UKVIA forum to push for evidence-based vaping policies at pivotal regulatory moment
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) is set to convene its flagship Industry Forum on November 26 at the London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, marking a critical juncture for the vaping sector amid ongoing regulatory and geopolitical shifts. The conference aims to spotlight a fundamental shift in mindset necessary for vaping to realise its full potential as a harm reduction tool and contribute decisively to the UK’s vision of a smoke-free future.
As the government nears a decision on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill—while the ban on disposable vapes has already come into force—the event arrives amid a complex landscape shaped by evolving regulations and global supply chain challenges. Against this backdrop, the Forum will centre on the theme, ‘The Way Forward: Changing the Vaping Mindset,’ urging policymakers, health professionals, industry stakeholders, and consumers to adopt a more evidence-based, informed approach.
John Dunne, UKVIA Director General, emphasised the urgency of the moment in a statement, highlighting persisting misconceptions and fear surrounding vaping. “If we truly want to achieve a smokefree future, a fundamental mindset shift is needed—not just from smokers but from all stakeholders—to replace stigma with science, confusion with clarity and opposition with opportunity,” he said. Dunne warned that failure to reframe the vaping debate risks squandering the sector’s greatest chance to end smoking for good.
The forum’s agenda is designed to address these issues comprehensively. Sessions will delve into grounding regulatory frameworks in robust evidence, improving public understanding of vaping’s role in harm reduction, integrating vaping into health strategies, and exploring burgeoning international markets. Complementary discussions will tackle misinformation's origins and impact, including an innovative interview between the World Health Organization’s digital health assistant and a stop-smoking expert. There will also be a reflection on the recent COP11 environmental event, underscoring the interface between vaping and sustainability.
In a novel addition, the UKVIA plans to host its first ‘Mindset Masterclass,’ an interactive workshop intended to engage delegates in deep reflection on the day’s key themes. Beyond discussion, the event offers pivotal networking opportunities, including access to an exclusive exhibition area and a new product showcase highlighting innovations following the disposable vape ban. The day will culminate in an evening reception to foster ongoing dialogue within the sector.
This Forum builds on the UKVIA’s established role as a leading voice in the vaping industry. The association’s previous events have successfully brought together diverse voices from government, public health, retail, and environmental fields, pushing forward the conversation about vaping’s potential and challenges. It is notable that this year’s Forum is moving from its usual November 10 venue at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster to the Marriott Hotel, reflecting adjustments in timing and location for greater impact.
The UK vaping industry continues to navigate a delicate balance between encouraging smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives and addressing concerns about youth uptake, underage sales, and illicit products. The need for meticulous, age-aware retailing and robust safety standards remains paramount to protect consumers and the credibility of the sector.
As the government explores reforms under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the Prime Minister’s smoke-free generation goal, the Forum’s timing is significant. It coincides with a broader call across the industry for policy rooted in science and pragmatic harm reduction rather than fear and misinformation. The UKVIA’s ongoing collaboration with industry players, health experts, and policymakers aims to foster a cohesive strategy ensuring vaping’s positive contribution to public health.
The Forum also introduces the ‘Forum Feed,’ a digital hub that will enable participants and wider audiences to engage with the event’s agenda, speaker line-up, and updates in real-time, reflecting the UKVIA’s commitment to accessibility and transparent communication.
As the sector faces critical immediate challenges, including geopolitical disruptions to supply chains and an enforced ban on disposable vapes—a product category that had become contentious—the industry must demonstrate adaptability and a forward-looking mindset. International perspectives and policy experiences will be central to discussions, signalling the global dimension of the vaping market and harm reduction strategies.
Overall, the UKVIA Industry Forum aims to catalyse a pivotal shift—from perception and regulation to industry practice—so that vaping can fully serve its potential as a key tool in the UK's mission to end smoking.