IPCPR 2012: A New Perspective Day 1

When I went up to Orlando I had the expectation I would live blog from the show. However, the way things unfolded, I didn’t have time to get anywhere near my computer. Our booth was jamming for the majority of the show, and the product was well received.

This was my first show from the manufacturer side, and it seemed like there wasn’t as many bloggers from years passed. I missed seeing many people, and those who were there I didn’t get much time to hang out with which was a bit upsetting. It was nice to see some old friends as well, and to make some new friends.

We arrived the day before the show, as the crew from the Dominican Republic was setting up our booth, which is a replica of the original La Aurora factory. That first night I dined at Ocean Grill with Tatiana and Jason Wood. I dined on Sea Scallops overs risotto, and we had a nice wine to pair with our meal. We ended the day early, as we knew the next day would be a long one.

The day started with me getting called to the booth, before breakfast and I would spend the entire day there placing product with in the displays. Thankfully our reps arrived through the day and we finished the process around 5pm.

At 7pm we all got together for a company dinner at Cuba Libre where we dined on a variety of meals including Chiaroscuro, Mahi and Chicken. There was an open bar with Mojito and wine, and a humidor full of Fernando Leon and Merlion. The days ahead was not discussed as we smoked, laughed, and caught up with each other since we were last together on our cruise. After dinner some of us chose to call it a night, and the rest of us headed over to Fuego, a cigar bar in downtown Disney.

The floor opened up on day 1 at 10am, and we were jamming from the start. Often at times our reps were 4 and 5 deep in taking orders, and giving tours on the new product. I met with some bloggers, talked with some retailers, and shared a few laughs with our reps. The models were giving out cigars, and everyone was having a great time despite the controlled chaos. As 4:30 approached other manufacturers, sales reps and retailers made their way to our booth for Presidente Beer and music. We all winded down, and enjoyed the first day on the floor.

At night some of us once again headed to Fuego in downtown Disney. Before the rains came we even got them to break out the Dominoes table so I could feed my addiction.

Next: Day 2 & Noche Caliente

Loading up the U-Haul

First Cigar for Trip, Cien Anos

Orlando here we come…

At The Hotel…

La Crema, one of Tatiana’s Favorites…

The booth under construction…

More construction…

Merlion & Mojito

Dinner Menu…

Mario & Hector talk while Nilo, Justin & Rigo wait for dinner

Jess Levine & Tatiana

Even I got dressed up for IPCPR

La Sirena on Display

The Preferido cabinet…

Hector gives me the evil eye, while conducting his sales meeting

Day 1 is Over, Nestor & Mariana get a ride to their car!