Noteworthy traits in the ongoing evolution of the Vaper Expo are not just found in how the organisers shake things up , but how exhibitors and visitors do when left to their own devices .
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Noteworthy traits in the ongoing evolution of the Vaper Expo are not just found in how the organisers shake things up , but how exhibitors and visitors do when left to their own devices .
With five shows and counting , the Vaper Expo ’ s twiceyearly format has been a resounding success and is here to stay . Visitors were pleased to find everything that had made May so special was back in top form : a complete selection of stands ranging from the simple to the complex , the efficient to the outlandish , and a party atmosphere combined with a serious wealth of business expertise .
So far so good . But what else did Vaper Expo : The Return – A Celebration of Vaping do differently from the Big Weekend in May ? And what do these changes say about the vape trade as a whole going forward ? The vape industry ’ s growth and the multiplication of the ways it broadcasts itself to the wider world inevitably means greater mainstream attention , and we noticed an increased amount of press passes , including a visit from Matt Allwright of The One Show , who dedicated a segment of their November 1 broadcast to the weekend show , describing it as “ Europe ’ s biggest ever vaping expo .”
A welcome addition to the expo was the Modders Gallery , a section devoted to every aspect of the craft of mod building , customisation and maintenance . With liquids under such heavy scrutiny ( as was always the case on vaping ’ s many regulatory battlefronts ) there remains a healthy spotlight on hardware at vape shows .
Noteworthy traits in the ongoing evolution of the Vaper Expo are not just found in how the organisers shake things up , but how exhibitors and visitors do when left to their own devices . And while we ’ re on the subject of mods and hardware trends , there has been plenty of buzz around squonk mods , which appear to have made a roaring comeback . See our hardware review for a full explanation of the squonker mod , as well as some recommendations .
May ’ s Expo came mere days after the full-blown implementation of the TPD . Though it went off without a hitch – bringing a well-prepared and aware class of exhibitors who had submitted their products for registration and review , all available in 10ml bottles with compliant packaging – it still hung over the show and dominated much discussion . With the storm weathered and October bringing the biggest Vaper Expo to date , “ A Celebration of Vaping ” was a worthy tagline .
There was a dominant theme of synergy for this year ’ s show , with each stand significantly ramping up the opportunities for bystanders to get involved and enjoy a more personal experience , incentivising them to identify more with a brand . Riot Squad and Cheeky Monkey were notable standouts , with prizes and opportunities available for anyone capable of beating challenges . The line between consumer and exhibitor remains intriguingly thin on the Expo floor . One will find as many exhibitors arriving for the sheer joy of the experience as consumers with their eyes set on ways to start mixing their own liquids and starting their own vape businesses .
Up on the main stage , the celebratory aspect of this Expo found its home . The TPD was the talk of the town back in May due to its relative newness ; a big overarching political issue making its presence felt at the Big Weekend . This show was like our collective sigh of relief at having met the challenge , and the stage section devoted more time to giveaways than talks by guest speakers . The Expo remains the flagship for gatherings of vapers and businesses in Europe and around the world : always adapting , and still full of surprises .
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