8 Tips from 8 Years at MJBizCon

I attended my first MJBizCon in 2014, just after launching Meadow with my co-founders Rick, Scott, and Harrison in San Francisco.

The legal cannabis landscape was still a puzzle we were piecing together, and MJBizCon was a gathering place for us misfits from across the globe to share ideas and put the puzzle together.

It's been a rollercoaster ride, from the highs of the Green Rush to facing major hurdles, headwinds, and extinction events. Yet, year after year I continue to see growth and innovation, and love the opportunity to reconnect with the community that sticks around and keeps coming back.

MJBizCon is an opportunity for connection and serendipity - you might meet your next co-founder, strategic partner, or biggest client. The most important advice I can give is to keep making room at the table and never judge a book by its cover - flashy suits don't guarantee substance, and that person in a hoodie might be the brains behind the fire we’ve been smoking on for decades. So, let's ditch the judgments and appreciate the diversity within our community.

Let's also remember to take the time to check in on each other. You never know what the person you’re meeting is dealing with or has been through. Remember the human side of cannabis – it all started with healing and compassion. This industry is still flexible, with lots of changes ahead. To tackle what's coming, let's learn from the past, learn from each other, stay curious, and unite with our communities, teams, and clients to move forward together.

Without further ado, here are 8 Tips from 8 Years at MJBizCon

1. Keep an Open Mind & Open Heart:

This expansive event brings together diverse voices from every corner of the cannabis industry. Listen actively, be curious, and appreciate the unique journeys and perspectives that each participant brings. It’s no easy task to get here, so let’s appreciate the people around us and their journeys. In this interconnected web of cannabis professionals, everyone has a story, everyone has struggles, and everyone has a whole lot of heart.

2. Small Pebbles Can Create Large Ripples:

Recognize the potential in every interaction. A simple conversation can evolve into something monumental. Lean into the possibilities, shoot your shot, and seize opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, be prepared to articulate what you need and what you can offer. Your small pebble of connection might create ripples that shape the future of your cannabis journey.

3. Thank Your Hosts:

Remember that MJBizCon is not a feat accomplished by magic; it takes an incredible amount of effort to organize the conference and all the events that go alongside it. Take a moment to express gratitude to your hosts and the organizers who make this gathering possible. Acknowledge the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to create space for networking, collaboration, and growth. Some of the incredible hosts I’d like to thank from over the years include: MJBiz , Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency? , Weedmaps , HIGH TIMES , Emily Paxhia , Morgan Paxhia and Poseidon , Arcview Capital , David Tran and Farechild , Jane West , Women Grow , NABIS , Confident LIMS , and International Cannabis Bar Association .

4. Make Room at the Table:

Reflect on your own journey into the cannabis community, and emulate the inclusivity that welcomed you. Scoot over, make room, and extend a welcoming hand to newcomers. Recognize the importance of creating space for everyone. Even if it's not an immediate connection for you, consider the possibility that you could be making vital connections for others – connecting the dots and creating a network that benefits the entire community. In this industry, we grow stronger together.

If you’re looking for a table to sit at, join us for brunch Wed Nov 29 11 AM - 2 PM at the Hash House a Go Go in the LINQ Hotel. Hosted by Meadow, NABIS & Stronghold.

Register for a ticket here before we sell out.

5. Don’t Be an A$$hole:

In a tight-knit industry like ours, reputation matters. Choose your words and actions wisely, and remember the impact they can have. This is a journey we've all chosen, with its ups and downs. Don’t complain, don’t talk down about others, and don’t make it all about you. Instead, focus on connection, curiosity, advocacy and education. Share your knowledge and wisdom to contribute to the collective growth of the cannabis landscape.

6. Walk the Floor:

Embrace the opportunity to learn and connect by exploring the conference floor. It’s not just about meeting people in booths but the people you run into roaming the aisles. The conference floor is an incredible place to let your curiosity roam and open yourself to serendipity and chance encounters. Open-minded exploration can lead to unexpected discoveries, connections, introductions, and collaborations.

7. Don’t Try to Close on the First Encounter:

Building relationships takes time. Rather than aiming for a quick deal, focus on establishing a solid foundation. Don’t get so caught up in your own pitch that you’re not focused on the unique person standing across from you; instead, take time to consider who you’re talking to and understand what they care about. Get to know the people behind the business, nurture connections, and aim for long-term collaborations. Shift your “ABC” from Always be Closing to Always Be Connecting.

8. Sharing is Caring:

Let’s foster a culture of bringing and sharing cannabis at cannabis conferences. It's a simple yet impactful gesture of camaraderie, celebrating the remarkable plant at the heart of our industry. It could be flower, an edible, papers, or just a lighter. If you can’t travel with cannabis, explore local dispensaries or leverage convenient delivery services. Some of my most memorable MJBiz experiences have been reconnecting with old acquaintances and forging new connections while passing around a joint LobbyCon style. Our shared appreciation for cannabis forms a common thread that binds us, making it a fitting way to celebrate this annual event and the people it brings together.

As we prepare to gather in Las Vegas, let's commit to making this year's experience even more enriching, collaborative, and memorable. I’m looking forward to connecting with familiar faces, forging new alliances, and seeing where my curiosity takes me. Here's to another year of growth, exploration, and celebrating the remarkable journey we're all on together. Hope to see you there!

A special shout out to everyone in the memories shared above, including: Rick Harrison , Scott Garman , Harrison Lee , Ryan Bush , Wally Wong , Cyo Nystrom , Isamarie Pérez , Luna S. & the Ispire Crew, Ellen Holland , Reese Benton , Cy Scott and the Headset Team, Lewis Koski , the Cannabis Business Times Crew, David Tran , Lauren Avenius , Felipe Recalde , The Apothecarium Crew, Ricardo Baca , Zack Darling , Shabnam Malek , Mo Tracey , Jimi Devine , Neil Dellacava , and Kevon Carter .