Session
Other
9:45
–
10:00
Welcome
Moderators
Elise Rasmussen, Founder and CEO, World Nicotine Congress
Speakers
Featured Events
23 March 2026
23
–
25 March 2026
WNC Brussels 2026
The Hotel Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
A three-day forum bringing together senior leaders from industry, politics, finance, and public health to explore the evolving world of nicotine.
Monday 23rd March: Science and Policy
Day one examines how evidence informs regulation across regions. Researchers, policymakers and public-health specialists discuss approaches to oversight, enforcement and consumer protection in an evolving market.
Session
Keynote
10:00
–
10:20
Keynote
Moderators
Donato Raponi, Owner, D.Raponi Consulting
Speakers
Session
Keynote
10:25
–
10:45
Keynote
Moderators
Roger Bate, President of the Center for Global Health Accountability and a Fellow at the International Center for Law & Economics
Speakers
Session
Keynote
10:50
–
11:10
Keynote
Moderators
Grant Churchill, Professor of Pharmacology and Tutorial Fellow in Medicine, University of Oxford
Speakers
Session
Break
11:10
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Panel
11:30
–
12:50
The Public Health Perspective: Around the World in 80 minutes
Moderators
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator, CAPHRA
Speakers
Ehsan Latif, Director, Centre for Integrative Public Health Management
Jeffrey Zamora, Creative Producer & Communications Strategist, Asovape Costa Rica
Konstantinos Farsalinos, Senior Researcher, School of Public Health at the Universities of Patras and West Attica
Tikki Pang, Former Director of Research Policy and Co-operation, World Health Organization
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Director of Research and Thought Leadership, Global Health Focus
Session
Break
12:50
–
14:05
Delegate Lunch Break
Session
Break
12:50
–
14:05
WIT Meeting and Lunch
Moderators
Speakers
Alessia Centioni, Co-founder and President, European Women Alliance (EWA)
Paola Pocci, Chief Consumer Officer, Imperial Brands
Session
Keynote
14:05
–
14:25
Keynote
Moderators
Paola Pocci, Chief Consumer Officer, Imperial Brands
Speakers
Session
Keynote
14:30
–
14:50
Keynote
Moderators
Mark Tyndall, Public Health Expert, Author and Independent Consultant
Speakers
Session
Panel
14:55
–
16:05
Proof Vs Perception
Moderators
Elaine Round, Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Reynolds American
Speakers
David Duncan, Director, Silver Dene Consulting
Giovanni Li Volti, Director of the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR)
Grant Churchill, Professor of Pharmacology and Tutorial Fellow in Medicine, University of Oxford
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, Professor, Brown University School of Public Health
Mihaela Raescu, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Titu Maiorescu University Bucharest
Nermeen Varawalla, Business Leader in the Healthcare & Life Sciences
Rohan Andrade de Sequeira, Consultant in Cardio-Endocrinology, The Revival Clinic
Session
Break
16:05
–
16:35
Networking Break
Session
Panel
16:35
–
17:35
Tobacco Products Directive
Moderators
Nathalie Darge, Director General, Tobacco Europe
Speakers
Francesco Gaglioppa, EU Affairs Director, JTI
Michiel Reerink, International Corporate Affairs Director & Managing Director, Alliance One International
Patricia Kovacevic, General Counsel, Global Regulatory Expert, RegulationStrategy / CryoMass Technologies Inc
Peter Beckett, Co-founder, Clearing the Air
Session
Panel
17:40
–
18:40
Tobacco Excise Directive
Moderators
Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs
Speakers
Christa Pelsers, EU Head of Fiscal Affairs and International Trade, British American Tobacco
Martin Cullip, International Fellow, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Sinclair Davidson, Economist
Tim Phillips, Founder, Tamarind Intelligence
Session
Other
19:00
–
Evening Insights Reception: Global Perspectives
Moderators
Summer Hanna, Global Head of Scientific Regulation, BAT
Speakers
Carolyn Beaumont, General Practitioner & THR educator, NicotineFacts
Clive Bates, Director, Counterfactual
Ehsan Latif, Director, Centre for Integrative Public Health Management
Rohan Andrade de Sequeira, Consultant in Cardio-Endocrinology, The Revival Clinic
Simon Clark, Director, FOREST
Evening location
Evening Insights Reception: Global Perspectives will be held at Vista 27
Tuesday 24th March: Science and Innovation
Day two focuses on the latest research and emerging technologies. Morning sessions highlight current scientific understanding, while the afternoon explores how innovation is being applied across nicotine-related products and digital tools.
Session
Other
7:30
–
Breakfast
Session
Other
9:20
–
9:30
Welcome
Moderators
David Bass, Master of Ceremonies
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:30
–
9:50
Keynote
Moderators
Danielle Tower, Group Head of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, BAT
Speakers
Session
Panel
9:55
–
11:00
Start Up Investing / Emerging Technology
Moderators
Ermelinda Hajdari, Founder & Managing Director, ALBAN Global
Speakers
Douglas Ming Deng, Professor, Yunnan University
Eve Wang, Executive Director, Smoore International; VP, Shenzhen Smoore Technology Co. Ltd
Jonathan Fell, Head of Research & Engagement, Hexis Capital Management
Mark Burton, California Capital Partners, Partner
Ryan Selby, Inventor & Entrepreneur, Emerald Innovations Ltd.
Xavier Kris, Growth Capitalist, IMX Funds Limited (Abu Dhabi)
Session
Break
11:00
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Keynote
11:30
–
11:45
Keynote
Moderators
Pietro Fiocchi MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
Speakers
Session
Panel
11:50
–
12:50
Performance Meets Perception
Moderators
Marina Murphy, Senior Director, Scientific Affairs, HAYPP GROUP
Speakers
Brindusa Taranu, Head Product Safety Surveillance, PMI
Cheryl K. Olson, Regulatory Scientist, Womble Bond Dickinson
Karina McQuillan, Global Head of Toxicology, BAT
Shaun Murray, Head of Scientific Regulatory Affairs, Imperial Brands
Willie McKinney, Founder and CEO, McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors, LLC.; CEO of McKinney Specialty Labs, LLC
Session
Keynote
12:55
–
13:15
Keynote
Moderators
Marco Falcone MEP, Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Speakers
Session
Break
13:15
–
14:30
Lunch Break
Session
Keynote
14:30
–
14:50
Keynote
Moderators
Charlie Weimers MEP, Vice Chairman, ECR Group
Speakers
Session
Panel
14:55
–
15:55
Reimagining Impact: Sustainability Narratives in Tobacco
Moderators
Miranda Kinney, SVP, Global Head of Corporate Affairs & Impact, Pyxus International, Inc.
Speakers
Beatrice Timgren MEP, Member of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
Hugo Azinheira, Executive Director, Global Research & Innovation, Filtrona
Marco Vadagnini, Director, EUK Consulting
Tadas Lisauskas, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Greenbutts
Session
Break
15:55
–
16:25
Networking Break
Session
Panel
16:25
–
17:25
Meet The Incubators
Moderators
Chris Gemmell, Chief Product & Innovation Officer, Greentank Technologies
Speakers
Haley XU, Vice President, Zinwi Bio-tech Co., Ltd
Jana Siouzou, Senior Vice President EMEA, Körber Technologies
Jason Carignan, Chief Commercial Officer, Chemular
Kellsi Booth, Chief Legal Officer, Black Buffalo Inc.
Waqas Khan, Chief Executive Officer, CLEW
Session
Other
18:30
–
Evening Insights Reception: Meet the Media
Moderators
Brett O'Donnell, President, O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd.
Speakers
Colin Brazier, Broadcaster and Journalist
Steffy Thevar, Journalist, Times of India
Evening location
Evening Insights Reception: Meet the Media will be held on the First Floor
Wednesday 25th March: Tech, Science, and the Consumer
Day three looks at how technology and science intersect with consumer behaviour and expectations. Topics include digital insights, AI-driven tools and new data on attitudes toward nicotine. The programme closes with perspectives from thought leaders across the field.
Session
Other
7:30
–
Breakfast
Session
Other
9:00
–
9:10
Welcome
Moderators
David Bass, Master of Ceremonies
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:10
–
9:30
Keynote
Moderators
John Clayton, External Affairs Vice President, JTI
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:35
–
9:55
Keynote: Impact of AI on FMCG
Moderators
Brady Brim-DeForest, CEO & Co-Founder, Secundo
Speakers
Session
Panel
10:00
–
11:00
In Conversation with the AI Bros: A glimpse into the future of AI / Tech in Nicotine
Moderators
Rhodri James, Chief Sales Officer, Yoti
Speakers
Anthony Paliouras, General Manager, Honeywell’s Connected Logistics; Managing Director, Movilizer GmbH
Brady Brim-DeForest, CEO & Co-Founder, Secundo
Nermeen Varawalla, Business Leader in the Healthcare & Life Sciences
Vincent Keaveny, Senior Adviser, DLA Piper; Lord Mayor of London 2021/22, DLA Piper
Session
Break
11:00
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Panel
11:30
–
12:30
The Industry Perspective: Real World Evidence
Moderators
Helena Digard, Head of Analytical Services, BAT; President, CORESTA
Speakers
Chris Junker, Group Head of Life Sciences, BAT
Joseph Thompson, Group Science & Regulatory Affairs Director, Imperial Brands
Karin Jacobson, Science Advocacy & Engagement Director, Japan Tobacco International (JTI)
Session
Keynote
12:35
–
12:55
Keynote: Consumer Polling
Moderators
Jon Nash, Co-founder, Prime Radiant
Speakers
Session
Break
12:55
–
14:10
Lunch Break
Session
Panel
14:10
–
15:20
Illicit Trade
Moderators
Brett O'Donnell, President, O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd.
Speakers
Hayley Van Loon, CEO, Crime Stoppers International
Howard Pugh, International Crime and Anti-Illicit Trade Consultant, Howard Pugh Consulting
Vincent Byrne, Global Anti-Illicit Trade Operations (AITO) Director, JTI
Session
Break
15:20
–
15:50
Networking Break
Session
Panel
15:50
–
16:50
Consumer Panel
Moderators
Sudhanshu Patwardhan, Director, Centre for Health Research and Education
Speakers
Axel Klein, Director, People and Psychoactive Drugs
Carolyn Beaumont, General Practitioner & THR educator, NicotineFacts
Clarisse Yvette P. Virgino, Philippine Representative, Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA)
Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, Founder, R4V (Rights4Vapers)
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator, CAPHRA
Session
Panel
16:55
–
17:55
Key Takeaways
Moderators
Delon Human, Specialist Family Physician; President, Health Diplomats
Speakers
Clive Bates, Director, Counterfactual
David Bertram, Managing Director, EUK Consulting
Elaine Round, Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Reynolds American
George Adams, Associate Professor of Medicine
Niccolò Balzini, Regional Corporate Affairs Director for Europe, Imperial Brands
Rupert Wilson, Owner and Managing Director, Strategic Business Consulting
Tom Hirons, External Affairs Director, JTI
Session
Other
18:00
–
18:15
Closing
Moderators
Elise Rasmussen, Founder and CEO, World Nicotine Congress
Speakers
Session
Other
19:00
–
Closing Networking Reception
Evening location
Closing Networking Reception will be held at The Iris resturant
Monday 23rd March: Science and Politics
Day one examines how evidence informs regulation across regions. Researchers, policymakers and public-health specialists discuss approaches to oversight, enforcement and consumer protection in an evolving market.
Session
Other
9:45
–
10:00
Welcome
Moderators
Elise Rasmussen, Founder and CEO, World Nicotine Congress
Speakers
Session
Keynote
10:00
–
10:20
Keynote
Moderators
Donato Raponi, Owner, D.Raponi Consulting
Speakers
Session
Keynote
10:25
–
10:45
Keynote
Moderators
Roger Bate, President of the Center for Global Health Accountability and a Fellow at the International Center for Law & Economics
Speakers
Session
Keynote
10:50
–
11:10
Keynote
Moderators
Grant Churchill, Professor of Pharmacology and Tutorial Fellow in Medicine, University of Oxford
Speakers
Session
Break
11:10
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Panel
11:30
–
12:50
The Public Health Perspective: Around the World in 80 minutes
Moderators
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator, CAPHRA
Speakers
Ehsan Latif, Director, Centre for Integrative Public Health Management
Jeffrey Zamora, Creative Producer & Communications Strategist, Asovape Costa Rica
Konstantinos Farsalinos, Senior Researcher, School of Public Health at the Universities of Patras and West Attica
Tikki Pang, Former Director of Research Policy and Co-operation, World Health Organization
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Director of Research and Thought Leadership, Global Health Focus
Session
Break
12:50
–
14:05
Delegate Lunch Break
Session
Break
12:50
–
14:05
WIT Meeting and Lunch
Moderators
Speakers
Alessia Centioni, Co-founder and President, European Women Alliance (EWA)
Paola Pocci, Chief Consumer Officer, Imperial Brands
Session
Keynote
14:05
–
14:25
Keynote
Moderators
Paola Pocci, Chief Consumer Officer, Imperial Brands
Speakers
Session
Keynote
14:30
–
14:50
Keynote
Moderators
Mark Tyndall, Public Health Expert, Author and Independent Consultant
Speakers
Session
Panel
14:55
–
16:05
Proof Vs Perception
Moderators
Elaine Round, Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Reynolds American
Speakers
David Duncan, Director, Silver Dene Consulting
Giovanni Li Volti, Director of the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR)
Grant Churchill, Professor of Pharmacology and Tutorial Fellow in Medicine, University of Oxford
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, Professor, Brown University School of Public Health
Mihaela Raescu, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Titu Maiorescu University Bucharest
Nermeen Varawalla, Business Leader in the Healthcare & Life Sciences
Rohan Andrade de Sequeira, Consultant in Cardio-Endocrinology, The Revival Clinic
Session
Break
16:05
–
16:35
Networking Break
Session
Panel
16:35
–
17:35
Tobacco Products Directive
Moderators
Nathalie Darge, Director General, Tobacco Europe
Speakers
Francesco Gaglioppa, EU Affairs Director, JTI
Michiel Reerink, International Corporate Affairs Director & Managing Director, Alliance One International
Patricia Kovacevic, General Counsel, Global Regulatory Expert, RegulationStrategy / CryoMass Technologies Inc
Peter Beckett, Co-founder, Clearing the Air
Session
Panel
17:40
–
18:40
Tobacco Excise Directive
Moderators
Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs
Speakers
Christa Pelsers, EU Head of Fiscal Affairs and International Trade, British American Tobacco
Martin Cullip, International Fellow, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Sinclair Davidson, Economist
Tim Phillips, Founder, Tamarind Intelligence
Session
Other
19:00
–
Evening Insights Reception: Global Perspectives
Moderators
Summer Hanna, Global Head of Scientific Regulation, BAT
Speakers
Carolyn Beaumont, General Practitioner & THR educator, NicotineFacts
Clive Bates, Director, Counterfactual
Ehsan Latif, Director, Centre for Integrative Public Health Management
Rohan Andrade de Sequeira, Consultant in Cardio-Endocrinology, The Revival Clinic
Simon Clark, Director, FOREST
Evening location
Evening Insights Reception: Global Perspectives will be held at Vista 27
Tuesday 24th March: Science and Innovation
Day two focuses on the latest research and emerging technologies. Morning sessions highlight current scientific understanding, while the afternoon explores how innovation is being applied across nicotine-related products and digital tools.
Session
Other
7:30
–
Breakfast
Session
Other
9:20
–
9:30
Welcome
Moderators
David Bass, Master of Ceremonies
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:30
–
9:50
Keynote
Moderators
Danielle Tower, Group Head of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, BAT
Speakers
Session
Panel
9:55
–
11:00
Start Up Investing / Emerging Technology
Moderators
Ermelinda Hajdari, Founder & Managing Director, ALBAN Global
Speakers
Douglas Ming Deng, Professor, Yunnan University
Eve Wang, Executive Director, Smoore International; VP, Shenzhen Smoore Technology Co. Ltd
Jonathan Fell, Head of Research & Engagement, Hexis Capital Management
Mark Burton, California Capital Partners, Partner
Ryan Selby, Inventor & Entrepreneur, Emerald Innovations Ltd.
Xavier Kris, Growth Capitalist, IMX Funds Limited (Abu Dhabi)
Session
Break
11:00
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Keynote
11:30
–
11:45
Keynote
Moderators
Pietro Fiocchi MEP, Vice-Chair, Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
Speakers
Session
Panel
11:50
–
12:50
Performance Meets Perception
Moderators
Marina Murphy, Senior Director, Scientific Affairs, HAYPP GROUP
Speakers
Brindusa Taranu, Head Product Safety Surveillance, PMI
Cheryl K. Olson, Regulatory Scientist, Womble Bond Dickinson
Karina McQuillan, Global Head of Toxicology, BAT
Shaun Murray, Head of Scientific Regulatory Affairs, Imperial Brands
Willie McKinney, Founder and CEO, McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors, LLC.; CEO of McKinney Specialty Labs, LLC
Session
Keynote
12:55
–
13:15
Keynote
Moderators
Marco Falcone MEP, Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Speakers
Session
Break
13:15
–
14:30
Lunch Break
Session
Keynote
14:30
–
14:50
Keynote
Moderators
Charlie Weimers MEP, Vice Chairman, ECR Group
Speakers
Session
Panel
14:55
–
15:55
Reimagining Impact: Sustainability Narratives in Tobacco
Moderators
Miranda Kinney, SVP, Global Head of Corporate Affairs & Impact, Pyxus International, Inc.
Speakers
Beatrice Timgren MEP, Member of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
Hugo Azinheira, Executive Director, Global Research & Innovation, Filtrona
Marco Vadagnini, Director, EUK Consulting
Tadas Lisauskas, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Greenbutts
Session
Break
15:55
–
16:25
Networking Break
Session
Panel
16:25
–
17:25
Meet The Incubators
Moderators
Chris Gemmell, Chief Product & Innovation Officer, Greentank Technologies
Speakers
Haley XU, Vice President, Zinwi Bio-tech Co., Ltd
Jana Siouzou, Senior Vice President EMEA, Körber Technologies
Jason Carignan, Chief Commercial Officer, Chemular
Kellsi Booth, Chief Legal Officer, Black Buffalo Inc.
Waqas Khan, Chief Executive Officer, CLEW
Session
Other
18:30
–
Evening Insights Reception: Meet the Media
Moderators
Brett O'Donnell, President, O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd.
Speakers
Colin Brazier, Broadcaster and Journalist
Steffy Thevar, Journalist, Times of India
Evening location
Evening Insights Reception: Meet the Media will be held on the First Floor
Wednesday 25th March: Tech, Science, and the Consumer
Day three looks at how technology and science intersect with consumer behaviour and expectations. Topics include digital insights, AI-driven tools and new data on attitudes toward nicotine. The programme closes with perspectives from thought leaders across the field.
Session
Other
7:30
–
Breakfast
Session
Other
9:00
–
9:10
Welcome
Moderators
David Bass, Master of Ceremonies
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:10
–
9:30
Keynote
Moderators
John Clayton, External Affairs Vice President, JTI
Speakers
Session
Keynote
9:35
–
9:55
Keynote: Impact of AI on FMCG
Moderators
Brady Brim-DeForest, CEO & Co-Founder, Secundo
Speakers
Session
Panel
10:00
–
11:00
In Conversation with the AI Bros: A glimpse into the future of AI / Tech in Nicotine
Moderators
Rhodri James, Chief Sales Officer, Yoti
Speakers
Anthony Paliouras, General Manager, Honeywell’s Connected Logistics; Managing Director, Movilizer GmbH
Brady Brim-DeForest, CEO & Co-Founder, Secundo
Nermeen Varawalla, Business Leader in the Healthcare & Life Sciences
Vincent Keaveny, Senior Adviser, DLA Piper; Lord Mayor of London 2021/22, DLA Piper
Session
Break
11:00
–
11:30
Networking Break
Session
Panel
11:30
–
12:30
The Industry Perspective: Real World Evidence
Moderators
Helena Digard, Head of Analytical Services, BAT; President, CORESTA
Speakers
Chris Junker, Group Head of Life Sciences, BAT
Joseph Thompson, Group Science & Regulatory Affairs Director, Imperial Brands
Karin Jacobson, Science Advocacy & Engagement Director, Japan Tobacco International (JTI)
Session
Keynote
12:35
–
12:55
Keynote: Consumer Polling
Moderators
Jon Nash, Co-founder, Prime Radiant
Speakers
Session
Break
12:55
–
14:10
Lunch Break
Session
Panel
14:10
–
15:20
Illicit Trade
Moderators
Brett O'Donnell, President, O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd.
Speakers
Hayley Van Loon, CEO, Crime Stoppers International
Howard Pugh, International Crime and Anti-Illicit Trade Consultant, Howard Pugh Consulting
Vincent Byrne, Global Anti-Illicit Trade Operations (AITO) Director, JTI
Session
Break
15:20
–
15:50
Networking Break
Session
Panel
15:50
–
16:50
Consumer Panel
Moderators
Sudhanshu Patwardhan, Director, Centre for Health Research and Education
Speakers
Axel Klein, Director, People and Psychoactive Drugs
Carolyn Beaumont, General Practitioner & THR educator, NicotineFacts
Clarisse Yvette P. Virgino, Philippine Representative, Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA)
Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, Founder, R4V (Rights4Vapers)
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator, CAPHRA
Session
Panel
16:55
–
17:55
Key Takeaways
Moderators
Delon Human, Specialist Family Physician; President, Health Diplomats
Speakers
Clive Bates, Director, Counterfactual
David Bertram, Managing Director, EUK Consulting
Elaine Round, Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Reynolds American
George Adams, Associate Professor of Medicine
Niccolò Balzini, Regional Corporate Affairs Director for Europe, Imperial Brands
Rupert Wilson, Owner and Managing Director, Strategic Business Consulting
Tom Hirons, External Affairs Director, JTI
Session
Other
18:00
–
18:15
Closing
Moderators
Elise Rasmussen, Founder and CEO, World Nicotine Congress
Speakers
Session
Other
19:00
–
Closing Networking Reception
Evening location
Closing Networking Reception will be held at The Iris resturant