Y'all, it's time to circle your calendars and pack your boots—because the CHAMPS Trade Show is coming to Austin, Texas!
I'm not going to lie, when I heard CHAMPS was heading to Austin, I got a little too excited. This city isn't just
one of the fastest-growing markets in the country for smoke shops, head shops, and counterculture retailers—it's a place that actually gets it. Austin lives and breathes creativity, music, and that Texas-sized "keep it weird" energy that makes business feel less like work and more like hanging out with your favorite people.
Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor who's done every trade show in the book, a first-timer who's still figuring out what CHAMPS is all about, or just someone looking to get inspired and maybe eat some incredible BBQ, this event is your gateway to new products, serious networking, and unforgettable experiences deep in the heart of Texas.
The Perfect Venue in the Perfect City
The 2025 Austin CHAMPS Trade Show is happening at the Palmer Events Center, and honestly, they couldn't have picked a better spot. This modern, spacious venue sits right on the edge of downtown, so you're literally steps from Lady Bird Lake, some of the best nightlife in the country, and food that'll make you question every meal you've ever had.
The Palmer Events Center is known for being easy to navigate (thank God, because nobody wants to get lost trying to find that one booth they marked on their map), plenty of parking, and a layout that actually makes sense. Whether you're driving in from across Texas or flying in from wherever you
call home, you'll find the venue perfectly situated for both getting down to business and having a damn good time.
Where to Stay (Book Now, Thank Me Later)
Look, I've been to trade shows where I ended up staying
45 minutes away because I waited too long to book. Don't be that person. CHAMPS has hooked up some exclusive rates with local hotels, and you need to book through their official housing portal to get the good deals and stay close to all the action.
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Here are the official hotel partners that'll keep you right in the mix:
Hyatt Regency Austin
Nestled on the shores of Lady Bird Lake across from downtown Austin proper, our hotel on Barton Springs Road offers easy access to South Congress entertainment, Rainey Street nightlife and 6th Street bars and dining. During summer months, walk to the Congress Ave Bridge to see Austin’s famous bat migration spot, where over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats congregate in a spectacular sunset show. Take a dip in our newly renovated pool or relax in one of our new private cabanas with a spectacular view of the downtown Austin skyline.
208 Barton Springs Austin, Texas 78704
Room rate:
One King or Two Queen: $245
From Sept 7th to 13th, 2025.
Deal ends August 22!
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Take in scenic views of the Austin skyline from our downtown hotel, located next to the Congress Avenue Bridge and Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Convention Center, Warehouse District, Sixth Street, and Second Street shops are less than a mile away. Enjoy our indoor pool, free made-to-order breakfast, and complimentary evening reception
Get Ready for the Austin CHAMPS Trade Show!
Glass Games Information
The Glass Games will have 34 artist booths to choose from as well as an old Colorado Tradition they are bringing to Austin. The Goblet Grab! A fan favorite where for $200 you get to take home the win ning pieces! Prizes to the glass artists will be 1st$1000, 2nd - $500, and 3rd$250
eating, and it would be worth the flight. But since you're here for business too, here are three spots that'll blow your mind:
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
The Glass Games Crew really wanted to blow glass so they are having the first sanctioned CHAMPS Glass Games evening Flameoff
The Longhorn Flame Off at The Glasssmith in Austin Wednesday the 10th of September.
The winning artist will take home $1000 and a Bethlehem Burner Bravo torch worth $3000
You Have to Eat Here (Trust Me on This)
Okay, I need to talk about Austin food for a minute because this is where the city really shines. You could spend your whole trip just
This place is exactly what it sounds like and somehow even better. Where else can you get world-class smoked brisket and authentic Tex-Mex in one bite? I'm talking breakfast tacos that'll change your life, pulled pork that melts in your mouth, and their famous "Real Deal Holyfield" taco—if you love BBQ, this is not optional.
Discada
This East Austin taco stand is doing something I've never seen anywhere else. They cook marinated meats on an actual plow disc, load them with flavor, and top them with pineapple and salsa. It sounds weird, it looks amazing, and it tastes incredible. Locals won't shut up about it for good reason.
Uchi
Alright, full disclosure: Uchi is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. Ever. Chef Tyson Cole's innovative Japanese cuisine and sushi is next level—like, this place has become a training ground for top chefs, kind of next level. It's not cheap, but if you want to treat yourself after a successful show, this is where you do it.
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Valentina’sTexMexBBQ
Discada
Uchi
Get Ready for the Austin CHAMPS Trade Show!
What to Do When You're Not Talking Business
Austin isn't just about the food (though the food alone is worth the trip). When you need a break from the show floor, here's how to soak up that Austin culture:
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Every evening from spring through fall, over a million bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. It's this incredible sunset show that draws crowds from all over the world, and it's quintessentially Austin. You'll stand there with a bunch of strangers watching bats fly around and somehow it's one of the coolest things you'll ever see.
Blanton Museum of Art
If you need to recharge your creative batteries, the Blanton is where you go. They've got one of the largest university art collections in the country—European masterpieces, contemporary installations, stuff that'll make you see things differ ently. Perfect for clearing your head between meetings.
Esther's Follies
For a night of laughs and local flavor, catch a show at Esther's Follies on Sixth Street. This legendary variety show mixes comedy, magic, and music in a way that only Austin could pull off. It's weird, it's fun, and it's a perfect way to end a long day.
Why Austin, Why Now?
Here's the thing about Austin—it's not just a city, it's a whole vibe. With its booming population, progressive
spirit, and reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World," it's the perfect place to connect with innovators, discover trends that are actually going somewhere, and grow your business in ways you didn't expect.
The CHAMPS Trade Show is your chance to tap into all that energy, meet partners who get what you're trying to do, and get inspired by everything Texas has to offer. Plus, let's be honest—when was the last time you went to a trade show where you were actually excited to explore the host city?
So dust off your hat, bring your appetite, and get ready for a trade show experience that's as bold and exciting as Austin itself.
See ya’ll at CHAMPS!
By Kevin Dankman
In the land of Canis Majoris, nestled in a vast valley shaped by rivers and illuminated by the vastness of the night sky, every pup grew up absorbing the stories of their ancestors. They believed the Great Sniffer had placed their forebears among the stars, with Sirius, the brightest of them all, watching over them like a devoted guardian.
However, for forty days each year, from the third day of the Longest Sun to the eleventh day of the Great Hunt, that celestial guardian seemed to shift from watchful protector to vengeful overseer. This period was known as the Star-Scorched Days—the Dog Days. Legend had it that Sirius, the Dog Star, descended from its heavenly abode to walk beside the sun, its silver rays intensifying the sun's heat, drying up rivers, and bringing a weariness upon the weaker members of the pack.
Lyra, a young Saluki whose coat shimmered like desert sand with a restless spirit, felt the oppressive heat deep in her bones. This year’s Dog Days seemed unbearable; the Great River had shrunk to a mere trickle, and the air was thick and heavy, pressing down like a massive paw. The Ruling Pack, led by the stern Continues On Page 38
Mastiff named Brutus, imposed the ancient customs with strict authority. No pup was allowed to venture from the shade of their dens. The finest pieces of jerky and the clearest bowls of water were placed on the Sun-Stone in the village square—token offerings meant to appease the wrath of the sun and the Dog Star.
Lyra's heart ached for her little brother, Pacer, a Beagle pup who lay limp in their den. His lively tail was still, and his breath came in shallow gasps. The pack’s healer, a wizened old Collie, only shook her head sadly, murmuring, “The Star-Scorch is upon him. All we can do is offer tribute and pray.”
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Doubt gnawed at Lyra with intensity sharper than hunger. It seemed illogical that their beloved ancestors would inflict such punishment. Desperate for answers, she sought out Orion, a retired Staghound living on the valley's edge. Ancient and wise, with a muzzle flecked with white, Orion was the only elder who didn’t speak of Sirius with fear.
“Fear is a strong leash,” he rasped, his voice like the rustle of dry leaves. He guided Lyra to a hidden part of his den, unveiling a cave wall adorned with ancient carvings far older than the fearful representations of the Dog Star she knew from the village.
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These carvings told an entirely different story— they depicted dogs frolicking by a wide river, their bodies sleek and joyous beneath a vibrant sun and even brighter star.
“Sirius was never our enemy,” Orion explained, tracing one of the images with his
sun signified a time of warmth, yes, but for our ancestors, it was a period of joy—a time for grand games and lounging in the sun. They held the Dog Days in reverence for Sirius, celebrating our greatest ancestor.”
He shared a forgotten history: generations back, during a severe
drought and unforgiving heatwave, a clever leader had twisted the truth of their hardship into a tale of the angry Star-Scourge. This crafted myth allowed him to manipulate the pack’s fear to hold onto power. Over time, the truth became buried beneath layers of fear-filled stories.
“Brutus maintains that lie because it secures his control,” Orion sighed. “But Lyra, the
truth shines like light; it’s hidden in the warmth, not in the shadows of fear.”
Returning to the village, Lyra found Pacer weaker than before. She realized she couldn’t wait any longer. The words of the old hound echoed in her mind: Fear is a strong leash.
At the zenith of the sun’s glow, Brutus gathered the pack
before the glimmering Sun-Stone. “The tributes are insufficient!” he declared, his voice booming. “The Dog Star is not satisfied! We require a greater sacrifice to quell its heat!”
A wave of dread swept through the assembled dogs. Before Brutus could say more, Lyra stepped forward, her slender frame a striking silhouette against the glaring light.
“You are wrong!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the oppressive air. “Sirius is not our enemy! It is our ancestor!”
Brutus snarled, “Insolent pup! Restrain her!”
But Lyra was quick. She recounted Orion’s story, revealing the memories of the ancient carvings, the
tales of joyful celebration. “We are the children of the Dog Star, not its victims! The only thing scorching us is the fear you nurture!”
As she spoke, a beam of cool light refracted through a quartz seam high on the canyon wall. It struck the Sun-Stone, casting a dazzling brilliance and
scattering a thousand silver shards of light across the square, like the stars had come down to earth. In that instant, a gentle breeze, the first in weeks, wafted from the direction of the river, carrying with it the scent of moist earth and dappled water. The stifling heat began to lift.
The pack stood entranced, their gazes shifting from the radiant light on the stone to Lyra, then upward to the sky. They saw the sun, but they felt the truth of her words settle in their hearts. The power Brutus had wielded through deception began to crumble before the light of truth.
How to Harness Unique, Compliant Strategies and Community Connections to Turn Local Advertising into Real-World Sales
By Ron Kolb
Facebook banned your ads again. Google won't even look at you. And that radio station? They hung up before you finished explaining what you sell.
Sound familiar?
Look, I get it. Running a head shop in 2025 feels like marketing with one hand tied behind your back. But here's what I've learned after watch ing hundreds of shop owners struggle with this exact problem: the ones who are absolutely crushing it aren't the ones spending big on digital ads anyway.
They're the ones getting creative and building real relationships and turning their compliance "problems" into competitive advantages while everyone else is still trying to crack the Facebook algorithm.
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UPCOMING SHOWS IMPORTANT INFO
Austin in September Get Ready for Austin, Texas!
Location:
Palmer Event Center
Accommodation Options:
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Austin Downtown South Congress
Room rates:
One King $229 | Two Queen $249
From Sept 7th to 13th, 2025.
Deal ends August 17!
Hyatt Regency Austin
Room rate:
One King or two Queen: $245
From Sept 7th to 13th, 2025.
Deal ends August 22!
Join us in the exciting city of Austin for our newest regional event! Experience the energy of the bats at the Congress Ave Bridge, world-class entertainment at Austin City Limits, and our premier exhibition at the Palmer Event Center.
Event Schedule:
Early Buyer Registration hours: Monday from 10am - 4pm, and at 10 am on Show Days.
EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
Monday, September 8th, 2025: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025: 8:00am - 10:00am
SHOW HOURS
Floor open to Exhibitors 1 hour prior to open days, Wed. and Thur.
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 10th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday, September 11th, 2025: 11:00am - 4:20pm
EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
Thursday, September 11th, 2025: 4:20pm - 10:00pm Friday, September 12th, 2025: 8:00am - 12:00pm
UPCOMING SHOWS IMPORTANT INFO
Fort Lauderdale in November Experience Sun Soaked Florida!
We hit the sands at the Broward County Convention Center from November 11-13, 2025! Featuring hundreds of vendors and thousands of brands, CHAMPS is your one-stop shop destination for all things counterculture. Escape winter for the sandy beaches!
Event Schedule:
Accommodation
Options: Hilton
Fort Lauderdale Marina
Room rates:
$199 per night (plus 13% room tax)
From November 7th to 15th, 2025.
Deal ends October 20th!
Early Buyer Registration hours: Monday from 10am - 4pm, and at 10 am on Show days.
EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
Monday, November 10th, 2025: 8:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday, November 11th, 2025: 8:00am - 10:00am
BUYERS SHOW HOURS
Floor open to Exhibitors 1 hour prior to open days, Wed. and Thur.
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday, November 12th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Thursday, November 13th, 2025: 11:00am - 4:20pm
EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
Thursday, November 13th, 2025: 4:20pm - 10:00pm Friday, November 14th, 2025: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Whether you're joining us in the vibrant atmosphere of Austin or the sandy beaches of Ft Lauderdale, we look forward to welcoming you! Be sure to mark your calendars and make the necessary arrangements for a successful and engaging experience. We can't wait to see you there!
Your Storefront Is Your Best Billboard
First things first—your storefront is working 24/7, whether you realize it or not. Might as well make it work harder.
I was in a shop last week that had the same dusty "OPEN" sign they probably bought in 2018. Meanwhile, the place three blocks down had a rotating LED display showcasing "Fresh Kratom Delivery Tuesday" and "New Local Glass Artist Featured This Week." You can guess which one had the line out the door?
Your window display shouldn't just show products—it should tell a story. Set up a "Local Artist Spotlight" corner that changes monthly. Create a "Beginner's Setup" display for newcomers. Show
off your premium pieces like the art they are. Give people a reason to slow down and take a closer look.
And here's a free tip: change something in your display every week. Even if it's small. Regular customers will notice, and they'll start checking to see what's new.
Become Everyone's Favorite Neighbor
The best marketing happens when people don't even know they're being marketed to.
That barber shop next door?
The guy who owns it probably gets asked about local smoke shops twice a week. The same with the tattoo artist down the street. Instead of hoping they'll randomly recommend you, why not make it worth
their while?
I know a shop owner who brings fresh coffee to neighboring businesses every Friday morning. It costs him maybe $20 a week. Those business owners now send him 3-4 customers a month without him ever asking. Do the math on that ROI.
And those local events everyone's always talking about? You don't need to be the official sponsor to benefit. When there's a music festival in town, position yourself where the crowds naturally flow. Hand out branded items. Be visible. Be friendly. Sometimes the best marketing is just showing up where your customers already are.
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Turn Shopping Into Hanging Out
Your shop shouldn't feel like a gas station transaction. It should feel like a place people want to spend time.
Host workshops. Bring in local artists for demos. Organize "meet the maker" sessions with product creators. These events do three things: they drive immediate foot traffic, they position you as the expert, and they give customers a reason to bring their friends.
One shop I know does "Glass Care 101" workshops every month. It costs them nothing but time, but those workshops turn into sales,
word-of-mouth marketing, and customers who trust their expertise.
Your loyalty program shouldn't feel like work either. Make it simple: "Buy 5 accessories, get the 6th free." "Refer 3 friends, get a premium upgrade." Keep the rewards exciting and the path to earn them realistic.
Master Local Digital Without Going Broke
Forget trying to crack Facebook's algorithm. Focus on being everywhere your local customers actually look.
When someone searches "head shop near me," your business better be the first
result. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Keep your Google My Business updated. Make sure your address and hours are consistent everywhere online.
Join local Facebook groups. Share photos of new arrivals. Document your events. But here's the key: don't be salesy. Be helpful. Be part of the community conversation.
Build an email and SMS list by offering something exclusive: first access to new products, event invitations, or flash sale alerts. A simple "Text us for insider deals" can create a group of customers who feel like VIPs.
Old School Still Works
Sometimes, the most direct approach is the best approach.
Direct mail works because nobody expects it anymore. Send postcards with QR codes to neighborhoods within 5 miles. Include a first-visit discount. Target areas where your ideal customers actually live.
Local newspapers and event programs still reach people whom digital can't touch.
These readers are often more engaged and more likely to support local businesses. Don't ignore them because everyone else is chasing Instagram likes.
Stay Legal, Stay in Business
This isn't the fun part, but it's the most important part.
Know your state and local laws. Never advertise to minors. Avoid cartoon imagery. Keep marketing away from schools and playgrounds. When in doubt, ask
a lawyer. The cost of compliance is always less than the cost of getting shut down.
Your Next 30 Days Week 1: Fix your storefront. Plan your first themed window display. Week 2: Map nearby businesses. Schedule three partnership conversations. Week 3: Plan your first in-store event. Start collecting customer emails. Week 4: Launch your first direct mail campaign. Double-check everything for compliance.
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Here's the real talk.
While other shops are banging their heads against Facebook's advertising policies, you're building something
better: a business that's actually part of your community.
The advertising restrictions haven't killed local market-
ing—they've just made it more interesting. And more profitable for the people who are willing to get creative.
Your customers want to support local businesses. They want to feel like they're part of something. Give them that feeling, stay compliant, and watch your foot traffic turn into real relationships and real sales.
The rules didn't change the game. They just made it more fun for people who know how to play it.
By Amear Moretall
The Real Talk Every Smoke Shop Owner Needs to Hear (But Won't Admit)
You're grinding 12-hour days, dealing with regulators, managing inventory that changes faster than
Why Your "Push Through Everything" Mentality Is Killing Your Profits
You know business is about systems and margins, but what your competition doesn't get is that your personal operating system is your biggest advantage. I learned this the hard way. When you run on fumes, you make costly mistakes. I see it daily:
• Ordering $3,000 worth of the wrong vape coils (ever try returning those?)
• Making a $5,000 software purchase that sits unused for months.
• Snapping at your best customers over a $20 return.
• Missing huge opportunities to partner with local dispensaries because you're too scattered to return calls.
Meanwhile, the owner who's sharp, focused, and energized is closing deals you're too tired to even notice.
The Five Non-Negotiables That Separate Winners from Burnouts
1. Treat Your Energy Like Inventory
You track product levels; why not your energy levels? I learned to rate my energy 1-10 every two hours. Turns out, I'm sharpest from 9-11 AM and useless after 7 PM. Now, I handle important client calls and strategic planning during peak hours, not when I'm on fumes.
2. Master the Art of Strategic Laziness
The best operators are lazy in the right ways. They automate, delegate, and eliminate tasks that don't move the needle. If you're doing everything yourself, you own a job, not a business. One client spent hours daily approving every order over $50. We delegated that to his manager, who now handles everything under $200, freeing him up to actually grow the business.
3. Build Your Inner Circle
You need people who get it—other owners who understand the unique challenges of our industry, not your cousin who thinks you "sell drug stuff." I connected three clients in a group chat. They now meet monthly and text constantly. When one faced a license issue over a paperwork error, another walked him through exactly how he beat the same problem.
4. Create Reset Rituals
Every high performer has rituals that flip their switch back to "on," like a 10-minute walk or a specific playlist. One of my most successful clients steps outside for exactly 5 minutes when he feels stress spiking. No phone, no work thoughts. He just breathes. It sounds simple, but he comes back in focused and ready to handle the next crisis.
5. Remember Why You Started This Thing
You didn't open a smoke shop to punch a time clock; you did it for freedom and the chance to build something meaningful. One client keeps a photo from her grand opening on her monitor. Her family is there, smiling, and she looks like she just conquered the world. On tough days, she looks at that photo and remembers her "why."
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The Real Talk Every Smoke Shop Owner Needs to Hear
Beyond Smoke and Clouds:
The Unexpected Power of Crossover Products in Your Smoke or Vape Shop
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
The modern smoke and vape shop is evolving. Gone are the days of solely catering to nico tine needs. Today's savvy shop owner understands the power of diversification, tap ping into adjacent markets to create a more resilient, engaging, and ultimately, more profitable business. The key? Crossover products.
Embracing adult goods, mycology supplies, cultiva tion equipment, and skate boarding gear can be a game-changer for any smoke and vape retailer. These seemingly disparate catego ries share surprising syner gies with the core customer base and offer a wealth of ben efits.
Expanding Horizons and Customer Reach:
The most immediate advan tage of incorporating cross over products is the expan sion of your potential custom er base. While your primary focus remains on the smoke and vape community, these new categories attract indi viduals with diverse inter ests. Someone Browse
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high-quality rolling papers might also be intrigued by your selection of stylish skateboards, sparking an
community around various lifestyle choices.
Synergies and Shared
Consider the customer who appreciates the ritual and sensory experience of vaping. They might also be drawn to
Beyond Smoke and Clouds: The Unexpected Power of Crossover Products in Your Smoke or Vape Shop
Boosting Sales and Profitability:
Beyond attracting new customers, crossover products can significantly boost average transaction values. A customer who initially comes in for vape juice might also pick up a new skateboard deck or a cultivation starter kit. These add-on sales contribute directly to your bottom line.
Furthermore, these niche markets often command healthy profit margins. By carefully curating high-quality products in these categories, you can differentiate yourself from big-box retailers and online giants, justifying premium pricing and fostering customer loyalty.
Creating a Unique and Engaging Shop Environment:
The integration of these diverse product lines transforms your shop into more than just a transactional space. It creates an engaging and interesting environment that encourages Browse and discovery. A well-displayed selection of skateboards adds a visual dynamism, while informative displays on mycology and cultivation pique curiosity.
This unique atmosphere fosters conversation and connection. Your staff can engage with customers on a wider range of topics, building
establishing your shop as a hub for diverse interests. This community-centric approach fosters loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.
One-Stop Sourcing at CHAMPS Trade Show:
The beauty of embracing these crossover categories is that you don't need to scour countless individual trade shows to find suppliers. One of the most efficient ways to source these diverse products is by attending industry-leading events like the CHAMPS Trade Show in Las Vegas.
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Beyond Smoke and Clouds: The Unexpected Power of Crossover Products in Your Smoke or Vape Shop
CHAMPS is renowned as the premier business-to-business trade expo for the smoke shop and counter-culture industries. It's a massive gathering where you can find everything from smoking accessories and vaporizers to a vast array of adult novelty items, mycology supplies, hydroponic and cultivation equipment, and even skate boarding apparel and acces sories. Exhibitors include manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, making it a one-stop shop to discover new trends, negotiate deals, and build relationships with sup pliers for all your crossover product needs under one roof. Attending CHAMPS allows you to efficiently stock your shelves with a diverse and
appealing inventory, streamlining your sourcing process and giving you a competitive
The Future is Diverse: In conclusion, the inclusion of adult goods, mycology prod-
