As we walked into the Las Vegas Convention Center, the dull roar of a massive crowd could be heard from all directions. The level of energy and excitement coming from the attendees and exhibitors was palpable and contagious. Smiles spread like wildfire as we had our badges scanned by security at the entrance to the main hall. This was going to be a great conference this year and we were all too thrilled to be surrounded by individuals who are just as enthusiastic about cultivating cannabis as we are.
MJ Biz Con was founded in 2011 by Cassandra Farrington, a Colorado native with a business media background. The event exploded in popularity and has been the industry’s staple conference for over a decade. MJ Biz Con was sold to Emerald X in 2022, sparking concerns that the event just wouldn’t be the same. Those concerns were washed away as soon as people entered the facility this year. The conference was a “banger”. With some of the most trusted brands in the industry exhibiting, coupled with very well-known people like Mike Tyson, pro NFL players Jim McMahon and Kyle Turley, and Berner from Cookies Hemp and CBD, the conference this year was not only a huge success, but instilled the feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) in those who didn’t attend.
One of my favorite features of the conference this year was the smoking section where I saw a sign that read “cannabis use is prohibited”. We were able to mingle with like-minded individuals from our industry whilst burning one down with some of our favorite people. With a DJ mixing it up in the foreground, laughter and jovial conversations being had, and a positive vibe that was sure to kill any bad moods, the smoking section was a huge hit and an absolute must for future MJ Biz Conferences to come.
We had the pleasure of linking up with some of the best brands in the industry and we made more new friends than we can count. Brands such as Bic, Cookies Hemp and CBD, RollPros, Cannatrols, Roots Organics, Grove Bags and many more were all too thrilled to interact with us and tell us about what was next for their companies. We also had the opportunity to link up with up-and-coming brands like BoulderLamp Inc who recently developed a grow light that not only produces excellent growth in plants but has an anti-microbial spectrum that kills off molds and other unwanted microbials.
The afterparties are always a main source of entertainment when it comes to the MJ Biz Conference. We were invited to attend Tech Jam 2023, an incredible get together hosted by Grove Bags, Willow Industries, Green Lane Communication, and Sorting Robotics which was not only an excellent source for networking, but an incredible spot for great food and amazing drinks. The vibe at the party was unparalleled, and we were thrilled to be placed on the guest list. We also had the opportunity to attend the Golden Cup Party at the Hard Rock Café on the strip. We watched as @earthsmokesalot2 received the influencer of the year award. If you’re not already following him, definitely check him out in Instagram. We enjoyed a few joints in the smoking section out back, and the Hard Rock Café security seemed to have no issues with everyone puffing tuff on their elite shelf cannabis on Hard Rock Café property. Oh how the industry has changed, and Grow Magazine is totally here for it! The Marley One Party was epic! Mix Master Mike, formerly of the Beastie Boys, was the surprise DJ at this party and the hype and vibe was very real. Future attendees, don’t miss out on the famed after party culture at next year’s MJ Biz Con. You won’t be disappointed.
In the grand scheme of things, MJ Biz Con is one of the best conferences one could attend if they were seeking to increase their network and learn as much as possible about the industry’s upcoming trends as well as attend top notch seminars on various subjects pertinent to this rapidly growing industry we find ourselves in. Mark your calendars for 2024’s MJ Biz Conference and start your party planning. It’s going to be one hell of an event.