Virtual Cigar Events

Yakster · June 2023

LOL

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Juan Lopez - Gurkha Cigars

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Juan Lopez has worked in the premium cigar industry since the early 1990s. Through the booms and bust cycles of the cigar world, he has gathered a plethora of experience, now serving as the Vice President for Gurkha Cigars.

This week, Juan will be gracing the virtual stage of the Light ’em Up Lounge.
Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the storied history of Gurkha Cigars
Juan’s journey in the premium cigar industry
why the art of sales and the traditional B&Ms are still vital even in the digital age

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

P.S. Feel free to check out our app on app.lightemupgo.com – the Swiss Army Knife of the modern cigar enthusiast. Where to meet. Where to smoke. Where to buy. All in one place.

peter4jc · June 2023

Looking forward to the webinar on canoes, tunnels, and explosions.

ShawnOL · June 2023

Somebody ask him why the MSRPs on Gurkha cigars are so incredibly unrealistic. They not Cubans.

Yakster · June 2023

How was it? Anyone attend?

Here's one from illusione tonight with a giveaway.

TONIGHT, on the Cigar Prop show, we are drawing names and giving away some cool stuff.

Just go here at 7:30 EST...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTC_aXUKV-w

You will know you are in the right place because Kevin has a creepy photo of me looking like a Vegas magician*.

*Nothing against Vegas magicians and yes, I used the word 'creepy' twice in one email.

See you soon,

Fred Rewey
Illusione Cigars, Brand Strategist
© 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Yakster · June 2023

On for the giveaway. I think I need a cigar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTC_aXUKV-w

Yakster · June 2023

Just won the first giveaway.

Jrflickster · June 2023

Nice

Yakster · July 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

A special live feature on location at Napa Cigars, together with owner Eric Smaldino

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Nestled on 1st Street in the heart of historic downtown Napa, Napa Cigars offers a well-curated selection of cigars and delightful libations.

Just hours after the final curtain of this year’s PCA trade show fell, we’ll sit down with Eric Smaldino, owner and founder of Napa Cigars, on location.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

Eric’s perception and observations of the convention and trade show
his journey with premium cigars and the story of Napa Cigars
pairings, wines and the culture around cigars

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · July 2023

Something different this time, wine.

This week at Light ‘em Up Lounge:

Open Community Show, hosted by Christian Wohlrab (as Reinhard is on travels)

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Christian is co-founder of Light’ em Up, and his family runs the boutique vinery Wohlrab in Austria.
We will have an open conversation about wine, cigars, wine and cigars, and other beautiful things in life. The @zumwohlrab vinery is producing natural wines for over 15 years on 10 acres, with an output of roughly 25'000 bottles a year. Everything is vintage, unfiltered, and natural - so basically the right way.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live with a glas of wine, where we will discuss:

the ins and outs of natural wine making
pairing wine with cigars
what makes it extremely hard to guess a wine right

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live (link goes out with our Newsletter tomorrow - sign up to get it).

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Christian

Yakster · July 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Billy & Gus Fakih from Artesano Del Tobacco [Viva La Vida made at the AJ factory in Estelí and El Pulpo (including a culebra) made at AJ's San Lotano factory in Ocotal]

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Artesano del Tobacco is a boutique cigar company “that mixes art, passion and flavor to enhance the cigar smoking experience”.

Billy and Gus Fakih started their business 31 years ago with a small shop called New York Cigar Inn.
In 2015, the gentlemen sold their business to Casa De Montecristo and their journey in making cigars started when when visiting Esteli in Nicaragua.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the transition from cigar retail to manufacturing
what makes an exceptional cigar retail experience
the amalgamation of arts and cigars

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · July 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:
Garret Robinson from How Bout That Cigar & Don Doroteo Cigars

⏰ Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰

www.lightemupworld.com/lounge
With the PCA convention and trade show 2023 behind us and the second half of the year ahead, we welcome @robinson_garret, accomplished cigar media professional, podcast host, former independent broker and recently appointed VP for Don Doroteo Cigars, at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

key takeaways from the 2023 PCA trade show in Las Vegas
the future of the cigar industry
chess, music, philosophy and cigars
As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

P.S. Feel free to check out our app on app.lightemupgo.com – the Swiss Army Knife of the modern cigar enthusiast. Where to meet. Where to smoke. Where to buy. All in one place.

Yakster · August 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Ricardo Carioni - the new CEO of Gesinta International Tobacco Company

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Nicaragua-born Ricardo Carioni has recently been appointed as the new CEO of Gesinta, a leading Spanish cigar manufacturer, importer and distributor. He’s a dear friend and fellow of the Light’em Up Community who forged his career in the premium cigar industry as the COO of Tor Imports in the United Kingdom. Prior to joining the industry, he was Nicaragua’s Deputy Ambassador to the U.K., Ireland and Iceland, as well as its representative to the United Nations Maritime Organisation and other multilateral institutions.

Previously, he had worked for various large corporations, including Tripadvisor and William Hill.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

Ricardo’s new role with Gesinta in Spain
his Nicaraguan heritage and his perspective of international cigar markets
the current state of the premium cigar industry

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos
Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · August 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Tony Gomez from La Flor Dominicana

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

The accomplishments of the Gomez family and their contribution to the world of handmade premium cigars are the stuff of legends. La Flor Dominicana has firmly established itself as one of the leading global cigar brands with iconic cigars in their portfolio.

It is with great pleasure and honour that we welcome back Antonio „Tony“ Gomez at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the cigar market dynamics in the United States and internationally
Tony’s fingerprint on La Flor Dominicana
the future of the premium cigar industry

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · August 2023

Our dear friend,
please be invited to this week's Light 'em Up Lounge with:

Rafael Cifuentes

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰

Rafael Cifuentes is his family's 4th generation involved in the tobacco and cigar industry. The family who also co-founded Philip Morris Spain has been known for carrying iconic cigar brand names & trademarks such as PARTAGAS, RAMON ALLONES and CIFUENTES. During his 30+ year tenure in the tobacco industry, Rafael has engaged in:

business and sales consulting, strategic planning and go-to-market strategy for international companies, including tobacco, tobacco-related products, and raw materials (from by-products to finished products).
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisory, including managing a portfolio of multinational-company mandates to engage with independent local manufacturers in several countries
Trademark and licensing of royalty agreements and products.
It is with great pleasure and honor that we welcome Rafael at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the Cifuentes family legacy in the cigar world

the long and storied history of some of the most iconic cigar brands

the future of the premium cigar industry
As always, we are looking forward to your questions in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · August 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

„ART & CIGARS“ with Christopher Hanschitz

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Christopher „Echter“ Hanschitz is a rising star in the international art scene.
The Austrian painter and photographer discovered his passion for art through a chance encounter with Immanuel Moser.
His „Neo Cubism“ works can be admired in galleries and private collections around the world.

Christopher is a gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life. Together we will explore the amalgamation and confluences of the art and cigar worlds

It is with great pleasure and honour that we welcome Christopher at the Light ’em Up Lounge.
Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

art and cigars
sensory perception and synesthesia
enjoying the finer things in life, even at a young age

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

ShawnOL · August 2023

If the painting he's standing next to is his and he calls that art, he ain't very good.

Yakster · September 2023

his week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

„The Evolution of the Global Cigar Market“ - industry panel discussion

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Just one week before the second cigar trade show highlight of the year - InterTabac in Dortmund - we are delighted to welcome a cigar industry expert panel to discuss the dynamics and evolution of the global cigar market.

Together with manufacturers, tobacco growers, importers, retailers and our international community, please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the dynamics of the US and international cigar markets
over-under: what will the numbers look like in 2023
a sneak preview of the InterTabac trade show

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · September 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Fred Pinel - Pinel et Pinel

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

In 2004, Fred Pinel created a contemporary and also one of the youngest luxury houses: Pinel et Pinel. An exceptional Malletier, he reinterprets the codes of French luxury in his Parisian workshop together with his skilled craftsmen.

Pinel et Pinel, treasured as an excellent trunk maker also offers collections of various luxury leather goods and small accessories.
Fred Pinel’s passion for cigars naturally led him to design a collection dedicated to premium cigars, from a delicate cigar case to the „Ultimate Cigar Trunk“ which can hold up to 1400 cigars.

Pinel et Pinel‘s unique collections reflect the savoir-faire and eye for detail of the young Maison and its artisans.

It is with great pleasure and honor that we welcome Fred at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the evolution of luxury markets internationally
cigar accessories and their purpose
building a new luxury Maison in today’s challenging environment

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · September 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

This one could be interesting.

Terence Reilly - Aganorsa Leaf

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Terence Reilly first made a name for himself with Quesada Cigars, before joining Aganorsa Leaf (then Casa Fernandez).

Refocusing the brand’s identity on the company’s famed agricultural operation and reemphasising the motto, “Our Leaf Is Our Strength“, Terence has been critically involved in all the recent evolutions at Aganorsa Leaf, taking the brand to new heights, one step at a time.

It is with great pleasure and honor that we welcome Terence at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

tobacco & cigars, from seed to ash
building a personal brand
rebranding and rejuvenating

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · September 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Filippo Costi - Maya Selva Cigars with an exclusive tasting of „10 + 10“

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

“Tradition gives meaning to the present“, Filippo Costi states. A world traveler in love with details - because that's where you find God - is how Maya Selva’s CCO describes himself.

Fillippo has a doctorate in Architecture and Urban Design from Italy's Politecnico di Milano. With extensive experience in the world of luxury watches and jewelry, as well as customer service, management, marketing and sales, his love and passion for premium cigars ultimately made him join Maya Selva Cigars five years ago.

It is with great pleasure and honor that we welcome Filippo at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will exclusively taste the new „10+10“ cigar project, and discuss:

tobacco and cigar maturation
luxury brand vs family businesses
architecture, arts, music and cigars

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · October 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Miguel M. Schoedel - Crowned Heads

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Miguel M. Schoedel is a 21-year veteran of the premium cigar world. The National Sales Manager of Crowned Heads & Ozgener Family Cigars started his career at CAO before joining his former CAO-fellows Jon Huber and Mike Conder in 2017.

It is with great pleasure and honor that we welcome Miguel at the Light ’em Up Lounge.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the cigar industry
the most recent succ with Crowned Heads
cigars, culture, and art

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

peter4jc · October 2023

He was a guest on the LnL Blind Tasting, and it was good.

Yakster · October 2023

From Cigar Sense:

Have you ever met with a group of friends and could not agree on what to make of a cigar? Have you ever struggled to name the flavors you perceive when smoking a cigar? Or wondered how your perceptions compare to other cigar lovers?

If any of these resonate with you, you might enjoy joining our Consumer Tasting Groups. You can enhance your knowledge and win recognition!

https://www.cigarsense.com/consumer-tasting-groups/

On Sunday 15 October 2023, we will explain all details of how it works. Here is how to join in:

Time: Oct 15, 2023 08:00 PM Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna (GMT+2)
Pacific: 11:00 AM
Eastern: 2:00 PM

Meeting ID: 872 1313 2518
Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87213132518

We highly value and respect your opinions and expertise. We hope you’ll find this interesting and engaging, and look forward to seeing you on zoom!

In the meantime,

Respect your palate, your time and your wallet!

Franca & David

Yakster · October 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Ben Wills (Benecia Williams) - Sisters in Smoke

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Ben Wills is the founder of Sisters in Smoke. A seasoned brand content curator, Ben has been a cigar lover and consultant for various cigar brands, tobacconist retailers and industry protagonists for more than 5 years and 13 years curating creative brand engagement and identity, developing events and strategic brand placement.

„Sisters In Smoke is the highlight of female representation. It’s my visual experience of what it looks like when women get together and bond as ‚sisters’; It’s our who, what, when and where.
My goal is to bridge the gap visually in a participatory way; to level the conversation around the women/sisters of the leaf in the same format and platform as others.“

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

content creation and curation in an old-fashioned industry
inclusion and participation through cigars
the role of women in the cigar industry

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge:
https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · October 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

The 2023 PCA International Premium Cigar Policy Summit - live

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Once again, we are delighted and honored to co-host the PCA’s 2023 International Premium Cigar Policy Summit on October 18 from 10am EST (4pm CET) to 2pm EST (8pm CET).
The PCA will delve into discussions that shape global markets and diplomatic relations, led by prominent industry leaders and experts. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and foster international connections.

Reinhard will moderate one of the panels about „Building Viable Markets Worldwide: USA, Europe, and Beyond“ with distinguished guests.

After the summit, we will host an after-show at the Light’em Up Lounge with our treasured family and friends, to discuss the key take-aways and discussion points from the panels.

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge: https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

P.S. Feel free to check out our app on app.lightemupgo.com – the Swiss Army Knife of the modern cigar enthusiast. Where to meet. Where to smoke. Where to buy. All in one place.

Yakster · October 2023

This week at Light ‘em Up Lounge:

Open Community Show for Friends and Family (as Reinhard is on travels)

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss all things cigars, stories, trends and what's on everybody's minds this week.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom (link goes out with our Newsletter tomorrow - sign up to get it).
The Facebook Stream will not be live this time.

To enter the lounge: https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard

Yakster · October 2023

Our dear friend,
please be invited to this week's (🚨Thursday) Light 'em Up Lounge with:

John Oliva, Jr. - Oliva Tobacco Co.
🗓 Thu 3pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰

John Oliva, Jr. is a fourth generation tobacco man with over thirty years of experience in the cigar industry. He is currently President of his family’s ninety year old cigar tobacco growing company where he oversees day to day operations.

"For 89 years, our family has had the honor and privilege of supplying the world’s premier cigar producers with fine leaf tobacco. Four generations have devoted their lives to learning the secrets of planting, cultivating, harvesting, curing, and grading tobacco. Oliva Tobacco leaf is highly coveted, because of our almost obsessive commitment to every facet of the premium tobacco growing process.“

Established in 1934 by Angel Oliva, Sr., Oliva Tobacco Co. is recognized as one of the premier tobacco growing families in the premium cigar industry.

This week, we’re beyond excited to welcome John at the Light ’em Up Lounge as our guest of honor.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

The mystical world of finest tobacco leaves
Generational family businesses
Terroir, culture and heritage

As always, we are looking forward to your questions in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge: https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Facebook Live archived videos of past events: https://www.facebook.com/lightemupworld/videos

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

Yakster · October 2023

That one sounds interesting.

Yakster · November 2023

Note, this one is at 3 PM Eastern on Thursday instead of the usual time and day.

Yakster · November 2023

This week at Light 'em Up Lounge:

Francisco Almonte and George Manzella from DBL Cigars

🗓 Wed 2pm ET / 8pm CET ⏰
www.lightemupworld.com/lounge

Francisco Almonte is a 3rd generation tobacco man. He started working with tobacco at the age of 7, honed his craft under Carlos Fuente Sr. and later became the General Manager of Production for LFD, where he remained for one decade before starting DBL Cigars in 2013.

This past February DBL celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony and gala for the new cigar and box factories. Furthermore, DBL owns and operates three tobacco fields, creating a holistic cigar experience from seed to smoke.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Francisco Almonte and George Manzella at the Light ’em Up Lounge as our guests of honor.

Please be most cordially invited to join us live, where we will discuss:

vertical integration
baseball and cigars
a life dedicated to tobacco

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you all in person via Zoom, or on Facebook live.

To enter the lounge: https://zoom.us/j/547920250

Meeting-ID: 547 920 250

Your host,
Reinhard Pohorec

[I'll probably watch this on replay]

Virtual Cigar Events

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