Business festival impresses with strong conference program and intensive networking.

After two intensive days in Prague, EVO NXT has come to a close, once again confirming its value as a key platform for the NGP industry. On 17 and 18 April, the Czech capital became a hub for innovation, exchange, and networking. Retailers, distributors, and industry experts used the event to gain a compact yet structured overview of current innovations and new products. At the same time, the trade fair provided a high-level forum for professional exchange and targeted networking within a dynamic industry. The well-attended conference program in particular highlighted the strong demand for in-depth knowledge transfer and dialogue.

Dortmund, 20 April 2026 – On the Main Stage, as well as during the Masterclasses and Deep Dives in the Industry Lounge, topics such as regulation, market access, and current political developments at EU level were especially in focus. These sessions attracted a broad professional audience – a clear indication of how crucial orientation, exchange, and reliable information are for the future of the industry.

Collaboration with industry insiders proves valuable
As in the previous year, the hybrid information format “Eyes on Brussels” by Tobacco Europe was among the most attended program highlights. Content collaboration with additional partners also proved highly valuable: masterclasses and talks by the Global Institute of Novel Nicotine (GINN), the European Nicotine Pouches Alliance, the European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers (CEDT), TobaccoIntelligence, as well as leading industry players such as BAT and osapiens, provided well-founded insights and practical perspectives.

Intensive discussions and, above all, numerous new business contacts emerged both around the stage, during the interactive expert sessions, and at the booths of international exhibitors. Top brands, industry leaders, and visionaries showcased their innovations and services at the Forum Karlín venue. The strong potential of the NGP sector was also reflected in the international diversity of exhibitors, who traveled to Prague from countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, China, the United States, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

An additional highlight was the Get-Together on the evening of the first day of the event. In a relaxed atmosphere, professional discussions continued beyond the official program. The informal setting was widely used to deepen existing contacts, initiate new partnerships, and exchange views on regulatory issues in particular. The networking event once again underlined EVO NXT’s core objective: fostering sustainable connections within the industry.

Choice of location proves successful
“Once again this year, EVO NXT has demonstrated the strong demand for a compact information and networking format within the NGP industry,” summarizes Angelika Bauer, Head of Division at Messe Dortmund. “The industry operates intersection of innovation pressure, growing demand and increasing regulatory dynamics. To succeed in this environment, companies need reliable market insights, strong partnerships, and close exchange with other market participants – and that is exactly what we enabled in Prague.” She also considers the choice of venue a clear success: “With Prague, we deliberately chose a location in a dynamic and growing Eastern European market. This region offers enormous potential and has significantly enriched the content, discussions, and perspectives of EVO NXT. Looking toward Eastern Europe has provided fresh momentum and demonstrated the importance of viewing European developments holistically.”

As the saying goes, after the show all eyes turn to the next. Interested parties can stay up to date with all developments and news about EVO NXT via the following channels: LinkedIn, Instagram, website, and newsletter.

>>> Note for journalists:
First press photoss from EVO NXT 2026 are available via the link below (“Press photos”).

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
EVO NXT – THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FESTIVAL FOR NEXT GENERATION PRODUCTS
EVO NXT will be held in Prague on 17 and 18 April 2026 and is the meeting place for players in the NGP industry. In Czechia, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, researchers and investors, among others, will convene to discuss the current state of the industry and work together to set course for the future. End consumers can get an overview of the latest trends and products from big players in the industry as well as promising newcomers. And they’ll all be doing so in a very special atmosphere, because EVO NXT is an innovative business festival with a unique mix of information and entertainment – making it the perfect forum reflecting and supporting an innovative industry as it seeks to move forward.

DATE: 17 – 18 April 2026
EVENT ORGANISER: Messe Dortmund GmbH
LOCATION: Forum Karlin, Prague
VISITOR TARGET GROUPS: Top international decision-makers from the retail sector (specialist retailers, wholesalers, and retailers), manufacturing, distribution, and the service sector. International industry representatives from the e-cigarette, heat-not-burn, oral and novel nicotine, snus, CBD, and hemp sectors. Admission is restricted to trade visitors and end consumers of legal age.
PARTNERS:
• Confédération Européenne des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT)
• Nordic Nicotine Pouches Association (NNPA)
• IEVA
• TobaccoIntelligence
• European Cannabis Association (ECA)
• CB Company
• UKVIA
• 2FIRSTS
• ECCC
• Svenska Snustillverkarföreningen
• Global Vape Alliance (GVA)
• Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN)
• Tobacco Europe
• Euromonitor
• FuturNic