Grow Up would like to welcome everyone as we officially start Grow Up Alberta with a land acknowledgement and Grow Up President and CEO, Randy Rowe

This panel discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry, including market trends, consumer preferences, and industry growth. Our panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and offer insights into the future outlook. They will also address key issues such as supply chain management, product quality, and regulatory compliance, and their impact on the industry as a whole. This panel will provide a valuable platform for industry stakeholders, investors, and entrepreneurs to gain a deeper understanding of the current Canadian cannabis market. Mergers and Acquisitions.
Moderator: Dr. Lucas McCann

Join some of the world's leading cannabis cultivators and growers, including Ed Rosenthal, Kevin Jodrey, as they share their insights and experiences growing cannabis in different regions around the world. This panel will provide valuable insights into the international cannabis market, and will be of interest to cannabis cultivators, investors, and anyone interested in exploring the future of the global cannabis industry.
Moderator: Dr. Av Singh

Domestic cannabis consumption is not keeping up with local production of quality flower. At the same time the demand for Canadian cannabis abroad is increasing as emerging countries legalize medicinal cannabis. Is export of cannabis flower for everyone? Is it easy to do and what’s with all the acronyms (GAcP, cGMP, EU-GMP, CUMCS, etc.).  Join our illustrious panel of importers and exporters to learn more about moving cannabis.
Moderator:Annaliese Kibler

The panel conversation provides a comprehensive analysis of the current regulatory landscape surrounding cannabis. Expert speakers from various fields, including industry leaders, legal experts, and policymakers, will explore the evolving regulatory frameworks governing cultivation, distribution, and consumption of cannabis products. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging trends, compliance challenges, and potential opportunities within the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
Moderator: Dr. Sherry Boodram

Flower judging in the Boveda Consumption Lounge Grow Up is proud to bring The Canadian Cannabis Championship to Alberta, Sunday May 28th, 2023 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The top licensed producers in cannabis flower and hash/extracts/concentrates will be competing for the title of best in Canada by live judging in the Grow Up Consumption Lounge.

Canada can become a hub for cannabis tourism. Explore the opportunities and challenges of using cannabis as an attraction in the Canadian tourism industry. Join our experts in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and cannabis, as they discuss the impact of cannabis legalization on the tourism industry, including consumption lounges, the growth of cannabis-themed tours, events, and experiences. They will also address the challenges of creating safe and responsible cannabis tourism experiences, and the role of government regulations in shaping the industry.
Moderator: Kelsey Cannabis

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is the primary regulator of the cannabis industry in the province of Alberta. For retail owners, working with the AGLC can be a complex and challenging process, but it is also essential for the success of your business. This panel discussion will bring together experienced cannabis retail owners to share their insights and strategies for successfully navigating the AGLC, including how to stay compliant with regulations, manage inventory, and maintain a strong working relationship with the regulator. The panelists will also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the cannabis retail industry in Alberta, and provide practical advice for new and existing retailers. This panel will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in starting or operating a successful cannabis retail business in Alberta.
Moderator: Katy Perry

What are terpenes? Complex biological scent molecules that give all living things their aroma. In cannabis, terpenes also determine flavor and effect. Renowned cultivator and breeder Kevin Jodrey has devised an interpretive format of Fuel/Earth and Fruit/Floral to describe any scent combination within cannabis to help specify not only aroma and flavor expressions, but also classify effects within various varietals.

Mark your calendars for the Grow Up Alberta's Opening Networking Party on Sunday, May 28th at the elegant Pendennis Building!

Proudly sponsored by Route 1 Agency, and Canadian Cannabis Exchange, this exclusive event welcomes all delegates to mix and mingle with exhibitors and a variety of top-notch cannabis brands. Get up close and personal with exceptional brands, gaining insights and building connections within the flourishing industry. This is your chance to engage with fellow professionals, industry leaders, and the innovative minds behind the brands you know and love.
Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and celebrate the vibrant cannabis community in a relaxed and inviting setting. See you there!

Grow Up would like to welcome everyone as we officially start Grow Up Alberta with a land acknowledgement and Grow Up'President and CEO, Randy Rowe

This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of exporting medical cannabis from Canada. With Canada being a leader in the global market for medical cannabis, experts will discuss regulatory considerations, export logistics, market trends, and potential benefits and risks of exporting. This discussion is valuable for licensed producers, investors, and stakeholders in the medical cannabis industry who want to stay informed on this rapidly evolving sector.
Moderator: Kieley Beaudry

If a product is priced at $50 for 3.5 grams, does that gaurantee that the quality will wow a consumer? What if a product is priced like a quad but burns like a Trip? We go deep into how cannabis flower is evaluated from the perspective of the brand and retailer.
Moderator: Julie Domingo

Welcome to the Brands and Buyers Speed Networking event at Grow Up Alberta on Monday, May 29, 2023! This high-energy event is designed to connect innovative cannabis brands with top retail buyers in the industry, giving them the opportunity to showcase their products, store, expand their network, and drive business growth.
Host: Brittney Guthrie 

What does the regulatory landscape look like today as it relates to extraction? Please join us for a discussion with Andrew Freedman, CEO of Cannabis Tolling Solutions, and Nathaniel Garneau, Master Grower of Freedom Cannabis, to discuss the state of cannabis 2.0 in Canada today. Are things going well? Not so well? Does anything need to change? Come by to find out!
Moderator: Sami Majadla

How has menu categories changed over the years and what are emerging trends for new products? We connect with Brands and Buyers on how to determine the ideal menu that results in increased sales velocity.
Moderator: Tanner Stewart

Explicitly written in the spiritual texts of many faiths - the bond between cannabis and religion runs deep.  Join our panelists as they reveal the roots of cannabis within their faith, as well as highlighting where the current stigma against this spiritual medicine has evolved.
Moderated by: Dr. Av Singh

Kala, founder of the Cannabis Nurses, is one of Canada's most knowledgeable humans on the Endocannabinoid System. She blew us away when we had her as a guest on the State of Craft Podcast. At Grow Up, join us on stage as our minds get blown with fun facts about the largest neurotransmitter system in the human body.
Moderator: Sami Majadla

A panel of successful retailers share insights on the key performance indicators that they monitor and the levers that they enact to increase profitability.
Moderator: Julie Domingo

Hash judging in the Boveda Consumption Lounge
Grow Up is proud to bring The Canadian Cannabis Championship to Alberta, Sunday May 28th, 2023 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The top licensed producers in cannabis flower and hash/extracts/concentrates will be competing for the title of best in Canada by live judging in the Grow Up Consumption Lounge.

Cannabis suppositories are arguably the most beneficial form that cannabis can take for medical purposes and have transformed many patients' lives. Despite this, they are one of the least known forms that cannabis products can take. Come listen to a cannabis nurse and two suppository makers discuss the what, why, and how of cannabis suppositories.

Four years into legalization, barely anybody is making cannabis suppositories in the regulated Health Canada market. Is this because there isn't demand for it? Probably not, since suppositories amongst many medical patients, almost none of whom use the new regulated market. If that's the case, then what is limiting the rollout of this incredible medicine in the Cannabis Act system?

How to create brand loyalty at the retail store In a market where brand loyalty is like finding a needle in a haystack, our panel of brand experts and retailers workshop solutions on how increase customer stickiness to specific brands.
Moderator: Tanner Stewart

Join our expert panelists as they delve into the world of phenohunting and the selection of winning cultivars suitable for micro-cultivators. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of phenohunting, the science behind the process, and how it can help small-scale cultivators create unique and sought-after strains. Our panelists will share their experiences and insights on the benefits and challenges of phenohunting, and how to leverage it to build a successful micro-cultivation business. Whether you're an experienced grower or just starting out, this panel is a must-attend for anyone interested in exploring the world of phenohunting and selecting winning cultivars.
Moderator: Andrew Hand

Join Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, along with council co-chairs and key members, as they unveil the newly formed Alberta Controlled Substance Council. This panel will discuss the council's mission, governance model, and objectives while highlighting their role as a unified voice for the cannabis industry in Alberta. Learn about the council's plans to foster collaboration with AGLC and the provincial government, and discover the impact they aim to make on the industry. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from the leaders shaping the future of cannabis in Alberta.
Moderator: Shauna Feth

The panel aims to help cannabis businesses make conscious and sustainable decisions regarding their products, and educate consumers about the impact of their purchasing choices. The discussion will cover a range of topics, including current packaging options and their environmental impact, innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions, consumer behaviour and awareness, and industry-wide efforts towards sustainability. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable packaging in the cannabis industry, and learn practical tips for implementing sustainable practices in their businesses.
Moderator: Kevin Lee

Grow Up is proud to hosting our seed exchange in Alberta.

Guests attending the Alberta Grow-Up Conference & Expo 2023 are asked to complete a sign up sheet onsite to register for the Seed Exchange Networking Event*. May 29 and May 30 (12pm – 4pm)

Registering for this event grants participants:

• Access to the Breeders and Phenohunters Roundtable Discussion and Seed Exchange Networking Event


• Gifts of premium quality feminized seeds to swap donated by our platinum seed sponsor, 4Plants Canada.


• Automatic entry in the sponsor giveaways which will take place during the Seed Exchange Networking Event after the Roundtable.

Discover the future of cannabis cultivation at our engaging panel. Join industry experts as they delve into advanced techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and data-driven strategies that enable cultivators to optimize yield, quality, and consistency. Gain invaluable insights into predictive analytics, automation, and innovative methodologies that revolutionize the way we grow cannabis, ensuring growers meet and exceed their production goals.
Co-Moderators: Nico Hache & Shannon Kloet

Welcome to the Brands and Buyers Speed Networking event at Grow Up Alberta on Monday, May 29, 2023! This high-energy event is designed to connect innovative cannabis brands with top retail buyers in the industry, giving them the opportunity to showcase their products, store, expand their network, and drive business growth.
Host: Brittney Guthrie 

As hash and extraction specialists emerge from the legacy market and have easier access to combine their art with science the cannabis industry is being introduced to new equipment and new techniques that not only improve quality of the product but make the QAP happier and make the Preventative Control Plan easier to create.  Come and join our innovative hash and extract artists/scientists as they share new innovations.
Moderated by: Jameson Welbourn

Discover the winning strategies that will propel your cannabis retail business to success in an over saturated market at our panel discussion. Our expert panelists will share invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenges of fierce competition, attracting and retaining customers, optimizing operations, and maximizing profitability. Don't miss out on this essential session that will equip you with the tools you need to thrive in the dynamic world of cannabis retail.

Compassion Clubs have played a huge role in the history of cannabis normalization and legalization. Without them, it is unlikely that the Cannabis Act would have ever become law. And yet, federal and provincial regulations have largely ignored this history, with the vast majority of compassion clubs that existed across Canada being forced to shut down. Today, one compassion club remains active: the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club. This storied compassion club was also the first in Canada, founded in 1996. Join VCBC founder Ted Smith and lawyer Kirk Tousaw (who represents VCBC) in a discussion on the history of compassion clubs in Canada.

The C45 Association serves as a national private-sector advocate for compliance and quality in the Canadian Cannabis sector, geared towards enabling the industry to grow and prosper.
Moderator: David Brown

 

Music Performance by CertiCraft CEO Come wind down with us at the end of the day! We will have a two hour happy hour that will begin with a game show hosted by Ted Smith, founder of the longest running compassion club in Canada. 4:20 will happen during the gameshow, and you better believe that we want you to celebrate with us! This will be followed by a completely improvised and live looped music performance by Sami Majadla, who is both CertiCraft's CEO and the curator of this stage.

Join us at the Cannabis Connect Networking Event, where professionals from the thriving cannabis industry come together to forge new connections and foster collaboration. Enjoy an evening of stimulating conversations, while indulging in a variety of delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and stay ahead in the rapidly growing cannabis sector.

Get ready for the ultimate Grow Up experience at the Official Networking Party on Monday, May 29th! Sponsored by Hyde Advisory and Ayurcann, this exclusive event will be held at the trendy and lively Banquet. Join hundreds of cannabis industry insiders, professionals, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of networking, games, and entertainment.

With bowling lanes, ping pong tables, a variety of games, a rooftop patio, and an energetic DJ, there will be no shortage of fun and conversation. Try your luck at the Price is Right wheel while enjoying drinks and delicious bites. This party is for delegates only, so be sure to bring your badge for entry.

To make the evening even more seamless, there will be a will complimentary Party Shuttle bus for all attendees. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and celebrate the thriving cannabis industry in style. See you there!

A fresh take at our Masterclass as we create a Cannabis Multiverse and create opportunities for intimate expert-to-expert conversations on all things cannabis cultivation. Attendees of this 1-hr long workshop will get the opportunity to learn and discuss topics of interest with some of this industry’s leading wisdom-sharers. All topics are being presented simultaneously, which allows the attendee to move from table to table as they see fit. Each host presenter will repeat the session following a 30 minute health break.

Table 1 - Post Harvest Drying + Curing
Table 2 - Propagation/Irrigation
Table 3 - Horizon Bed Systems
Table 4 - Integrated Pest Management
Table 5 - HVACD/Controls
Table 6 - Phenohunting
Table 7 - Labour Efficiencies
Table 8 - Crop Steering
Table 9 - Optimizing nutrients
Table 10 - Living Soil Beds

Consumers believe that high THC means high quality - but this is not true. If our industry needs to grow, then consumers need to learn how to purchase based on quality instead of THC. A panel of Budtenders will be discussing selling points on 16 Cultivars - all without mentioning THC potency
Moderated By: Julie Domingo

Join industry leaders, as they explore the vital connection between cannabis legacy and today's market. Gain insights into the lessons learned, strategic approaches, and cultivation advancements that bridge the gap between the past and the present. Don't miss this inspiring panel discussion that sets the tone for success in the evolving cannabis industry.
Moderator: Tanner Stewart

There are many challenges that licensed producers both small and large face on a continual basis. Some of those challenges are rooted in policies and regulations that stymie operations. At licensed facilities, QAPs often have deep insights into some of these challenges. Join us for a roundtable between QAPs to discuss what is or isn't working at their facilities, and what they would do to address some of these challenges.

For the entirety of human existence cannabis has been a healer.  The medicinal and therapeutic benefits are indisputable but this amazing plant has offered so much more.  Join Josh & Kelly from Dragonfly Earth Medicine as they share their work in addressing social justice and environmental racism issues by the power of cannabis.
Moderator:  Antuanette Gomez

As novice consumers increase their sophistication of cannabis consumption, our special guest, Kevin Jodry and top Budtenders discuss how to identify customer types and efficiently recommend products.
Moderated By: Julie Domingo

Bubble Hash is a popular cannabis concentrate that can either be consumed as is or used to produce additional derivative products (e.g. rosin or infused flower). Come join us for a talk between two living legends in the world of Bubble Hash. Representing the genetics/breeding side of hash-making is Mat Beren, the breeder of the award-winning Barbara Bud that has won countless competitions worldwide. Representing the processing side of hash-making is Marcus Richardson AKA Bubbleman, an award-winning hash producer who has been a major force in popularizing bubble hash worldwide with his hugely popular YouTube channel.

The results are in! Our illustrious panel of judges have done the impossible and have selected the finest cannabis flower, hash, and concentrates in Canada.  Join Ganjier, Dwayne Bisson (Blaze - Cannabis Education & Promotions) as he highlights some sensory qualities of the winners and Matthew Don-Carolis (Segra) will provide a DNA fingerprint of the genetics behind some of the finalists.

No question that cannabis has served a foundational role in having mainstream society revisiting the opportunities of natural medicine. Can mushroom cultivation be an exit strategy for cannabis facilities looking to turn their infrastructure into something more profitable?
Moderator: Beth Rider

Everybody in the cannabis industry today knows how hard the times are right now. Building a brand can be a terrifying undertaking given all the restrictions and financial constrictions. Join us for a discussion between two incredible women building incredible brands in BC: Kayla Mann, CFO of Cake & Caviar, and Alannah Davis, CEO of Dabble. What are they doing to build their brands despite the limitations that exist today?

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR HEAD GROWERS (FILL OUT FORM HERE): These are the brightest minds in cannabis growth, sharing experiences, best practices and goodwill amongst growers. And this camaraderie will come in handy as the push for industry standardization grows. They’ll talk about a year of challenges, adjusting to regulations, and offer insight into how Health Canada can adjust its role to promote better growing and cannabis quality. Many relationships were forged among growers last year, and it’s not far-fetched to see a future advocacy group forming over the lunch table.

Join our expert panelists as they discuss the future of cannabis breeding and phenohunting from both the legacy & legal perspectives. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to examine the role of legacy producers and how they are shaping the cultivars that legal cultivators and consumers will appreciate in the years to come. Our panelists will explore the advantages and disadvantages of operating within the medical production framework vs. the legal framework, and the unique challenges that breeders and phenohunters face in the current cannabis landscape. From the science of genetic breeding to the art of phenohunting, our experts will share their experiences and insights on how to navigate the complex world of cannabis breeding and phenohunting from both the legacy and legal perspectives. Whether you're a legacy producer looking to adapt and transition to the legal framework, or a new legal cultivator looking to learn from the best, this panel is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of cannabis genetics.
Moderator: Chris Mayerson

If cannabis had its own pandemic…it would be HLVd - Hop Latent Viroid.  From expressing dramatic symptoms to being asymptomatic this pathogen can have devastating consequences for an LP.  Join our scientific panel as they discuss treatment possibilities.
Moderated by: Dustan McLean

Should retailers be on the hook for selling products that don't meet customer expectations? What happens when a customer falls in love with a SKU but the next batch burns poorly? We go in depth on the balance between setting up customer expectations, troubleshooting for optimal use, and working with brands to ensure consumer confidence. (batch differentials, failed vapes, hard to pull prerolls, lab discrepancies)
Moderated By: Julie Domingo

In today's connected society, many marketers believe that it's near impossible to build a successful brand without a strong social media component. Yet this presents a challenge for the cannabis industry, where both regulatory and corporate policies have led to countless accounts being shut down. How can one build a cannabis brand via social media despite these limitations? Join us for a discussion between two experts on social media use within the cannabis market.

Grow Up is proud to hosting our seed exchange in Alberta.

Guests attending the Alberta Grow-Up Conference & Expo 2023 are asked to complete a sign up sheet onsite to register for the Seed Exchange Networking Event*. May 29 and May 30 (12pm – 4pm)

Registering for this event grants participants:

• Access to the Breeders and Phenohunters Roundtable Discussion and Seed Exchange Networking Event


• Gifts of premium quality feminized seeds to swap donated by our platinum seed sponsor, 4Plants Canada.


• Automatic entry in the sponsor giveaways which will take place during the Seed Exchange Networking Event after the Roundtable.

Despite our best efforts in choosing the right genetics, creating the ideal environment, managing our fertility somehow pests and pathogens find their way into our gardens.  Join our scientific panel as they discuss new advances in the field of Integrated Pest Management.
Moderator: Claude Robert

Regenerative Cannabis - - a look into how we can employ regenerative agricultural practices regardless of which cultivation strategy we have. Join an incredible panel of growers moving our industry into a carbon capturing future.
Moderator: Dr. Av Singh

In a world where cannabis advertising is restricted, we discuss strategies and best practices for influencer marketing.
Moderated By: Julie Domingo

One of our favorite episodes from the State of Craft podcast featured Bubbleman as a guest. Marcus had a way of dropping some serious knowledge that opened eyes and minds to all kinds of new concepts. We asked Marcus if he'd be open to having a discussion on the state of the legal craft cannabis industry in person, and he said yes. This conversation will be guided by three questions: What is going well with legal craft cannabis? What is not going well? What changes would you make to address these issues?

The cannabis industry is quite unique in a number of ways. One of those things that truly sets cannabis apart is that it isn't just an industry... it's also a culture with quite a rich history! And for better or for worse, this culture is often completely ignored by regulators at all levels of government. For this discussion, we welcome Sandra and Remo Colasanti, living legends of cannabis who have been heavily involved in both cannabis industry and culture for decades to discuss what cannabis culture means to them.

Come celebrate with all the speakers of the Certicraft Stage!