In an evolving and fast-growing cannabis market, select trade shows and conferences serve as the barometers of industry direction—bringing together cultivators, retailers, researchers, investors, and ancillary services under one roof. Below is a curated list of leading U.S. cannabis events for 2025, with emphasis on business value and strategic networking.
MJBizCon
Dates & Location: December 2–5, 2025 — Las Vegas, Nevada
Overview: Unquestionably the largest B2B cannabis conference in the U.S., MJBizCon attracts tens of thousands of industry professionals, with over 1,400 exhibitors and dozens of educational tracks. The event emphasizes cross-sector connections, including cultivation, processing, retail, packaging, legal and regulatory services.
Why Attend: For many companies, MJBizCon is the annual bellwether—an opportunity to launch new products, meet investors, and align with national trends.
Website: mjbizconference.com
NECANN (New England Cannabis Convention)
Dates & Location: Various dates in 2025 across U.S. regions; flagship in Boston, MA
Overview: Originally rooted in New England, NECANN has grown to multiple regional editions and is one of the country’s leading B2B cannabis expos. With dozens of exhibitors, educational panels, and a strong local policy focus, it is a major hub for East Coast operators.
Why Attend: NECANN events often draw regional operators, regulators, and service providers in local markets—ideal for those seeking footholds beyond core states.
Website: necann.com
Cannabis Means Business (formerly CWCBE)
Dates & Location: June 4–5, 2025 — Javits Convention Center, New York, New York
Overview: Cannabis Means Business (CMB) is a focused B2B expo and conference that emphasizes deal-making, branding, and the commercial aspects of cannabis enterprises. Its location in New York also aligns it with one of the fastest-emerging major markets post-legalization.
Why Attend: For businesses seeking networking and partnerships in one of the country’s largest media and financial hubs, CMB offers exposure to both regional operators and institutional investors.
Website: cannabismeansbusiness.com
CannaCon
Dates & Locations: Multiple shows across the U.S. (e.g., Oklahoma City, Midwest, and Southern regions)
Overview: CannaCon is structured as a national cannabis expo series, rotating across states and markets. With 800+ exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees across its footprint, CannaCon provides a modular way to enter multiple regional markets.
Why Attend: The modular format allows tailored participation—exhibit in markets where you have or want presence, gather intel locally, and connect with regional operators.
Website: cannacon.org
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Dates & Location: November 11–13, 2025 — Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (among others)
Overview: While CHAMPS historically focuses on counterculture, smoke-shop, glassware, and accessory markets, its intersection with cannabis-related products makes it relevant for ancillary businesses such as packaging and consumption devices.
Why Attend: For accessory manufacturers, paraphernalia suppliers, branding agencies, and those navigating regulatory tightropes, CHAMPS provides a venue distinct from cultivation or regulatory conferences.
Website: champstradeshows.com
Lucky Leaf Expo
Dates & Locations: Various in legalized states
Overview: Lucky Leaf Expo organizes cannabis, hemp, and CBD conventions across U.S. markets. Their events often include a mix of education, lobbying, business pitches, and exhibition opportunities.
Why Attend: These expos commonly operate in legalized states (versus national events) and are ideal for state-level market penetration, learning regulatory nuance, and forging regional partnerships.
Website: luckyleafexpo.com
Strategic Takeaways & Tips
- Be selective by vertical and strategy. Not every conference covers your niche—cultivation, retail, regulatory, or ancillary services. Choose events that align with your business goals rather than attending all of them.
- Maximize lead generation before the show floor. Many of these events now offer apps, matchmaking, and pre-conference networking tools. Use them aggressively to line up meetings.
- Budget for booth and travel, but plan content too. Thought leadership—such as speaking panels, product launches, and press exposure—can often deliver ROI beyond simple exhibitor presence.
- Regional plays matter. Some states still have nascent markets or restrictive licensing. Regionally targeted shows like CannaCon, NECANN, and Lucky Leaf offer early-stage opportunities before markets reach saturation.
- Monitor regulatory track sessions. In many conferences, legal and compliance panels are among the most heavily attended. They often forecast rule changes that directly impact business models.
- Use media and press ties. For journalists and content producers, these events offer direct insight into evolving market narratives. Planning interviews and coverage in tandem with shows can expand visibility and credibility.
In summary, the U.S. cannabis event circuit is becoming as competitive and strategic as any other emerging industry. Attending the right conferences can accelerate growth, strengthen brand visibility, and provide the kind of market intelligence that drives long-term success.