5 Ways to Succeed at Cannabis Business Meetings and Networking Events

The legal cannabis industry started with a small group of passionate people who met face-to-face at events and slowly spread across the country. That face-to-face contact is still essential in today’s industry to generate leads, build relationships and close deals.

Whether you are a cannabis licensee, a side business, or aspiring entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, attending networking events, conferences, and business meetings is vital to your success.

Top 5 networking tips for cannabis events

While many of the rules of conduct for business meetings and networking in the cannabis industry are the same as in any other industry, there are some unique considerations and nuances that you need to keep in mind. Below are five tips you can follow to increase your networking in the cannabis industry and the success of your meetings.

1. Be prepared

Before attending a marijuana industry conference or business meeting, make sure you are prepared. While the industry is perceived by some people as fun and still has a reputation for being a lazy stoner, the reality of the industry is very different. Today’s cannabis conferences and business meetings are full of savvy business people and you have to be ready to impress them if you want to be successful.

However, make sure you have professionally designed and printed business cards, bring plenty of them and give them out liberally. Write and practice your elevator pitch so you can implement it spontaneously.

If possible, arrange meetings in advance with people who you know will be present at the trade fairs you intend to attend. Trade shows and conferences can get crazy, and when the hours fly by it’s easy to lose track of time and miss opportunities to meet people.

2. Be alert

It is extremely important that you always know who you are talking to and adapt your message to your target audience. Keep in mind that not everyone who works in the cannabis industry uses cannabis. In recent years there has been an influx of American corporate professionals and executives in the consumer goods (CPG) space, and many of them do not use cannabis products at all.

For example, if you’re attending a business meeting or trade show, don’t assume that the people you’re connecting with want to share something edible with you. Always let the other person(s) take the lead when it comes to enjoying cannabis with a business relationship. Just as it’s acceptable to have a glass of wine at a business dinner, it’s also acceptable to share something to eat, as long as you’re professional (see #3 below) and not overindulging (see #5 below).

3. Be professional

At any business meeting or networking event, professional demeanor is a basic rule, but it’s especially important when it comes to the marijuana industry. Be respectful of everyone you meet and never make assumptions about someone based on their clothing or appearance. You never know who you’re talking to – it could be your next big customer or investor.

Also, observe standard business etiquette and turn off your phone. The person you are speaking to should always be your number one priority. Therefore, schedule times throughout the day to check your phone and only respond to calls, emails, and texts at those times.

4. Be patient

It’s always a good idea to wait until after a networking event or conference before enjoying cannabis. Even if the atmosphere at an event is pleasant, you are not there to celebrate – at least not until you have concluded your business activities.

Think of it this way: People are less likely to take you seriously and see you as a professional to work with or invest in if you put fun ahead of business. There is a time and a place for everything. So be patient and treat yourself at the right time and only in the right places.

5. Be smart

Never overindulge at a business meeting or event. Just as you should never drink too much, you should also not consume so much cannabis that it affects how you conduct yourself in a business situation.

Also, do not attend any business event that smells of marijuana, as it can be associated with overconsumption and a lack of professionalism. Again, there is a time and place for everything, so be cautious and smart.

Remember, your smarts don’t stop at business meetings and networking events. Be sure to obtain business cards and contact information from everyone you meet and contact them immediately after the meeting or event is over.

While meetings and networking events are great for connecting, generating leads, and building relationships, you need to nurture those relationships on an ongoing basis if you want to convert them into closed deals and business successes.

RELATED READING: Ultimate guide to B2B event lead follow-up for sales in the cannabis industry

10 B2B Cannabis Networking Events

Many different types of cannabis conferences, exhibitions and events are held throughout the United States, Canada and internationally throughout the year. Below are 10 popular cannabis events (in alphabetical order) to attend and improve your B2B networking skills. The Cannabiz Media team has attended each of these events and they have all been excellent.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is one of many conferences that Benzinga hosts. The event brings together many of the cannabis industry’s greatest professionals driving the global industry forward. The event offers ample opportunities for learning, networking and doing business.

Cannabis Conference

The Cannabis Conference is hosted by Cannabis Business Times, Cannabis Dispensary and Hemp Grower. The event brings together people working for and with plant-based cannabis and hemp companies from the United States and countries around the world. The focus will be on educating attendees and discussing challenges and opportunities in the legal cannabis and hemp industry.

CannaCon

CannaCon events are held year-round across the United States and are promoted as a one-stop shop for all cannabis business needs, including “cultivation, innovation, education, business and legal advice, retail insights, extraction technology, scientific and financial.” Trends, Marketing”. , branding and much more.” Events will include trade show exhibitors, educational sessions and networking opportunities.

CannaVest

CannaVest conferences are specifically designed for institutional and accredited investors in the cannabis industry. The CannaVest Institutional Capital Forum and Cannabis Investment Conference & Expo events are typically held in conjunction with another cannabis industry event, such as MJBizCon in November 2022 and CWCBExpo in June 2023.

CWCBExpo

The Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) is promoted as the East Coast’s premier cannabis B2B trade show and conference. It has been held annually at the Javits Convention Center in New York City since 2015. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, attend training events and view product presentations.

Lift&Co Expo

The Lift Cannabis Business Conference (Lift&Co Expo) is recognized as Canada’s premier cannabis conference and expo, bringing together top business leaders, subject matter experts, innovators and regulators from across the cannabis industry to learn and network. Lift events also take place in the USA.

MJ Unpacked

Recognized as the premier event in the cannabis industry, MJ Unpacked offers attendees education, networking and investment opportunities. In fact, participation is strictly reserved for executives of cannabis retail and cannabis brands with the title of “Manager” or higher, as well as accredited investors who are actively investing in the industry.

MJBizCon

MJBizCon is the world’s largest conference and trade show for the cannabis industry. It is described as the event “where game changers, rule breakers and disruptors come together to connect, innovate and make their mark on the industry.”

NECANN

The New England Cannabis Convention (NECANN) is a B2B cannabis industry event that originated in the Northeast in 2014 but is now held annually in multiple cities across the United States. NECANN brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, advocates, patients, investors, educators and consumers to educate and network.

The Emerald Conference

The Emerald Conference is being promoted as the original and longest-running interdisciplinary cannabis science event to discuss scientific discoveries and how science and data support best practices in cultivation, production and quality assurance. Each conference focuses on the current state and potential of the local market in which the event takes place and is aimed at individuals and companies working in and with analytical testing, extraction science, research and development, cultivation science, formulations and preclinical research.

Key takeaways on cannabis business meetings and networking etiquette

The cannabis industry networking tips above give you a solid foundation to get you started, but you need to do your homework to be truly successful. Research each event, get to know your audience and tailor your messaging, behavior and offerings accordingly.

After you’ve completed your due diligence, it’s time to practice, practice, practice! That way, you’ll be prepared, empathetic, professional, patient, and smart, and you’ll be more successful at every event and meeting.