It’s crazy to think that 2018 is already coming to an end. I was fortunate enough to take a few trips and attend a few cigar industry events this year, but 2019 is shaping up to be an even more enjoy year. I know not everyone is into cigars like me, but there are some big events that will be interesting even for casual fans of cigars. Here are the top 2019 cigar industry events according to me, Michael W. Asimos.
CIGARfest
Dates: May 3-4, 2019
Ticket Prices: $180-$275
CIGARfest is always a good time. It is a four day event that takes over the Poconos each year. On average, about 6,000 people show up from all parts of the world to experience all the fun and excitement.
Prices are not too bad, especially since this is meant to be an event and a vacation. General admission, the cheapest ticket option available, still includes 30 premium handmade cigars to take home, about 50 during the event, and other cigar perks. There is free food, alcohol samples, live music, and a ton of raffles for cigar aficionados.
What makes this a truly great experience is the fact that there are just so many passionate people there looking for a great time. People are friendly and helpful. They are eager to share experiences.
The Poconos are a great place to visit for those who have never been. Anyone in the Northeast part of the United States can get there fairly easily.
The Great Smoke
Dates: February 14-17, 2019
Ticket Prices: $150-$325
It is really hard to pass up South Florida when it is cold pretty much everywhere else in the United States. Every February, The Great Smoke puts on a great event, and 2019 should be no different. I take a full week off to enjoy everything at the event, as well as the countless other activities in the area.
Each day has a lot of different options to pick from, but the main event is the true reason why I, and so many others, love going. A person can make a whole day out of it as well on Saturday, since they now host a pre-game and after party (both free to enter).
The grab bag that comes with each ticket is nice. I feel like you get a lot of value out of it. There is no doubt that all the different manufacturers at the event enjoy trying to one up each other by being the top cigar given away.
Lone Star Cigar Bash
Date: June 2019 (exact date TBD)
Ticket Prices: $125-$175
The Lone Star Cigar Bash might not be the biggest event in the United States, but I enjoy making it to the San Antonio area when I can. The city is beautiful, they do it at the right time of the year, and it is good value.
Out of the four I’m featuring, they have the cheapest tickets to get in the door. It is a great first event for people to test the waters and see if it is an enjoyable experience.
They’ve been holding this event for eight years now, and it continues to grow. Out of all the options in the state of Texas, this is the one to check out.
Big Smoke
Dates: November 15-17, 2019
Ticket Prices: $275-$375
It might still be far off from now, but Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke at The Mirage in Las Vegas is always a great time. Once again, it is an event held in a location that a lot of people enjoy visiting anyway. I try to go as often as I can.
Tickets are a little pricey, as the get in price for general admission is still just under $300. It is worth it though, because they give the most away to attendees. They really do a great job spoiling everyone.
On a different note, with 2019 right around the corner… I’d like to announce that I have an idea for a product in the cigar industry that i’d like to take to market. Curious, has anyone ever worked with InventureX?
I’m going to reach out to them to see if they can help me launch a crowdfunding campaign so I can launch this awesome product. More updates to follow. Thanks!
Michael W. Asimos 