Coming from a wide range of state markets, brands, and multi-state operating businesses, the Benzinga Cannabis Captial Conference in Chicago, Illinois brought together the diverse cannabis industry community to join forces for two days of high-level networking.
As a trusted financial media and data company, Benzinga has been trusted by investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs alike for its actionable insights and updates on the different financial markets, investment opportunities, and cannabis compliance policies nationwide. The company has established a wide interest in regulated cannabis markets and the many professionals and leaders who comprise it. It’s why Benzinga has cultivated one of the largest cannabis capital conferences in the country.
On October 8th & 9th, the Marriott Magnificent Hotel was filled with business executives, CEOs, investors, media publishers, policymakers, and decision-makers who are leading and influencing today’s industry. Opening remarks included Jackie Bryant from San Diego Magazine and Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management as a keynote speaker for the day.
From there, the day was filled with high-level conversations and panels from C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Panel conversations at the conference included ‘Crafting the Next Chapter: Congressional Roles in Advancing Cannabis Reform,’ How Investors Look at Cannabis Opportunities, and ‘Merchandising Strategies To Drive Cannabis Retail Growth.’
Our very own Beard Bro, Bill Levers, was a speaker for the ‘Cannabis Media World: A Look Under The Hood.’ This panel on the first day of the conference also included Eugenio Garcia from Cannabis Now, Debra Borchardt of Green Market Report, Jason Paredes of HEARST, and Dr. Sara Brittany Somerset from Cannabis & Tech Today. The group discussed the current landscape of cannabis media and how it has evolved to what it is today. Our team is proud to have Beard Bros as part of this industry’s conversation and working to elevate cannabis media for our community.
Aside from the inspiring panel discussions on both Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference, a curated exhibitor hall showcased hundreds of different brands and businesses tailored to the cannabis businesses and professionals in attendance. The Beard Bros team set up a booth in the Benzinga exhibitor hall, introducing our RSO and cannabis products to enthusiasts and professionals. A favorite detail of having our Beard Bros booth present at Benzinga was not just connecting with familiar faces, but getting to show familiar and new friends about the many benefits of our products from Beard Bros Pharms.
With a full spectrum of brands and exhibitors present, Benzinga also partnered with women and minority-owned businesses and organizations to represent diversity in cannabis. House of Puff, Garden Society, 40 Tons, Black Buddha Cannabis, and Tribe Tokes are some of the many notable brands that partnered with Benzinga for this conference.
Closing out the first day, the Benzinga Cannabis Awards celebration recognized dozens of the brightest minds and most innovative ideas in today’s markets. The awards ceremony recognizes excellence in leadership, journalism, entrepreneurship, and advocacy within the cannabis industry.
Over 35 award categories were listed, honoring global brands and leaders on their achievements in the cannabis community and markets.
Loriel Alegrete, Founder of 40 Tons, was awarded the Bob Fireman Award for Entrepreneurship. The Cannabis Journalism Award went to Debra Borchardt from the Green Market Report and the Michael Berger Capital Markets Award went to Todd Harrison, CB1 Capital. Aside from these honorary awards, categories such as ‘Best Delta 9 Seltzer’ and ‘Most Innovative Cannabis Brand.’
After a second day of inspiring panel discussions, exploring the exhibitor halls, and networking with the various professionals and cannabis representatives in attendance –it was time for a fun party to close out the conference!
The Beard Bros team was excited to host the official Benzinga after-party at the Tunnel Nightclub with our friends at the Good Life Gang. With a live DJ, munchies and beverages, plus a dab and flower bar – it was the ultimate event to wind down and have a good time after a packed conference and event!
Our afterparty sponsors like Sweet Justice and Legacy brought their branded goods to elevate the evening party, while manufacturing brands like Solvent Direct and Redemption Botanicals represented their innovative products and strategy to guests. Xylem Tech, Op Ex Consulting, and Vlasic were also sponsors of the official Bengzina afterparty. The Beard Bros team was proud to host the official afterparty of the Benzinga conference and help coordinate the community of guests into a night of more networking fun!
In all, the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Captial Conference brought together the biggest cannabis brands, leaders, and C-Suite executives nationwide to the Wind City for a two-day event of all things cannabis industry-related. Empowering panels during the event drove further inspiring conversations around cannabis, while brands and executives alike marveled at the latest trends and products presented within the conference exhibitor halls.
If you’re looking for the ultimate conference to raise capital, close business deals, and find the perfect fit in a partner or service for your cannabis brand or business – let the Benzinga Cannabis Captial Conference be on your agenda next year.
Written By Isabella DeChard
Isabella DeChard is a writer & Certified Ganjier on a mission to advocate, educate, and elevate the power of the plant – to the cannabis community and its consumers alike. She offers creative content and writing that ignites the celebration and diversity of cannabis and everything it offers.
She is a proud digital marketer, writer, stoner, and creative artist under @btchyhippie.
You can find Isabella on her website here.
