What’s up, fellow cannabis enthusiasts and professionals! As the Director of Revenue with Rootwurks, I'm gearing up for my second adventure at MJBizCon.
Vegas always brings out a sort of wild naïveté in me. Maybe you could blame it on my small-town upbringing but every time I’m here I navigate the city, hotels, and everything else it has to offer with an open heart and eyes wide open.
Throw the largest cannabis conference and trade show in the mix, and the experience immediately becomes an (often futile) exercise in prioritization and pacing.
One of my favorite things to do in Vegas is go for at least one early morning run on the Strip before the feral city comes to life. There’s a kind of eerie calm at that time, and usually a few fascinating sights leftover from the previous night’s revelry. I never overdo it on those runs though, you need to save your legs and feet for the busy days (and nights) ahead.
Now that I’m no longer an MJBC newbie, I hope I can attack the week with a little more precision - if that’s even possible in Vegas.
Either way, grab a seat (and your favorite strain or beverage) and let me tell you what I’m eagerly anticipating at this year's MJBizCon!
First things first, the trade show! My experience last year taught me not to sleep on the booths that don’t “seem” to be an obvious choice for a visit. The companies we work with are primarily retailers, cultivators, labs, and manufacturers (of pretty much anything). However, valuable conversations and introductions often ensue when dropping by to say hello to the folks in the booths - no matter which sector of the industry they work in. It’s a small cannabis world, and I think everyone is within about two degrees of separation from the person you need to meet. I can't wait to explore the bustling aisles, chat with industry experts, and uncover game-changing products and services that could take not just Rootwurks, but also the industry as a whole to new heights. If you see me walking by, I’d love to meet you and introduce you to our team - so don’t be shy.
Next up, the Grasslands event! This is where the magic happens—thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to rub elbows with some of the brightest minds in the cannabis space. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in engaging conversations, exchanging ideas, and perhaps stumbling upon that golden nug of inspiration or the next perfect business partner. At the time of this writing, the official event invitations haven’t gone out yet, so my fingers are crossed that I get to experience this one again.
The Emjay Awards: We’re Nominated!
And then, the pièce de résistance—the Emjay Awards! This Hollywood-style event is not just about showing up looking our best and strutting down the red carpet (although that's definitely part of it). It's about recognizing excellence in the cannabis sector and, more importantly, uncovering potential partnerships that could fuel our growth. While I’m giddy about the glitz and glamor that will force me out of my remote work wardrobe and into some sparkle, the butterflies in my stomach become most active when I think about how Rootwurks is nominated for Cannabis Training/Education Services of the Year. It took an army of Rootwurks believers to write us in and achieve this much, and I can tell you we are all filled with gratitude for the recognition.
Is it ‘an honor just to be nominated’? Sure, but winning would be way cooler. Between you and me, I believe we have what it takes to bring home the trophy. Whatever the outcome, we’ll show up, show out, and see you at the after party!
Last but certainly not least, the heart and soul of MJBizCon—networking, connecting, and doing business. I’m eager for mini-reunions on my schedule, seeing colleagues face-to-face with whom I’ve forged genuine friendships, swapping tales of flops and of glories, popping corks, and exploring potential collaborations that could propel our growth and expansion in 2024 and beyond. Whether it's over a cup of coffee, during a breakout session, or at one of these legendary after-parties, I'm ready to dive headfirst into the week and come out with at least a pocketful of promising leads and partnerships.
So, here's to an unforgettable adventure, a plethora of new insights, and, of course, a hefty dose of Vegas-style fun. Let's blaze trails together at MJBizCon 2023!
If you would like to make sure we don’t miss each other, let’s book it. (“Connect at MJBizCon” button with hyperlink to my meetings)
https://meetings.hubspot.com/rootwurks/meet-me-at-mjbizcon
