Review of the May 2018 Birmingham Vape Expo in the UK

The UK electronic cigarette market experienced rapid growth from 2015 to 2017, which also fueled the popularity of vape exhibitions in the UK. In this year alone, there will be at least five vape expos held in three different cities: the London Vape Expo in April, the Birmingham Vape Expo in May, the London Vape Expo in August, the Manchester Vape Expo in September, and another Birmingham Vape Expo in October. The May Birmingham Expo featured over 150 exhibitors and attracted more than 10,000 visitors, with nearly 50 Chinese exhibitors, accounting for about one-third of all participating companies.

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and its largest industrial city. It is home to the NEC (National Exhibition Centre), the largest exhibition venue in the UK, located next to Birmingham Airport. The Birmingham Vape Expo took place in halls 17-20 of the NEC.

This was my fourth time leading a group to the Birmingham Vape Expo. From the initial shock to later becoming accustomed to it, I realized that the booming UK vape market made the Birmingham Expo equally vibrant, which is quite normal... Having attended multiple Birmingham expos, I noticed both similarities and differences in this year's event compared to previous ones.
First, traditional box mods and mechanical mods still have their market. After 3-4 years of rapid development, the UK market has matured, and most local consumers own 2-3 regulated box mods or 2-3 mechanical mods.

Regulated box mods are predominantly occupied by Chinese brands, with products from traditional brands like SMOK, Aspire, and Tesla being widely available.

This year's Birmingham Expo showcased several standout box products from Chinese brands, including: Geekvape's AEGIS LEGEND KIT, dual 18650, 200W regulation, color screen; IJOY's voice-controlled AVENGER 270 KIT, which allows voice control for regulation and lighting; IPV's new TRANTOR box, featuring the YiHi SX500A chip, 200W regulation, dual 18650 batteries, and the latest SXi-Q system for a personalized experience; Usonicig's innovative new box product, which generates vapor through ultrasonic vibrations without a heating coil or combustion; and Wotofo's new RTA atomizer, Hellvape atomizer, among others.

In terms of mechanical mods, brands like American Tower, American ROGUE, American PURGE, American AV, and British ENDLESS still have a loyal following. The ACROHM semi-mechanical mod from China stands out with its electronic protection system, eliminating the dangers of mechanical mods while retaining their power, using a single 18650 battery.

Second, CBD e-liquids are on the rise. Like most international vape expos, over half of the exhibitors at the Birmingham Expo were e-liquid companies or distributors. A significant proportion of the e-liquid companies showcased CBD e-liquids, including LiveWell, TMB Notes, Vapour Freaks, Signature, Yougote Juice, The CBD Store, CBD ASYLUM, and more.

Third, heated tobacco products were officially exhibited. It is important to note that we do not categorize heated tobacco products as electronic cigarettes, as their fundamental principles are entirely different. Heated tobacco products are closer to traditional cigarettes, although their taste and experience are more akin to real tobacco, garnering significant interest from smokers.

IQOS made its official appearance at the expo. IQOS claims to have successfully converted over 5 million smokers into IQOS consumers in more than 25 countries and regions, heating tobacco at a lower temperature of 350 degrees Celsius, producing less smoke, no ash, no secondhand smoke, and significantly reducing the tobacco smell on smokers, with a harm reduction of over 90% compared to traditional cigarettes.

Fourth, pod products are gaining momentum. This year's Birmingham Expo featured over 20 pod products, many of which are also produced by well-known manufacturers of larger devices.

Notable pod products at the Birmingham Expo included: IPV's Refi Pod with a 500mAh battery and 1.0ml pod; MSML's MARSHMALLOW Vape Pod; J WELL's LC (LA CARTE) with a 400mAh battery and 2.0ml pod, along with the CUBE MINI featuring an 1100mAh battery and 3.5ml pod; Relaxo's RXO-T with no fire button, a 350mAh battery, 0.5ml pod, and 0.8ohm resistance, plus the ZOLO series; VLADDIN's 350mAh pod product with patented ceramic core technology and four flavor options; DMM's FLEVO product; and VO TECH's ZEAL series.
#p#分页标题#e#The magazine "Vape World" served as the Chinese agency for this year's Birmingham Expo, bringing along a delegation that included companies like YiHai, Blue Print, MeiShenWei, YiKangEr, YaWeiTe, Firearm Electronic Cigarettes, Vzone, HellVape, VLADDIN, Usonicig, HengWanSheng, Serisvape, Vapcell, CoolVapor, and others.

The second and third days of the expo, Saturday and Sunday, were open to the public, resulting in a significant increase in attendees, with many people queuing to enter the venue. Many attendees were end consumers, along with numerous store owners. The expo organizers arranged many interactive activities for the public days, including a winding area, media area, rest area, activity area, CASINO, and performances featuring street dance and energetic dance with an electronic cigarette theme, as well as giveaways of sponsor products and T-shirts and hats. The central stage area was packed with people, and the booming music was deafening.

The expo organizers also announced that the next Birmingham Vape Expo will take place from October 26-28 this year at the NEC Exhibition Centre. The Vape Magazine will once again organize a delegation for the event, allowing Chinese companies that missed this year's UK expo due to late registration to plan and arrange in advance.