Cannabis conferences are one of the most helpful resources out there for new cannapreneurs and more seasoned cannabis professionals alike. There are conferences of all sizes geared toward every niche of the cannabis industry and hosted worldwide — so keeping track of them all can be challenging. Here’s an Oaksterdam-approved list of our favorite cannabis conferences for cannabusiness professionals. 

 

Why Should I Go to a Cannabis Conference?

Cannabis conferences are great places to network and connect with the cannabis community. Whether you’re exchanging business cards, getting to know other professionals in the industry, or just sharing enthusiasm about the latest in cannabis business or technology, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people who are just as passionate about cannabis as you are. You will have the opportunity to talk with cannabis business professionals, cannabis growers, cannabis extraction technicians, and anyone else who works with hemp or cannabis. 

 

Cannabis conferences also provide excellent opportunities for cannabis training and further cannabis education. With keynote speakers, information from other companies, and sometimes even workshops to attend, cannabis conferences are great places to brush up on your industry knowledge or learn something new. 

 

Finally, cannabis conferences are a great way to build brand recognition. Whether you have a stall promoting your business or are walking the floor and talking with other cannabis professionals, having a presence at cannabis conferences can do wonders for your brand and your business.

 

The Top 20 Cannabis Conferences for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

 

1. The Cannabis Industry Conference & Expo

This conference features seminars, workshops, and panel discussions about the intersections of cannabis and business in every form. The Cannabis Industry Conference & Expo will showcase hundreds of new products and services and provide valuable B2B networking opportunities. It will be held at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, from August 4-6, 2023. 

 

2. CannaCon

CannaCon brings together cannabis professionals from every part of the cannabis industry, from cultivation to sales and everything in between. Dozens of speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of attendees will gather at five events nationwide throughout 2023. 

 

3. Interchange

This event brings together industry professionals and retailers for a networking experience and business opportunity, providing the unique opportunity to meet 1:1 with other business leaders and potential customers. The Interchange conference will be hosted six times throughout 2023 in Washington, Oregon, and Michigan. 

 

4. Lucky Leaf Expo

Lucky Leaf is all about kickstarting the new Missouri adult-use cannabis market. If you’re a cannabis entrepreneur based out of Missouri, this is an event that you can’t miss. This year’s event is hosted at Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center from March 24-25, 2023. 

 

5. XpoCanna’s Connecticut Cannabis Expo

This conference involves a cannabis business convention, a consumer expo, and the X Cup cannabis competition awards. XpoCanna provides an incredible opportunity to showcase several angles of your new cannabis business. This event will take place in the Sky Convention Center at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, from March 25-26, 2023. 

 

6. MJ Unpacked NYC

MJ Unpacked brings together cannabis brands and investors for a unique opportunity to garner interest — and potentially investments — in your brand. It will be hosted at the New York Hilton Midtown from April 26-28, 2023. 

 

7. CannaTrade

This event focuses on the hemp plant and will see over 150 exhibitors. CannaTrade also features a business lounge exclusively for cannabis business owners, which offers an incredible networking opportunity. This event will be held at Halle 622 in Zurich, Switzerland, from May 12-14, 2023. 

 

8. CannMed 

This event highlights innovations in the cannabis industry, specifically in the medical cannabis industry. CannMed allows cannabis companies to network with other professionals, stakeholders, and investors. CannMed will be held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida from May 15-17, 2023. 

 

9. BizCann Expo

BizCann Expo explores and promotes cannabis businesses in South and Latin America. This event will host workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities for professionals in every part of the cannabis industry. BizCann Expo will be held at the Plaza Mayor Convention Center in Medellín, Colombia, from May 20-21, 2023. 

 

10. The Business Event

An offshoot of The CBD Show, this event is dedicated to professionals in the hemp and cannabis industry. The Business Event provides opportunities to learn about new developments and network with other professionals. It will be hosted in London, United Kingdom, from May 22-23, 2023. 

 

11. CWCBExpo

This event is dedicated to exploring the business possibilities of the hemp and cannabis markets. Hosted in New York City, this event is in a prime location to take advantage of NYC’s business opportunities and the growing cannabis industry in the state. It will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from June 1-3, 2023. 

 

12. NECANN Boston

We’ve included a few different New England Cannabis Convention Events on this list because each one covers a separate region and has slightly different offerings. Boston’s event will see hundreds of exhibitors, more than 100 expert speakers, and full days of networking events. It will be held at the Hynes Convention Center from March 10-12, 2023. 

 

13. International Cannabis Business Conference

The ICBC is the largest B2B cannabis event in Europe. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with other business professionals, and get cannabis training from industry experts. It will be hosted at the Estrel Berlin Hotel in Berlin, Germany, from June 29-30, 2023. 

 

14. PBC Conference

This B2B event focuses on banking and compliance within the cannabis industry. Whether your cannabis business falls into these categories, you’re looking to partner with someone in this area, or you just want to learn more about this sector of the cannabis industry, this event is the place to do it. The conference will be held in Washington, D.C., from September 21-23, 2023. 

 

15. Business of Cannabis: New York

This event focuses on the unique business opportunities that New York brings to the cannabis industry. It will bring together cannabis business, finance, policy, and retail leaders for an informational event and countless networking opportunities. It will be hosted in New York City on February 23, 2023. 

 

16. The Cannabis Conference

This event will explore the challenges cannabis businesses face during their development and operation and features exhibits from companies providing solutions. Attend marijuana training sessions, network, and expand your business at The Paris in Las Vegas August 15-17, 2023. 

 

17. Real Cannabis Entrepreneur Conference

The Real Cannabis Entrepreneur Conference features cannabis entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their businesses and are now teaching you the lessons they’ve learned. Learn from people who have been in your shoes and network with other entrepreneurs at this event, hosted at the DoubleTree Hotel in Newark, NJ, from Oct. 20-21, 2023. 

 

18. NECANN Illinois

This installment of NECANN conferences is hosted in Chicago and focuses on cannabis business opportunities in the growing Illinois industry. It will be hosted at the Schaumburg Convention Center from June 2-3, 2023. 

 

19. Cannabis Business Asia-Pacific

This conference is dedicated to the hemp and cannabis industry in the Asian-Pacific area. It covers many different topics and offers valuable information, education, and networking opportunities to professionals looking to expand into the area. The Cannabis Business Asia-Pacific Conference will be held at Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit in Thailand from Feb. 28 – March 1, 2023. 

 

20. MJBizCon

No cannabis conference list is complete without the biggest cannabis convention in the world: MJBizCon. Each year an estimated 35,000 cannabis businesspeople, sales folks, journalists and enthusiasts descend on Las Vegas to mingle, strike deals and eye the competition. From pre-show forums to infused dinners, MJBizCon has something for everyone. The annual event will be held from November 28 to December 1, 2023. 

 

Make the Most out of a Cannabis Conference

Cannabis conferences are enormous, so preparing is essential to make the most of your trip.

 

Firstly, make a plan. What exhibitors do you want to check out? Which panels would you like to attend? Are there other industry professionals you want to make a point to connect with? A plan will help you see and do everything you want without being overwhelmed by the number of exhibitors, events, and opportunities. 

 

You’ll also want to make sure you come prepared. Most cannabis events will require you to cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable walking shoes or request accommodations beforehand. Snacks, water, business cards, and something to take notes with are also helpful.  

 

Finally, be sure to take advantage of the surrounding area. Many cannabis events take place in exciting cities and towns. Networking events are a great way to get to know the city you’re visiting, but it’s also important to recharge at the end of a hectic conference. No matter which Cannabis conferences you attend, you will have an excellent opportunity to network, publicize your brand, and learn about the cannabis industry and community.

Do you have the cannabis industry knowledge needed to make a splash in the cannabis expo scene? Oaksterdam University’s extensive cannabis course catalog, flexible learning options and affordable tuition mean you’ll be walking the floor like a pro in no time. Click here to enroll in OU’s programs today.