Patty Roe, Founder of Pink Sesh and the PS Society
From Passion to Purpose: How Patty Roe Built a Community for Women in Cannabis.
In this episode, KymB sits down with Patty Roe, founder of PS Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, elevating, and empowering women in the cannabis industry. Discover how Pink Sesh evolved into PS Society, fostering a powerful community of women leaders. Beyond the cannabis industry, PS Society empowers women across various fields, offering programs that combat loneliness and isolation, creating connections that uplift and inspire.
Learn how Patty’s journey took her from California to Michigan, navigating the cannabis space, overcoming challenges, and building a thriving, mission-driven organization. Gain valuable insights and advice on breaking into the industry, including the challenges of letting go of what isn’t working and the courage it takes to start something entirely new.
Listen now and be inspired by a pioneer in cannabis entrepreneurship and community building.
This week on The Highest: In the Room, KymB sits down with Kristin Jordan, Founder and CEO of Park Jordan Real Estate, for a dynamic conversation about the ever-evolving cannabis industry.
What are the biggest ~avoidable~ pitfalls to navigate in commercial cannabis real estate? Tune in to find out.
The latest episode of Highest In The Room covers real estate challenges and success strategies, while Kristin also shares her insights on what’s trending “in” and what’s falling “out” as cannabis transforms into a lifestyle integrated into everyday living.
Recognized by Forbes as one of “Fifteen Powerful and Innovative Women in Cannabis Right Now,” Kristin founded Mannada Events and is also a professor in LIM College’s Cannabis Business programs.
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Justin Johnson, founder and CEO of BudsFeed, an online community platform launched in 2019 that connects people around their favorite cannabis-related products and services.
Justin is also the co-founder and CEO of Chill Steel Pipes; makers of the world’s first double-wall vacuum insulated smoking apparatus.
He shares how he got his start in cannabis, what’s trending in cannabis media, and much more.
Justin says that you have to market your products every day and can’t take for granted that people know what you have.
Kym B asked: “Where do you get the most of your newsletter sign-ups from?”
“I would say the majority of it was the site. So I was driving people to sign up for the site either to vote on products or contribute their own products and by default you got signed up for the newsletter. Second was probably LinkedIn, and pro-active B2B outreach and trying to get people to sign up and learn. Instagram, I’ve definitely gotten some sign-ups from that, but really what I’ve found was there are people that read newsletters and there are people that look at pictures, and my Instagram strategy was more so a means of allowing them, other people, to get that content without having to subscribe.”
Don’t miss this discussion about cannabis marketing.
In this episode, KymB gets the “blunt” facts in a candid conversation with Jane West.
Jane West is both a leading cannabis activist and CEO of the eponymous lifestyle brand Jane West. KymB refers to West as a true “pilgrim of the plant.” As part of her activism, West founded Women Grow in 2014, a pioneering organization that hosts networking events featuring industry leaders to empower women to succeed and influence the cannabis industry.
West shares her journey as a woman entrepreneur in the cannabis space, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision to make the industry more inclusive for women. From starting all of her businesses as a solo entrepreneur from her home office, to leading a movement, Jane’s story is one of resilience and dedication.
Tune in to hear West’s insights on how to survive as an entrepreneur and advocate in the cannabis space.
June 5 – 6, 2024, New York City, Javits Convention Center
Iconic RAW Rolling Papers Founder Josh Kesselman to Host Fireside Chat at 10th Annual CWCBExpo in NYC’s Javits Convention Center
CNBC’s Tim Seymour will interview the celebrity CEO and founder.
(New York, NY, May 2024)—CWCBExpo today announced Josh Kesselman, iconic CEO and philanthropic founder of HBI International, the company behind RAW Rolling Papers, will keynote the business conference taking place at Javits Convention Center in New York City, Wednesday and Thursday, June 5 and 6.
Hosted by CNBC’s Fast Money investor voice, Tim Seymour, Kesselman’s appearance will be on the main stage from 11 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5th. The address, styled after a fireside chat, is open to registered CWCBExpo attendees.
Kesselman grew up in New York and has since developed RAW Rolling Papers to legendary status. His brand has garnered a cult-like following with more than two million Instagram followers and mainstream name-drops and support from celebrity rappers like Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz. His products, sold worldwide, include a vast array of rolling papers, cones, tips, rolling trays, apparel, and other accessories.
Known for his larger-than-life personality and love of smoking culture, Kesselman’s mission is to make people happy. “If you ask me, New York is the most lit place on Earth! I was born there, which makes the Empire State the birthplace of RAW,” said Kesselman.
RAW Giving, the name given to Kesselman’s HBI International philanthropic efforts, recently surpassed $3 million in donations to non-profit organizations including The Weldon Project, a non-profit that advocates for the end of cannabis prohibition, the Last Prisoner Project, Sky’s the Limit and Central Arizona Shelter Services, to name a few.
“We are honored to have Josh Kesselman give the keynote address at our event. He exemplifies much of cannabis culture today and is an example of a successful entrepreneur who gives back,” said Christine Ianuzzi, CEO of CWCBExpo.
The CWCBExpo New York, June 5-6 at the Javits Center, celebrating 10 years, is the premier business-to-business trade show event for legal cannabis. Founded in 2014, the expo provides a forum for dispensary owners, growers, suppliers, medical professionals, investors, regulators, legal counsel, and entrepreneurs to connect. For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.CWCBExpo.com.
Editor’s Note: Qualified members of the media are invited to register as press for CWCBExpo New York. To request a media pass for CWCBExpo New York, please contact Annie Scully at: press@cannabismeansbusiness.com
About Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo)
CWCBExpo is an established business-to-business trade show event for the legalized cannabis and hemp industry. It is held in New York City, the largest business, financial, and media market, and is the leading forum for dispensary owners, growers, suppliers, investors, medical professionals, government regulators, legal counsel, and entrepreneurs looking to achieve business success and identify new areas of growth in this dynamic and fast- growing industry.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and launched in 2005 by Josh Kesselman, HBI International, the company behind RAW Rolling Papers, is an independent, global brand producing plant- based rolling papers and other smoking accessories. Their unbleached, slow-burning papers are the preferred product for millions of smokers. The company is committed to sustainability and social good and, through its RAW Giving initiative, has provided millions of dollars in direct cash contributions for many charities, including those that work to provide access to clean water and rescue homeless pets. For more information, visit: rawthentic.com.
Cannabis trade shows offer a great opportunity for industry professionals and entrepreneurs to network, learn, and showcase their products and services. Whether you’re a seasoned member of the industry or just beginning your journey, cannabis trade shows serve as a goldmine of knowledge and networking opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore what you can expect to learn.
What you’ll learn at a cannabis trade show
From groundbreaking new products to regulatory compliance updates, B2B trade shows provide the insight and opportunities necessary to succeed in the cannabis industry. If you want to stay on top of industry trends and network with some of the leading professionals and brands in the space, these conferences are the place to be. Here’s some of what you can expect to learn when you attend a cannabis trade show.
Industry trends and insights
The cannabis industry is always evolving, so staying on top of trends — from what customers are most interested in buying to the most effective brand strategies — is an important part of retaining a competitive edge. Cannabis trade shows provide expert panels and Q&As that can help you stay up to date on recent developments in the industry, providing actionable insights that you can immediately implement for your business.
When attending panels and speaking sessions at a cannabis trade show, expect to learn about the market and size of the cannabis industry. You’ll also learn the latest regulatory developments in your market, the hottest products that consumers are looking for, and how to build successful partnerships with other companies.
Product knowledge
The best cannabis trade shows are home to a wide range of businesses hailing from every market segment in the industry, including those with the most popular consumer products of the day. Take the opportunity to connect with these B2C exhibitors and learn about their products and how the market is reacting to them. You may even have the opportunity to observe some product demos, giving you the chance to see firsthand just what makes these products so special.
Cannabis trade show floors are replete with new product innovations, from vaporizers and extracts to infused cannabis beverages. To understand the industry, you need to know what products consumers are buying, and a trade show can be a great way to see some of the latest and greatest consumer products out there.
Regulatory compliance and legal issues
Regulatory compliance and legal issues are critical concerns for businesses in the cannabis industry, where the rules are constantly changing as states work to set up their legal markets. Cannabis trade shows often showcase exhibitors and host sessions that focus on licensing, testing, and other regulatory requirements. Trade shows like CWCBExpo also offer education sessions led by industry experts to provide attendees with information on regulatory and compliance requirements to help navigate the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry.
Marketing and branding
Top quality cannabis marketing firms are bound to attend cannabis trade shows, making these expositions a great opportunity to meet your next marketing team. Seminars and workshops focused on marketing and branding are often led by experts in the field, giving you the insights you need to effectively build your brand and spread the word to your target audience.
If you want to take your business to the next level, you could partner with these companies to get professional marketers in your corner and start reaching your customers in new and creative ways. Branding and marketing is essential to standing out in a crowded market, and trade shows are a great place to start.
Cultivation and extraction
Cannabis trade shows also bring together plant-touching experts in cultivation and manufacturing, the critical players who underpin the entire supply chain of the cannabis industry. By attending a cannabis trade show, you’ll likely gain knowledge on topics ranging from pest management to sustainable growing practices. If you’re a retailer, you can use this opportunity to connect with potential suppliers and find top quality flower and extracts. After all, there wouldn’t be a cannabis industry without the cultivators who grow the flower and the manufacturers that process it into a wide variety of consumer products.
5 tips to get the most out of trade show educational seminars
Each CWCBExpo conference offers cutting-edge seminars and educational sessions to provide direct industry insight and knowledge to attendees. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with valuable information regarding the latest trends, emerging technologies, and the best business practices for success. To make the most out of the trade show’s education sessions, attendees should follow a few key tips.
1. Plan ahead
Looking at the agenda helps you get the most out of the education sessions at cannabis trade shows. With so many speakers and seminars to choose from, it can be overwhelming to navigate the schedule. Research and identify the topics you’re most interested in so you can create a game plan and prioritize sessions based on your interest. Not every panel will apply to your business, so use those times to walk the show floor and meet exhibitors. On each day of a cannabis trade show, there’s likely a speaking session that will apply to your business so come each day with an itinerary to get the most out of your visit.
2. Take notes
Bring a notepad and pen or pencil to every session you attend so you can take detailed notes to analyze after the trade show. Many of these sessions will include comments from industry leaders that you can use to boost your own business, and you never know when the next helpful tidbit of information might be shared. So pay close attention and jot down any good ideas you hear, as well as your thoughts on how they might apply to your business.
Forgot your journal and pen? Not to worry — you’ll likely be able to pick them up as giveaways from exhibitor booths on the floor. And you can always use a note-taking app on your phone to record the advice you get from each session.
3. Engage with speakers
Take the opportunity to ask relevant and insightful questions during Q&A sessions, and be sure to network with speakers after the session if possible. This is a valuable chance to exchange contact information and build relationships with experts in the industry.
Meeting speakers not only gives you an introduction to a leader in the space, it also gives you a foot in the door to their often expansive networks. You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with speakers or seek their guidance following the seminar. By actively engaging with industry experts, you can enhance your professional network, gain valuable mentorship and even open doors to work opportunities.
4. Network with attendees
Networking with other attendees is also a great way to make the most out of educational sessions at cannabis trade shows. Engage with other participants and exhibitors by introducing yourself and exchanging contact information – you never know who you might meet or what opportunities may arise from these connections.
At the show “Where Deals Get Done,” CWCBExpo offers access to breakout rooms where you can sit and chat with any other attendees that you may want to have meetings with, giving you the chance to cement any promising new relationships. Many trade shows also offer post-session gatherings or events for attendees to gather and network in a more casual setting. CWBCExpo promotes a variety of post-show networking events where deal-making and business-building continue beyond the show floor daily experiences and extend into the evening. An example of a well-known industry networking and festive event that CWCBExpo offers is the Industry Yacht Party.
Yacht Party, 2023
5. Follow up
Following up after attending an education session is just as important as engaging with the speakers and anyone else you meet. Be sure to review your notes and organize the information you’ve gathered to help reinforce what you’ve learned and identify key takeaways to apply to your business. You can also follow up with speakers and attendees who you exchanged contact information with. Thank them for their time and expertise, and consider arranging a follow-up meeting or call to discuss further collaboration.
Additionally, sharing what you’ve learned with your team or online through social media like LinkedIn can help to build connections and establish yourself as a thought leader in the cannabis space. Set some time the week following a trade show to reach out to your new connections and offer additional time to discuss how you might be able to support one another’s goals.
What educational sessions are at CWCBExpo?
There are many educational sessions available for attendees of CWCBExpo. The following are examples of the types of educational sessions that were on offer during CWCBExpo 2023:
Social Equity: Entrepreneurs, Change Makers, and Heroes
The Future of Cannabis Tourism in the Big Green Apple and Beyond
Compliance Issues for Cannabis Business Owners: Taxation, Liability, and the ERTC Program
Consumer Products: What are the Most Popular and Hottest Products?
Packaging Cannabis Products Safely & Responsibly
Technology to Maximize ROI for Grow Facilities From Seed to Processing
Make the most of CWCBExpo
With extensive educational sessions and a diverse exhibitor line-up, CWCBExpo is the perfect event for cannabis businesses seeking up-to-date insight into the industry. Whether you’re a cannabis business vet or an industry newcomer, the exhibitors and education sessions at CWCBexpo offer a wealth of information and insight on a wide range of topics. If you missed out on CWCBExpo 2023, don’t worry — we’ll be back next year on June 5 – 6, 2024, with a rich lineup of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees dedicated to building the cannabis industry in New York and beyond.
