Sessions Overview

Begin your day by picking up your badge and settling into the community vibe. Grab a coffee, sip a mocktail, browse the experience and start swapping stories with fellow attendees as the aroma of excitement fills the air.

Our hosts will light the spark for the day by honouring the roots of cannabis hospitality and previewing the themes ahead. It’s a moment to ground ourselves, acknowledge the journey so far and look forward to the innovative conversations to come.

Long before legal frameworks existed, cannabis culture was nurtured through grassroots lounges, art spaces and community gatherings. This opening session honors the pioneers, artists and activists who built those welcoming hubs and explores how their ingenuity continues to shape today’s hospitality scene. Panelists will share stories from the early days, discuss how that spirit of inclusion endures, and offer insights on preserving cultural roots while navigating modern regulations.

Farmgate retail lets visitors meet growers, see how cannabis is cultivated and buy products right at the source. This discussion dives into the growing farmgate movement in British Columbia, Alberta and beyond, highlighting both successes and the barriers faced by small producers. Hear directly from operators and industry analysts about designing memorable visitor experiences, working within provincial rules, and building a tourism model that celebrates local craft and community.

These aren’t your average coffee breaks.

As cannabis becomes more visible in social settings, hospitality operators are asking what safe, responsible service looks like. This panel brings together training experts, policy-makers and event producers to discuss emerging service standards, staff education and duty of care. Learn how venues are creating inclusive spaces where cannabis and alcohol can coexist, and what guidelines and policies are still needed to support guests’ wellbeing.

A successful event or consumption space relies on sound insurance and risk management. In this focused conversation, insurance experts and regulators demystify the coverage needed for cannabis-related events, explain common barriers, and share practical tips for operators. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of how to protect guests, staff and your business while bringing cannabis experiences to life.

You’re free to spend this hour however you like. Feel free to stay in the summit space to relax, connect with fellow attendees, or head out to grab a bite. The New Amsterdam Café on-site will be offering a curated menu of dishes, and there are plenty of surrounding local eateries where you can explore Vancouver’s culinary scene. Whether you prefer to linger in the lounge or venture out, the choice is yours.

Cannabis and culinary culture share a natural connection, inspiring new ways to create social and sensory experiences around flavour, aroma, and hospitality. This session explores how chefs, mixologists, and event creators are designing cannabis-friendly pairings — from terpene-inspired mocktails to thoughtfully curated food experiences — while working within today’s regulatory landscape.

The conversation will highlight emerging trends in cannabis-adjacent dining and tasting concepts, followed by a live demonstration showing how these pairings can come to life.

Format: 30-minute conversation + 15-minute live demo.

 With strict rules limiting sampling and advertising, Canadian cannabis brands and retailers are reimagining how to engage consumers. This session explores pop-ups, in-store activations, cultural partnerships and other compliant strategies that build trust and loyalty without consumption. Panelists will also unpack the evolving role of data and loyalty programs, and how to balance customer privacy with meaningful connection.

These aren’t your average coffee breaks.

British Columbia’s cannabis reputation has long been tied to distinct growing regions — from the Kootenays and Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Valley. Each brings unique climates, cultivation traditions, and terpene profiles that shape the character of the plant.

As farmgate retail and cannabis tourism begin to evolve, these regions have the potential to become destinations where visitors can meet cultivators and experience the story behind BC cannabis. This anchor panel explores the concept of cannabis terroir, regional identity, and how initiatives like Buy BC could help position cannabis alongside other celebrated BC agricultural products.

Yoga classes, art retreats, farm tours, culinary pairings – cannabis tourism is expanding beyond dispensaries into wellness, culture and community. This panel examines how these experiences are designed, what lessons can be learned from established food and wine tourism, and how they can support local economies and public health. Discussion will touch on Indigenous tourism initiatives, harm-reduction programs, and the potential for Canada to be a global leader in experience-driven cannabis hospitality.

Music. Networking. 4:20. High Score Gaming Experience.