“The Great Smoke has become one of the nation's most acclaimed cigar event for 15 years. Aficionados from all over the world have made the annual trip for this experience driven multi-vendor event. In light of decisions that have to be made early, and our concern for the health and safety of all our friends and guests, we are moving forward with a virtual version of TGS in 2021, “The Digital Experience!” said Smoke Inn proprietor, Abe Dababneh.
Abe and his team have promised a unique, unprecedented experience that will substitute for actaully being there the best way possible. “Imagine if you will, a Jerry Lewis Telethon meets QVC format for an analogy,” stated Abe Dababneh. The 8-hour interactive broadcast will feature cigar manufacturers, interactive liquor demonstrations, live entertainment, dancers, comedians, musicians, hourly raffles and giveaways, and a specially built portal for attendees to take advantage of event only promotions and sales.
Abe further noted, “The scope of this project will be huge and is honestly hard to put in words at the moment. The broadcast will be done in front of a small live audience and Showtek Productions, out of Atlanta, has been hired to handle all aspects of the production and broadcast. Showtek has been behind many major national broadcasts such as The Golden Globes, The Kings of Comedy, and Soul Train to name a few. It is very important to us to create something special. Something fans and consumers will talk about for months, long after the event is over. We even have some very special limited releases scheduled to debut the day of the event. While I still believe that nothing can match the physical experience of attending a Great Smoke, I am determined to create an equally special and exciting experience for aficionados all over the country.”
While the main event is going to be public, there will be a special password-accessible only portal site for ticket holders. Here they will be able to take advantage of special event offers and have access to the new limited releases. All ticket purchasers will receive an event package before to the event. This “party in a box” will include at least 40 premium cigars, the official TGS event hat and t-shirt, various other swag, and specialty items that will be used during the interactive segments of the broadcast. Because of packaging and shipping limitations, there will be a strict limit to the number of tickets sold. Tickets sales for the event are tentatively scheduled to begin November 2nd, Noon EST through www.TheGreatSmoke.com.