch up with old friends, reflect on the day, and enjoy a night of great conversation, with plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

SAT

2025 ITINERARY

Friday Fiesta

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Brooklands Suite Garden

The Exhibition
Open to all with a free exhibition entry ticket.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Brooklands Suite

(Seminar) 'In Conversation With' Paresh Patel

Paresh Patel (Chairman of AITS, CEO of Havana House Retail & Bright Leaf)
Colin Cameron (Author & Journalist)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Melbourne Room

(Seminar) Plasencia's Conversation with Terroir

Rodrigo Medina (Plasencia Cigars' Regional Director of Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Melbourne Room

Plasencia's New Cigar Launch with House of Rum

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Brooklands Suite Garden

(Seminar) Legislation in Motion: Understanding the UK’s Evolving Tobacco Framework

Tatiana Camacho (Secretary General of ITPAC)
Wyndham H Carver – Guest Speaker

Regulatory Turmoil – Empowering Tobacco Stakeholders and Retailers to Overcome a Tsunami of Legislation, Government Disengagement, and the OTP Evidence Gap/ Delegated Powers – Secondary Legislation. This encapsulates the challenges of navigating overwhelming regulation while highlighting the need for strategic solutions and informed advocacy in an environment where government engagement and clear evidence for OTPs remain elusive. The use Your Voice Campaign / Retailers and Consumers Engagement. What’s next.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Melbourne Room

(Seminar) A Journey through the New World

Drew Estate: Chris Turco, Director of International Sales
AJ Fernandez: Steven Kron, International Sales Director
Casa Carrillo: Ken Silverio, Global Brand Ambassador
TOR: Scott Vines, Owner and Managing Director

Join Tor Imports for a deep dive with three of the world’s leading cigar makers: Drew Estate, AJ Fernandez and Casa Carrillo in conversation with Scott Vines from TOR, moderated by the award-winning author Nick Hammond.

Learn more about the largest factory in Nicaragua, La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate, producing an outstanding 95,000 cigars per day. Discover how and why Casa Carrillo and AJ Fernandez are among the very few powerhouses to have been awarded the No. 1 Cigar of the Year recognition by Cigar Aficionado.

The panel will showcase the continuous investments and innovations that they are all making in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua to continually improve their operations and working environments for their staff, which in turn improves the quality and range of blends of their cigars. They will also gaze into their crystal ball to predict the future.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Melbourne Room

Gala Dinner
Ticketed entry. Dress Code: Even Brighter!

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Pavilion

The Exhibition
Open to all with a free exhibition entry ticket.

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Brooklands Suite

(Seminar) 1573 Cigars
Speakers & details TBC.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Melbourne Room

(Seminar) Montecristo: 90 years of Excellence with H&F

Sean Croley (Hunters & Frankau Sales & Marketing Director)
Ana Lopez (Head of Marketing for Habanos & Special Projects)

The renowned Montecristo Habanos brand celebrates its 90th anniversary, remaining one of the world’s most prestigious premium cigar brands, widely popular among aficionados. Hunters & Frankau takes pride in its long-standing association with the brand since its origin. Sean & Ana will share key moments from Montecristo’s remarkable nine-decade journey followed by a tasting of the brand newest addition : Montecristo Open Slam.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Melbourne Room

Hunters & Frankau Cigar & Champagne Reception

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Brooklands Suite Garden

Chairman's Address & Goody Bags
Open to all with a free exhibition entry ticket.

15:00 PM

Brooklands Suite

ABOUT 2025

OUR SPONSORS

HUNTERS & FRANKAU

Cigar & Champagne Reception

BRIGHT LEAF

Gala Dinner

DAVIDOFF

Plasencia's Launch of New Cigar

TOR IMPORTS

Friday Fiesta

KARELIA

Food & Coffee Vans

GLOBAL LEAF CO.

Photography & Videography

1573 CIGARS

Seminars

ABOUT

THE VOUCHER SCHEME

The IGNITE Voucher Scheme is your ticket to exclusive savings at the show! Just by attending, you’ll get up to...

£200 in vouchers (AITS members)
£100 in vouchers (Non-members)

...to spend with top exhibitors. It’s basically free money to put towards stocking up on the best products in the industry!

Book your exhibition and voucher tickets online before the event, get your vouchers stamped and validated by the AITS team when you arrive, and then use them like cash at participating exhibitors— up to £50 per stand. Simple! This is one of the biggest perks of attending IGNITE, and a great way to make the most of the show. Don’t miss out!

VOUCHER SCHEME PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS