As someone who was there last year, I can tell you what we had in '04 and some of the differences that are planned for this year.
Last year, it lasted about 6 or 8 hours. (I was there 12 and by the end I was delirious so I'm not sure how long). Too long, that's for sure. We shortened it to 4 hours, more than enough time to bond with the vendors. From where I stood, I saw dozens of people chatting with Jonathan Drew and Rocky Patel. Did they exchange Christmas Cards? I don't know for sure, but a few DID go to Nica.
The larger venue alleviates the HORRIBLE ventilation problem.
Yes, you will receive a coupon book that you hand to the vendors to get your freebies. Last year we handed out cloth bags with the CigarFest logo...very nice. I use mine to carry 'stuff' back and forth to work each day. Not sure what they're putting together for this year, but I'm sure it will be just as nice.
It's not set up like a cattle shoot. You'll be able to go back and talk to anyone you'd like.
The afterherf is an extension of the herf, only smaller - MUCH smaller. This is the opportunity to really talk to the vendors. With 75 tickets being auctioned/sold and 50 vendors, I think it will be much more intimate than you'd expect. Besides, do you really WANT to curl Nick Perdomo's hair. 🙂
Guys this is an incredibly fun time. I think we should all wait to see how it pans out. Ask anyone who was there last year (with the exception of the cloud of smoke). You won't be disappointed.
