The Super Bowl of Cannabis Conventions: What to Expect at MJBizCon 2024, Feat. Emilie Lewis

While there are cannabis industry and advocacy-related conventions across America that are certainly worth attending and do properly showcase the strength and possibilities of this growing industry, few of those conventions accurately reach the scope and sheer magnitude that MJBizCon does. Already being hosted in Las Vegas, aka “The Convention Capital of the World,” the juggernaut of a convention features thousands of cannabis and cannabis accessory vendors for every field and facet of not only just the American cannabis industry but, surprisingly, many international cannabis markets as well.

To better understand how this year’s MJBizCon will differ from prior years and what the tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe should expect, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Emilie Lewis, MJBizCon’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Audience, and Content Strategy.

What are the most important or otherwise groundbreaking attractions/events/panel discussions, etc., that convention attendees have to look forward to and/or should personally attend?

At the 2024 conference, attendees can look forward to several exciting NEW features:

The Hub: This central space will host “State Takeovers” with influential regional leaders and panels. Networking receptions will include events like the First-Timers Open House and sessions focused on equity and empowering women in cannabis.

Equity Row: A dedicated area for justice-impacted cannabis businesses, featuring 40 Tons and 15 other exhibitors. This space will provide opportunities for investors and partners to connect with innovative companies.

MITA Manufacturing + Distribution Pavilion: Showcasing top manufacturers and distributors from various states, helping to expand retail operations.

The Vault: A gathering of global geneticists led by Mario Guzman, focusing on genetics and cultivation advancements.

Culture+ Preview: A sneak peek of the upcoming 2025 event that will support the growth of smoke, hemp/CBD, and alternative lifestyle businesses.

Weedmaps (MAPS ) Retailer Village: A hub for cannabis brands and leaders to connect with buyers and partners.

Other additions include the “Best of MJBiz” Awards, Cultivated Media’s Living Room Live Sessions, and a Product Specialist certification program in partnership with Ganjier.

Why do you believe that MJBizCon 2024 will be the most productive, worthwhile, and exciting convention when compared to previous years?

I truly believe MJBizCon 2024 will be the most productive and exciting convention we’ve seen so far with some of the above-mentioned new activations. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together, share their challenges and successes, and collaborate on plans for the year ahead. The energy and creativity that come from these interactions drives real progress. That can’t be replicated in other settings!

This year promises to be a unique experience that will not only benefit individual businesses but also strengthen our entire industry.

How many vendors will have booths at the convention this year, and where is the furthest that vendors are traveling from for the convention? What notable international vendors will be there?

As we are a public company, we don’t disclose specific numbers, but we are excited to welcome over 1,000 vendors from across the industry. These vendors are traveling from nearby states like Nevada and California, as well as from as far away as Amsterdam and China.

Notable international participants include Sanlight, the largest LED producer in Europe, and LogiCO2, which manufactures CO2 sensors for every McDonald’s (MCD ) globally and is making a significant entry into the cannabis sector. Additionally, SASIB S.p.A. from Italy will showcase their processing machinery, marking their first appearance at MJBizCon.

We are also pleased to have CCELL returning to the convention. Since its establishment in 2016, CCELL has rapidly become one of the world’s largest vaporizer suppliers, renowned for revolutionizing the industry with the introduction of the first ceramic heating component. With multiple independent research institutes and cutting-edge production facilities, CCELL leads the field in atomization technology, setting new industry standards while maintaining rigorous quality control.

Who are some noteworthy or otherwise established guests and/or panelists who will be attending the convention?

The convention will host a range of noteworthy guests and panelists, each bringing valuable insights into the cannabis industry. Key sessions such as “The Realities of Raising Capital,” “Raising Canna Capital in a Bear Market,” and “Latest Investment Trends” will address the funding challenges and investment opportunities shaping the industry’s future, featuring discussions on traditional and alternative financing, including the impact of 280E. Dasheeda Dawson will share her unique perspective on the investment hurdles faced by operators and regulators.

Sessions like “A New Playing Field: How Athletes are Changing the Game” and “Empowerment + Innovation” will highlight the role of athletes, including NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, in promoting wellness, diversity, and social equity in cannabis.

For cultivation professionals, practical discussions on managing cultivation data and post-harvest production will provide strategies for optimizing yield and quality. Cutting-edge topics such as “Emerging Research on the Applications of Medical Cannabis” and “Ensuring Worker Safety in the Cannabis Industry” will delve into the latest findings and workplace protocols.

Notable speakers include Josh Kesselman (CEO, RAW Rolling Papers), Robert Hoban (Founder, Hoban Law Group), Christian Campbell (Producer, Reefer Madness), Allison Justice (CEO, Cannabis Research Coalition), David Klein (CEO, Canopy Growth (CGC )), Dr. Tassa Saldi (Co-founder, TUMI Genomics), Rebecca Kirk (COO, Acreage Holdings), and Steve DeAngelo (Co-founder, Harborside).

With this being the first MJBizCon to take place just after both a presidential election and several other crucial elections in quite a while, how do you see the results of the elections impacting or influencing the convention?

Each election cycle introduces new questions, challenges, and opportunities for discussion, and this year is particularly pivotal for the cannabis industry.

For the first time, cannabis has taken a prominent role in the 2024 presidential campaigns, underscoring its growing significance. Recent surveys show that approximately 68% of Americans support legalization, indicating a notable shift in public sentiment; however, we also faced setbacks in several state battles this year. Moreover, with rescheduling hearings scheduled to commence during MJBizCon and continue into 2025, it is essential for the industry to come together and develop a unified strategy.

Our registration numbers reflect this enthusiasm, with a significant increase in industry professionals eager to collaborate and plan for the future. By working together, we can navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.

Since this will be the first convention since the announcement of an eventual federal reform for cannabis, will the federal rescheduling be a common topic of the panel discussions?

This year at MJBizCon, several major trends are driving discussions both on the panels and on the expo floor. One that stands out to me is:

Regulatory and Legal Changes: Significant sessions like “From Weed Wars to High Hopes” and “Now What? How Rescheduling Will Impact the Future of the Cannabis Industry” will focus on the evolving regulatory environment, including the potential rescheduling of cannabis and the implications of the SAFER Banking Act. Attendees can expect insights into navigating these challenges and seizing new opportunities. Notably, a rescheduling panel will feature a participant from the DEA hearings, while another session will explore federal roadblocks affecting state-licensed operators and how the Farm Bill could enhance financial stability.

Given that this is the Super Bowl of cannabis conventions, what do you hope that attendees take away from the convention?

I genuinely hope that everyone leaves MJBizCon feeling inspired and energized about our collective journey in the cannabis industry. While we have overcome significant challenges, there is still much more to accomplish. I envision each attendee walking away with valuable connections, practical strategies to propel their businesses forward, and engaging discussions that ignite fresh ideas. Ultimately, my wish is for a renewed sense of optimism and a commitment in advancing our industry together.

Thank you so much for joining us, Emilie! To purchase a ticket to MJBizCon, please follow its website.