AGENDA

Hemp enjoys federal legality, yet states are increasingly restricting intoxicating hemp products, creating a fragmented regulatory landscape. Meanwhile, the cannabis industry faces its own patchwork of regulations and an uneven playing field. Can both industries find a balanced path forward, or will state-by-state uncertainty continue to shape their futures? This discussion explores evolving policies, market opportunities, and strategies for businesses operating in this shifting environment.

With fewer restrictions than licensed cannabis operators, the hemp industry offers massive opportunities—but not all businesses are built to last. In a market filled with THCA, Delta-8, and hemp-derived THC, what separates legitimate, long-term businesses from those just chasing quick profits? This panel will explore how to build a scalable, compliant, and reputable hemp company—from branding and product strategy to regulatory navigation and consumer trust.

Watch real cannabis entrepreneurs pitch their companies live—no filters, no fluff. This high-stakes session gives you an inside look at what grabs investor attention, what raises red flags, and how decisions are made in real time. Whether you're a founder, funder, or just curious what it takes to stand out, this is where deals start (or stop).

Consumers crave more than just high THC—flavor, aroma, and experience are driving product innovation across vapes, edibles, and beverages. How are brands leveraging terpenes, formulation science, and sensory appeal to build consumer loyalty? This panel explores the intersection of taste, technology, and product design to uncover what truly keeps cannabis consumers coming back.

Some of the most profitable cannabis businesses aren’t plant-touching—they’re supplying the industry without the heavy taxes and regulations. From packaging to cultivation solutions, this panel explores how ancillary companies are thriving, what sets them apart, and why they may be the smartest bet in cannabis today.

From green rush mania to hard-won market wisdom, this session pulls back the curtain on a decade of cannabis investing. Hear directly from active investors as they unpack the missteps, missed signals, and messy realities that shaped the space—and how those lessons are fueling smarter strategies in today’s market. Nothing held back. Nothing redacted.

In cannabis, branding can make or break a product—but how do you refine an identity that isn’t reaching its full potential? From bold lifestyle packaging to sleek, wellness-focused design, this panel explores how top companies capture consumer attention, adapt to market trends, and reposition themselves for greater success.

As consumer demand for functional and non-alcoholic beverages rises, alcohol giants are expanding into cannabis, hemp, and beyond. But what’s driving their investment decisions, and how do these moves reshape the broader beverage market? This panel explores where the biggest players see opportunity, what challenges they face, and how non-alcoholic alternatives are becoming a key part of their growth strategy.

Consumers today expect faster onset, precise dosing, and consistent effects—anything less risks losing them to the competition. As knowledge grows, so do expectations, and brands must evolve to meet them. This panel explores how advanced formulations and infusion technologies can help you stay ahead, build consumer trust, and drive long-term profitability.

As online ordering and delivery become essential, cannabis e-commerce is evolving beyond simple transactions. But how do brands and retailers stand out in a landscape where platforms prioritize efficiency over customization? This panel explores how technology is shaping the consumer experience, the balance between brand identity and streamlined shopping, and what the next generation of cannabis e-commerce looks like.

Mid-market cannabis operators face some of the toughest tax challenges in the industry, often without the sophisticated workarounds available to larger MSOs. How can they stay compliant, manage 280E, and still scale profitably? This panel dives into practical tax strategies, financial planning, and operational efficiencies that help mid-sized companies survive—and thrive—despite the heavy tax load.

AI isn’t a magic bullet for cutting costs, but when integrated strategically, it can streamline operations, boost efficiency, and strengthen your bottom line. Are you leveraging AI where it matters most—cultivation, hiring, marketing, retail, and beyond? This panel explores how cannabis businesses are using AI to optimize workflows, enhance decision-making, and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

Cannabis is widely recognized for its medical potential, but who is truly investing in the pharmaceutical approach? While much of the industry focuses on adult use, companies prioritizing R&D, clinical trials, and advanced drug delivery systems are quietly shaping the future of cannabis as medicine. This panel explores the high-investment, high-reward path to true pharmaceutical integration—and why it matters now more than ever.

Take a breath after 2 days of game-changing networking and enjoy some of the best Cannabis in Illinois, co-hosted by Beard Bros & Good Life Gang