There are dozens of ways for cannabis business executives to make deals at MJBizCon 2026.
Those who want to leave the world’s biggest cannabis business event with leads and fruitful relationships should come with a game plan but also be prepared to be flexible when unexpected opportunities arise, according to executives who’ve sealed business deals at MJBizCon.
MJBizCon 2026 runs Dec. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with sessions Dec. 2-4.
Having “unstructured, unscheduled, uncommitted time at the show” is critical, said Kim Sanchez Rael, CEO of Azuca, a New York-based company that develops rapid-release solutions, emulsions, activators and other products for cannabis edibles and beverages.
“What’s most helpful for me are those serendipitous moments,” she told MJBizDaily.
Other important tips for entrepreneurs and executives seeking deals and connections include:
- Market your presence at MJBizCon ahead of the show.
- Take advantage of mixers and after-parties for networking.
- Vet potential partners you meet.
Working the Show Floor
As a solutions provider to the cannabis consumables sector, Azuca puts high importance on exhibiting on the show floor.
“When you are a B2B provider, it helps to be present on the floor – not just walk the floor; that has been a good ROI for us,” Sanchez Rael said.
The show provides Azuca with an opportunity to gauge interest in products it hasn’t commercialized yet – and exhibiting gives the brand a show-floor headquarters from which to provide samples and have meetings.
Before the show, Azuca’s marketing team conducts typical preshow outreach through email, LinkedIn, and word of mouth. Sanchez Rael also likes to preplan meetings with businesses she would like to build relationships with.
Joe Salome, co-founder and CEO of The Georgia Hemp Co., recommends going to the event with a game plan. “Prioritize what you’re looking for specifically – and the companies that you want to visit,” he said.
That said, flexibility can lead to opportunity. Sanchez Rael had a “serendipitous moment” at her first MJBizCon when she sat next to Nancy Whiteman – then CEO of Wana Brands – during a preconference forum lunch. That conversation led Wana to buy Azuca’s fast-acting solutions.
Salome agrees: “If you happen to walk by a CEO or decision-maker that you wanted to meet, you’ve got to be able to drop everything and engage. You have to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Expand Your Network
Connections made at MJBizCon might not bear fruit until years later. Jon Spadafora, CEO of Flower Union, was inspired to open his company after meeting Sanchez Rael at MJBizCon 2022, sampling products, and having discussions on the trade show floor and at an after-party.
Executives hunting for deals should take advantage of networking opportunities, including preconference forum breakfasts and lunches, after-parties, and events like Achieving Equity in Cannabis and Empowering Women in Cannabis.
“Sometimes you’re so tired or you don’t want to go, but you’ve just got to go,” Salome said.
Immature Cannabis Markets
MJBizCon is especially fruitful for companies from newer or underdeveloped cannabis markets. “If you can see patterns and trends early and bring them back to your market, you’re a first-adopter,” Salome said.
Vetting Potential Business Partners
While there is no better place to meet potential partners, show veterans caution that it’s important to vet the businesses you’re considering partnering with – and not to feel rushed to sign a deal.
“You want to make sure that whatever you’re looking at can be placed into the strategy that you’re currently doing,” Salome said.
Take your cannabis business to the next level at MJBizCon 2026, Dec. 1-4 in Las Vegas. With unmatched networking, deal-making opportunities, and access to the latest innovations, this is the event cannabis professionals can’t afford to miss. Stay updated!