The International Seminar brings together experts from around the world to share their “expertise”, tradition, and knowledge to delve deeper into the world of Habano and everything surrounding it in a program full of activities, “masterclasses,” and lectures.
The protagonists of the Seminar will be true eminences, who will enlighten us with their mastery in various demonstrations and lectures, as well as unique pairings.
The International Seminar will begin on Wednesday, February 28th, in room 4 at 09:45 am, with a lecture titled ” Trinidad makes the difference: Panel devoted: Past, present and future”. This will be presented by Ana López García ( ex-Marketing Director of Habanos, S.A. 1994-2003 y 2009-2014), Javier Terrés Ercilla ( ex-Development Vicepresident of Habanos, S.A. ( 2000-2017), Miguel Barzaga ( Director of the Cuban tobacco industry), Bárbara Venegas Arboláez ( Historian of the city of Trinidad) and Beatriz Garrido García (Operational Marketing Director of Habanos, S.A.). Of course, the star of the lecture will be the Habano, concluding with an exclusive pairing between Trinidad Topes and Rum La Progresiva de Vigía 13.
Following the lecture, the central alliance, which will take place at 11.30am, will be with the renowned Champagne brand Tattinger, (Taittinger Brut Reserve, Prestige y Millesime),a unique product with D.O.P. like the Habano, a unique pairing due to its origin, tradition, and exclusivity.
On Thursday, February 29th, 2024, the featured brand will be Quai D’Orsay, where we can enjoy the lecture: Quai D’Orsay, two cities for the Habano, by leading figures in the marketing and business of Habanos, such as: Antoine Bathie, Rodrigo González, Walid Saleh, Ives Belaubre and x. This will culminate with a pairing for attendees of the Quai D’Orsay No.52 and Havana Club Pacto de Navío.
In parallel, the Habanos World Challenge will be very present during these days.
Next, the seminar will continue with the anticipated “Habanos Moments” in romos 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively, there will be sessions featuring Habanos with Porto Wines (Croft fine tawny Port, Croft Reserve Tawny Port y Taylor’s fine tawny Port), Montecristo L’Sprit wines (Le Crepúscule, La Nuit and L’Aurore), Ron Caney Añejo Centuria 7 years, and Ron Tributo from Havana Club.
Tickets for the Habanos Moments can be purchased depending on availability at the time of in-person accreditation.
Finally, on Friday, March 1st, Festival participants will be able to attend the final of the famous Habanos World Challenge, which will take place at 09:00 am in room 1 of the Palacio de Convenciones (Convention Center). A contest that begins with a preliminary phase taking place in different markets around the world, to compete in a semifinal in Havana to be the two pairs of enthusiasts who know the most about the world of Habano, and compete in this GRAND FINAL, for the prestigious recognition as winners of the Habanos World Challenge. In addition, attendees will also enjoy a pairing of XX with XX, guided by expert Habanosommeliers, a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn about what is considered the world’s best tobacco.
The Seminar will conclude in room 4 with the closing of the International Seminar and the Commercial Fair with the awards in different categories: Best free stand design, best modular stand design, best overall communication and most visited stand.
