For the second time, Head Magazine had the privilege of attending MJBizCon in Las Vegas, the world’s largest and longest-running cannabis trade show. With over 30,000 attendees from across the globe, this event at the Las Vegas Convention Center showcased the incredible scope and diversity of the cannabis industry. From the convention floor to networking events and dazzling parties, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
A World of Opportunities
The convention’s expo floor was a sight to behold, spanning several football fields and featuring booths representing every corner of the cannabis business. Companies displayed innovations in cultivation, processing, packaging, lab services, retail, and beyond. The sheer variety of products and services was staggering, making it clear why MJBizCon is the industry’s must-attend event.
Shauntel Ludwig, CEO of Synergy Innovations and founding member of the DaVinci Vaporizer Brand, shows off two of her products at MJBizCon.
Ilya Zaydenberg of Raw takes a break while continuing to be fabulous at MJBizCon 2024.
Beyond the expo floor, attendees could participate in a plethora of conferences, panels, and networking opportunities. Off-site events added another layer of excitement, providing a chance to explore Las Vegas’ vibrant venues while connecting with industry professionals. And, of course, there were the legendary parties!
Getting Started
Upon arrival, the first step is collecting your badge—an essential tool for accessing events and making connections. Your badge not only grants entry but also introduces you to others in the industry.
Day One, known as the pre-day, offered two standout events:
reMind: The Psychedelic Business Forum
This day-long event catered to entrepreneurs, investors, and licensed professionals exploring the rapidly growing psychedelic sector. Forums, speaker sessions, and networking opportunities covered everything from scientific advancements to business strategies, making it a highlight for many attendees.
Associations Day
Associations Day brought together nonprofits serving the cannabis community. Attendees included Los Angeles NORML, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Freedom Grow (advocating for those incarcerated for cannabis offenses), and the National Cannabis Industry Association (the largest trade association serving the cannabis industry and famously lobbying for changes in the law) headed by CEO Aaron Smith.
Kristi Kem of DopeCFO volunteers to man the booth of Freedom Grow, an all-volunteer non-profit 501c3 organization helping cannabis prisoners regain freedom while supporting their sacrifices through ‘The Wish Program’. The Wish Program helps prisoners with commissary money, books, magazines, family outreach, and public education.
One of the prisoners Freedom Grow is hoping to get released is Edwin Rubis, who has served 27 years into a 40 year sentence for nonviolent cannabis charges.
NCIA Co-Founder and CEO Aaron Smith with Head Magazine Editor and Publisher Charlotte Parker
It was inspiring to connect with organizations making a difference in the industry and beyond.
Ian Rassman, Executive Director and President of Los Angeles NORML, at Associations Day at MJBizCon 2024
Charlotte Parker (right) with Jerrod Kiloh, Owner of The Higher Path (LA) and Abide (Napa) and President of UCBA, a Trade Association group comprised of licensed retail dispensary owners and operators and the local infrastructure of businesses that support the legal model and law of Los Angeles and the state of California. Many credit Jerrod with getting dispensaries classified as essential businesses during Covid in California.
Expo Highlights
When the Expo Halls opened, they were impressively organized into key segments, such as Cultivation, Processing, Business Services, and Retail. A special area called The Vault showcased growers, flower, and seeds, attracting significant interest from attendees.
Meanwhile, conferences and forums, delved into topics like maximizing dispensary profits, promoting diversity, and forecasting the future of the industry. The sheer range of sessions made it a challenge to decide what to attend—a testament to the event’s rich programming.
Off-Site Events and Personal Highlights
Off-site events buzzed with energy, taking place at iconic venues like the Cosmopolitan Hotel and the Las Vegas Country Club. These gatherings offered intimate settings to network, learn, and celebrate.
Jordan Eisenstadt of Marino PR, co-organizer of Bagel Bash, welcoming all of us happy participants!
Charlotte Parker (center) with Mike Blogna (right) and colleague Sara Gwin (left) at Bagel Bash during MJBizCon 2024.
Networking and schmoozing outdoors at Bagel Bash during MJ BizCon 2024.
Bagel Bash Organizers from Left To Right: Mitch Kulick, Shelby Poole, Jordan Eisenstadt
One standout was the Bagel Bash hosted by Jews in Weed at the Smoke and Mirrors consumption lounge. This lively brunch introduced me to fascinating individuals like uber-connector Mike Blogna and Jordan Eisenstadt of Marino Public Relations, who co-organized the event with Shelby Poole and Mike Kulick. The Bash had great food and drink (Bagels and Lox and Bloody Mary’s anyone?) and, need I mention, the wonderful hosting and pre-rolls inside Smoke and Mirrors.
Inside the Dazed Consumption Lounge at Planet 13
Inside Dazed, the consumption lounge at Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary, located in Las Vegas
A look inside Dazed, Planet 13’s consumption lounge in Las Vegas.
A special highlight for Head Magazine was a VIP tour of Dazed, the new consumption lounge at Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary. This cutting-edge space is one of only two approved consumption lounges in Las Vegas. We’ll be sharing more about it in an upcoming article.
Charlotte Parker (center) with Ricardo Baca (left), Founder and CEO of Grassslands Public Relations, and Senior Account Executive, Leland Radovanovic, in the Press Room at MJBizCon.
A Hub for Connections: The Grasslands Press Room
Situated in the heart of the convention floor, the press room was sponsored by Grasslands, a leading public relations agency specializing in cannabis and psychedelics. It was a vibrant hub for networking and conversation.
Ted Lidie, founder of powerhouse cannabis brand Alien Labs and Creative Director of Connected Cannabis Co. in the Press Room at MJBizCon. Lidie’s “Ted Talk” with Connected Cannabis Co-Founder and CEO Caleb Counts was one of the hits of the conference.
Blunt Strategies’ Laura Monn Ginsburg (Right), and Leili Fatehi in the Press Room at MJ BizCon. Blunt Strategie, Minnesota’s first cannabis government relations and policy consultancy, galvanized the successful ‘MN is Ready’ campaign culminating in the 2023 legislative approval of adult-use cannabis for Minnesota. Both participated in the Women in Leadership Forum at MJBizCon.
Nick Avé, General Manager of Zamnesia, in the press room at MJBizCon. Zamnesia is Europe’s number one go-to shop for cannabis-related items and mind-altering products. The company has now moved into the U.S. market as well.
Grasslands founder and CEO Ricardo Baca, along with his colleague, Senior Account Executive Leland Radovanovic, created an atmosphere that was both professional and inviting. Their warmth and approachability made a lasting impression, underscoring the importance of human connection in this growing industry. I met so many interesting people and had a chance to get to know them in this oasis.
Legendary Parties
The parties at MJBizCon are legendary, and this year was no exception. The Grasslands Party, hosted by the renowned cannabis PR agency, stood out as a must-attend event. Ricardo Baca and his team delivered a night of warmth, professionalism, and fun, making it a highlight of the conference.
Inside the Grasslands Party at MjBizCon 2024.
Charlotte Parker (right) with Leland Radovanovic at the Grasslands party at MJBIzCon 2024
There were a variety of other parties, some requiring invitations and some charging fees ranging from $50 to $100, but the energy and exclusivity made them well worth it.
The Year of the Woman
Melanie Wentzl, author of Cannabis Queens, enters the Blunt Brunch evening extravaganza celebrating Women in Cannabis
This year’s MJBizCon celebrated the power of women in cannabis. Events like the Women in Leadership Conference and the glitzy Blunt Brunch brought sisterhood to the forefront, showcasing the achievements and potential of women in the industry.
Kristi Kem of DopeCFO parties at the Blunt Brunch Evening of Glitz and Glamour at MJBizCon 2024
Doreen Sullivan’s My Bud Vase, was one of the products showcased at the Blunt Brunch Evening during MJBizCon 2024
Yolanda Bennet (left) and Angela Weston (right) of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society at Blunt Brunch 2024
From seminars to meet-ups to podcasts at Planet 13, the focus on women’s leadership was inspiring and impactful.
Three days of podcasts and interviews took place at the High Stakes Stage at Planet 13 during MJBizCon 2024 hosted by GLG and Beard Bros.
All Day Programming at Planet 13
GLG and Beard Bros hosted three full days of podcasts, panel discussions, interviews and discussions at Planet 13’s High Stakes Stage.
The Emjays: A Night to Remember
Capping off the event was the Emjays, a black-tie awards show produced by Farechild Events and MJBizCon, honoring excellence in the cannabis industry. Held at the Palms Hotel and Casino Pearl Concert Theater, the evening celebrated notable individuals and businesses.
The audience at the 2024 Emnjays was a supportive bunch cheering on the nominees and the winners.
Winners this year included Grasslands as the best PR agency (2 years in a row!) Rachelle Gordon of GreenState as Journalist of the Year, and Zamnesia as Retail Cannabis Brand of the Year.
Charlotte Parker (right) with Ricky Williams at the 2024 EMJAYS in Las Vegas.
I was excited to meet Ricky Williams of Highsman, particularly after our profile in Head Magazine. You can read it here.
Inside the 2024 Emjays Afterparty at the KAOS Nightclub in the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Emjays After Party
The after-party at KAOS nightclub was wild and unforgettable. See our YouTube Video below. The music was pulsing and the vibe was primal. People had a chance to let loose and celebrate a great show.
Charlotte Parker (right) with Canna Mommy Founder and CEO Kelly Usborne Bruce at the EMJAYS 2024 afterparty.
Final Thoughts
MJBizCon 2023 was an incredible experience, blending innovation, education, and camaraderie. The event continues to grow, attracting new talent and ideas while fostering a sense of unity within the cannabis industry. It’s this spirit of collaboration and progress that makes me proud to be part of this community.
Until next year, MJBizCon!
Charlotte Parker is the Editor and Publisher of Head Magazine and HeadMagazine.com.
