NWI Events: Midwest Smoke Out
Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 21:08
Midwest Smoke Out
Cigars, cars, spirits, gaming, girls and entertainment charges the lineup at the
Midwest Smoke Out. It’s more than a cigar show; it’s a man show. The April 22
event is coming to The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
Attendees can expect a night of complete luxury; receiving more than a dozen
premium cigar samples, spirit, beer and wine tastings, gourmet food items and
luxury items on display. And yes, you can smoke.
The event is being developed and promoted by Crown Point-based Diversified
Marketing. The idea for the Midwest Smoke Out, which came out of an informal
gathering with clients, really took off and has turned into quite a venture for the
company, which also publishes Building Indiana News.
“It’s been so amazing the way this idea has taken off,” said Diversified Marketing’s
Andrea Pearman. “We were literally sitting around talking with some contractors when
the idea just took off.” Part of the excitement for the show comes from Chicago going
smoke-free, Which put a damper on the Chicago cigar show, that had been one of the
largest in country, second only to The Big Smoke, Vegas’ annual weekend cigar event.
“Our event, with the close proximity to Chicago, helps fill this void,” Pearman added.
“What also adds to the evening is the fact that the Venue will allow gaming at the event.”
VIP suites for the event sold out in one day, and other corporate packages are going fast
according to Event Director Kristin Jurczak. Many businesses have invited executives,
colleagues and clients to attend this firstclass event. Guys are calling their poker club,
college friends and co-workers together for a night out.
“We have had such a Joining the list of spirit exhibitors will be Remy Martin, Maker’s Mark, vodkas, tequilas, The Midwest Smoke Out, open to guests 21 and older, will take place on Thursday, April 22
cognacs; leading ports and wines; and beers including Three Floyds, Blue Moon, New
Holland Brewery, Old Rasputin, Budweiser, Miller and Coors just to name a few.
Luxury items will also be on display including Schepel Cadillac and Hummer, Lamborghini,
Rolex in addition to a host of Northwest Indiana and greater Chicagoland restaurants.
from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Venue. Tickets are available at the early bird price of $140 per guest
until March 15. Ticket prices increase to $160 per person after that date.
that want to be involved with the show,” Jurczak noted. “The support that we have
received and the interest the event has stirred has been tremendous, especially with
this being its first year.” The event will also offer the opportunity for companies from
Indiana and the Midwestto network with key clients and customers in a relaxed, fun-filled
evening. Adding to the evening will be the Cadillac Girls, Harley’s Angels and even a few
Vegas showgirls. The Midwest Smoke Out offers cigar makers and retailers what may be
their last chance to reach Hoosiers, the nation’s second-largest group of tobacco consumers,
in this type of venue. While the U.S. remains the world’s top market for cigars, sales have suffered
recently due to bans on smoking in bars and restaurants. With states searching for new
revenue sources and anti-smoking legislation primed to reach the Indiana legislature this
year, the event could be a last hurrah for cigar lovers to gather in a classic smoke-filled room.
“The cigar community is an affluent group who enjoy the finer things in life and everything
about this event reflects the quality of the cigars and exhibitors we are bringing to Northwest
Indiana,” Pearman added.
All attendees will receive a gift pack of some 15 premier cigars, along with spirit and
food tasting and the chance to check out a range of luxury goods and smoking
accessories on display. Premium cigar distributors including companies such as Camacho
Cigars, Xikar, CAO, Punch, Upper Cut, Gran Habanos, Fonseca, Perdomo, Di Fazio and more.
Some corporate packages may still be available and include dinner reservations at the
Horseshoe’s award-winning Jack Binion Steakhouse – voted Best Casino-Fine Dining
by readers of Midwest Gaming and Travel. The Steakhouse will be exclusively open
forevent guests and feature a special menu including filet, prime rib and salmon.
Limited sponsorship and booth space are still available to luxury spirits and tobacco
companies.
The event’s Facebook page and website is being updated almost daily with new vendors
and information.
“Go online and check it out. This will be a hot event for Northwest Indiana and one not to
miss,” added Jurczak. For more information, visit www.midwestsmokeout.com or contact Kristin
Jurczak at Diversified Marketing at (219) 226-0300.
