The ‘Davos’ of tobacco

Commentators have already dubbed the Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum (GTNF) the “Davos” of tobacco, after the prestigious World Economic Forum meetings in Switzerland—and for good reason.

From a humble experiment in Rio de Janeiro in 2008, the GTNF has grown into a force to be reckoned with on the international stage of tobacco events. The most recent edition, held  at in October 2014 at the Greenbrier resort, attracted a record number of delegates from around the world, including tobacco executives, financial analysts and even public health advocates. The next GTNF will take place in September 2015 in Bologna, Italy.

Unlike a traditional congress, in which the audience “consumes” a series of prepared presentations, GTNF revolves around interaction. Participants have an opportunity to engage with the experts, enabling them to make contacts and gain insights that are difficult to achieve in more formal settings.