Please join us for this special annual forum!
WBJ’s 5th annual cannabis forum will feature discussions around business challenges and innovation among the region’s cannabis industry business leaders and service providers. Panels will feature a roster of experienced speakers including some of the business leaders representing the adult-use, CBD, science, medical, advocacy, and professional services arenas of the cannabis industry.
Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on the latest economic data, business opportunities, and lingering obscurities and risks that remain for cannabis industry participants, whether as a licensee, ancillary service provider, or consumer.
Whether you’re impressed or concerned by the growth of the Cannabis industry in Massachusetts, and want to know more about how to profit from its future, don't miss this special annual event!
Keynote Presentation - Shannon O’Brien, Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The current “State of the State” of the Cannabis industry in Massachusetts - update/overview of the laws and regulations, equity programs and funding, and the sector’s current economic impact in the State and Central Massachusetts, and the impact and challenges of legalization among border states.
TIMELINE:
2:30PM Doors Open & Networking
3:00PM Welcome Remarks
3:05PM Keynote Speaker
3:30PM Panel Session A: Navigating Operational Challenges
This panel will discuss top operational challenges of running a successful cannabis entity and review some of the best business practices for today’s cannabis professional.
Topics to include:
- Internal efficiency and proper standard operating procedures to ensure structure and consistency in your business.
- Managing employees - employment pitfalls and challenges - developing a strong foundational culture, safety and accountability.
- Cash flow - using financials to budget, forecast cash flow, and create a plan to put away cash to survive long term (the best operators focus on continued growth and managing their spend/cash flow).
- Technology and insights to help retailers manage their businesses more efficiently.
4:30PM Panel Session B: Adapt - Evolve - Expand
This panel will discuss how to anticipate and adapt to the rapidly changing market, so that your business is ready for anything.
Topics to include:
- Restructuring - steps businesses can take, sell assets, sell off licenses, businesses adopting a new asset model to survive.
- Elements of licensing - buying and selling licenses.
- Solutions for dissolution.
- Financing challenges.
- Receivership - what does it mean? What are the alternatives and lessons learned?
- Competition with neighboring states - opportunities to partner with another state or completely expand into the next state.
- Creating new products and brands.
5:25PM Closing Remarks
5:30PM Networking Reception (hors’ d'oeuvres & cash bar)
View full speaker line up below.
