The 13th annual MJBizCon, a B2B cannabis business conference, opens with an attempt to host a more inclusive expo show floor this year. This move is undoubtedly in response to criticism of the tone-deaf “Buy Weed From Rich White Men” shirts donned by certain tasteless participants last year, which marred the event and mocked the ubiquitously beloved Black-owned Buy Weed From Women apparel brand created by Jasmine Mans.
MJBizCon will kick off with The Vegas Classic, a golf tournament and fundraiser for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) hosted by Classic Events at the Las Vegas Country Club on Tuesday, December 3. The event will continue with the expo halls opening on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is steps away from the Country Club.
The expo show floor will be categorized to improve navigation, expedite meetings, and address attendees’ business needs.
“Our goal was to make this year’s tradeshow easier to navigate by organizing key segments into dedicated pavilions—Cultivation, Processing, Packaging & Lab Services, Business Services, and Retail & Dispensary,” said Sarah Wilson, Vice President of Event & Sales. “With enhanced signage throughout the venue, attendees can quickly find the resources and solutions they need, making their experience more productive and seamless.”
MJBizCon 13 features new activations and experiential exhibits, such as an interactive golf simulator in Vegas Classic Booth #8714. [Located in Central Hall, Retail Pavilion.]
Other highlights
Equity Row at MJBizCon—A platform for members of the legacy community who were disproportionately targeted during the War on Drugs. Founders or close family members who were incarcerated due to cannabis-related offenses will have a devoted space on the expo floor with 40 Tons at the helm and 15 additional exhibitors, including Upling, Delisioso, and Conbud. [Located in Central Hall, Retail Pavilion.]
MITA Manufacturing + Distribution Pavilion—The Marijuana Industry Trade Association (MITA) will host this dedicated area for manufacturers and distribution companies from each state to help expand any cannabis retail operation. [Located in Central Hall, Retail Pavilion.]
The MITA pavilion will also feature educational panels with topics such as Expanding Your Brand Internationally and Best Markets and Opportunities, featuring panelists Dean Gainsley, Commercial Director at GROW Group PLC., Dr. Sara Brittany Somerset, Founder of the first cannabis and global drug policy-related news bureau at the United Nations, Scheril Murray Powell Esq., International First Vice President of The Ethiopian World Federation, and Luna Stower, Head of Impact at Ispire.
Nascent areas of interest
The Vault— Mario Guzman, creator of the cannabis genetics Gelato and Sunset Sherbert will lead a gathering of worldwide geneticists. Exhibitors in this space include Sensi Seeds from Amsterdam). [Located in Central Hall, Retail Pavilion.]
Weedmaps Retailer Village—Homebase for dozens of cannabis brands and leaders looking to connect with buyers, manufacturers, and business partners. [Located in Central Hall.]
The Joint Lounge— Designed as an ideal social media selfie spot featuring El Chapo’s plane. [Located in Central Hall, Retail Pavilion.]
The Patio—The official outdoor respite is the spot for fresh air, to catch up with old and new MJBizCon friends, and for a chill game of cornhole. [Located just outside the Retail Pavilion.]
