Abstract
Introduction: E-cigarette ‘vaping conventions’ provide a venue for user social networking, parties, and ‘try before you buy’ access to a wide range of e-cigarette products. This study identifies and describes vaping conventions, raising awareness of this potentially problematic practice. Methods: Conventions were identified via Google searches in April and May 2014 and August 2015. Details captured included location, sponsors, admission cost, event features, and promotions. Results: 41 distinct organizations have planned 90 vaping conventions in 37 different locations since 2010. Conventions promoted access to a wide range of product vendors, seminars, social interactions with other users, parties, gifts, vaping contests, and other events. E-cigarette use at conventions was encouraged. Conclusions: Vaping conventions promote e-cigarette use and social norms without public health having a voice to educate attendees about negative consequences of use. Future research should focus on the effects of attending these conventions on attendees and on indoor air quality in vapor-filled convention rooms.
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Acknowledgements
Research reported in this publication was supported by grant number 5R01CA169189-02 from the National Cancer Institute. The funder had no involvement in the design or conduct of the study; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.
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This study identifies and describes ‘vaping conventions,’ seeking to raise awareness of this potentially problematic practice. VapeCons are a venue for social networking, parties, and ‘try before you buy’ presentation of e-cigarette products.
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Williams, R. VapeCons: E-cigarette user conventions. J Public Health Pol 36, 440–451 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2015.31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2015.31