We have lift off - b.lounge by BTA

Ah it's Monday again and I’m pleased to announce that the launch of b.lounge on September 7th & 8th was a success!?

Turning around an event in under 45 days from planning to execution, finding the right team to deliver, a last minute venue, booking in partners right up until and including the day of the event, selling over 300 tickets in 10 days, and constantly pivoting based off of new learnings while getting to know the AB market (post covid) a little better - was a challenging and rewarding experience.?

The only constant really is change. And that’s what each person who showed up embraced in the most inspiring and awesome ways.?

I had the pleasure of being back out in the field, 'pounding the pavement' reminiscent of earlier days and even used TREC Brands route maps to compare the 3 year time-lapse, meeting with hundreds of AB Budtenders, several familiar faces but mostly new and… WOW did I learn a lot and make mistakes along the way (I’ll save the lessons for another post).

All of this would not have been possible without the absolutely incredible people who believed in me and the concept of b.lounge, put up with the chaos and supported through an emotionally challenging and conflicted time. The pendulum was swinging hard August - September professionally and personally. What a weird time for everyone it seems.

With so many people to thank, I’d like to start with Sabine Schwirtz and her team at BZAM for always supporting Budtenders Association and making a lot of what we do possible. We took you on a bit of spin for this one, appreciate your patience. Grateful to learn from the amazing Maximilian M. Michalowski for giving us the benefit of the doubt and jumping on board with and diving into your first event with us. Nick Van Dam at Auxly for taking us to the best lunch spot in Calgary and showing support on both days, Chris Marmion and Cyrus Hambaz for taking the leap and coming out themselves to meet AB buds (that was so special for all of us). Thank you Kevin Hanson and Saw Tun for the amazing grind and push to make this all possible (and congrats to Broken Coast Cannabis Ltd for winning the Calgary Collector’s Cup). 314 Pure Cannabis and Poolboy showed up in style and a huge shoutout to our friends at Dymond Concentrates for hosting the dab bar. Thank you to Noble Growth Corp. , Wyld , The Valens Company , Battle River Pharmaceuticals Inc , Natural History Cannabis , Indiva , and Cannabis Amnesty .

Dominik Sindalski from Stellar Wholesale Inc. - your support means so much. Thank you for making our mixer possible and being there for us.

Behind the scenes I witnessed some of the most beautiful and meaningful connections, acts of kindness and unwavering, unconditional support. To the Korner Kronics, thank you for putting up with all the changes and showing up on your A game. Every single person that met you both ( Adam Webb and Adrianna Burden ) had so many wonderful things to say. Your help and flexibility did not go unnoticed, MERCI. Pat Newton - well that happened, from planning a trade show to pivoting into a mansion and everything that happened in between. I’m grateful for your time, energy and passion you bring to the industry. I’m grateful for you, thank you for lifting spirits and making sure we took time to meditate and set intentions. Cheers to these cool cats Francis Hall and Thomas Rothmeier who turned up beyond expectation and did everything they could to deliver on an epic experience. Congrats to Adolfo Gonzalez , Julie Domingo , Sharon S. and Axel Holin for hosting an incredible Collector’s Cup and diving in with us. I can’t describe how grateful I am for both The Different Collective & CannaReps and everything we are embarking on together.?

The Maggie Jane Marketing team (Chelsie, Sherri, Lori, Jason) meeting you and planning this over the past 4 weeks was the highlight. Through tension and relief we always had each other's back and created something epic.People suggested we throw in the towel, you offered me ample opportunities to call it and give up on the vision but we never did! Thank you.

Meaghan Ralston , thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home and being my Calgary family, feeding and housing me, carving office space out, adding me to your vehicle insurance, digging me out of holes, holding space while I grieved and crumbled, hugs, laughter, good vibes....just to name a few.?I love you and I'm so happy we met.

Aly K. Benson (The High Giant) - this is just the beginning. Getting to know you and Devon has been pure pleasure. You went above and beyond. Thank you for the post event road trip, taking us through majestic mountains and waterfall for much needed breather.

Both the AGLC and Health Canada did not skip a beat in advising us of all the things we cannot do and at times, even made us feel like we were actually doing something wrong. Crazy to think that I can host a rager of a rave with alcohol and not think twice about it but an educational cannabis event still has us tip-toeing around like the legacy days.?I hope this is proof enough that we can support an industry safely, compliantly and in unique ways that ultimately have the general public’s best interest at heart as we continue to spread knowledge around the power and potential of plants.?

• BTA membership in AB grew by 75% since announcing b.lounge
• New friendships were formed, old ones solidified. The entire community came together and it was heartwarming.
• The launch was amazing and we are excited for the next chapter and coming to a city near you.

Last and definitely not least, a heartfelt and warm THANK YOU to all our members and guests who attended the event from near and far. A special thank you to Krista Wigston , Dylan Bruck , Mariah Munro , Alexander Loughead , Carl Loughead So good to see and squeeze you.