The UK Vaping Industry Association’s flagship Industry Forum is returning at a pivotal moment for the sector and will explore the radical change in thinking needed for vaping to reach its full smokefree potential.
Taking place on November 26 at the London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park the conference comes as the government approaches a decision on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the disposable vapes ban is now in force and ongoing geopolitical shifts continue to impact the global supply chain.
The Forum will focus on the theme ‘The Way Forward: Changing the Vaping Mindset’, examining how stakeholders from all corners of society must shift their approach to ensure vaping can effectively help the UK’s remaining six million smokers quit.
The event will also look beyond borders, exploring how policy reform, emerging international markets and the evolving product landscape are reshaping business and harm reduction on an international scale.
UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “This year’s Forum comes at a defining moment -perhaps the most important yet for the future of vaping. It also comes as millions of adults continue to smoke and the narrative around vaping remains clouded by fear and misinformation.
“What’s clear is that, if we truly want to achieve a smokefree future, a fundamental mindset shift is needed – not just from smokers, but from policymakers, health professionals, regulators, and the industry alike – so we can replace stigma with science, confusion with clarity and opposition with opportunity.
“The Forum will bring together key voices to explore how we can drive that change. If we fail to reframe the conversation around vaping now, we risk missing the greatest opportunity we’ve ever had to end smoking for good.”
Key sessions include:
- Changing the Regulatory Mindset: Grounding vape policy in evidence
- Changing the Consumer Mindset: Why public health begins with public knowledge
- Changing the Health Mindset: Putting harm reduction into practice
- Changing the Global Business Mindset: A world of opportunity with vaping
There will also be sessions covering this year’s COP11 event, an interview between the World Health Organization’s digital health assistant and a real-world stop smoking expert and an exploration of the roots and reach of misinformation alongside the industry’s role in securing a better future.
The day will close with the UKVIA’s first-ever ‘Mindset Masterclass’ – an interactive session where delegates can reflect on the key issues and talking points from the conference.
Beyond driving critical discussion and debate, the UKVIA Forum also serves as a key networking event for the sector.
Delegates will have access to a highly exclusive exhibition area and a new post-disposables product showcase. The event will conclude with an evening reception, offering an opportunity for delegates to connect and continue conversations sparked throughout the day.
This year, for the first time ever, the UKVIA is also introducing its Forum Feed, a dedicated digital hub of all things Forum which allows people to explore the agenda, meet speakers, receive event updates, book tickets and more.
Speakers and sponsors are due to be announced over the coming months.
