Who Should Attend MJBizCon 2024? The Ultimate Guide for Cannabis Pros (with a Must-Have Checklist Included)

Picture this: the Las Vegas Strip lit up like the world’s biggest spotlight, the energy buzzing with possibility, and a room packed with the best and brightest in the cannabis game. That’s MJBizCon 2024.

If you’re in the cannabis industry, this is where you get to rub elbows with the heavy hitters, swap stories with disruptors, and brainstorm with rising stars—all while having the time of your life in Sin City.

Think of it as the Oscars of cannabis, but with more energy, way more swag, and zero boring speeches.

From December 3-6, 2024, the Las Vegas Convention Center became the epicenter of the cannabis universe, bringing together industry powerhouses, startups, investors, retailers, budtenders, and everyone in between.

So, who really needs to be there?

1. Cannabis Entrepreneurs and Startups

If you’re hustling to get your cannabis startup off the ground, MJBizCon is your golden ticket. This is where dreamers turn into doers and ideas start to sprout. You’ll be surrounded by investors looking for the next big thing, and industry experts who’ve navigated the rollercoaster ride of cannabis entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re perfecting your elevator pitch or scouting for new business partners, this is where big ideas turn into business deals.

You’re sipping coffee at the pre-show Finance Forum, sitting across from an investor who’s been in the cannabis game since the Wild West days.

You pitch your idea, and by the end of the conference, you’ve got their business card and a meeting set up for next week. Not bad for a few days in Vegas, right?

2. Operators and Executives

For those already running the show, MJBizCon is your secret weapon to sharpen your edge. Whether you’re scaling operations, eyeing new markets, or fine-tuning your compliance strategy, this is where you connect with the big dogs and find solutions that move the needle.

And let’s be honest—Vegas is where deals get done and empires expand.

You’re hanging out in The Joint after a panel, sharing a drink with a CEO from a top multi-state operator. As you swap war stories, they casually mention a strategy they used to tackle a compliance crisis you’ve been wrestling with. That’s the kind of casual brilliance MJBizCon brings out.

3. HR and Compliance Pros

You might not be the flashiest folks at MJBizCon, but let’s be real—keeping the wheels turning smoothly in cannabis HR is no small feat. With constantly shifting labor laws, payroll challenges, and compliance risks, the pressure is real.

The Cannabis HR Leadership Summit on December 4 at the Aria Resort & Casino is where you’ll find the answers to your compliance headaches and learn how to keep your team engaged and thriving.

You’re at a Q&A session, and someone throws out a question about payroll challenges you’ve been battling for months. An expert on stage drops a simple workaround that could save you hours of frustration. Suddenly, you’re not just attending a conference—you’re leveling up your entire HR game.

4. Investors Looking for the Next Big Thing

If you’re serious about investing in the green rush, MJBizCon is your goldmine. This isn’t just about looking for the hottest trends—it’s about meeting founders face-to-face, getting the inside scoop on emerging markets, and figuring out who’s got the chops to make it big.

You’re not just networking; you’re uncovering the deals that could shape your portfolio’s future.

You’re in the Elevation Lounge, sipping an Old Fashioned when you strike up a conversation with the founder of a cannabis-infused beverage startup.

By the end of the chat, you’ve got their number and a plan to visit their operation next week. That’s how fast things can happen at MJBizCon.

5. Retailers and Budtenders

On the frontlines of cannabis culture, you’re the face customers trust. MJBizCon is where you get to stay ahead of the trends—from discovering the next must-have strain to learning about cutting-edge tech that’ll make your shop the most buzzworthy in town.

The expo floor is like a treasure hunt of product innovations that could set your dispensary apart.

You’re testing out the latest in extraction tech, talking to the engineers behind the product, and already picturing how it’ll look on your shop’s front display. By the time you’re back, you’ve got a dozen new ideas ready to put into action.

Should You Go to MJBizCon If You’re New to Cannabis?

Absolutely! If you’re fresh to the game, MJBizCon is your all-access pass to everything cannabis. Think of it as a backstage tour where you get the lowdown on the industry’s inner workings—from demystifying regulations to picking the brains of cannabis legends and disruptors.

It’s a crash course on where the industry is now and where it’s headed, with insights you won’t find anywhere else.

And don’t worry about feeling like the new kid at school; the vibe is more high-energy mixer than stiff corporate convention.

You’ll be surrounded by innovators, up-and-comers, and even the occasional celebrity advocate, all eager to connect and share their stories. Bottom line: if you’re looking to get plugged in, this is where you start.

What Happens After Hours at MJBizCon? Networking, Deals, and Vegas Vibes

MJBizCon isn’t just about the panels and exhibits—it’s about what goes down when the lights dim. Networking? That’s an understatement.

This is where deals are made, ideas are brainstormed, and people who you didn’t even know you needed to meet become your newest collaborators.

Whether you’re hanging out at The Patio, kicking back in The Joint, or soaking in the vibe at Elevation Lounge, these moments are where the real magic happens. And hey, you might even bump into Mike Tyson—and maybe get a few words of wisdom if you’re lucky.

MJBizCon 2024 Prep Checklist: Get Ready to Elevate Your Game

Attending MJBizCon is like stepping into the center of the cannabis universe, so you want to make sure you’re prepped and ready to make the most of it. Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you hit the ground running:

✔ Plan Your Schedule in Advance

• Download the MJBizCon app to build your personalized schedule.
• Prioritize key sessions, panels, and speakers relevant to your goals.
• Set reminders for pre-show forums like the Finance Forum or HR Summit if they’re crucial for you.

✔ Pack Your Networking Essentials

• Bring business cards, but also connect digitally—think LinkedIn QR codes ready to go.
• Have your elevator pitch locked in, especially if you’re seeking investors or partnerships.
• Prepare any visuals or product samples if you’re meeting with potential clients or investors.

✔ Dress for Success (and Comfort)

• You’ll be on your feet all day. Wear comfortable shoes and consider layers for the changing Vegas weather.
• Aim for a professional yet casual look—you’re in a space where authenticity is key.

✔ Set Networking Goals

• Identify who you want to connect with—CEOs, investors, operators, or industry influencers.
• Make a list of the networking lounges and meet-ups you want to hit up, like The Patio or Elevation Lounge.
• Aim to get at least five key connections by the end of each day.

✔ Research Exhibitors and Innovators

• Check out the exhibitor list ahead of time and mark those you don’t want to miss.
• Prepare questions or conversation starters for booths showcasing tech or products that interest you.

✔ Plan for After-Hours Events

• MJBizCon’s after-parties and networking events are where deals get done. Know where the hot spots like The Joint are and keep an open mind for spontaneous meet-ups.
• Stay sharp, but keep it fun and engaging—this is Vegas, after all!

✔ Get Your Tech Sorted

• Keep your phone charged and consider bringing a portable charger.
• Ensure you have digital copies of any documents, presentations, or portfolios you may need.

✔ Set Clear Goals and Objectives

• Decide what you want to accomplish—are you here to close deals, learn about market trends, or find new suppliers?
• Revisit your goals each night and pivot your plan if necessary.

✔ Relax and Soak Up the Experience

• While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle, take time to enjoy and explore the event. Keep an eye out for surprise guests, influencers, or unexpected opportunities.

The Event That Changes Everything

MJBizCon isn’t just an event—it’s the event that shapes the future of cannabis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a vision, an operator with a plan, an HR pro fighting the good compliance fight, an investor looking to strike gold, or a retailer ready to level up, this is where you need to be. So grab your ticket, pack your big ideas, and prepare for a week that could change everything.

This isn’t just a conference—it’s where the future of cannabis is being written, and you’re about to be part of the story. See you in Vegas.

Matter of fact, if you want to link and chat in Vegas or need an extra hand navigating the land, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!