Well, here you are at Europe’s biggest and
best vape event. Everyone at the Vaper Expo
and Vapouround are delighted to have you
along for what promises to be a highlight of
your year. You’ll be amazed how quickly
the time goes so have a read through this
first timer’s guide to get an idea of what to
expect and put a plan of action in place.
Catching up with old friends and making
new ones
There is no better example of what the vape community is all about than
the Vaper Expo. Among the thousands of attendees, you’re bound to
bump into someone you know, whether they’ve a vaper, someone from
your local vape shop or a face that’s popped up on your social media feed.
You’re also guaranteed to strike up conversation with people you’ve never
met before. Before you know it, you’ll have a new friend or maybe even a
future business contact.
A learning experience
However long you’ve been vaping, there’s always plenty more to learn. Have
a question about your mod? Head over to the manufacturer’s stand to get
an answer from the experts. The Vaper Expo boasts a large collection of
hardware companies, and staff are always happy to help.
It’s not just about vape tech. Advocacy will play a huge role over the
weekend. This can include talks, rousing speeches and even discussions
among vapers about the products and issues of the day.
May 2017’s event is one such example. The laws about nicotine and
labelling came into effect just days before, so this was a huge talking point
and learning experience as vendors scrambled to ensure that all their stock
was compliant before customers burst into the exhibition hall.
YouTubers, they’re everywhere!
Vaping’s YouTube community is thriving and many of its brightest stars
come to the Vaper Expo from all over the world to vlog, network and meet
fans. They are all incredibly friendly and approachable, so don’t be afraid to
introduce yourself or ask for a photo.
Be warned that they are in high demand so if you want to chat, your best bet
is to catch them on B2B day when it’s quieter, if the opportunity presents
itself. There’s also the media meet and greet area – you’ll probably catch
a few familiar faces around there.
Giveaways
By the time you read this you will already be armed with freebies handed
out by the team. But as the many YouTube videos will attest, that is just
the beginning.
The main giveaways take place on the stage and are announced through
the speakers, giving you plenty of time you power over to the stage. Be
warned – it can be a bit of a scrum. Keep your eye on the prize(s) as
an aerial short-fill is coming your way. (No short-fills were harmed in the
publication of this article).
Delicious food and drink
You will do a lot of walking at the Vaper Expo, so wear that fitbit and burn
through those 10,000 steps a day. Thankfully, the on-site food options
cater to all tastes and budgets and the bar area provides relaxing respite
for you to recharge before heading back onto the floor. Those of you
looking for halal or vegan options, the main restaurants in the hall offer
several choices.
If you’re on a tight budget and fancy a snack, there’s a newsagent in the
NEC concourse rights across from Subway offering drinks, crisps, chocolate
and pastries for a very reasonable price.
Creative stands
Some companies take months and spend thousands developing their
incredible stands. Some are immersive and fully interactive, like Front Line’s
Black Ops VR game in October. Zebra Juice had a Zulu drumming band
and Riot Squad once kidnapped passing vapers in one of the most memorable
stands ever. You never know what’s around the corner!
Entertainment
While energetic hosts Johnnie and Ashley are highly-entertaining, keep
an eye (and an ear) out for the cavalcade of entertainment over the
weekend. You might even spot a celebrity or a robot busting some moves
on the red carpet.
Be sure to head over to the Vapouround Club stand where you’ll see your
favourite brands battling it out over live games on the big screen. If it’s anything
like the Club Cup in October, you’re in for some intensive gameplay.
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