Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW

2Firsts Events by 2FIRSTS
Dec.22.2023
Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
The VAPE CLUB SHOW e-cigarette exhibition, Russia's largest in the industry, has opened in St. Petersburg, attracting over 200 brands and 10,000 participants.

On December 16th at 12:00 Moscow time (17:00 Beijing time), the VAPE CLUB SHOW e-cigarette exhibition opened in St. Petersburg, Russia. This exhibition is one of the largest events in the Russian e-cigarette industry, covering an area of approximately 13,000 square meters and attracting over 200 brands and more than 10,000 participants. Mainstream Russian brands such as HQD, Brusko, Lost Mary, ELFBAR, and Puffmi were among the exhibitors. The exhibition followed a format combining exhibitions, events, and forums, providing a wide platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas and discuss the latest products, technologies, and trends in the global and Russian markets.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
VAPE CLUB SHOW exhibition scene | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

As the official cooperating media of this exhibition, 2FIRSTS has been involved in the full coverage of the event. Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2FIRSTS International, was invited to attend the exhibition and delivered a speech at the forum on the topic of "A Review of the Global Market in 2023 and Suggestions for the Russian Market in 2024." He provided a profound analysis of the product trends and development paths in the global market in 2023, as well as predictions for the Russian market in 2024.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
2FIRSTS International Station Editor-in-Chief Ellesmere Zhu | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

Firstly, Ellesmere Zhu analyzed the global policy and product trends for 2023. He believes that global regulation is becoming stricter and environmental issues are increasingly prominent. High-capacity and display screen products are gradually becoming the market mainstream. Zhui Hongxu stated that by summarizing and organizing global regulatory trends, regardless of whether it is plain packaging, increased taxation, or stricter restrictions on flavors and nicotine content, the ultimate goal of e-cigarette regulation is to make it less attractive and less likely to be tried by non-nicotine users, returning to the essence of tobacco, similar to traditional cigarettes. Ellesmere Zhu also mentioned that based on this, industry practitioners can make a broad prediction about the future local regulations.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
Speech PPT | Picture source: 2FIRSTS

 

In discussing the future trends of Russian brands and markets, Ellesmere Zhu urged e-cigarette companies to take on more social responsibility. This includes operating in compliance with regulations, protecting youth, implementing environmental measures, participating in consumer education, and standing against grey and black market products. Local Russian businesses should actively embrace industry changes and strive to be agents of change through innovation. They should also expand their brand size by venturing into international markets, aiming for greater global market impact.

Ellesmere Zhu, Editor-in-Chief of 2firsts.com, Gave a Keynote Speech at VAPE CLUB SHOW
Ellesmere Zhu's Speech PPT | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

Ellesmere Zhu's speech resonated with and drew attention from the audience at the venue, leading to subsequent discussions and exchanges with the attendees after the event.

 

As a leading global media and think tank specializing in atomization technology, 2FIRSTS has been committed to promoting high-quality industrial development worldwide. In the future, 2FIRSTS will continue to pay close attention to the Russian market, providing the latest news and research on the Russian market. We aim to contribute to the development and regulatory compliance of the Russian market and its industries.

 

Regarding 2FIRSTS

 

2FIRSTS was founded in 2022 and is a renowned global media and think tank in the field of atomization technology. It currently has news centers in Shenzhen, London, New York, and other cities. 2FIRSTS focuses on major reports and research on the global atomization industry, providing the latest information and analysis for regulatory authorities, entrepreneurs in the supply chain, brands and channel distributors, research institutions, and industry organizations. The exhibition coverage of 2FIRSTS is global, with over ten live reports each year, and it is also a media partner for major global exhibitions.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI Global Communications Chief Moira Gilchrist: Why AI Matters More Than Ever in the Smoke-Free Transition
PMI Global Communications Chief Moira Gilchrist: Why AI Matters More Than Ever in the Smoke-Free Transition
Philip Morris International (PMI) Chief Global Communications Officer Moira Gilchrist said artificial intelligence is changing how companies understand audiences, manage owned information channels and communicate business transformation. PMI is using AI-generated audience personas to test messaging while optimizing its corporate website and other owned channels for large language models. As PMI continues its transition from cigarettes toward smoke-free products, Gilchrist said owned data and corporate channels are becoming increasingly important in demonstrating the scale of that transformation.
Aug.26
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
VAPORESSO introduced the PRIX MTL pod system in August 2026 in two versions, Filter and NFC. The Filter version allows users to switch between a conventional drip tip and a filter tip, while the NFC version links interchangeable panels to matching on-screen animations. PRIX features a 2,600mAh battery, a 5.5ml pod, a 0.87-inch TFT display and a maximum output of 40W, alongside Dual Mesh Impact Pods capable of operating at two resistance and power configurations. VAPORESSO's French website lists MSRP at $39.99 for the Filter version and $49.90 for the NFC version.
Market
Aug.24 by 2Firsts Perspectives
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
Logista France says tobacco consumption outside France’s official tobacconist network has become a large and structural market phenomenon, but official and industry estimates differ sharply. France’s TAFE study estimates that 17.7% of tobacco consumption escaped domestic taxation in 2023, with most of that volume attributed to cross-border purchasing rather than street sales. Some industry studies use broader off-channel definitions and put the figure above 50%. Meanwhile, French Customs seized 547.94 tonnes of tobacco in 2025, up 12%, showing continued pressure from illicit trade.
Sep.04
Product | BAT Expands VELO Travellers’ Collection With Mexico, Spain and Sweden Summer Edition Nicotine Pouches
Product | BAT Expands VELO Travellers’ Collection With Mexico, Spain and Sweden Summer Edition Nicotine Pouches
British American Tobacco (BAT) Global Travel Retail has expanded the VELO Travellers’ Collection with three new Summer Editions: Mexico, Spain and Sweden. Inspired by destination themes, the new nicotine pouch variants are designed for global travel-retail channels. The launch further strengthens VELO’s positioning as a travel-retail exclusive product collection.
Aug.27
Altria’s USSTC Starts $250 Million Kentucky Expansion, Adding More Than 200 Jobs
Altria’s USSTC Starts $250 Million Kentucky Expansion, Adding More Than 200 Jobs
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, an Altria Group company, has broken ground on an approximately $250 million manufacturing expansion in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The roughly 270,000-square-foot facility is expected to create more than 200 jobs and absorb processing, manufacturing and packaging operations currently split between Hopkinsville and Nashville, Tennessee. USSTC previously said production at its Nashville facility is expected to wind down by early 2028. The project forms part of Altria’s broader effort to modernize and consolidate its U.S. smokeless tobacco manufacturing network.
Sep.10
Charlie’s Bets on Age-Gating and 678 PMTA Assets as U.S. Vape Enforcement Landscape Shifts
Charlie’s Bets on Age-Gating and 678 PMTA Assets as U.S. Vape Enforcement Landscape Shifts
Charlie’s Holdings said in its latest shareholder letter that it is moving to commercialize PACHA products and monetize its PMTA assets as the FDA changes enforcement priorities for unauthorized ENDS products. Thirty PACHA SKUs were previously tentatively identified for a proposed public list of products that the FDA generally does not intend to prioritize for enforcement. Charlie’s is also preparing test-market sales of age-gated flavored disposables and says it currently holds 678 PMTA-related product assets while seeking additional strategic transactions and partnerships.
Sep.11