Anybody attending the Seattle Cigar Expo?

[KenS]

http://www.seattlecigarexpo.com/

I know it seems a bit pricey, but I'll probably go anyway. I've never been to this kind of event, so curious enough to go check it out.

Just wondering if anybody else from CA has signed up.

[LostAbbott]

I have thought about it, but the expense is kind of killing it for me. I have been to events like this for other industries, and I suspect it is basically an advertising event for the cigar makers. If that is the case, entry fees should be lower so that they can hand out more sticks to more people and get their product out there. I don't really want to subsidize their ad event.

[papajohn67]

Originally Posted by KenS

http://www.seattlecigarexpo.com/

I know it seems a bit pricey, but I'll probably go anyway. I've never been to this kind of event, so curious enough to go check it out.

Just wondering if anybody else from CA has signed up.

I'm going. Know the folks putting it together. Should be a killer event!!

[Blak Smyth]

I am trying to convince the wife that it is important

Not I, but it sounds like fun!

[BlindedByScience]

IMHO that's outrageous for what will amount to an advertising blitz and a CRA membership. You can buy quite a few decent smokes and a bottle of great liquor for that kind of money. Pass.

Which, by the way, where the heck was CRA when the WA state law to outlaw cigar smoking in public places was on the ballot and eventually passed..?? Crickets, from where I sit......

[KenS]

Originally Posted by NotFromHere

IMHO that's outrageous for what will amount to an advertising blitz and a CRA membership. You can buy quite a few decent smokes and a bottle of great liquor for that kind of money. Pass.

Looks like a ticket also includes quite a few decent smokes, wine, liquor and food. I guess I'll find out. My oldest son is even flying out to go with me. Should be a good time, even if it's not a great budget value

[HK3-]

<--- This guy is jealous. I looked at flights this morning Ken... $319 RT out of Atlanta. Probably not a good idea with the newborn.

Originally Posted by KenS

Looks like a ticket also includes quite a few decent smokes, wine, liquor and food. I guess I'll find out. My oldest son is even flying out to go with me. Should be a good time, even if it's not a great budget value

[KenS]

Originally Posted by HK3-

<--- This guy is jealous. I looked at flights this morning Ken... $319 RT out of Atlanta. Probably not a good idea with the newborn.

Hal, you fly out, and I'll pick up the VIP admission!

[BlindedByScience]

Originally Posted by KenS

Looks like a ticket also includes quite a few decent smokes, wine, liquor and food. I guess I'll find out. My oldest son is even flying out to go with me. Should be a good time, even if it's not a great budget value

I hope you and your son have a great time, Ken. My oldest, my Marine will be in town about the same time. I think we'll stick to pillaging my Staebell cabinet and liquor supply.....

Originally Posted by NotFromHere

Which, by the way, where the heck was CRA when the WA state law to outlaw cigar smoking in public places was on the ballot and eventually passed..?? Crickets, from where I sit......

The WA state smoking ban was enacted in 2005. Cigar Rights of America wasn't even founded until 2008...

Originally Posted by LostAbbott

I have thought about it, but the expense is kind of killing it for me. I have been to events like this for other industries, and I suspect it is basically an advertising event for the cigar makers. If that is the case, entry fees should be lower so that they can hand out more sticks to more people and get their product out there. I don't really want to subsidize their ad event.

Hi Mychal! It's actually not an adertisement for manufacturers at all. It was designed as a grand event for Seattle cigar smokers to congregate on one day and support the grassroots CRA organization. They need support from manufacturers, cigar smokers, retailers, etc. If none of the manufacturers could be bothered to support the cause and/or attend, how many of us - the general cigar smoking public - would bother coming?

It's obviously a great cause - certainly to get an event like this in Seattle city limits proper, and right underneath the Space Needle to boot. You can't imagine the hurdles that the organizers of this event have had to jump through. I mean, it's not only WA state; it's Seattle/King County. I digress.

I'm obviously a little biased here since I'll be there but this is already looking better than a Big Smoke. General Admission tickets for the Big Smoke in Vegas (no weekend seminars, just the rushed, cram packed, 3-hour cattle line) runs $250. You get a bunch of cigars, maybe something to nosh on, hopefully a tilt or 2 of some bourbon or scotch, and then you're whisked out the door.

And actually for me to compare the 2 isn't fair because it's apples and oranges. The Seattle expo provides a 6 hour time frame, comfortable leather seating areas, a chance to mingle, enjoy yourself, catch some entertainment, take part in supporting a worthwhile cause while we still can before we all end up circling the legislative drain as cigar smokers, the ability to sample some of the finest food from the top restaurants in Seattle, an assortment of stellar cigars, a whole bunch of great wines and liquors to try, seminars and speakers, an opportunity to talk with manufacturers, etc. But the magic that those outside of WA state likely aren't able to fully appreciate is - it's happening in downtown Seattle

I don't mean to come off like I'm trying to sell tickets or anything. Just wanted to help clarify a couple points. Hope to see some of you there!

[Flounder]

How much is admission? I read the site a bit but couldn't find a number.

[emopunker2004]

Originally Posted by Flounder

How much is admission? I read the site a bit but couldn't find a number.

http://www.seattlecigarexpo.com/tickets/

Originally Posted by emopunker2004

http://www.seattlecigarexpo.com/tickets/

Is that pesos? How much is that in American money?

Pass !!!

Sorry if we were vague about this event ladies & gentlemen. This event is to benefit Cigar Rights of America and Cigar Association of Washington. This is what you get for the purchase of the ticket.

VIP ticket will get you pre-party, the event and post party.
Pre-party at Brouwer's Cafe from 6 to closing on the 19th. It will be hosted by Tatuaje, La Palina and Xikar. The gift back for the VIPs will include cigars from Tatuaje, La Palina, lighter from Xikar and a full bottle of high end wine from Goose Ridge. At the party one will get full dinner from Brouwer's and open bar from 6-9 PM! You will party with about 20 manufacturers, like Rocky Patel from Rocky Patel, Bill Paley from La Palina, Dion Giolito from Illusione...etc.

At the event it self, the VIP will enter one hour before general admission and will receive 15 plus cigars, spirit sampling tickets (we have like 10 different spirit makers), wine sampling tickets (Goose Ridge Estate) and three food sampling coins. The Restaurants will include people like Crush, El Gaucho's, Via tribunali, Waterfront Grill....etc. The who's who of top Restaurants.

At the event, we will have lot of raffle prizes and also premier cigar retailers from our region, such as Rain City Cigars, Tobacco Patch, Tinder Box, Smokey Joe's......etc. There will be bands, burlesque shows and LUXURY Lifestyle retailers.

There will be smoking at the Seattle Center and we will have classy smoking Lounges set up with nice comfortable leather chairs. It is going to be a blast!!!

For General Admission: It is same as the above mentioned event part, but it will be from 1 pm-8 pm. One hour later than the VIP admission. Everyone will have chance to hang out with manufacturers, smoke, drink and sample fine cuisines.

Speaking of Post Party for the VIPs, it will be held at the Vertigo Club. Hosted by Illusione Cigars, Preimer Mundo Cigars and Crush. You will party with roughly about 20 Manufacturers and eat foods provided by Jason Wilson at Crush. Smoke Dion's and Sean's cigars with them.

I know this is lot of information, I hope it clarifies everyone's concerns. By the way, VIP tickets are almost sold out, just for your information.

[KenS]

Appreciate the additional information. Jon and I have our VIP tickets confirmed You only live once

Originally Posted by J&J cigars

Sorry if we were vague about this event ladies & gentlemen. This event is to benefit Cigar Rights of America and Cigar Association of Washington. This is what you get for the purchase of the ticket.

VIP ticket will get you pre-party, the event and post party.
Pre-party at Brouwer's Cafe from 6 to closing on the 19th. It will be hosted by Tatuaje, La Palina and Xikar. The gift back for the VIPs will include cigars from Tatuaje, La Palina, lighter from Xikar and a full bottle of high end wine from Goose Ridge. At the party one will get full dinner from Brouwer's and open bar from 6-9 PM! You will party with about 20 manufacturers, like Rocky Patel from Rocky Patel, Bill Paley from La Palina, Dion Giolito from Illusione...etc.

At the event it self, the VIP will enter one hour before general admission and will receive 15 plus cigars, spirit sampling tickets (we have like 10 different spirit makers), wine sampling tickets (Goose Ridge Estate) and three food sampling coins. The Restaurants will include people like Crush, El Gaucho's, Via tribunali, Waterfront Grill....etc. The who's who of top Restaurants.

At the event, we will have lot of raffle prizes and also premier cigar retailers from our region, such as Rain City Cigars, Tobacco Patch, Tinder Box, Smokey Joe's......etc. There will be bands, burlesque shows and LUXURY Lifestyle retailers.

There will be smoking at the Seattle Center and we will have classy smoking Lounges set up with nice comfortable leather chairs. It is going to be a blast!!!

For General Admission: It is same as the above mentioned event part, but it will be from 1 pm-8 pm. One hour later than the VIP admission. Everyone will have chance to hang out with manufacturers, smoke, drink and sample fine cuisines.

Speaking of Post Party for the VIPs, it will be held at the Vertigo Club. Hosted by Illusione Cigars, Preimer Mundo Cigars and Crush. You will party with roughly about 20 Manufacturers and eat foods provided by Jason Wilson at Crush. Smoke Dion's and Sean's cigars with them.

I know this is lot of information, I hope it clarifies everyone's concerns. By the way, VIP tickets are almost sold out, just for your information.

[MarkinAZ]

Originally Posted by KenS

http://www.seattlecigarexpo.com/

Just wondering if anybody else from CA has signed up.

Sounds like its gonna be one heck of a great time. If I lived closer and had some liquid cash, I'd attend. A nice way to meet vendors and sample some product.

The Don Abram Harris Cigars would be a vendor to check out if I was to attend. Looks like an interesting cigar. It appears a local B&M in the Beverly Hills area carries some of their blends, so will have to check that out the next time I'm in the BH area!

Have a great time Ken

[CigarNut]

After re-reading the site -- I am now thinking about going... Have to see what the hotel and everything will cost.

[LostAbbott]

Hello, Bill great to see you back on here! After your and J&J's post this is sounding more like a great event, and less like the ad expo I was expecting. You have answered many of my questions, thank you very much for the reply. I need to work the time out with my wife but I am thinking a VIP ticket may be in my future. Thanks again for all the great information.

How much of the proceeds are projected to go to the CRA?

[Blak Smyth]

Well the wife knows I could use a little get away, today she said I could go if I really want to. If I can get a friend to go for a trip this might be happening. I need to see Seattle anyway.