Under the banner 'Leading the change', the intention is to set the chosen future path for the NGP sector without losing sight of the current state of play. With a combination of prominent exhibitors, top-rate speakers and entertainment, the event in Andalusia once again promises to be a first-class forum for knowledge sharing, networking and presenting leading-edge technologies and innovations – all with a strong focus on the various challenges facing the industry and collaboration between the players involved.

Dortmund/Málaga, 5 April 2024 – The world of next-generation products is fast-moving, innovative and full of potential. With EVO NXT, Messe Dortmund last year created a forum that does justice to the huge potential this industry has to offer. The inaugural event in 2023 was a big hit and featured an international collection of exhibitors, a diverse supporting programme with a host of top speakers and industry experts, and an inspiring atmosphere with true Mediterranean flair – all of which was rounded off with a first-class entertainment programme. It's now time for the follow-up business festival which is being held again in Málaga on 5 and 6 April 2024.

This year again, EVO NXT is taking place at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). Visionaries, thought leaders and experts in the NGP sector will be convening in the Andalusian city along with innovative and creative exhibitors and interested visitors – all with the common task of mapping out the future of the sector as suggested by the banner under which the event is being held: 'Leading the change'. The focus will be on the latest trends and developments in e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco products (HTPs), cannabidiol (CBD) products, pouches and other smokeless alternatives, as well as challenges such as increasing political regulation and growing health and environmental awareness on the part of current and potential consumers.

The full range across four zones

The NGP industry is diverse, and – like last year – this year's EVO NXT will reflect this diversity across four 'zones' giving visitors deep insights into the various aspects of the different centres of emphasis.

The Green Zone is all about the many uses to which hemp can be put. From skin cosmetics containing cannabidiol (CBD) and foods containing hemp seeds to CBD-based medical products – the Green Zone will see well-known exhibitors presenting the entire range of products derived from hemp plants.

In the E Zone, visitors will obtain a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in e-cigarettes which are becoming increasingly popular. Here, delegates will find innovative hardware designs with reusable pods and long-lasting rechargeable batteries, exciting liquid creations using natural flavourings as well as nicotine-free options, accessories and individual components such as mouthpieces and battery holders.

The Heat Zone is dedicated to the rapidly growing market for heat-not-burn tobacco products (HTPs). The leading companies in the industry will be presenting their latest tobacco heaters and tobacco sticks enabling consumers to enjoy a pleasurable smoking experience whilst using less harmful substances. Innovative tobacco blends with diverse flavours and smart devices with app connectivity ensure a modern and customisable vaping experience.

The O Zone is the zone for alternative nicotine products such as pouches and snus. It will focus on the various ways of consuming nicotine without involving cigarettes and smoke. From innovative pouches with different flavours to snus options and traditional snuff – exhibitors in the O Zone will be showcasing the latest trends and developments in the world of alternative nicotine products.

Exciting mix of information and entertainment

EVO NXT not only offers a platform for presenting the latest NGPs, but the inaugural event also proved to be a great knowledge forum and a major source of inspiration. The industry is caught between the conflicting priorities of progressive government regulation and rapid growth, as acceptance and consumption continue to increase. This fast-moving progress is also set to feature strongly in the top-class supporting programme. Top international speakers, sought-after industry experts and prominent players will be combining information and entertainment in keynote talks, rapid-fire presentations, panel discussions and the ever-popular master classes, providing participants with a varied and entertaining insights into the world of NGPs.

Examples include Ciprian Boboi, director and co-founder of the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA), John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), Will Ao, Secretary General of the China Electronic Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), and influencer Julio Ruades (a.k.a. 'El Mono Vapeador') who also acts as spokesperson for ANESVAP, the Spanish association of vaporizer consumers. In the panel discussion entitled 'Power of Cooperation and the ongoing challenges in the vape industry', the five will build on last year's kick-off event and highlight once again the relevance of international collaboration as well as the current and upcoming challenges in the vaping industry. The full supporting programme can be viewed on the EVO NXT website. One thing is certain in any case: the supporting programme at this second event will again take a detailed look at current trends, future opportunities and the challenges facing the industry as a whole.

Completing the experience will be other highlight formats such as 'Meet the Expert', giving visitors the opportunity to meet experts in person and network with them, 'Mission Mixologist', a competition where six liquid artists compete against each other in three rounds to create the best flavour, and the 'Swedish Snus Festival' presented by Next Tröber Europe giving participants access to crucial market information, the know-how of long-standing manufacturers and current regulations complete with outlook forecasts. Here too, all information on times, locations and registration details required for expert meetings and master classes due to their high popularity can be found on the EVO NXT website.

Partner line-up now even bigger

The capable partners who actively assist Messe Dortmund with things such as organising the supporting programme are also key players when it comes to preparing and staging the business festival. Joining this elite group are three new partners who bring key expertise to the table and have already been involved in getting this year's event up and running: the Confédération Européenne des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT), the Unión de Asociaciones de Estanqueros de España and the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Association (NNPA). Other partners who also helped out with last year's event are IEVA, TobaccoIntelligence, the European Cannabis Association (ECA), the CB Company, UKVIA, 2FIRSTS, the ECCC, Svenska Snustillverkarföreningen and the Global Vape Alliance (GVA).

This isn't the only reason why Messe Dortmund's Angelika Bauer is full of anticipation for the second EVO NXT: “The superb response to last year's inaugural event and the positive demand coming from exhibitors and visitors for this year's festival really highlight the true potential of EVO NXT. With a big-name supporting programme taking a detailed look at both the status quo and future prospects, and with exciting, highly committed partners and an amazing line-up of exhibitors, we're ideally equipped to set the stage once again for the NGP industry of the future. Anyone with an active interest in this segment should definitely not miss EVO NXT. We're looking forward to two days in Málaga that are packed full of inspiration, dialogue and inspiration for tomorrow's world.”