The cannabis industry’s biggest conference and trade show is weeks away. Now in its 13th year, MJBizCon draws tens of thousands of international pot professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center for a week of networking, education, and fun.
With over 1400 exhibitors, dozens of top-notch speakers, and a never-ending list of afterparties, deciding which route to take can be difficult. Fortunately, the 2024 Cannabis Week has plenty of new and exciting offerings.
RELATED: The best weed products at Hall of Flowers revealed
This year’s MJBizCon has several additions to this year’s agenda. Folks wanting to hear from regional thought leaders can check out the State Takeovers at the Hub Lounge. The Vault Pavilion is another new feature, with top breeders and genetics from around the world. Those seeking to meet brand leaders can check out the Weedmaps Retailer Village. There will also be a special preview of Culture+, a new section coming in 2025 that highlights ancillary accessories and smoke shop products.
GreenState’s must-stop list includes a visit to the new Equity Row. Anchored by justice-minded branded 40 Tons, the expo section features cannabis companies founded by people who have served time for pot-related offenses (or their close family members). The activation is an important reminder of where the industry came from, honoring those who sacrificed so much so that conventions like this could exist.
“MJBizCon is all about fostering connections and sparking innovation, especially at this critical moment for the cannabis sector,” said Sarah Wilson, vice president of event and sales at MJBizCon. “Our new layout and features set the stage for industry professionals to collaborate and learn as we navigate this pivotal time together.”
A slew of networking events curated for everyone from MJBiz first-timers to social equity license holders round out the panels, expo hall, and outdoor smoke seshes.
And while MJBizCon is the reason for the season, there’s plenty to do off-site during Cannabis Week as well.
Off-site offerings run the gamut
Whether it’s product sampling suites, thought leaders hanging around the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmo, or educational panels at destination dispensaries, Cannabis Week is chock full of opportunity.
One place GreenState will be visiting is the High Stakes Stage at Planet 13—aka the biggest dispensary in Vegas. Presented by Good Life Gang (GLG) and Beard Bros Pharms, the weeklong activation will include talks from some of weed’s biggest names, including Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk, who will cap off their Weird Brains tour with several exciting updates from the cannabis research field. There will also be live podcasting from media groups like Respect My Region and Black Cannabis Magazine. Another highlight is a special presentation from veterans in the space.
RELATED: 7 cannabis podcasts you need to download
“We’re excited to partner with our friends at Planet 13 to host a diverse cross-section of our industry,” said High Stakes curator Cat Sidman. “We built this stage, with the generous support of our sponsors, to amplify voices that aren’t otherwise heard during Las Vegas Cannabis Week. From sports to science, innovation to industry forecasts, we’ve got some great conversations planned.”
After-parties are often the highlight for many Cannabis Week attendees, and there is no shortage of events in 2024. Tuesday’s highlights include the golf-centric Las Vegas Classic and a glitzy night with Blunt Brunch (more on that below).
In addition to the dynamic High Stakes Stage programming, Planet 13 will also host the GLG x Beard Bros x CCELL party on Wednesday night. Other popping parties that eve will include the coveted Grasslands Party and Jimi Devine’s Heat Quest III.
On Thursday, GreenState is co-presenting a happy hour at the Cheri Rooftop bar at the Paris Hotel. Overlooking the iconic Bellagio fountain, the fete is the perfect warm-up for the highly anticipated Emjay Awards. Partners for the Sky High soiree include Cann Studio (a sister company to GreenState), Rank Really High, Temeka Group, Apex Trading, Canna Spy Glass, Canna MGT, Xylem Robotics, Distru, Lit Alerts, and Myers Security.
After filling up on food and drink at Cheri, all eyes will be on the Palms as the second annual Emjays Awards Show goes live. Produced by Farechild Events, the Emjays are an Oscars-style affair with a weed twist. The coveted contest celebrates all sectors of the cannabis industry, from business services to brands to content creators.
Women in weed find more opportunity than ever
Las Vegas hasn’t always been friendly toward women during MJBizCon, and it’s no secret that the industry skews heavily male. Fortunately, this year’s Cannabis Week has multiple events specifically catered toward women in weed.
RELATED: Up and coming weed tourism hub surprises everyone
The first is Tuesday’s MJBizCon Women in Leadership forum. This pre-conference event features several panels specifically curated for female-identified cannabis professionals as well as a content and networking lunch presented by Blunt Brunch.
Afterward, the annual Blunt Brunch women’s gathering on Tuesday is shifting to an evening format, running from 5 pm to 8 pm at IPEC. Dubbed a “Night of Glitz and Glamor,” attendees will begin the evening with a press line on the Sip, Spark, and Shine red carpet. Afterward, guests will be treated to a night of networking, energetic entertainment, and a karaoke consumption bus out front.
Wednesday also boasts several women-centric events throughout the day. The Smoke & Flower off-site retreat will feature a range of programming and relaxing activities, including breathwork, TED-talk-style presentations, and a holiday market. A shuttle will be provided from the convention center so women can come and go as they please.
Later that day, Women Employed in Cannabis and Surfside are hosting two different women’s happy hours close to the convention. Meanwhile, the Cannabis Queens & Ganja Goddesses book launch will take place at the Tuscany Hotel.
On Thursday, Latinas in Cannabis will hold a meet-up at MJBizCon within The Hub from 1pm – 1:30pm. Organizers hope it will be the largest gathering of its kind to date. The group will also be featured at the High Stakes Stage at Planet 13 on Friday from 2pm – 3pm.
Thursday evening, Minorities for Medical Marijuana will present Women in Weed: Disruptors Edition at Mariposa Cocina. And don’t miss the Babes in the Babe content suite all week at the Virgin Hotel, with a wide range of activities from a glam squad to a pajama party.
See you at MJBizCon
Cannabis Week is always a whirlwind, and 2024 will be no exception. Those heading to the event for the first time should make sure to pack comfortable shoes, drink plenty of water, and refrain from overloading their schedules. MJBizCon is a marathon, not a sprint—so stay focused, keep your eyes on the prize, and keep an eye out for GreenState in the sesh.
