title: VapeCons: E-cigarette user conventions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
authors.affiliation: Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina, CB 7426, Chapel Hill NC 27599, USA. E-mail: rebeccawilliams@unc.edu.
authors.forename: Rebecca S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising; D003226:Congresses as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D060756:Social Networking