77 Issue January 2026 CHAMPS Show Magazine (1)

ISSUE 77 - JANUARY 2026

cover COVER story: STORY:

The Signal in the Static Pg. 46

INSIDE:

Austin, TX is a Funny Town Pg. 13 The Concrete Shift: CHAMPS AC 2026 Pg. 54

SHOW: NEXT show: Palmer Events Center Austin, TX January 19th-21st

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13 33 46 54 64

ISSUE 77 | JANUARY 2026

Austin, Texas is a Funny Town

By Kevin Dankman

New Year, Big Bankroll

By CHAMPS Magazine Staff

The Signal in the Static

By Bernie Boulders

The Concrete Shift: CHAMPS AC 2026

By CHAMPS Trade Show Staff

Functional is the New Recreational

By Amear Moretall

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

ADVERTISER

ISSUE 77 | JANUARY 2026

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1836 KRATOM 5 7HYDROXYMITRAGY9 69 7OHEAVEN 44-45 ABR 49 AFG 18 CAPTAIN MUSHROOM 30 CHAMPS 10, 22-23, 60, 75, 80, IBC, BC CHOICE BOTANICALS INSIDE FRONT COVER SPREAD CITRUS DEPOT 17 CuRB SHOW 52 EAST WEST TRADING 28-29 ECLIPSE 36 EDP 14 GOOD SHIT 51 GS NUTRA 19 HEMP LIVING 24 HIGH POINT DISTRIBUTION 50 JBRANDS 11 JOLLY 26 JOTA LIVING 65 KRAKEN KRATOM 53 KRAVE KRATOM 74 LOOPER 2-3 MAGIC TRIP 16 MELLOW FELLOW 78-79 OPMS KRATOM 39, 62-63 OPMS KRATOM GOLD 68 PACK THC 21 PARTYNUTS 8-9 SIMPLE BRANDS 32, 56 SMOKE ODOR 12 SMOKE TECH ONE LLC 57 SOL TRADING 73 SOS 34-35 SWAG 42-43 TED MILLER 49 TURNING POINT / ZIG ZAG 66-67 VICE SUPPLY 41 VOT DISTRIBUTION 70-71 VPR 25

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

ISSUE 77 | JANUARY 2026

Writing Bernie Boulders Kevin Dankman CHAMPS Magazine Staff CHAMPS Trade Show Staff Amear Moretall

Photography

CHAMPS Show Magazine Staff Jonathan Becker CuRB Staff

Design & Layout DJ Sixxx

Publisher CHAMPS Trade Shows

Editorial Director Kevin Dankman

Ad Sales Kevin Dankman Becca Office 818-616-7424 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

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AUSTIN, TEXAS IS A FUNNY TOWN

Why the "Live Music Capital" is now For decades, if you were the "Comedy Capital"—and why you booking a flight to Austin, it was to see a band. The need to be there.

By Kevin Dankman

self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" was built on guitar riffs and SXSW wristbands. But in 2026, the vibe on 6th Street has shifted.

The amplifiers are still there, but they’re being drowned out by laughter.

Thanks to a mass exodus of talent from Los Angeles and New York, Austin has firmly established itself as the new Mecca of Stand-Up. While you are at CHAMPS Trade Shows in Austin checking out the latest in glass and counter-culture, you can visit these amazing venues to unwind.

For the industry pro visiting Texas—whether for business, a pop-up, or just a layover—the comedy clubs have become the new golf course. This is where the networking happens, where the culture is bleeding edge, and frankly, where you go to blow off steam after a day on the grind.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS IS A FUNNY TOWN

If you’re touching down in ATX for the show, here is your roadmap to the funniest few blocks in America.

The Mothership: The New Cathedral

Where: 320 E. 6th St. (The old Ritz Theater)1 The Vibe: Alien abductions and strict rules.

Let’s address the elephant (or the alien) in the room first.

Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership isn't just a club; it’s a compound. Since opening its doors, it has become the hardest ticket to get in the South.

The venue is split into two rooms: "Fat Man" (the main theater) and "Little Boy" (the intimate club room).2 The "Pro" Experience: This isn't a place where you can text your supplier during the set. The Mothership uses Yondr pouches, meaning your phone is locked up the second you walk in. For the counter-culture crowd, this is actually a blessing. It’s 90 minutes of forced disconnection. The lineups are rarely announced in full, but drop-ins from heavy hitters (think Chappelle, Gillis, or Segura) are the norm, not the exception.

Tickets are Warning: non-transferable and require an ID check that matches the buyer. Don’t buy from scalpers—you will get denied at the door.

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The Creek and The Cave: The Clubhouse Where: 611 E 7th St. The Vibe: Backyard party meets comedy gym.

If the Mothership is the arena, The Creek and The Cave is the gym where the fighters train. Located just a block over on 7th Street, this venue captures the old-school Austin "indoor/outdoor" spirit. It features a massive patio that often smells like brisket and freedom, making it a prime spot for pre-show networking.

The programming here is experimental and rowdy.

Shows like "Did I Win?" (a chaotic game show format) or late-night open mics are where you’ll see the working comics grinding out new material. It feels less like a theater and more like a dive bar where the funniest people on earth happen to be drinking.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS IS A FUNNY TOWN Sunset Strip: The Upstart

The Upstart

Where: 214 E 6th St. The Vibe: Neon grit and high ceilings.

Co-founded by Brian Redban (of Kill Tony fame), Sunset Strip Comedy Club took over the legendary Parish music venue.4 Because it used to be a concert hall, the ceilings are insanely high, giving it a unique acoustic energy that hits different than a low-ceiling basement club.

This is the spot for the "Kill Tony" universe. If you follow the podcast scene, this is your ground zero. It’s rowdy, it’s loud, and it sits right in the chaotic heart of "Dirty 6th," making it an easy stop if you’re already bar-hopping downtown.

Before the Mothership landed, Vulcan was holding it down. With its industrial steampunk aesthetic and massive rig, it feels like you might see a DJ set break out at any moment (and sometimes, it does). Vulcan hosts the "Kill Tony Regulars" shows frequently, giving you a chance to see the guys who sell out arenas in a much tighter setting.5

Vulcan Gas Company: The Industrial Edge Where: 418 E 6th St. The Vibe: Steampunk rave meets punchlines.

The Industrial Edge

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AUSTIN, TEXAS IS A FUNNY TOWN The "Dirty 6th" Survival Guide Navigating downtown Austin requires a little strategy.

Here is how to do it like a local: The Late-Night Munchies: It’s 1:00 AM, the show just let out, and you’re starving. Skip the random pizza windows and head to Casino El Camino (517 E 6th St).6 It’s a dark, goth-y bar with some of the best burgers in Texas. The kitchen stays open late, but be prepared to wait—it’s made to order and the attitude is free.

Casino El Camino

The Transport: Rideshare pickups on 6th Street at 2:00 AM are a nightmare. Walk three blocks north or south away from the chaos before calling your car. You’ll save 20 minutes and $15 in surge pricing.

Alternative: Voodoo Doughnut is right there if you need a sugar crash, or hit Hoboken Pie on Red River for a reliable slice.

Hoboken Pie

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

The Etiquette: Austin crowds are smart. They know the game. Don't heckle unless you want to be destroyed by a professional who moved halfway across the country just to handle people like you. Sit back, lock your phone in the pouch, and respect the craft.

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New Year,

Big Bankroll

Everyone loves a gamble—esTurn yesterday’s inventory into pecially in our industry.

Instead of a sad clearance bin tomorrow’s capital. Here is your that screams "nobody wanted playbook for a record-breaking Q1. this," create an event.

By CHAMPS Magazine Staff Can you feel that? That’s the vibration of a new year. 2026 is officially here.

January isn't a "slump"—it’s your runway. It’s the perfect time to shake the room, liquidate the old, and stack cash for the massive buying season ahead. Stop looking at that leftover 2025 stock as "dead weight." That’s not dead weight; that is stored capital waiting to be unlocked.

We all know the big drops are coming this Spring. You can’t fill a cup that’s already full.

Here is how to flip the script, clear the shelves, and build your war chest without losing your premium vibe.

1. Gamify the Shop: The "High Roller" Mystery Bags CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

The Play: Take those slow-moving accessories—the wraps, the older batteries, the generic hand pipes—and build opaque, sealed "Mystery Sacks."

The Hype: Market them as "The 2026 Kick-Off." $20 Sack: ($50 Value) - The easy impulse buy. $100 VIP Sack: ($250 Value) - Throw in a decent piece of glass or a solid rig you want to move to anchor the value.

The Kicker: Put a Golden Ticket in random bags. Maybe it’s a $50 store credit, or a VIP ticket to a local event.

Turn inventory liquidation into a treasure hunt. Watch your customers line up to help you clear your shelves.

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New Year,

Big Bankroll 2. The "Fresh Start" Bundles New Year’s Resolutions are in full swing. Your customers are looking to "clean up," "start fresh," and "get optimized." Lean into that energy!

"The Glass Glow-Up": Combine that bottle of cleaner that’s been sitting there with a fresh slide, a poker, and a silicone mat. Market it as the ultimate "Respect Your Rig" kit.

"The Switch-Up": Bundle a lower-nicotine device with a CBD gummy pack or functional mushroom tincture. Pitch it as the perfect kit for the customer trying to find their balance in 2026. You aren't selling leftovers; you're selling a lifestyle upgrade.

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New Year,

Big Bankroll 3. Unlock the Vault (Tiered Volume) "50% Off" signs look desperate. "Volume Rewards" look like a hook-up. Change the psychology of the sale.

The Play: Create a specific section called "The Vault" or "The Archive."

The Deal: Pick 1: You get a deal.

Pick 3: You get a steal.

Encourage bulk buying. You want that customer walking out with three units, not one.

Every multi-unit sale is shelf space opening up for the insane new products dropping in Q1.

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New Year, Big Bankroll

4. Shake the Room (The Merch Remix) Stagnant energy kills sales. If a customer has seen the same vape on the same shelf for three months, it becomes invisible.

The Play: Radically rearrange your floor plan in January. Move the glass cases.

Swap the apparel rack with the edibles display.

Why it Works: When you break the customer's visual pattern, they have to look again. Suddenly, that "old" product looks new because it’s in a different light.

Pro Tip: Put your "Last Chance" items at eye-level right next to the register. Do not hide them in the back!

Make them the star of the checkout experience.

5. The Cash Flow Mindset Every dollar you pull out of your inventory this month is a dollar you can invest in the next big thing.

This is the cycle of success.

Clear the deck. Stack the chips. Be ready. Let’s make 2026 the biggest year on record.

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The door chime was broken. Or at least, Marcus hoped it was.

Because if it was working, the silence was personal.

Marcus sat behind the counter of High Fidelity, staring at a wall of premium borosilicate glass that was collecting more dust than dollars. It was January 15th, 2025. The post-holiday slump wasn't just a dip; it was a crater. The rent was due in four days, and the register was light.

He was wrong. He wasn't failing because his inventory was bad; his CHAMPS haul was incredible. He was failing because he was a ghost.

"I have enough cash for exactly one month of rent," Marcus told his employee, Sarah, who was currently reorganizing the incense display for the third time out of sheer boredom. "Or… I have enough cash to scream."

"Scream?" Sarah asked, pausHe looked around the shop. He ing. knew he had the goods. He had done everything right by the "I'm tired of being the best-kept book. He had flown to the secret in town," Marcus said. He CHAMPS Trade Show, walked pulled up the rate card for the miles of the show floor, and local alternative weekly and a shook hands with the artists regional lifestyle magazine. himself. He had curated the perfect mix of inventory—from "We’re going to advertise. And high-end functional glass to the not just once. We’re going to newest vapor tech and the burn the boats." cleanest kratom on the market.

He didn't buy a single ad. He He thought that if he brought bought a six-month run. He the energy of the trade show took the safety net of rent floor back to his shop, the money and bet it all on a Mespeople would just… know. sage.

The Glass Games Team

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Month 1: The Silence The first ad ran. It was a clean, bold image of their new lounge area with a simple caption: Don’t Just Shop. Hang.

Marcus waited. The door chime stayed silent.

"It’s a waste," he thought, his stomach turning over. "I just threw two grand into a fire."

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

Month 2: The Flicker The second ad ran. This one featured their new functional mushroom bar. Focus. Energy.

Clarity. Get Optimized at High Fidelity.

A guy in a suit walked in on a Tuesday morning. "I saw this in the paper," he said, holding up a crinkled page. "You guys actually stock Lion's Mane? The coffee shop down the street charges double for this."

He bought a month's supply.

Two days later, he brought a coworker.

Month 3: The Rhythm The third ad ran. It wasn't about product. It was a spotlight on a local glassblower, featuring an event High Fidelity was hosting.

The night of the event, twenty people showed up. It wasn't a stadium crowd, but the shop felt alive. People weren't just buying; they were talking. They were staying. The ad hadn't just sold a pipe; it had sold a destination.

Marcus realized something profound: The first ad didn't work because they didn't trust him yet. The second ad sparked curiosity. The third ad proved he was still there. Consistency was the currency.

Month 4, 5, & 6: The Community By late spring, the ads were no longer desperate pleas for attention; they were community bulletins. High Fidelity became a fixture in the readers' minds. Even people who hadn't visited yet knew the name.

They knew the vibe.

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When the "Skate & Vape" ad ran in month five, the local skaters—who usually bought their decks online—started treating the shop like a clubhouse. They bought boards. They bought disposables. They brought their friends.

Present Day: January 2026 Ding-Ding. The chime rang.

Then it rang again.

He looked down at the proof for the January 2026 magazine ad on his counter. It was their twelfth consecutive month running it.

Marcus smiled. He realized now that he hadn't just been paying for ink on paper. He had been paying for frequency. He had turned his shop from a silent room into a broadcast signal. He had stopped waiting for customers to find him and started building a community that wanted to be found.

Marcus looked up from the register. The shop was full. The "suit guy" was at the mushroom bar with three friends. The skaters were arguing over a "Sarah," Marcus called out over new deck design in the corner. A the hum of the busy shop. "Turn couple was browsing the the music up. It’s a good day." high-end glass case.

The Retailer’s Rule of 3 Why One Ad is Never Enough

Marcus learned the hard way that customers don't buy because they see you; they buy because they know you. Advertising isn't a magic wand; it’s a relationship builder.

Ad #1: The Introduction.

The Customer thinks: "I've never heard of this place. Is it even real?"

The Result: Silence. They keep scrolling.

Ad #2: The Reminder.

The Customer thinks: "Oh, I've seen that name before. Maybe I'll check it out someday."

The Result: Recognition. mental bookmark is placed.

A

Ad #3: The Validation.

The Customer thinks: "They are still here. They must be legit. I'm going in."

The Result: Action. Trust has been established.

The Takeaway:

Don't spend your budget on a "Big Splash." Spend it on a Steady Stream. Frequency builds the trust that eventually rings the register.

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The Concrete Shift:

CHAMPS AC 2026

By CHAMPS Trade Shows Staff

If you’re a veteran of the East Coast counterculture circuit, you have a rhythm. You know the drill: spring blooms, the weather warms up, and CHAMPS Trade Show hits the Jersey Shore in May. It’s been the heartbeat of the Northeast buying season for years.

But for 2026, you’re going to need to mark your calendars a little differently this year.

CHAMPS Atlantic City is officially landing early next year, taking over the Atlantic City Convention Center from March 17th through the 19th, 2026. If you’re asking yourself why we are trading the brink of summer for the tail end of winter, the answer lies roughly 2,500 miles away in the Nevada desert.

Fallout from The Concrete Shift in Vegas The industry buzz is true: The scheduling shuffle is due to "The Concrete Show." A massive construction and masonry event has staked its claim on the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 54

Photo by Pedro Menezes on Unsplash

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

Atlantic City Convention Center

usual Winter window, pouring thousands of contractors into the city and booking up the venue completely.

Faced with a blocked calendar out West, CHAMPS made the strategic pivot to move AC to March and Vegas to May. While it started as a logistical necessity, this shift might just be the best thing to happen to the Northeast market this year. By moving the Atlantic City dates to March 17-19, CHAMPS is opening the doors right as retailers are looking to restock after the winter lull.

More importantly, it places the show perfectly to prep for the heavy-hitting 4/20 sales rush—timing that a May show simply can't offer.

The Northeast Hub: Local Business, Major Impact While the Las Vegas shows often grab the international headlines, the Atlantic City show is the unsung hero of the regional market. This is where the real business of the Northeast gets done.

There is a unique ecosystem here. We see a massive influx of buyers from the major metro corridors—Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and D.C.—who simply don't make the trek out West.

For regional distributors and small-to-mid-sized shop owners, AC is the show.

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Despite the date change, the floor plan is already stacking up to be a powerhouse. Industry titans have already locked in their presence. You can expect to see huge footprints from:

Party Nuts Booth

Demand Vape and JBrands, bringing the latest hardware and disposables.

Mellow Fellow, showcasing their newest alternative cannabinoid blends.

Party Nuts and Hillside Glass, staples for smoke shop variety and high-quality functional glass.

The beauty of the Atlantic City show is the accessibility.

You aren't just dealing with faceless corporate reps; you’re shaking hands with regional distributors who understand the specific tastes of the East Coast customer. They are hungry for new brands to supply their stores, and this March date gives them a head start on the competition.

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Hillside Booth

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

Fire on the Floor: The CHAMPS Glass Games It isn't just about handshake deals and purchase orders; it’s about the spectacle. If you haven't witnessed the CHAMPS Glass Games live, you are missing the soul of the show.

JBrands Booth Guido Glass

This year, the Glass Games are turning up the heat on the AC floor. This world-renowned competition brings elite glass artists out of their private studios and into the spotlight, competing head-to-head in real-time.

We’re talking about live torches blazing and molten glass being spun into intricate masterpieces right before your eyes. It is a qualifier event where the stakes are high—artists are vying for cash prizes and a coveted spot in the Masters Finals.

Watching a raw rod of glass transform into a "Best in Show" contender while you walk the aisles adds an electric energy to the convention center that you simply won't find at a standard B2B expo.

Eat Like a Local: The AC Foodie Circuit Let’s be honest—half the reason we love the Atlantic City show is the food. The city has a grit and soul that you just don't find on the Vegas Strip. Since you’ll be in town a bit earlier this year, you’ll need some spots to warm up and fuel up.

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Mellow Fellow Crew

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Here is your essential culinary itinerary for CHAMPS 2026: 1. The Legend: White House Sub Shop You cannot come to Atlantic City and not pay homage to the White House. Located on Arctic Avenue, this place hasn't changed much since 1946, and neither has the bread—which is the secret to their success. Whether you get the White House Special or a classic cheesesteak, the bread is delivered fresh from local bakeries multiple times a day. It is crunch, chew, and history in every bite.

2. The Soulful Supper: Kelsey’s After a long day on the show floor, head to Pacific Avenue for Kelsey’s. This isn't just dinner; it’s a vibe. Known for incredible soul food and Southern hospitality, this is the place to decompress.

Order the fried chicken or the smothered pork chops, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live jazz while you eat.

It’s sophisticated but unpretentious—perfect for closing a deal over a drink.

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

Esquires

White House Sub Shop

Kelsey’s

3. The Insider Pick: Esquires This is the pro tip for the savvy traveler. Located right inside the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, Esquires is my personal favorite hidden gem.

It might look like a simple train station spot, but the locals know better. It’s the perfect place to grab a breakfast sandwich or a quick lunch before you hop the train or head to the convention center. It’s fast, it’s delicious, and it feels like a real slice of Jersey life.

The Takeaway So, update your calendars and book your travel. The dates are different, but the mission is the same. March 17-19, 2026. We’ll see you on the floor—watching the glass blowers work their magic—in Atlantic City.

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Functional is the New Recreational

Welcome to the era of "Bio-Hacking." Here is why Mushrooms, Kava, and Minor Cannabinoids are the new heavyweights of the counter.

By Amear Mortall Forget the stereotype. The customer walking into your shop in 2026 isn't just the college kid looking to get blasted on a Friday night.

It’s the coder looking for focus. It’s the gym rat looking for recovery. It’s the soccer mom looking for a "glass of wine" feeling without the hangover.

Lion’s Mane

If you haven't expanded your mushroom section beyond just "trippy" packaging, you are leaving money on the table. The "Functional Mushroom" trend is absolutely exploding.

Cordyceps

The vibe has shifted. We aren't just in the business of "checking out" anymore; we are in the business of tuning in.

The "Wellness" category has graduated from the dusty bottom shelf to the front of the house. Why? Because these aren't one-off party favors. These are daily drivers. If you want to build a customer base that comes back every single week, you need to master the art of the "Functional Buzz."

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1. The Fungi Explosion (Super Mario Was Right)

Gummies

Lion’s Mane: The "Smart Drug." Customers are using this for brain fog, coding marathons, and creative work. It’s nature’s answer to the mid-day slump.

Cordyceps: The "Gym Buddy."

This is all about energy and stamina. If your shop is near a gym, put these in the window.

The Format: Stop thinking capsules. In 2026, it’s all about high-end chocolates and gummies. People want their wellness to taste like a cheat meal.

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2. The "Sober Curious" Wave: Kava & Kratom "Dry January" isn't a month anymore; for a lot of people, it’s a lifestyle. But people still want a buzz. They still want to socialize.

They just don't want the liver damage and the Sunday morning headache.

The New Happy Hour: Kava and Kratom seltzers are the new craft beer. They offer that social lubricant — the relaxation, the chatty vibe—without the booze.

The "Mocktail" Movement: Stock the fancy cans. The aesthetic matters.

Your customers want to hold something that looks like a premium drink at a party, not a bottle of gas station sludge.

The Pitch: "All of the buzz, none of the blur." That is the tagline that sells cases.

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Photo by GRAS GRÜN on Unsplash

CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE

3. The Alphabet Soup: Minors are Major CBD is the grandfather, but the grandkids are running the show now. General "CBD" is everywhere, but targeted cannabinoids are where the high margins live.

CBN (The Sandman): Sleep is the number one health crisis in America. CBN products are flying off shelves because they actually work for the insomniacs.

CBG (The Gut Check): Known for gut health and anti-inflammation. This is for your wellness-obsessed customers who listen to health podcasts.

The Strategy: Don't just sell "Hemp." Sell solutions. Have a "Sleep" section (CBN), a "Focus" section (CBG/THCv), and a "Chill" section (Delta-8/CBD).

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The Bottom Line Recreational products sell on Fridays. Functional products sell on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

When you hook a customer on a Lion’s Mane gummy for their work focus, or a Kava seltzer for their Tuesday night unwind, you create a daily habit. That is recurring revenue. That is loyalty.

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2026 is the year of the "Optimized High." Stock up, educate your staff, and watch the wellness section become your heavy hitter.

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