Insights

Cannabis Industry Events: Be Everywhere MJ Does Business

Top Cannabis Events

In an industry like cannabis, where connections drive growth and collaboration, your networking approach is everything. According to Apollo Technical, "80% of professionals find networking essential to their career success, almost 100% believe that face-to-face meetings build stronger long-term relationships, and 41% want to network more often.” Networking is not just about collecting contacts—it's about making and creating connections that push your business forward.

When you finally get the right introduction at a conference or workshop, you better be prepared to WOW them with impactful data. This is cannabis; they’ve seen all the gimmicks. At the end of the day, they are business people, and business people make decisions based on numbers.  So take your prep seriously! MediaJel can help you understand your data and amplify your presence at the best cannabis industry events – but it starts with knowing the basics. 

Types of Cannabis Industry Events

No two events are exactly the same. Here's an overview of the most popular types of networking and business-focused events in the cannabis industry. 

  • Conferences: Large-scale gatherings focusing on industry trends, research, and networking opportunities. Example: Benzinga Cannabis
  • Trade Shows: Events where companies showcase their products and services, allowing for direct interaction with attendees. Example: CannaCon, MJBizCon 
  • Expos: Exhibitions that combine product showcases with educational sessions for a comprehensive experience. Example: Emerald Conference 
  • Networking Events: Informal gatherings to connect industry professionals for collaboration and relationship building. Example: Women Grow Networking Events
  • Workshops and Seminars: Educational sessions focusing on specific topics or skills within the cannabis industry. Example: Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Events
  • Virtual Events and Webinars: Online gatherings that provide access to educational content, networking, and discussions from the comfort of your own space. Example: MediaJel's Cannabis Marketing Live Webinars
Cannabis Virtual Events

Best Cannabis Industry Events 2025

CHAMPS

Dates: February 12-15, 2025
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
CHAMPS Trade Show is a leading B2B event focused on hemp-derived products, featuring a wide range of items like CBD, Delta-8, and cannabis lifestyle accessories. This event brings together a diverse mix of industry participants, including smoke shops, dispensaries, and counter-culture vendors.

  • Engage with top manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of hemp-derived products in a dynamic setting.
  • Discover innovative product lines and the latest trends in hemp-based offerings.
  • Stay updated on regulatory changes and compliance requirements impacting the hemp sector.​

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference brings together top cannabis investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to discuss capital investment, business scaling, and future growth of cannabis markets, both nationally and internationally.

  • Connect directly with over 2,000 investors, operators, and industry influencers to foster strategic business partnerships.
  • Access expert panels and keynote speeches on regulatory changes, investment strategies, and operational insights.
  • Utilize an official networking app for personalized 1:1 meetings and attend structured group events to maximize networking.​
Cannabis Events

MJ Unpacked

Dates: Apr. 29 – May 1, 2025
Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
MJ Unpacked is an exclusive cannabis event crafted for C-level retail and brand executives, licensed operators, scientists, and accredited investors, emphasizing collaboration and capital access within the industry.

  • Network with high-level industry executives, scientists, and accredited investors actively working in cannabis.
  • Discover curated insights on industry innovation through specialized tracks, including Brand & Retail, Cultivation & Science, and Investment & Finance.
  • Connect with investors and family offices seeking new opportunities with structured networking sessions to facilitate deal-making.

MJBizCon

MJBizCon is the largest global B2B cannabis event, attracting tens of thousands of cannabis professionals to connect, learn, and explore innovations, products, and strategies that drive the growth of the cannabis industry.

  • Attend educational sessions led by industry experts on cultivation, retail, and business development.
  • Explore over 1,000 exhibitors offering the latest cannabis-related products, technology, and services.
  • Build valuable connections with global cannabis professionals and entrepreneurs.​

CannaData Con

Dates: February 5-7, 2025
Location: Virtual and In-Person Sessions
CannaData Con is a specialized event focusing on how cannabis businesses can harness data analytics, customer insights, and technology to improve operations and drive business growth.

  • Discover cutting-edge data tools and platforms designed specifically for cannabis business intelligence.
  • Gain insights from data experts on consumer trends, sales performance, and market dynamics.
  • Network with professionals at the forefront of cannabis data and analytics solutions to enhance operational efficiency​.

Cannabis Marketing Association Summit

The Cannabis Marketing Summit, organized by the Cannabis Marketing Association, is a focused event for cannabis marketers, brand managers, and business owners dedicated to exploring the latest trends, regulatory strategies, and effective digital marketing tactics for the cannabis industry.

  • Gain insights into the unique challenges of cannabis marketing, including regulatory compliance and audience engagement.
  • Gain insights into the unique challenges of cannabis marketing, including regulatory compliance and audience engagement.
  • Network with industry peers and marketing experts to share strategies and solutions that address the sector's toughest PR and branding obstacles.
  • Access hands-on sessions and discussions on building effective marketing tech stacks, social media strategies, and compliance-focused advertising​.

CannaCon Northeast Rochester

Dates: JUNE 12, 2025
Location: Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY
CannaCon Midwest is a comprehensive B2B cannabis expo fostering connections and showcasing innovations in the Midwest cannabis industry. The event gathers professionals from cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail to learn about new products, technologies, and regulatory environments.

  • Access region-specific insights into cannabis laws, compliance issues, and emerging market opportunities.
  • Discover innovations in cannabis cultivation, extraction, and retail strategies tailored to the Midwest market.
  • Build relationships with local suppliers, manufacturers, and industry experts to foster business growth in specific regions.

Hall of Flowers

Dates: MARCH 19-20, 2025
Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds

Hall of Flowers hosts premier B2B cannabis events in California, connecting top cannabis brands with licensed retail buyers in a curated setting highlighting innovative products and business opportunities. Both events provide a similar B2B environment, where cannabis brands and retail tech innovators come together to showcase their products.

  • Meet over 300 California cannabis brands offering exclusive collaborations and high-demand products.
  • Connect with buyers, brands, and vendors from across California, with a focus on quality, innovation, and direct business connections.
  • Attend sessions with industry leaders, offering insights on regulatory shifts, market trends, and operational strategies​.

Cannabis Business Summit & Expo

Hosted by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), this event combines a trade show with policy discussions, networking, and educational sessions. It draws industry leaders, regulators, and innovators to address pressing issues, foster partnerships, and spotlight advancements in cannabis cultivation, retail, and regulatory compliance.

  • Engage with policymakers and gain insights into cannabis law and regulations.
  • Discover new products and technologies across the extensive expo floor.
  • Connect with industry professionals and discuss strategies to drive growth​.
cannabis summit

The Emerald Cup

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Emerald Cup is one of California's most iconic cannabis events, blending a competitive cannabis awards show with a lively festival experience. Known for championing sustainable outdoor cannabis cultivation, the event showcases California's top producers, highlighting quality cannabis and craft products across diverse categories.

  • Explore the World Famous Craft Cannabis Marketplace featuring California’s premier cannabis brands and high-quality products.
  • Enjoy live music and entertainment, along with discussions from thought leaders on topics like sustainable farming, terpene profiles, and the cannabis market.
  • Network with cannabis enthusiasts, growers, and industry leaders in a vibrant setting that celebrates cannabis culture​.

Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo)

Dates: June 2025
Location: TBA
The CWCBExpo is a premier B2B event on the East Coast, bringing together industry professionals, innovators, and investors from the cannabis and hemp sectors. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this event focuses on the latest industry trends, business opportunities, and regulatory updates.

  • Engage in expert-led workshops on topics like dispensary operations, cultivation licensing, and technology, perfect for those seeking hands-on learning.
  • Attend exclusive sessions with key industry leaders, including updates on New York’s regulatory landscape, and explore intersections between cannabis and psychedelics.
  • Network at special events like the Women in Cannabis Luncheon, Industry Yacht Party, and the B2B Bash, offering ample opportunity for connection and collaboration​.

NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Lobby Days

NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Lobby Days is an annual event where cannabis industry leaders, advocates, and professionals gather in Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal cannabis reform and engage directly with lawmakers. This event provides a structured platform for industry participants to discuss legislative priorities, from banking reform to equity in cannabis licensing.

  • Participate in organized meetings on Capitol Hill, where attendees advocate for policies beneficial to cannabis businesses.
  • Attend pre-event training and workshops, making it accessible for those new to citizen lobbying.
  • Network with industry peers and policymakers at social events, including an opening reception and a closing gathering with congressional allies​.
CannaData Con

Hemp & CBD Expo–UK

Dates: TBD (typically held at NEC Birmingham, UK)
The Hemp & CBD Expo is the UK's first dedicated trade show for the hemp and CBD industry, offering a platform for businesses across the supply chain. The event includes exhibits of products such as CBD oils, edibles, compliance services, packaging, and farming equipment, catering to both B2B and B2C audiences.

  • Connect with exhibitors across all sectors of the hemp and CBD industry, from seed providers to white-label manufacturers.
  • Participate in educational seminars at the Business Pro Stage, with insights into industry trends, compliance, and best practices.
  • Explore UK Hemp Zone, showcasing hemp fabrics , and a Medical Professionals Zone for consultations and guidance​.

Women Grow Leadership Summit

Dates: February 17-18, 2025
Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St.
The Women Grow Leadership Summit is an empowering annual event focused on cultivating women leaders in the cannabis industry. The summit brings together entrepreneurs, executives, and advocates, working to uplift women in cannabis through networking, education, and professional development.

  • Participate in TED-style "Lightning Talks," educational sessions, and panel discussions led by influential women in cannabis, covering entrepreneurship, funding, and market strategies.
  • Engage in powerful networking with industry peers, mentors, and potential business partners, helping to foster meaningful relationships and open up career opportunities.
  • Access workshops on policy advocacy, leadership skills, and industry insights, providing tools for navigating the cannabis landscape and growing successful businesses

Partner and Prep for Cannabis Industry Events 2025 with MediaJel!

Digital ads reach more eyes than a booth at a fraction of the cost. Collecting data during the event costs zero. Why just show up to cannabis industry events when you can leverage data to start seizing opportunities? Connect with experts at MediaJel to launch a high-impact event campaign, retarget attendees after the best cannabis industry events, AND measure the revenue you generate from them all. Schedule a strategy session!

Written by
Jake Litke
Published on
November 20, 2024