Midwest Canna Expos hard at work on MoCannBizCon+Expo 2020
Early bird tickets for attendees and booth spaces are available for the MoCannBizCon+Expo 2020, taking place at St. Louis Union Station on March 2-3.
Last year’s conference has been universally deemed by the industry as a success
Midwest Canna Expos, led by CEO Karin Sprinks Chester, sold out the 2019 expo floor in 75 days.
“If exhibitors want premium booth space, they need to act fast,” Chester said. “I have absolutely no doubt that we will have a completely packed expo floor and space will be at a premium. Booking early means you get to choose your spot.”
The 2019 conference saw industry service providers as the primary vendors, including Cana Advisors, BioTrackTHC, and Hummert International.
“I expect it to be much the same next year, with a much larger showroom floor,” Chester said. “Once licenses are awarded in December, I expect for some of the commercial growers and manufacturers to reach out. We will showcase everything from insurance to software to human resources solutions.”
Beyond education and opportunity, Chester said 2019’s conference was motivating.
“There was an energy in the air that I cannot explain,” Chester said. “An excitement about the opportunity that was being presented, and the possibilities to be involved in such a dynamic and controversial industry, that has not only the potential for a profitable business but in the process, will help so many people find relief from illnesses and elements that have no other viable treatment options. There is this urgency to what we are trying to accomplish so that patients can benefit and find the relief they need, coupled with the unprecedented opportunities that cannabis and the industry offer all of us.”
Last year, the best part for Chester was seeing so many people from Missouri “come together in one place with the common purpose of building the foundation for a new, emerging market.” Chester said the Midwest Canna Expos team is reaching out to the greater midwest, hoping to see a presence from other legal states to not only participate in the expo but share their experiences and form more connections to uplift the midwest industry as a whole.
If last year’s conference is any indication, next year’s should be a raving success.
“Next year will be bigger and more dynamic – and I can’t wait!” Chester said, saying she is most looking forward to meeting all the new people. “Over 2,100 applications were filed and that is a lot more than anyone expected. Hopefully, now, some of the people who have been operating behind the scenes will come out and be part of the community that we have been building.”
Chester said those interested in the midwest cannabis industry should make plans to attend the MoCannBizCon+Expo 2020.
“The educational sessions will be presentations from pioneers of the industry, experts in their subject matter, and well-seasoned veterans from legally operating states,” Chester said. “The expo floor will be full of people who can offer them value, whether through goods or services and the connections and partnerships they will forge while attending this event will be instrumental.
“I am currently setting the agenda and we have confirmed Max Montrose from TrichomeInstitute as our Monday afternoon keynote speaker,” Chester said. “We will be hosting a panel on how states are transitioning from medical to adult-use markets, and day two will once again feature a women in cannabis keynote session.”
Chester reminds those who are looking to attend that they can get their early bird tickets now and MoCannTrade association members can get a double discount. Tickets can be purchased online at midwestcannaexpos.com.