Interview with GTNF Founder: Transform Industry Through Unique Dialogues

Recently, at the 2023 Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF), Elise Rasmussen, the founder of GTNF, engaged in an exclusive interview with 2FIRSTS, where she shared her initial intentions behind establishing GTNF, its developmental journey, and the impact it has had on the tobacco and nicotine industry.

Elise pointed out that this year, GTNF welcomed 34 first-time speakers, reflecting the forum's leading position in industry exchanges.

GTNF Welcomed 34 First-time Speakers

2FIRSTS: Could you please share the initial purpose and development journey of GTNF, along with its impact on the tobacco and nicotine industry?

When I founded GTNF in Rio de Janeiro in 2008, we had three core objectives: to bring together individuals both from within and outside the industry, fostering networking and dialogue; to tackle the significant challenges that others were hesitant to address; and to curate a lineup of new and distinguished speakers that would captivate your interest. Since then, it has become the global exchange for views and ideas between public health experts, government representatives, the industry and investors.

2FIRSTS: What changes have occurred in GTNF compared to the previous year?

GTNF was founded to promote dialogue and shape the future together. We still do that, but instead travel the world to accomplish the same. Each year, the GTNF features a growing lineup of influential voices charting historic transformation - and aspire to offer more expert panels, more keynote speakers and more diverse viewpoints than ever before. This year, we are delighted to welcome 34 first time speakers, some of whom are addressing a nicotine-focused audience for the very first time. This reflects GTNF’s leading role in fostering discussions within this sector and serving as a global hub for the exchange of innovation.

Discussions to Alter Industry Outcomes

2FIRSTS: How has GTNF facilitated cross-disciplinary dialogues and collaborations, and what influence does it have on the future of the industry?

I always like to say that we are "first for firsts". We were the first industry conference to bring public health speakers togather with the industry, which opened the door for dialogue between the two. This has brought enormous benefits to both the industry, but also I believe, public health experts and ultiametly regulators as they get to hear new perspectives.

2FIRSTS: About this year's theme, "Change the Conversation, Change the Outcome," what changes tobacco and nicotine industry needs to make to achieve better results in the current environment?

I quoted Mad Men’s Don Draper in my opening speech who famously said that “if you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation”. That's what we're doing this week; confronting the issues and raise the topics that many others won’t. Our extensive programme features industry leaders, regulators, politicians from around the world, and public health experts who have come together with the shared goal of ‘changing the conversation’. This provides a unique opportunity for connection, collaboration and open communication, ultimately allowing us to change outcomes within the industry.