AGENDA
AGENDA
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Monday, June 9, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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7:00 AM | Registration 7:00 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Networking #InvestinHER Lounge Powered by Women Grow 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (CDT) | Meal Chicago Ballroom Foyer (5th Floor) 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (CDT) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:00 AM - 8:10 AM | Presentation Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 8:00 AM - 8:10 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:15 AM - 8:25 AM | Presentation Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 8:15 AM - 8:25 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:25 AM - 8:55 AM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) In cannabis, your location isn’t just where you grow or sell—it’s the key to securing better financing, lower interest rates, and long-term success. Prime real estate in the right market can mean quicker loan approvals, friendlier terms, and access to better capital. So, what makes a cannabis location attractive to lenders and investors? How can operators position themselves for financial success through real estate strategy? This panel will break down how top operators, real estate experts, and financiers are securing and funding the best cannabis properties before the competition does. Will Bowden, Grasshopper Farms Joseph Lustberg, Upwise Capital Jason Piazza, Director of Real Estate Rachel Wright, CPA, VERDANT Strategies 8:25 AM - 8:55 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:55 AM - 9:00 AM | Opening Remarks Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 8:55 AM - 9:00 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 9:00 AM - 9:25 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:25 AM - 9:30 AM | Presentation Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 9:25 AM - 9:30 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) As traditional tobacco use declines, big tobacco is aggressively investing in emerging categories—from cannabis and nicotine pouches to smokeless alternatives and functional wellness products. Where is the money flowing, and what does this mean for the future of consumption? This panel will break down key investments, strategic plays, and the crossover between tobacco, cannabis, and other high-growth categories. Beena Goldenberg, Organigram Global Aaron Grey, Alliance Global Partners Nick Kenny, KBS Strategic Advisory Chris Murray, FoxNRTH 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Exhibit Hall 7th Floor Salon 1, 2 & 3 - Exhibit Hall 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:00 AM - 10:40 AM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) As the cannabis industry moves beyond the Green Rush, it faces a new financial reality—slower growth, shifting investor interest, and increasing competition from established industries like tobacco, alcohol, and pharma. This panel will explore who’s still investing, how capital markets are evolving, and what financial strategies are keeping cannabis relevant in the broader global economy. Jade Green, Next Titan Capital Scott Moskol, Blank Rome Ankur Rungta, C3 Industries Zachary George, SNDL Samuel Brill, Ascend Wellness Holdings 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | VIP Roundtable - VIP Ticket Required Denver - Board Room With cannabis businesses facing persistent banking restrictions, high cash-handling risks, and complex compliance requirements, could crypto and blockchain offer a game-changing solution? This panel explores how digital assets can be used for treasury management, international transactions, and payroll—while blockchain’s transparent ledger system enhances regulatory compliance, seed-to-sale tracking, and financial security. Learn how emerging financial technologies are reshaping cannabis payments, risk management, and long-term sustainability. Micah Anderson, LEEF Brands Jeff Guillot, Mad Global Strategy Tom Epstein, POLN8 Brad Lim-Senesac, Genuine Marketing Group 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) As the cannabis industry moves beyond the Green Rush, it faces a new financial reality—slower growth, shifting investor interest, and increasing competition from established industries like tobacco, alcohol, and pharma. This panel will explore who’s still investing, how capital markets are evolving, and what financial strategies are keeping cannabis relevant in the broader global economy. Anthony Coniglio, NewLake Capital Partners Dan Neville, Advanced Flower Capital Jack Mascone, Seaport Global Securities Steven Ernest, Chicago Atlantic 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | VIP Roundtable - VIP Ticket Required Denver - Board Room Every dispensary wants to carry the hottest products, but what actually drives sales and maximizes margins? Are high-end concentrates like rosin and dabs worth the shelf space, or are pre-rolls and edibles still the kings of retail? This panel dives into real sales data, regional preferences, and product mix strategies to help retailers optimize their assortment, margins, and inventory allocation for both East and West Coast markets. Marianne Cursetjee, Alibi Scott Vasterling, Humboldt Family Farms Devin Alexander, Rolling Releaf Brendan McKee, Silver Therapeutics 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Expanding a cannabis brand into new states or countries sounds exciting—but it’s also where many stumble. This panel breaks down what it really takes to go multi-market: from picking the right partners to navigating packaging, compliance, capital, and culture. 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Meal 5th Floor Foyer & 7th Floor Exhibit Hall 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CDT) | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CDT) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Having a great product isn’t enough—your business needs the right financial leadership, tax strategy, and capital structure to succeed. But do you have the CFO, CPA, and financial expertise needed to navigate today’s volatile cannabis market? Curtis Winar, MGO Bo Harmon, Frazier & Deeter Richie Proud, iAnthus Terry Mendez, Safe Harbor Financial 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM | VIP Roundtable - VIP Ticket Required Denver - Board Room Latinos make up 20% of the U.S. population but remain dramatically underrepresented in cannabis marketing and brand strategy. This panel explores how culturally relevant messaging, inclusive campaigns, and Latino-led storytelling can unlock real business growth—and why ignoring this demographic is no longer an option. 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) With cannabis markets locked within state borders, supply chain inefficiencies, delayed payments, and financing hurdles are squeezing operators. How can businesses manage cash flow, optimize distribution, and secure financing without the benefits of interstate commerce? Kevin Hart, Green Check Verified Matt Hutchinson, LeafLink Nicholas Sosiak, CPA, Cannara Biotech Adam Stettner, FundCanna 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Germany’s recent elections have introduced new political uncertainties that could reshape the country’s cannabis industry. This panel will explore how businesses and investors can adapt to potential regulatory shifts, mitigate risks, and position themselves for success in Europe’s largest emerging market. Dr. Chanda Macias, Women Grow Michael Sassano, Somai Pharmaceuticals Dr. Constantin von der Groeben, DEMECAN 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM | VIP Roundtable - VIP Ticket Required Denver - Board Room Selling your business can be a dream—or a disaster. From due diligence traps to post-sale earnouts, this breakout unpacks the red flags, negotiation tactics, and legal protections every operator needs to know. Whether you're looking to exit, merge, or just field offers smartly, this is your M&A reality check. Michael Piermont, iAnthus Seth Yakatan, Katan Associates AnnaRae Grabstein, Wolf Meyer Tony Schor, Cannabis Hall of Fame Matthew Melander, Sun Theory 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Traditional M&A is evolving—in a market with capital constraints, operators are leveraging alternative business combinations to drive growth. From roll-ups and strategic alliances to licensing deals and asset acquisitions, this panel will break down how top executives are structuring creative transactions to expand market share, optimize resources, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Laura Bianchi, Bianchi & Brandt Christelle Gedeon, Canopy Growth Jon Levine, MariMed Aaron Miles, Verano 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Cannabis isn’t just for longtime enthusiasts anymore—it’s becoming part of mainstream wellness, lifestyle, and social culture. This panel explores how influential voices from music, sports, and entertainment are helping new demographics embrace cannabis, breaking old stereotypes, and making it more accessible, accepted, and integrated into daily life. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM | VIP Roundtable - VIP Ticket Required Denver - Board Room The future of botanical pharmaceuticals is a blue ocean. Dive into front runner opportunities in a panel that will tackle the urgent patient demand for effective autism treatments, revealing why current options fail and how cannabis offers a promising alternative as well as the significant market upswing. Explore the multi-compound power of cannabis, its diverse applications, and the unique R&D process that sets these drugs up for success. Understand the manufacturing expertise required for pharmaceutical standardization and why this group is paving the way for a $1 Trillion forecasted market. Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller, Charlotte's Web Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Ajna BioSciences Jared Stanley, DeFloria Joel Stanley, Ajna BioSciences 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM | Fireside Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) With representation from the top five cannabis ETFs by total assets, this discussion will break down how leading funds construct their portfolios, manage risk, and position for growth in a rapidly evolving market. From rebalancing periods and U.S. vs. global exposure to plant-touching vs. ancillary plays, hear directly from Dan Ahrens and Tim Seymour as they reveal the winning formula for cannabis investors today. 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:50 PM - 4:20 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) With 22 new licenses issued and MSOs rapidly expanding, is Florida’s market scaling to meet real patient demand—or overbuilding for an adult-use initiative that didn’t pass? As new entrants join established giants, are growth plans sustainable under medical-only conditions, or is long-term success still dependent on recreational legalization? This panel unpacks the state of the market, how operators are adjusting their strategies, and what Florida cannabis businesses are truly building for right now. Emily Fisher, Leafwell Kelly Heinichen, iAnthus Brady Cobb, Sunburn Cannabis Christine Hersey, Trulieve 3:50 PM - 4:20 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:20 PM - 4:50 PM | Panel Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this is the legal insight you can’t afford to miss: Licensing complications can delay, devalue, or even kill cannabis M&A deals—no matter how strong the fundamentals look on paper. From hidden ownership restrictions to state-by-state transfer limitations, this panel unpacks the legal landmines that can upend transactions and offers practical strategies for navigating them before it’s too late. 4:20 PM - 4:50 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:50 PM - 5:10 PM | Keynote Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 4:50 PM - 5:10 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5:10 PM - 5:15 PM | Closing Remarks Main Stage - Floor 5 (Chicago Ballroom ABCD) 5:10 PM - 5:15 PM (CDT) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM | Networking 5th Floor Foyer Celebrate the halfway mark of the Benzinga Cannabis Conference at the Halfway Happy Hour — sponsored by Foley & Lardner and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce — the perfect way to unwind and reconnect after a day full of networking and connections!
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM (CDT) |