Convention & Trade Show Schedule

[Architeuthis]

Yes, this is available on the RTDA WebSite, but thought it might be useful to have here also.

Thursday, August 2
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Large Exhibitor Setup
(more than 16 booths)

Friday, August 3
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Exhibitor Setup
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Early trade show badge registration

Saturday, August 4
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Exhibitor Setup
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Seminar 1
Pipe Marketing for Retailers
Ed O'Connor, Director of Sales and Marketing for Tobacconist Magazine will lead a panel of industry experts in a discussion about effective techniques for maximizing sales of pipes including marketing and merchandising strategies.
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Refreshment Break
2:15 PM - 3:45PM Seminar 2
Get a Grip! TM Overcoming Stress and Thriving in the Workplace
Top-selling author Bob Losyk offers a practical, fast-paced and humorous presentation on how to handle stress in the workplace to make you more productive. Bob is the author of the books, Get a Grip! Overcoming Stress and Thriving in the Workplace, as well as Managing a Changing Workforce: Achieving Outstanding Service with Today's Employees, he has presented his management techniques to over 1,800 audiences worldwide.
4:00 PM - 5:00PM Seminar 3
The Value of Retailer Product Knowledge and the Importance of Today's Tobacconists
Presented by Jorge Luis Armenteros, CMT, President and Founder of Tobacconist University. Jorge puts into context the importance of what we do and illustrates how valuable we really are. He also exemplifies ways to get more societal acceptance in today's environment. HI TU introductory curriculum is an in-depth academic study of tobacco, its history, agriculture, processing, manufacturing, and marketing.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM RTDA 75th Anniversary Celebration
Kick off this historic convention with a celebration that's 75 years in the making! Enjoy great food, drinks, and the company of the entire industry at this lavish event. Open to all retail and exhibitor attendees.
Time: TBA Altadis Retailer Reception

Sunday, August 5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM RTDA Opening Breakfast & Annual Meeting
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Trade Show Open
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Lunch
(vouchers provided to all Retail Members)
Time: TBA General Cigar Reception
The Warehouse Live

Monday, August 6
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Trade Show Open
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spouse Trip #1:
Galveston Island Tour
Once the richest city in Texas and the site of the worst natural disaster in US history, Galveston Island is home the historic Strand District with over 100 shops, restaurants and art galleries. Listen to the ghost stories of haunted hotels, restaurants, the Railroad Museum and even a Civil War infirmary as you tour the district. The tour also features the"Broadway Beauties," a group of distinctive, historic homes which portray early 20th century family life among Galveston's most elite.
(Cost $30. including lunch. Click here for the advance registration form which is required by June 30.)
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Lunch
(vouchers provided to all Retail Members)
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM RTDA Hospitality Suite Open
8 PM - MIDNIGHT CAO Reception
CAO will provide transportation to a secret location! Pick up in lobby of Hilton Americas starting at 7pm

Tuesday, August 7
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Trade Show Open
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spouse Trip #2:
The Art of...
Take a tour of Houston's museums to see some of the city's most famous art. Visit the famed Art Car Museum full of imaginative and artfully constructed art cars, low riders and mobile contraptions. See the studio of sculptor David Adickes whose celebrated larger-than-life sculptures are on display in major art museums and public spaces throughout the country. The tour also includes the home and gardens of the Bayou Bend estate, with thousands of objects showcasing the American decorative arts from the 1620's through the 1870's. Lunch will be served at Ouisie's Table, one of Houston's most popular restaurants.
(Cost $30. including lunch. Click here for the advance registration form which is required by June 30.)
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Free Lunch
(vouchers provided to all Retail Members)
5:00 PM - 11:00 PM RTDA Hospitality Suite Open

Wednesday, August 8
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Registration Open
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Trade Show Open
1:00 PM Trade Show Closes