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Sabine Loos, managing director of Messe Dortmund. Photo credit: Messe Dortmund
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Málaga, Spain. Photo credit: Messe Dortmund
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EVO NXT 2023. Photo credit: Messe Dortmund
What topics and trends are set to define the next generation product (NGP) market in 2024? Which new regulations are on their way – and what can be done to get ready for them? What can still be done to develop real innovations in the NGP sector and put oneself a crucial step ahead of the competition?
These and other questions will be answered on 5 and 6 April at EVO NXT in Málaga, Spain. The business festival for the NGP industry, set to be held this year for the second time, will once again deliver a selection of prominent speakers, exciting keynote talks and informative summits, workshops and panels that is set to be a unique mix to entertain and inform at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). It all goes to make this still young event once again the 'place to be' for decision-makers in the NGP sector who are the first to recognize the business opportunities and want to play a key role in shaping the future of this segment.
In an interview with Tobacco Asia, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Messe Dortmund, gives an initial preview of the upcoming festival.
Tobacco Asia (TA): “Ms Loos, the very first EVO NXT last year was a great success. What do you put this down to?”
Sabine Loos (SL): “One of the main reasons was certainly that EVO NXT, with its diverse range of information, networking opportunities, and first-class entertainment, came at just the right time. The industry simply lacked a modern forum bringing everything together in one place. The industry changes very quickly due to legal requirements, consumer preferences, and new innovations. Always being up to date and knowing the drivers is a key prerequisite for being successful yourself. That's why the supporting program featuring top international speakers, exciting specialist discussions on our stage, and topical deep dives in the masterclasses also met with great interest.”
TA: “And what can participants expect this year in Málaga?”
SL: “We've once again put together an exciting supporting program that takes an in-depth look at the industry's pressing issues. Whether it's harm reduction or protecting young people, regulation such as the Third Tobacco Products Directive for electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products, or recycling and other sustainability matters – everything will be discussed on stage. And top international experts such as Dr Derek Yach, who worked for WHO for many years and is one of the leading experts in global public health, Dr Jessica Zdinak, who is well versed in product innovations and future opportunities for reducing tobacco harm, and Jonas Lundquist, CEO of the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Alliance, will also be engaging face-to-face at the venue in the discussion groups and panels.
The finishing touch to the whole event will be masterclasses on topics such as 'How to be innovative in the NGP industry', where investment decision-makers and other experts can find inspiration on how to recognize and use trends and thus continue to shape their business successfully in the future. This means that EVO NXT is once again the unique platform for familiarizing yourself with new products and trends, exchanging ideas with industry experts, and making new business contacts. So, if you want to help shape the NGP industry, you should definitely be there in Málaga!”
TA: “That's a lot of content for two days – what about the festival character? Will this also be retained?”
SL: “Yes, because this clearly distinguishes EVO NXT from other industry trade shows – and the proposition was really well received last year, not least because it provided an ideal framework for growing personal networks and establishing contact with top international experts. This works best in a relaxed environment, and it certainly works better than anything else. This opportunity alone makes the trip to Spain definitely worth it.”