Here’s a quick look at top cannabis trade shows in 2024:
- MJBizCon (Las Vegas, Dec 4-6): Biggest event, 30,000+ attendees
- CWCBExpo (New York City, June 5-6): East Coast B2B focus
- Emerald Conference (San Diego, April 1-3): Science and research focus
- CannaCon (Multiple locations): Cultivation and retail focus
- Hall of Flowers (Santa Rosa, CA, Sept 20-21): Brand showcase and tasting event
- NECANN (Multiple locations): Regional events across the US
Quick Comparison:
| Event | Focus | Attendees | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJBizCon | All-encompassing | 30,000+ | 1,400+ |
| CWCBExpo | East Coast B2B | Not specified | Not specified |
| Emerald Conference | Scientific research | ~800 | Small expo |
| CannaCon | Cultivation & retail | 25,000+ | 800+ |
| Hall of Flowers | Brand showcase | Not specified | 300+ |
| NECANN | Regional markets | Varies by location | 200+ (Boston) |
These shows offer networking, education, and product showcases. Pick based on your business goals, location, and budget. To prepare:
- Make business cards
- Design an eye-catching booth
- Plan your networking strategy
Attending the right show can boost your cannabis business in 2024.
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1. MJBizCon 2024
MJBizCon 2024 hits Las Vegas Convention Center December 3-6. It’s the cannabis industry‘s biggest event, with over 30,000 pros and 1,027 exhibitors expected.
The "Dare to Grow" themed conference offers:
- 140+ expert speakers
- 250,000 square feet of exhibits
- 6 pre-show events, including MJBiz Science Symposium
Tips for newbies:
- Use the MJBizCon app to plan
- Focus on key networking events
- Attend relevant speaker sessions
Event segments:
| Segment | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Cultivators | Growing tech, sustainability |
| Retailers | POS systems, inventory management |
| Investors | Pitch sessions, market trends |
| Activists | Policy talks, advocacy workshops |
"MJBizCon is where 30,000 industry pros converge to get deals done", says the organizer.
MJBizCon lets industry pros:
- Learn from leading companies
- Discover new products and services
- Connect with potential partners and clients
MoCannTrade members: Use code AD2021MOCANN for $100 off tickets.
2. CWCBExpo 2024
CWCBExpo 2024 hits NYC’s Javits Center June 5-6. This B2B event connects cannabis pros and fosters business relationships.
Key features:
- Two days of networking
- Keynote speakers and educational sessions
- Product displays and exhibition floor
- Pre-show workshops on June 4th
Industry focus:
| Segment | Areas |
|---|---|
| Cultivation | Tech, licensing, operations |
| Retail | Dispensary ownership and management |
| Ancillary Services | Fertilizers, construction, equipment |
| Workforce Development | Job fair, legal education |
Special events:
1. Pre-show Workshops (June 4th):
- Dispensary Ownership & Operations Bootcamp
- Cultivation: Licensing, Technology & Operation
2. Keynote Address (June 5th):
- Josh Kesselman, RAW Papers founder
3. Women in Cannabis Business Luncheon (June 5th):
- Panel on female entrepreneurship
4. Networking Events:
- B2B Rooftop Bash
- Industry Yacht Party
Hot topics:
- NY’s evolving licensing and regulations
- Potential federal cannabis rescheduling
"This year CWCBExpo celebrates the community, industry, clients, and newcomers—the industry’s about to grow again." – Christine Ianuzzi, CEO
Event details:
- Expo floor: 10 am to 5 pm both days
- Conference programs: 11 am to 5 pm
- Early registration recommended (use code HSM24 for discounts)
CWCBExpo 2024: Key event for cannabis pros to stay informed, connect, and grow in a changing market.
3. Emerald Conference 2024
Emerald Conference 2024 hits San Diego April 1-3. It’s THE event for cannabis and psychedelic science pros, covering:
| Focus | Topics |
|---|---|
| Cultivation Science | Genetics, engineering |
| Analytical Testing | New methods, solutions |
| Pre-clinical Research | Cannabinoid science, medical uses |
| Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy | New treatments, clinical studies |
What to expect:
- Cutting-edge science talks
- Networking with industry leaders
- Poster sessions on current research
- Small expo with new tech
The event promotes collaboration. Jess Tyler from MJBizDaily says:
"Bringing Emerald Conference into MJBizDaily is timely as cannabis goes mainstream and science needs grow."
This move highlights research importance in cannabis. About 800 attendees expected, offering a more intimate vibe than bigger shows.
For science-minded folks, Emerald Conference covers:
- Federal rescheduling impacts on research
- Good manufacturing for cannabis formulations
- Medical benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy
It’s a must-attend for those in technical and scientific cannabis roles.
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4. CannaCon 2024
CannaCon, the top B2B cannabis conference, hits multiple US cities in 2024:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| CannaCon West | May 17-18, 2024 | Albuquerque, NM |
| CannaCon Midwest | August 16-17, 2024 | St. Paul, MN |
| CannaCon Midwest | October 3-4, 2024 | Cleveland, OH |
Each event boasts 800+ exhibitors and 25,000+ attendees. Topics include:
- Cultivation techniques
- Extraction tech
- Retail insights
- Legal and business advice
- Marketing strategies
- Scientific and financial trends
To make the most of CannaCon:
- Engage with exhibitors
- Join educational sessions
- Network with industry pros
CannaCon fosters responsible community participation in cannabis.
"CannaCon doesn’t sell private info. Any company offering this for a fee is a scam", warn organizers.
For Cleveland attendees: The event’s at Huntington Convention Center with 1,200 parking spots and easy public transport access.
CannaCon 2024: Your one-stop shop for cannabis business needs and industry connections.
5. Hall of Flowers 2024
Hall of Flowers 2024 hits Santa Rosa’s Sonoma County Fairgrounds September 20-21. It brings 300+ top cannabis brands, retailers, and pros together.
Key features:
- Industry Day (Sept 20): For licensed dispensary buyers. $3 per product sample.
- Festival Day (Sept 21): First time open to public, with in-booth sales.
Sales options for exhibitors:
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Service In-Booth Sales (appointed retail partner) | $1,500 |
| Full Service In-Booth Sales (own retail partner) | $500 |
| Virtual Support (own retail partner) | $500 |
| Do-It-Yourself (own license or partner) | $0 |
Event highlights:
- Live music and entertainment
- Food vendors
- Interactive installations
- Art exhibits
- Games and rides
- Glassblowing demos
- Educational speakers
- Comedy acts
Special features:
- Communal Sesh with Wiz Khalifa
- Hall of Flowers ICONOCLASTS Speaker Series
- ‘Taste of Sonoma County’ Culinary Experience
"I’ve put my passion into Hall of Flowers because Cannabis deserves a world-class trade show", says Gary Vaynerchuk, partner.
Expect new product launches, collaborations, and latest trends. First 4,000 fans get a free Talking Terps / Mister Green show bag.
Remember:
- 21+ only
- Bring photo ID
- Come ready to engage and learn
Hall of Flowers 2024: Elevating cannabis and connecting brands, retailers, and consumers in a festival vibe.
6. NECANN 2024
NECANN (New England Cannabis Convention) hits multiple states in 2024, focusing on local markets.
Flagship Boston event (March 22-23, 2024, Hynes Convention Center) offers:
- 200+ exhibitors
- 5 tracks with 120+ expert speakers
- New England market focus
20×20 inline booth includes:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tables | (2) 6 ft draped |
| Chairs | 4 |
| Listing | Digital program and website |
| Badges | 16 for staff |
Note: Electricity and carpet extra
2024 NECANN events:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | March 22-23 | Hynes Convention Center, MA |
| Maryland | May 3-4 | Baltimore Convention Center |
| Illinois | May 30-June 1 | Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago |
| Vermont | June 14-15 | Champlain Valley Expo |
| New Jersey | September 6-7 | Atlantic City Convention Center |
| Michigan | September 20-21 | Devos Place, Grand Rapids |
| Connecticut | October 4-5 | XL Center, Hartford |
| New York | October 25-26 | NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse |
NJ event (Sept 6-7, Atlantic City) expects 4,000+ attendees, with networking events like "Blunt Brunch" for women execs.
Pros praise NECANN:
"Crowds have grown unbelievably. We’re selective about shows; never miss NECANN." – Lisa Keyser, GreenBroz
"We’ll be at NECANN next year, looking at more events – always great for us." – Nicholas Shafer, Precision Extraction Solutions
Key points:
- Local market focus
- Growing attendance yearly
- Sponsorship options available
NECANN’s approach makes it a must-attend series for cannabis businesses and pros.
Good and Bad Points
Weighing pros and cons of 2024 cannabis trade shows:
| Show | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MJBizCon | – Largest US cannabis conference – 2,000 exhibitors – 200+ expert speakers – Diverse audience |
– Can overwhelm – High competition for attention |
| CWCBExpo | – Leading East Coast B2B expo – Industry advancements focus – Regulatory updates |
– Limited to East Coast – Smaller than MJBizCon |
| Emerald Conference | – High-level scientific talks – R&D focus |
– Niche audience limits networking – Less business focus |
| CannaCon | – Cultivation/farming emphasis – 20,000+ visitors – 500+ exhibitors |
– Regional focus limits global exposure – Less policy discussion |
| Hall of Flowers | – Exclusive tastings – Cannabis investors’ summit |
– Newer, less established – Limited industry representation |
| NECANN | – Multiple state events – Local market focus – Growing attendance |
– Smaller than national events – Less international presence |
MJBizCon’s size is a double-edged sword. Chris Walsh, MJBizDaily CEO, says:
"MJBizCon unites the entire cannabis ecosystem, offering unmatched networking and learning."
CWCBExpo targets East Coast businesses. Greg Marco, CWCBExpo President, notes:
"Our event addresses the unique East Coast regulatory landscape."
Emerald Conference caters to science. Dr. Markus Roggen, DELIC Labs President, states:
"For cannabis science, Emerald Conference is unmatched in technical depth."
CannaCon focuses on cultivation. Jake Braunstein, CannaCon CEO, explains:
"We connect growers with suppliers and showcase latest ag tech."
Hall of Flowers offers intimate brand showcasing. Aaron Justis, Buds & Roses CEO, shares:
"It’s crucial for emerging companies to showcase directly to retailers and investors."
NECANN taps local markets. Marc Shepard, NECANN President, highlights:
"Our events help businesses understand each state’s cannabis nuances."
Choose based on your needs, market, and resources. The right mix can boost your cannabis industry presence.
Wrap-up
Picking the right cannabis trade show is key for 2024. Each offers unique benefits:
| Show | Key Benefit | Attendees |
|---|---|---|
| MJBizCon | Largest US cannabis conference | 35,000+ |
| CWCBExpo | East Coast B2B focus | Not specified |
| Emerald Conference | Scientific discussions | Not specified |
| CannaCon | Cultivation emphasis | 20,000+ |
| Hall of Flowers | Product showcasing | Not specified |
| NECANN | Multiple regional events | Growing yearly |
Consider:
- Your business goals
- Target market
- Budget
For small East Coast businesses, CWCBExpo might beat MJBizCon.
Prep for success:
- Make business cards ($9.99/500)
- Design eye-catching booth ($700-$125,000+)
- Plan networking strategy
Chris from Red Bud Soil Company on CannaCon:
"So good we upgraded to 15,000 sq ft and new equipment to handle business influx."
Engage in talks and networking. These insights can help your cannabis business grow in this fast-changing industry.
