News: IPCPR Cancels Proposed Consumer Day, Raises Dues
In a letter sent out to its members this morning, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association announced the proposed consumer day for the its annual trade show has been tabled after the organization was “strongly asked… not to proceed.” Bill Spann, CEO of the IPCPR, indicated that instead the organization would raise membership costs by $100 annually and impose fees for members who let their memberships expire.
The full text is below:
We have made every possible attempt to keep your IPCPR dues low for decades. In fact, our dues are lower than any other tobacco trade association. But, in today’s political climate it takes substantial financial resources to get our message across. Lobbying and promoting the agenda of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association has continued to grow and the number of issues we face is increasing. It is for this reason the IPCPR Board finds it necessary to increase annual dues by $100.
The new dues will also include a free informational membership to your individual IPCPR state association. For more information on joining or starting a state association, please contact Chris McCalla at [email protected] or 706-494-1143.
You will recall that in January we solicited opinions on holding a Consumer Day and Roast at the annual show to raise funds for our lobbying efforts at the state, local and federal levels. As a group, you strongly asked that we not proceed with these plans and they have been tabled.
When you renew your membership (and we need every one of you to stay on the team, especially now!), we will also be conducting a member demographic survey in order to gain a clearer perspective on just who we are as an association. This way, we will be able to more accurately and appropriately represent IPCPR to state, federal and local lawmakers when we meet with them.
We will also be introducing a registration fee for new members and for individuals who let their memberships expire. The registration fee will be in addition to annual dues.
If a paying member decides not to renew his/her membership one year, when they return they will have to sign on as a new member and pay the registration fee in addition to annual dues.
We must not relent in our fight to guarantee the safety of our industry. Our House and Senate Bills have gained immense support, and we must not lose this momentum and prominence while we still have it. The FDA will not relent. They are waiting for us to tire out, or run out of funds, but with YOUR help, that will NOT happen. We are a legal, historic and most importantly passionate industry, and we will not be stepped on by bureaucrats who simply want to further an agenda or balance their budgets.
Thank you in advance for renewing your IPCPR membership. As you know, you will continue to enjoy benefits and services that will assist you in further developing your business to meet and exceed your business plan expectations.
Again, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Bill Spann
IPCPR CEO
Just an FYI. The registration fee for new members or for those renewing a lapsed membership is $395.
Ouch.
I for one was not a fan of this, but I have a vested interest.
For the past few years new media has dealt with complaints about its lack of professionalism. Many have described the collective attendees as glorified consumers that attend the show for nothing more than free samples. It has been a lengthy and frustrating conversation—and one that I'm sure to an extent we will have again this year—but, we seem to be in a good place.
There are a host of sites (Stogie Guys, Stogie Review, Cigar Craig, Cigar-Coop, Smoking Hot Cigar Chick, us, etc.) that show up every year to actually cover the show. There are a few more or less each year, but the basic core seems to be there. The coverage from the show is immense, the manufacturers (and many of the retailers) know these people by name, the relationships are good and with little exception, there aren't any issues. In doing so, the perception along this non-retailer/non-manufacturer category has changed, and for the better.
Retailers gave essentially one reason for not wanting "glorified consumers" at the show: they (retailers) were at the show to do business and "glorified consumers" got in their respective ways. Whether or not this is true is a different story, but it's a legitimate concern. The trade show is a buying show, quite different than most. Few companies go with the intention of simply showing off product, they go with the intention of selling. For many, the show is not long enough; and quite honestly—if the show specials were truly only offered on the show floor, it would be like that for most retailers.
Allowing consumers in for the final day won't affect many, as it's only a half day and only really about half full, if that. But, it will cement the final day as one where there is no hope that business were to get done, taking that day away from the retailers. Imagine you are a manufacturer and you are forced to decide between who you are going to see: an end consumer or a retailer. It's a rough choice, but a choice each manufacturer would have to make given the time constraints.
It sets a bad precedent in my mind. The final day isn't a huge issue, but it becomes one when for an extra $750 you can get an for an additional day, and then sooner or later for a four figure sum, anyone can go to the show for the entire time.
As for the consumers, I honestly—under zero circumstance—would recommend paying $500 for the final day. Most manufacturers are exhausted, many are barely there thanks to parties, it's an incredibly short time and if you are going to get samples—a lot of manufacturers have likely run out by this point, at least of the really hot products. In addition, the manufacturers that are there are likely not going to have that much time to really spend with you.
Consumers have plenty of festivals were the vast majority of the industry shows up. There's one this weekend at Smoke Inn, there's one next month at Serious Cigars, there's CigarFest, Cigarnival, Cigar Circus, etc, etc, etc. Besides IPCPR, there is not another trade show, for non-consumers, that has more industry personnel than CigarFest. I think the IPCPR should stay industry only, it's already a bit difficult for us to cover the show, even showing up everyday—I cannot imagine what it would be like with 500 consumers added.
So having consumers sign up and pay (I know i would) to meet all manufacturers and see/smoke their new products is not a good idea? WTF. I guess the only way they think to build a grass roots following or receive feedback is from bloggers and store owners.
@WillyV I don't think the idea is dead, just tabled for the moment. There are a lot of things that would go into making this thing work and work well for all parties, and I think having the idea pitched over the holidays wasn't the best timing. I wouldn't be surprised to see this surface again in 2014 as people have had more time to work out the details.
@Patrick Lagreid @WillyV I imagine it will be proposed next year because of the economics, but—I'm not sure the outcome will change.
So if i read this correctly the manufacturers and retailers dident want the consumer there? Thats interesting
Huh.