EVO NXT: Return to Málaga a great success

Superb mix of information and entertainment inspires the industry again this year

Following the highly acclaimed début in 2023, the second EVO NXT festival at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) has been another success, giving participants a varied and informative event. Numerous exhibitors travelled in from different parts of the world to present their new products and enable visitors to find out first-hand about the latest trends in the NGP (next-generation products) industry. In keynote talks, discussion panels and master‑classes, renowned international experts and industry insiders discussed the most important developments and challenges for the future of the industry. The focus was on topics such as sustainability, market regulation and technological progress. Naturally, the festival character and the entertainment were not neglected either.

Dortmund, 11 April 2024 – Looking to create a brand new, ‘mould‑breaking’ type of event for the rapidly growing NGP industry, Messe Dortmund created the EVO NXT business festival and premièred it back in 2023 in the Spanish city of Málaga. The event concept is unashamedly young and pioneering, and its unique atmosphere in the Andalusian sunshine makes it perfect for this fast‑moving industry. At the second festival – held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) on 5 and 6 April 2024 – exhibitors, experts and a host of participants once again demonstrated the global potential of NGPs. This was reflected not least in the large number of countries from which guests travelled to southern Spain in order not to miss the global industry get-together – countries including China, India, the US, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. Of course, many European countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, the United Kingdom and host country Spain were also represented. Prominent businesses as well as promising newcomers and innovators convened once more and met with key trendsetters, thought leaders and industry experts. The aim was to analyse the present and future of the industry together, and to benefit from knowledge‑sharing.

Angelika Bauer, divisional manager at Messe Dortmund, summarised her feelings thus: “The response to EVO NXT confirmed impressively that this innovative event style meets a hunger that exists in the industry. The presence of key industry representatives not just from Europe, but also from America and Asia, as well as the participation of relevant associations from the UK, Spain, the US and China, illustrates the global support for this event. Levels of networking and dialogue have been remarkably high, and this was enhanced further by the presence of leading international figures from the world of science and research. This success underlines our conviction that the industry is calling for fresh, dynamic concepts able to keep pace with the rapid developments in the NGP sector. We’re looking forward to future developments with great excitement and are determined to establish EVO NXT even more firmly as a companion to the industry and as a source of inspiration and drive,” she concluded, clearly delighted with the way things are going.

True-to-life supporting programme featuring numerous industry experts
Special challenges such as political regulation and growing health and environmental awareness among consumers were the focus of much attention at EVO NXT and featured strongly in the high-calibre supporting programme. At the opening event entitled ‘Outlook for the European Union and Key Global Markets: Examining Market and Regulatory Trends in Alternative Tobacco Products’, the two speakers Lorenzo Guaragna and Jonathan Darnell from TobaccoIntelligence gave the audience an overview of regulatory legislation in the key global markets. As with the entire programme, the international aspects of EVO NXT were also in evidence here.

This was immediately followed by the discussion panel ‘Sustainability & Recycling – the new blueprint for success’. Raul Pop from the Circular Economy Coalition (CERC) and Programme Director of the ECOTECA Association, João Nitsch, EMEA Lead Programme Manager Landbell Group, Ao Weinuo, Founder and Secretary General of the Electronic Cigarette Professional Committee of China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (ECCC) and Peter Beckett, Partner at Three Six One, discussed and demonstrated how sustainability and recycling can be implemented successfully within businesses.

The other panels, keynotes, master-classes, product presentations and talks were also packed with valuable information offering participants new contacts and with the potential to give them an edge in the market. The new ‘Meet the expert’ feature gave visitors the unique opportunity to get to know leading figures in the industry in person and engage with them. The programme item entitled ‘Mission Mixologist’, in which liquid artists competed to create the best liquid flavour, proved to be supremely entertaining. Victory went to Cristian Gallardo González from Vapers Experience.

Product diversity across four zones
In addition to the talks, the products offered by the many exhibitors met with great interest on the part of visitors. The range was presented in four themed ‘zones’ – an approach also taken last year that helped keep things logically organised. The Green Zone was all about the hemp plant, with exhibitors showing the entire span of its possibilities including CBD‑based cosmetics, medical products and foods containing hemp seeds. The growing market for heat-not-burn products was set out in the Heat Zone where leading companies in the industry presented their latest tobacco heaters, tobacco sticks and accessories. Innovative hardware designs, exciting liquid creations and nicotine-free options awaited visitors to the E‑Zone where e-cigarettes, various fillings and individual components such as mouthpieces and battery holders were presented. Alternative nicotine products such as pouches and snus were on display in the O‑Zone, with exhibitors showing the various ways of consuming nicotine without involving cigarettes and smoke.

Major contributions from partner organisations
The support of numerous partners such as the Confédération Européenne des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT), the Unión de Asociaciones de Estanqueros de España, the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Association (NNPA), the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA), TobaccoIntelligence, the European Cannabis Association (ECA), the CB Company, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), 2FIRSTS, the ECCC, Svenska Snustillverkarföreningen and the Global Vape Alliance GVA initiated at the inaugural EVO NXT festival, all of whom were involved in the planning and implementation of the event, made a major contribution to the success of the second EVO NXT.

EVO NXT 2024 – what the industry had to say

Peter Schweinschwaller, President of the Confédération Européene des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT)

“This second edition of EVO NXT was a very important opportunity for the CEDT to learn about the major innovations in the sector and, thanks to the insights from the stage and in the masterclasses, our visit was a crucial learning moment to prepare ourselves for the future challenges in our sector.

The CEDT is therefore delighted to have been part of this great little platform, EVO NXT, dedicated exclusively to the nicotine and alternative products market… we look forward to the third edition!”

Dmitriy Ablaev, Managing Director of Euphoria Trade

“EVO NXT is a different kind of trade fair. At first glance it seems like there isn’t a lot of people. However, after you had a chance to speak with those people, you understand it’s the quality of these contacts that counts. All and all not too busy, but you spend more time with each visitor and have a bigger chance at landing a new client. A big chance we will be a returning exhibitor.”

Matthew Wright, European Sales Manager at Flavour Warehouse

“The EVO NXT Business Festival in Malaga was a unique experience that clearly stood out from other shows I have attended. This difference was a positive surprise. I was particularly impressed by the events and presentations on stage – they were simply great.”

Igor Yagubkin, Sales Director, Europe/UK at FLONQ

“EVO NXT is a fantastic industrial event for networking. It’s a great opportunity to meet insightful speakers and check out the latest innovations. Wishing the organizers all the best in further development of the event.”

George A Farrugia, Exports Sales Manager at Frumist

“A well-organized event, with helpful staff and very interesting line up. Made some good contacts and looking forward for the next one.”

Ciprian Boboi, Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Independent European Vape Alliance

“We had many good B2B meetings at EVO NXT. The organisation of the trade fair was once again excellent. Like in the last year, the panel topics covered many important areas for the vaping industry. In particular the panels on sustainability and the Global Vape Alliance showed how seriously the industry takes the issue of responsibility.”

Karoliina Kirso, Project Manager at Nicobros

“It was our first time exhibiting at EVO NXT 2024. The quality of visitors made the event very successful for us. It was an incredible networking opportunity and we got to introduce our brands to the right people. Also, we would like to thank the organisers sincerely for the outstanding service.”

Patrik Strömer, Secretary General of Svenska Snustillverkarföreningen (Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers)

“The EVO NXT has established itself as a shining example of how international collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas can have a significant impact on the industry. Other countries could do as Sweden and increase the pace where smokers can quit smoke with new products. To see the international attention at EVO NXT was a truly great experience.”

EVO NXT – THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FESTIVAL FOR NEXT GENERATION PRODUCTS
The very first EVO NXT in 2023 saw the launch of an extraordinary event format unlike any conventional trade show – exclusively for the NGP industry! An innovative business festival offering a unique mix of information and entertainment, EVO NXT gives all participants the perfect platform for driving change together in the industry. EVO NXT presents a comprehensive overview of the latest NGP trends and innovations across a total of four ‘zones’ and gives exhibitors and visitors all the benefits of the entire span of modern live communications. Industry experts and notable speakers provide captivating inspiration for this young sector in a series of exciting keynotes, summits, workshops and panels, and selected businesses present a wide variety of innovations and offerings on different stages. A diverse mix of music acts completes the festival experience and guarantees a superb atmosphere for engaging and networking.