December 1-4, 2026 | Las Vegas Convention Center

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Daniel Craveiro de Sá

Daniel Craveiro de Sá

Director of Research and DevelopmentCamaraderie Group

Daniel Craveiro de Sá, with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, has spent over a decade combining academic expertise with hands-on experience in the cannabis industry. His studies in plant biology, physiology, anatomy, and soil sciences laid the foundation for his success across sectors, including cultivation, facility design, and research & development. Since entering the cannabis space in 2009, Daniel has managed and expanded over 250,000 square feet of production and retail facilities across the U.S., from California to Michigan. He co-created DAGDA®, an automated irrigation and fertilization system, in collaboration with Dr. Jose Palacios, PhD, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Penn State, transforming cannabis cultivation practices. Daniel also partnered with Owens Corning, a Fortune 500 company, to launch VidaWool®, a specialized mineral wool growing medium. His expertise in equipment testing and product validation ensures companies operate at peak efficiency. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in Spanish, Daniel now leads Camaraderie Group’s R&D efforts, driving innovation and advancing cannabis production technology.

Daniel will provide the Licenced Operator perspective on our panel.

Thu Dec 03•2:50 PM – 3:30 PM•Breakout Session Room 1 - N101

Building the Foundation: Planning and Designing a High-Performance Cannabis Facility

The success of a cannabis facility is largely determined before construction ever starts. The decisions made during planning and design directly infl

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The success of a cannabis facility is largely determined before construction ever starts. The decisions made during planning and design directly influence capital costs, operational efficiency, energy consumption, scalability, compliance, and long-t

…

The success of a cannabis facility is largely determined before construction ever starts. The decisions made during planning and design directly influence capital costs, operational efficiency, energy consumption, scalability, compliance, and long-term facility performance. This session brings together architects, engineers, and industry professionals to explore the critical factors owners and operators should evaluate before committing to a fac

…

The success of a cannabis facility is largely determined before construction ever starts. The decisions made during planning and design directly influence capital costs, operational efficiency, energy consumption, scalability, compliance, and long-term facility performance. This session brings together architects, engineers, and industry professionals to explore the critical factors owners and operators should evaluate before committing to a facility concept, site, or equipment investment.

Through real-world examples and lessons learned, attendees will gain a practical understanding of facility planning, infrastructure requirements, utility considerations, space programming, workflow development, and building selection. The discussion will highlight how engaging the right design team early can help identify risks, align facility objectives with operational goals, and establish a proactive plan for project success. Participants will gain a framework for making informed decisions during the planning and design phase and a better understanding of how these early choices affect project execution, construction, and long-term operations.

As half of a two-part conference series, this session focuses on establishing the foundation for a successful cannabis cultivation or processing facility. Its companion session, From Plans to Production: Effective Cannabis Project Execution, will build on these concepts by exploring the project management, construction, and execution strategies required to deliver the facility on time and within budget.

Cultivation Business Solutions Track Sponsor: PDS Cultivation Intelligence

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Panel DiscussionSession TypeCultivation Business SolutionsSession Track
Brad Palmisiano
Bryan Gonnella
Daniel Craveiro de Sá
Melanie Nash
Brad Palmisiano
Brad PalmisianoRegional Manager (Pittsburgh), McKim & Creed
Bryan Gonnella
Bryan GonnellaDirector + Architect, Core Design Group
Daniel Craveiro de Sá
Daniel Craveiro de SáDirector of Research and Development, Camaraderie Group
Melanie Nash
Melanie NashCEO, TUMI Genomics
Brad Palmisiano
Brad PalmisianoRegional Manager (Pittsburgh), McKim & Creed
Bryan Gonnella
Bryan GonnellaDirector + Architect, Core Design Group
Daniel Craveiro de Sá
Daniel Craveiro de SáDirector of Research and Development, Camaraderie Group
Melanie Nash
Melanie NashCEO, TUMI Genomics
Tags:Cultivation Business Solutions