https://www.proexhibits.com/blog/cannabis-trade-shows/

Marijuana is currently legal for adults over 21 in 11 U.S. states, plus D.C., and the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal in 33 states. As a result, the cannabis industry has expanded rapidly. Along with this has come the introduction of cannabis trade shows and other events dedicated to the production, extraction, and use of marijuana and its derivatives. If you’re operating a business in this industry, it pays to attend these events. You only get one chance to make your name in a new industry. As it grows—and the major players are identified—it only becomes harder to compete. Now’s the time to make your mark! Attending industry events is a great way to get noticed and perhaps even attract investors.

1. CannaCon®

CannaCon is one of the country’s leading B2B cannabis trade shows, held in multiple locations every year. Collectively, this marijuana trade show has more than 25,000 attendees and 800-plus exhibitors. The schedule for 2020 includes:

• Tacoma, WA – January 10-11, 2020 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center
• Detroit, MI – April 2-3, 2020 at The COBO Center
• Rosemont, IL – July 17-18, 2020 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
• Boston, MA – August 29-30, 2020, at the Hymes Convention Center

Each event hosts vendors from a wide range of industry sectors, including:

• Farmers and cultivators
• Growing and processing equipment specialists
• Soil and nutrient experts
• Extraction specialists
• Investors
• And more

In every location, CannaCon is a chance for businesses of all sizes to network, learn, and grow. Many of these locations represent emerging cannabis markets. These shows are opportunities to get in on the ground floor.

2. INDO EXPO

This marijuana trade show travels, typically showing up in two locations throughout the year. In 2020, stops include The Denver Mart in Denver, Colorado over January 25 and 26 and The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois over September 26 and 27. And there are plans in the works to add more locations in the future!

The INDO EXPO show focuses on the B2B side of the marijuana industry. It boasted around 16,000 attendees and 400-plus exhibitors in 2019. Exhibitors and attendees come from a wide range of industry sectors, including small businesses, R&D, and larger companies.

3. The Emerald Cup

Held every year in December, the Emerald Cup is all about cannabis culture and always draws a big local crowd of enthusiasts. The show is located in northern California, in a part of the state known as the Emerald Triangle for its strong connection to cannabis farming and culture. It’s typically held over a single weekend in December. In 2019 this was the weekend of December 14 and 15 at the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds. Attendance has skyrocketed in recent years due to changes in California’s cannabis laws, with about 28,000 attendees in 2018.

This is more of a B2C event, so it’s a great option for growers and retailers in the industry. There’s also room for B2B exhibitors and retailers, as the attendee line-up does include people in the industry, like farmers, retailers, and others. There are also competitions and awards given for cannabis products in various categories, and due to the festival’s strong connection with cannabis culture, these awards are considered prestigious within the industry.

4. International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC)

The International Cannabis Business Conference is a worldwide event, held in several locations each year, including the U.S. In 2020 this marijuana trade show runs from February 6 to 7 at the Hilton® San Francisco Union Square. The event includes a conference and exhibition, giving attendees the chance to both learn and network.

For exhibitors, it’s all about exposure, with the focus mainly on the B2B side of the cannabis industry. In previous years, cannabis conference topics have included:

• Federal cannabis law reform
• Investment and capital markets
• International investing
• CBD mainstreaming
• Distribution
• Tech

Several thousand attendees are expected from a range of industry sectors, including cultivating and farming, tech and R&D, sales, and executive and management representatives from larger businesses.