EVENTS
The UK and Europe’s biggest vape expo once again reflected exciting developments within the global industry
By Gordon Stribling
Outsiders and those not familiar with the industry’s evolving
landscape could be forgiven for assuming that little of note would
have happened between biannual instalments of Vaper Expo
UK. But while the template remains largely the same, a lot has
occurred in six months. This was reflected in what many vapers
are calling the best Vaper Expo UK yet.
On the Friday night we held the third annual Vapouround Awards,
where we honoured the best and brightest in the industry. We love
getting together with the people who make the industry what it is.
This year’s ceremony surpassed all expectations, raising over
£2,000 for mental health charity MIND along the way.
As official media partner, we once again had a significant presence
at Europe’s largest vape expo. Alongside our newly revamped bus
and expanded casino we had a stand near the stage, where rapper
Professor Green staged a takeover to promote his new UNRULY
e-liquid range. Pro by name and reputation, he happily posed for
selfies for the sea of fans who queued at the stand.
While October’s expo is remembered as ‘A Celebration of Vaping’,
many attendees will recall the abundance of many short-fills and
nic salts on offer over the weekend. Short-fills were out in force
again this time, showing that they are fast becoming the formula of
choice for liquid manufacturers. But this expo will be remembered
for two other major innovations: CBD and pod systems.
The number of CBD vendors appeared to have more than tripled
since the show in October. Once again, Vaper Expo UK proved to
be a microcosm of that emerging industry, an exciting avenue but
one requiring tight self-regulation if it is to continue to grow without
government interference.
New pod systems were so abundant that it would have been
impossible to try them all. These are both a simple entry point for
smokers and a convenient addition to a long-time vaper’s arsenal.
Vaping succeeds in being accessible to all and once again Vaper
Expo UK had all bases covered.
"May's show will be a very
tough act to follow”
122 | VM17