NY Cannabis Insider to Host Industry Conference on Sept 25

NY Cannabis Insider to Host Industry Conference in Albany on September 25

NY Cannabis Insider (NYCI) will host a pivotal business-to-business conference in Albany on September 25, bringing together cannabis industry professionals, business owners, and key stakeholders from across New York State. As one of the premier networking and educational platforms for New York’s rapidly evolving cannabis industry, NYCI events offer an opportunity for participants to gain insights, connect with influential leaders, and discuss the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cannabis in the state.

Conference Overview

This full-day event will be held at The Desmond Hotel (Crowne Plaza) in Albany and promises an agenda packed with informative sessions, expert panel discussions, and networking opportunities. With the cannabis industry still in its formative stages in New York, this conference provides a timely forum for business owners and professionals to discuss the latest developments in the adult-use cannabis market and the broader industry.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location: The Desmond Hotel (Crowne Plaza) | 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211
• Price: $199 general admission; discounted tickets available for cannabis business owners

General admission tickets include access to all speaker sessions, panel discussions, and networking events throughout the day, including coffee, lunch, and a happy hour. Proceeds from ticket sales will support NY Cannabis Insider’s ongoing journalism efforts, which are critical to providing up-to-date news and analysis on New York’s cannabis sector.

Key Discussions and Topics

The conference will feature panel discussions and presentations by industry leaders who represent key components of the cannabis ecosystem, including growers, dispensaries, processors, and testing laboratories. Topics on the agenda include:

• Impact of Federal Legalization: How potential federal legalization of cannabis could influence cultivation and distribution practices in the U.S.
• NYS-Specific Regulatory Updates: Updates and operational insights following the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) report, addressing issues unique to the state’s cannabis market.
• Challenges Facing Dispensaries and Processors: Industry challenges, including compliance, product availability, and quality control, will be addressed in practical terms.

Sean McKenzie, a licensee under the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program and Chair of Policy and Regulations at the New York Cannabis Retail Association, emphasized the importance of NYCI’s role in shaping the industry’s growth. “NY Cannabis Insider is the premium resource for all things cannabis in New York. As this once-in-a-lifetime industry develops, with numerous issues, characters, and storylines emerging, NYCI provides a space for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas through its renowned publication and event series,” McKenzie said.

Why Attend the Conference?

NY Cannabis Insider events are widely recognized as some of the most valuable gatherings for industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and those looking to enter the cannabis space. Past events have been attended by business owners, lobbyists, and representatives from cannabis-adjacent fields such as legal services, security, finance, and business consultation.

Participants can expect to gain critical insights into how to navigate the complexities of New York’s cannabis regulations, as well as practical advice on how to start or grow a cannabis-related business.

Jordan Isenstadt of Marino PR, a frequent event participant, praised NYCI events, saying, “NY Cannabis Insider events are THE must-attend cannabis industry events for New Yorkers. It never fails to amaze me how many important, high-level industry insiders show up for their well-produced events. I recommend their events to all my clients.”

Sponsors and Vendors at the Event

The event will feature a variety of sponsors and vendors who are integral to the cannabis industry’s development in New York. These organizations provide essential services ranging from legal assistance to lab testing and workforce development:

Cannabis Workforce Initiative: A collaboration between Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the Workforce Development Institute. The initiative focuses on promoting social equity in New York’s cannabis market by providing workforce development and legal education.

Jeffrey Hoffman & Associates PLLC: A law firm specializing in cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use and medical cannabis sectors, as well as cannabis-adjacent service providers.

ACT LAB: A fully licensed and accredited laboratory offering critical testing services for both cannabis and hemp industries, ensuring that products meet stringent safety and quality standards.

These partners play a crucial role in the development and sustainability of New York’s legal cannabis market, offering resources and guidance for both new and established businesses.

Networking Opportunities and Industry Connections

The Albany conference provides an ideal setting for cannabis professionals to expand their networks. With representatives from various sectors of the cannabis industry—including cultivation, processing, retail, and ancillary businesses—attendees will have the chance to form partnerships, learn about new market trends, and exchange ideas with leading experts.

Final Thoughts

As New York’s cannabis industry continues to grow and face regulatory challenges, events like NY Cannabis Insider’s industry conference offer invaluable opportunities for professionals to stay informed and connected. With discussions on key topics such as federal legalization, compliance challenges, and the latest state regulations, this conference is a must-attend for anyone involved in or interested in entering the cannabis industry in New York.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in one of the state’s premier cannabis industry events and gain insight from the experts shaping the future of cannabis in New York.