The biggest conference of the year for cannabis professionals is almost here. From retailers to cultivators and everyone in between, MJBizCon is the Super Bowl of the weed business. Tens of thousands of people from around the globe are expected to descend upon Las Vegas for a week of networking, education, and plenty of smoke-filled fun.
Here’s what GreenState is looking forward to at this year’s event.
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Thought-provoking panels
Most attendees of MJBizCon are focused on meetings and business development, but the programming offers exceptional educational value. Some highlights for 2023 include:
- A “state of the industry” featuring MJBizDaily staff (Wednesday, November 29th at 9:00 a.m.),
- A town hall focused on creating an equitable cannabis industry with Martin Luther King III, Hope Wiseman, Tamika Mallory, Ademola Oyefeso, Kristi Price, Omari Anderson, Carlondo Mitchell, and Dr. Bridget Cole Williams (Wednesday, November 29th at 3:40 p.m.)
- A conversation with Papa & Barkley founder Guy Rocourt on whole plant extraction (Thursday, November 30th at 10:30 a.m.)
In addition to the full conference programming, there are pre-show forums focused on finance, marketing, science, and even psychedelics. A new Women’s Leadership forum will also take place, featuring a can’t-miss panel on social media troll management with Lindsey Bartlett, Tammy Pettigrew, Christina Wong, Lauren Miele, and Solonje Burnett.
GreenState editor Rachelle Gordon will be on the “meet the press” panel during Tuesday’s marketing forum alongside Kate Levin from MJBizDaily and Elliot Lane of Benzinga Cannabis.
Connections and community
MJBizCon is like a high school reunion and speed dating with a side of business rolled into one whirlwind week. The number of chance encounters that take place is dizzying. From the expo floor to the ever-present sesh outside the main doors, there are plenty of places to build connections and bump into old friends.
The conference also provides ample opportunities for attendees to meet, mingle, and work toward a brighter future. BizCon newbies can connect the morning of day one, while an “empowering women in cannabis” event will occur following day two of the main event.
And don’t forget the massive exhibitor hall. While most folks walking the floor are looking to build their business, there will be a few chances to do some good. Social impact brand 40 Tons is hosting a letter-writing campaign with Custom Cones at booth #33030 to send notes of support to cannabis prisoners.
It goes without saying that some red flags do exist in Vegas. The party vibe that permeates throughout the city is rampant, and people (especially women) should be on guard. Travel in groups, watch your drinks, and always follow your gut.
Extracurricular activities
The main conference is the bread and butter of Cannabis Week in Vegas, but the after-parties are the icing on the cake. In fact, thousands of people fly to Sin City just for nighttime industry soirees alone.
GreenState is a media partner for three separate affairs: the uplifting women in cannabis get-together Blunt Brunch, the raucous MJBiz Kickoff party at the Mob Museum, and the uber-hip Underground Party taking place in eclectic Freemont.
Other parties worth checking out on Wednesday night include Good Life Gang’s annual event, Jimi Devine’s Heatquest II, and the Grasslands Party, arguably the hottest ticket in town. Thursday night, Farechild is hosting the first-ever Emjays, a black-tie awards show presented with MJBizCon. Stay tuned to GreenState to find out who won.
MJBizCon is a marathon of meetings, education, and high vibes. While the week may be focused on business, consumers are at the forefront of everyone’s engagements. What happens in Vegas will have a trickle-down effect through the industry, making the event that much more important for 2024 and beyond.
