Cannabis Hospitality Summit
SPEAKERS
Sessions & Panels
Friday March 14th 8:00am – 6:00pm
Marketing & Branding Cannabis Hospitality in a Regulated Industry
Speakers: Meaghan Ralston (Maggie Jane Marketing), Alexis Dickson (Blunts & Beans)
Description:
How do you build a standout brand and market your cannabis hospitality business in Canada’s heavily regulated industry? This panel dives into the creative and strategic approaches operators are using to navigate strict advertising rules while building authentic connections with their audience.
Discussion topics:
- Brand differentiation – crafting a unique identity in a competitive and restricted market.
- Creative workarounds for marketing restrictions, from storytelling to experiential marketing.
- The power of community engagement – how events, partnerships, and word-of-mouth drive success.
- Leveraging social media effectively while staying compliant.
- Grassroots marketing strategies that resonate with local and tourist audiences.
With limited traditional marketing options available, cannabis hospitality businesses must think outside the box to attract and retain customers. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or marketer, this session offers actionable insights for thriving in a highly restricted yet rapidly growing market.
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BC Farmgate & Cannabis Experiences – A New Era for Local Producers
Speakers: Alannah Davis (Dabble Cannabis Co.)
Description:
Farmgate cannabis presents a unique opportunity for BC’s licensed producers to sell directly to consumers, creating a farm-to-table experience for cannabis. This panel will explore how farmgate can shape BC’s cannabis tourism, offer immersive on-site experiences, and provide new revenue streams for producers.
Discussion Topics:
- The current state of farmgate in BC and what’s next for regulatory expansion.
- How farmgate sales can support local craft cannabis producers.
- The opportunities for on-site consumption experiences, including tastings, tours, and farm visits.
- Lessons from wine and craft beer tourism that could apply to cannabis farmgate.
- The challenges of zoning, compliance, and distribution.
With BC’s reputation as a global leader in craft cannabis, this panel will highlight how farmgate can drive economic growth, consumer education, and tourism in the province.
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Cannabis & Food Pairing: The Future of Infused Dining
Description:
As cannabis legalization continues to evolve, the intersection of food and cannabis is unlocking new culinary possibilities. This panel will explore the future of infused dining, the science of pairing cannabis with flavors, and the business opportunities emerging in cannabis-friendly restaurants and events.
Discussion Topics:
- The art and science of cannabis & food pairing – from terpenes to taste profiles
- How infused dining experiences are shaping consumer expectations and regulations.
- The challenges and opportunities of operating a cannabis-friendly restaurant or supper club.
- Lessons from established food & beverage industries on crafting a successful cannabis menu.
- The regulatory landscape in Canada and beyond—where can infused dining legally thrive?As cannabis culture merges with culinary innovation, infused dining is set to redefine how we experience both. Join us for an insightful discussion on what’s next for cannabis cuisine and hospitality.
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Elevating the Experience: Dab Bars at Festivals & Events
Description:
As cannabis consumption becomes more mainstream, dab bars are emerging as a unique and elevated experience at festivals, events, and private gatherings. This panel will explore the logistics, regulations, and creative potential of integrating dab bars into live events.
Discussion Topics:
- The rising demand for curated cannabis experiences at music festivals, expos, and private events.
- The logistics of operating a dab bar – from compliance and safety to staffing and setup.
- How dab bars can enhance event experiences and create new revenue streams.
- Lessons from alcohol and cocktail bars – what cannabis can learn from traditional event service models.
- The current regulatory framework in Canada and what’s needed for wider adoption.
With cannabis hospitality on the rise, dab bars represent the next step in normalizing high-end cannabis consumption at major events. Join us as we break down how to bring this premium cannabis experience to the mainstream.
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Designing Cannabis-Friendly Spaces: From Cafes to Lounges
Description:
As cannabis hospitality evolves, so does the need for purpose-built spaces that cater to both enthusiasts and newcomers. From cozy consumption lounges to upscale infused dining experiences, this panel will explore how to design welcoming, functional, and regulatory-compliant cannabis-friendly spaces.
Discussion Topics:
- The key elements of a successful cannabis lounge – ambiance, ventilation, and layout.
- Balancing consumer comfort with regulatory requirements in different jurisdictions.
- How design can shape the cannabis experience, from casual cafés to high-end social clubs.
- The importance of accessibility and inclusivity in creating spaces for all consumers.
- Why BC needs more licensed cannabis-friendly spaces and what’s standing in the way.
With limited legal spaces for social cannabis consumption, designing the right environment is crucial to normalization, community-building, and business success. Join us for a conversation on how to create the future of cannabis hospitality.
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The Business of Cannabis Hospitality: Opportunities & Challenges
Speakers: Alannah Davis (Dabble Cannabis Co.)
Description:
Cannabis hospitality is still in its infancy in British Columbia, with only a handful of operators leading the way. This panel will highlight the unique opportunities and challenges facing pioneers in the industry and explore the growing interest from entrepreneurs eager to enter this space.
Discussion Topics:
- Navigating regulations – the biggest hurdles for cannabis cafes, lounges, and events in BC.
- Business models that work – from memberships to retail integrations.
- Lessons from global markets – what BC can learn from Amsterdam, California, and beyond.
- Consumer demand vs. regulatory reality – how to bridge the gap.
- The role of cannabis hospitality in tourism and local economies.
With cannabis lounges, infused dining, and event-based consumption experiences gaining traction worldwide, this panel will provide valuable insights, strategies, and real-world examples to help operators and investors shape the future of cannabis hospitality in BC and beyond.
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The Global Cannabis Hospitality Industry: A Look At California, Spain and more!
Description:
Cannabis hospitality is a global movement, with various regions leading the charge in integrating cannabis into tourism, dining, and social spaces. This panel takes an international perspective, offering insights from established markets like California and Spain, where cannabis lounges, cafes, and infused experiences are thriving.
Discussion topics:
- How California’s cannabis lounges and Spain’s social clubs have influenced global cannabis hospitality.
- The challenges and successes of operating cannabis-friendly spaces in different regulatory environments.
- What emerging markets are doing to shape their own cannabis tourism and hospitality industries.
- Lessons BC and Canada can learn from international models.
- The future of global cannabis hospitality and where the industry is headed next.
Whether you’re an operator, investor, or policymaker, this discussion will provide valuable lessons and inspiration for navigating the expanding world of cannabis hospitality.
Want to become a speaker or suggest a panel?
Schedule at a Glance:
Friday, March 14th: Industry Day (The Future of Cannabis & Hospitality)
Sessions & Panels (8:00AM – 6:00PM)
After Party (7:00PM – 12:00AM)
Saturday, March 15th: Consumer Day / Activations
Happy Daze Industry Networking Brunch (10am – 2pm)
Activations & Experiences (3pm – 12am)
Must be 19+ to attend all events.
