PCA Trade Show Comes to New Orleans in 2025
For the first time since 2015, the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show will be held in New Orleans, sparking excitement and raising several questions, particularly, “Will smoking be allowed at next year’s trade show?”
As always, smoking will be permitted in New Orleans and at the 2025 PCA trade show.
The PCA surveyed its members on preferred locations for future trade shows. New Orleans, the site of the IPCPR 2015, emerged as a top choice. Other considered cities—such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Nashville—had various limitations. For instance, Tampa has limited exhibit space, and Miami and Nashville have regulations that would hinder smoking, potentially leading to a lackluster trade show experience. However, New Orleans was willing to collaborate with the PCA to ensure its members feel welcomed.
Through ongoing advocacy efforts, the PCA secured New Orleans as an excellent host city. In the summer of 2023, Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards signed H.B. 11 into law, extending tax-exempt status for cigars and pipe tobacco sampled at the trade show.
New Orleans & Company, formerly known as the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, supported the bill, highlighting that the PCA trade show would have an estimated economic impact of $13.9 million on the state and city.
“PCA was pleased to endorse this legislation and extends its appreciation to Representative [Jason] Hughes and the Governor for their support. The bipartisan nature of this action and the margins of its passage in the House and Senate clearly depict how New Orleans and the State of Louisiana welcome the industry,” stated Glynn Loope, PCA’s Director of State Advocacy.
Besides the tax exemption, the city has been working closely with the PCA to ensure attendees have a memorable and enjoyable experience at PCA25, as in previous years. Significant changes to the city’s smoking ordinance, detailed in New Orleans’ LA Code of Ordinances, will allow smoking on the trade show floor and during seminars, just like in past years.
Regarding the hours after the trade show ends, the updated New Orleans/LA Code of Ordinances allows smoking at all tobacco businesses, cigar bars, designated smoking sections of outdoor serving areas, courtyards of bars and restaurants, sidewalks, streets, and balconies along Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.
Lisa Cox, Senior Director of Trade Show and Events, notes, “The city of New Orleans values our industry, our members, and the value we bring by hosting our trade show. As your association, we are also working with local partners to ensure a centralized location for those attending next year’s trade show to congregate and smoke—both in the French Quarter and in the Warehouse District near our host hotels and the convention center.”
The PCA is collaborating closely with the city of New Orleans to ensure plenty of places and opportunities for attendees to enjoy their favorite cigars and pipes. As the trade show approaches, the PCA will provide more information on where to smoke and various special events during PCA25.
“The moment PCA24 ended, questions about next year’s show began. The earlier timing and change in location have members even more excited about what’s to come,” adds Lisa Sigler, Director of Membership Development.
“Our team is building the 2025 Trade Show into a sensory experience centered around premium cigars. The City of New Orleans has been great to work with, and the affordability and value it provides give us new opportunities for higher quality networking and social events throughout the trade show,” says Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the PCA. Registration for the PCA25 trade show will open this Fall in conjunction with 2025 membership renewals. PCA25 will be held in New Orleans from April 11-14, 2025. For updates and details on the show, visit pcashow.org.
