Drew Estate just announced they will cancel all 2021 Barn Smoker events, and the postponement of DE25. This announcement comes in the wake of increasing health and safety concerns from the rise of the COVID-19 Delta Variant. Also effective August 14th, Drew Estate personnel will not attend any multi-vendor events, trade shows, and, until further notice, will not attend any Drew Estate In-Store Events in person.
In a press release issued by Drew Estate, the company stated This decision to suspend all in-person events is designed to ensure the safety of our team members, our valued trade partners, our vendors, and, of course, the tens of thousands of consumers who attend our events nationwide as best we can and applies to all events, inside or outside of any size, including In-Store Sales Events, Multi-Vendor Events, Trade Shows, and Experiential Events.
The following events have been cancelled for the remainder of 2021, postponed (in the case of DE 25th Anniversary Event), or suspended until further notice (in the case of in-person Drew Estate In-Store Events):
Connecticut Barn Smoker – August 13 and 14
DE25 – September 25 (postponed until 2022)
Kentucky Barn Smoker – October 6
Florida Barn Smoker – November 18 and 19
All In-Person Participation at Multi-Vendor Events and Trade Shows (effective August 14th)
All In-Person Drew Estate In-Store Events (effective August 14th, will be replaced as virtual)
Also announced in the press release: All Barn Smoker attendees will receive a full refund of their ticket price within 3-5 business days of this announcement, and will have the first opportunity to purchase Barn Smoker tickets next season. While we have only announced a postponement of DE25, because we do not yet know exactly when circumstances will allow us to reschedule in 2022, we will at this time provide a full refund to all who purchased tickets directly from Drew Estate, and all such ticket purchasers will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets when DE25 is rescheduled. DE25 attendees who purchased a ticket or table directly from Drew Estate/Eventbrite will also receive their refund within 3-5 business days, however if they have purchased a ticket through a retail partner, they should contact that retailer directly.
“This decision was incredibly difficult and painful for our Executive Team, especially knowing how excited all of us were to be back together again for our lifestyle event season, as well as with all of you for our Brick & Mortar events. We want to take this moment to thank our retailers, farmers, suppliers, vendors, and countless others who’ve made significant contributions in partnering with Drew Estate to plan and deliver these world-class events. Many thanks as well to our Territory Managers, Ambassadors, and Marketing team members for their never-ending great work, both at our large experiential events and at our In-Store Events with retail partners.” said Glenn Wolfson, CEO of Drew Estate
From Sag Harbor, NY, Drew Estate President and Founder Jonathan Drew adds, “My heart deeply aches as we make this announcement. We were truly looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary together in Dallas and getting back both to the farms and your stores, together in fellowship, after being away for so long. I imagine that there will be feelings of disappointment and confusion from our consumers around the globe, but just know that your good ole Drew Estate is right by your side, as always, loyal and unwavering. We look forward to being reunited real soon, safely sharing our love of the leaf, together and in person. In the coming weeks, we will begin to provide our loyal DE Family the details of our pivots to upcoming Freestyle Live’s, Freestyle Live: Special Edition, Marquee Events, plus new concepts in virtual store events. Love you guys, be safe. Long Live the Rebirth of Cigars!”