My Cannabis & Hemp Event Planning Process
Cannabis events (or cannabis components to existing event programming) are becoming the norm, as policies change and cannabis & hemp use becomes a part of our daily lives.
Navigating the processes of, and restrictions for, cannabis-focused events is essential to creating a successful event, and replicating field marketing efforts across the US.
Allowing consumers to integrate cannabis events into their programming is a great way to showcase an entire realm of products, services, and innovators within the cannabis sector.
With 6 years in the industry, I’m your Cannabis event management expert, and I’m ready to assist YOU with your Cannabis event management needs.
Let’s move your next Cannabis event forward.
Our Process For Cannabis Event Management
PHase 1: Define the project
We’ll define the scope of the project in a 20-minute Clarity Call, including:
Event type (B2B Trade Show, Investor Conference, Public Event)
Desired services, activities & deliverables
Goals, objectives & project timeline
PHase 2: Information Gathering
Meet with you and your team to discover more about:
Your branding and mission
Current marketing strategies and tactics
Your organization-wide and event-specific goals
Phase 3: Vendor Research & Management
Research, present, confirm and manage vendors to ensure the best fit for your event, including:
Live venue and menu selection
Product demos, catering, AV, production
Digital platforms, including virtual and hybrid event technology
Phase 5: Speaker & Sponsor management
Ensure that your speakers and sponsors stay informed and engaged throughout the process, while maximizing experience and ROI, through
Streamlined onboarding & information gathering processes
Dedicated trainings for event platforms
Cannabis-related event protocol and restriction updates
Phase 4: Event Marketing Strategy
We’ll make sure the right stakeholders know about your event, and how to get the most from their experience, through:
1:1 engagement with your key stakeholders
A defined communication strategy for each stakeholder group
Partnership Marketing
Phase 6: Event Execution
Create, distribute and execute final schedule, and ensure that it is adhered to on the day of your event, while supporting:
Event tech rehearsals and run of show creation
Event vendor load-in, venue setup & breakdown/load-out
Event registration and VIP experience
Phase 7: Post-Event reporting
For us, the event doesn’t end when your guests leave. We create post-event surveys, client reports and stakeholder correspondence to measure your event against the original goals.
Cannabis Event Planning FAQ
How Can I Plan a Cannabis Event?
It’s always a good idea to start with a review of the local, regional and national laws that apply to the region in which you’re hosting an event, and see how your ideas are able to come to life. Resources like this are a great place to start, but I’d recommend contacting a law firm familiar with the dynamics of the laws in the region where you’ll be hosting your event.
Is There Liability With Cannabis Events?
You should always speak to an attorney when considering hosting a cannabis-related event, especially if you are considering having a consumption portion of the programming. The laws are ever-changing, so it’s imperative to make sure you are clear prior to sending those invitations and inviting consumption at your events. You’ll also want to be clear on these laws when you invite sponsors to participate, to ensure any cannabis event activations they desire to do are legal!
What Type of Venue Should I Consider For a Cannabis Event?
Of course, you’ll need to check with the venue to be sure they are comfortable with serving cannabis and/or hemp-related products for a cannabis consumption event. If it’s a non-consumption event, checking what types of products and services are permitted for display, sale and/or educational purposes is step one for a well-informed cannabis event plan.
Are Cannabis Events Popular?
We can’t tell you what’s popular for your audience, but the data is clear. As of January 2024, 24 states have legalized, and discussions on the federal level are heating up as well. The cannabis industry is expected to reach more than $444 billion by 2030, and more and more people are making the conscious choice to consume. Not sure what’s right for your audience, or are you nervous about introducing a cannabis or hemp sponsor to your events? Don’t worry, we can help!
How Can I Host a Successful Cannabis Event?
Like most events, starting with the end in mind is recommended. What are your goals for your event, or specifically incorporating cannabis into your event if you are doing so for the first time? Can you bring that energy to a cannabis event safely and effectively? If so, you’ll want to find venue partners, sponsors, and attendees who are as enthusiastic about this industry as you are. There are many questions to be answered, but if you always keep your goals and stakeholder experiences in mind, you can’t go wrong!