Schedule-at-a-Glance

2024 Schedule

DAY ONE: VIP DAY
Sunday Sept. 29, 2024
9:00 AM9:15 AM
Sunday September 29th
Welcome you to our 10th edition of Grow Up Conference & Expo. We're excited to be back in Edmonton and looking forward to an exciting event!
9:15 AM10:00 AM
Sunday September 29th
Engage with top industry leaders in a high-level discussion on the current state of the cannabis industry. Discover the key issues shaping the cannabis industry in this comprehensive state of the industry panel. Our expert speakers will discuss the most significant changes in medical cannabis regulations and the emerging role of pharmacies in the cannabis ecosystem. This high-level discussion will provide critical insights into the current challenges and future opportunities in the industry. Join us to stay informed and prepared for the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation and distribution.
Moderator: David Brown
10:00 AM10:45 AM
Sunday September 29th
As new markets open up and cannabis rescheduling gains momentum worldwide, this panel aims to discuss the evolving landscape of international cannabis markets, with a focus on Germany's legalization, global rescheduling efforts, and what these changes mean for Canadian cannabis producers. This session will explore opportunities and challenges as Canada navigates its role in the global cannabis industry.
Moderator: Nathan Mison
11:00 AM11:45 AM
Sunday September 29th
Hear from top cannabis retailers as they share their stories of growth and innovation in the industry. This panel features both independent and national retailers who will discuss the key factors that have contributed to their success. Explore the different approaches to building a loyal customer base, managing compliance, and staying ahead of market trends. Gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to build a successful retail operation in the cannabis space.
Moderator: Katy Perry
11:45 AM12:30 PM
Sunday September 29th
Explore the world of cannabis exports with guidance from top brokers and consultants in this comprehensive panel. Learn how to achieve international certification, meet regulatory standards, and develop effective sales strategies for global markets. This session will provide high-level insights into the challenges and opportunities of exporting cannabis, helping you position your business for international growth. Join us to gain the expertise needed to succeed in the global cannabis marketplace.
Moderator: Deepak Anand
12:30 PM1:15 PM
Sunday September 29th
We invite you to join us for a Networking Coffee Break at Grow Up Conference & Expo. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the consumption lounges and engage with speakers and VIP attendees. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, foster meaningful connections, and expand your professional network.
    1:15 PM2:15 PM
    Sunday September 29th
    Join industry experts for a deep dive into the complexities of cannabis distribution. This panel will explore the nuances of supply chain management, from navigating regulatory requirements to optimizing logistics and distribution channels. Gain valuable insights from professionals who have successfully managed distribution networks in the cannabis industry. Learn best practices for ensuring product quality, compliance, and efficiency in your distribution operations. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your distribution processes, this session offers valuable knowledge to help you succeed.
    Moderator: David Brown
    2:15 PM3:00 PM
    Sunday September 29th
    Explore the intricate world of cannabis pricing with insights from brokers, buyers, and data analysts. This panel will cover market pricing data and broader trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. Learn from the experiences of small growers and buyers, discussing the realities of provincial distribution points and the pricing disconnects they encounter. Gain a realistic understanding of what buyers are willing to pay and what growers need to charge, and discover strategies to align pricing expectations in the cannabis industry. Join us for a session that bridges the gap between data and real-world market experiences.
    Moderator: David Brown
    3:15 PM4:00 PM
    Sunday September 29th
    Discover the secrets behind the success of top cannabis companies in this engaging panel discussion. Learn from industry pioneers as they share their experiences, key decisions, and innovative strategies that propelled them to the forefront of the market. This session offers a unique opportunity to understand the critical factors that contribute to building a successful cannabis business. Gain practical tips and insights to apply to your own venture and set yourself on the path to success.
    Moderator: Keenan Pascal
    4:00 PM5:00 PM
    Sunday September 29th

    The Impact of the Red Tape Reduction Act on Alberta’s Cannabis Industry


    Learn how the Red Tape Reduction Act is reshaping Alberta's cannabis industry in this insightful keynote presentation. We will discuss the progress made in reducing regulatory hurdles, enhancing sampling and retail experiences, and explore future initiatives such as farmgate sales and public consumption. Engage with our honored speaker during the Q&A, moderated by David Brown of StratCann, to gain practical insights into the ongoing and future impacts of these regulatory changes.
    Q&A Moderator: David Brown
    DAY TWO: Industry Conference & Expo
    Monday Sept. 30, 2024
    10:30 AM11:00 AM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Discover the transformative impact of grafting on cannabis cultivation in this insightful panel. Learn how grafting techniques can enhance pest resistance and maximize yields, directly from industry experts who have successfully integrated these methods into their operations. Gain practical advice and hear success stories that illustrate how grafting can lead to more resilient plants and higher production efficiency. Unlock the potential of grafting and elevate your cultivation practices to achieve exceptional results.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    11:00 AM12:00 PM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Vertical horticulture is experiencing a major shift in cannabis cultivation! The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is enforcing regulations restricting the use of pesticides unless explicitly approved for vertical farming. This session will explore what this means for cannabis producers, with a focus on Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA) certification requirements. Learn how to remain compliant and protect your crops in this changing landscape.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    12:30 PM1:30 PM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Join us for an in-depth presentation on the latest findings in cannabis post-harvest practices, focusing on the science behind white ash. Be among the first to hear the full results of a pioneering study on cannabis drying, curing, and the white ash vs. black ash debate. This research, in collaboration with McGill University and High North Labs, explores water activity, organoleptic testing, and the composition of dried flower. Learn how cultivation practices and historical genetics impact the final product, with data-supported insights that are pushing the boundaries of cannabis science.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    1:30 PM2:00 PM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Explore the challenges and solutions of scaling up cannabis operations in this insightful panel. Gain insights into the essential aspects of large-scale cultivation, including environmental controls and nutrient management, with expert advice from our guest speakers. Elevate your commercial cultivation with proven techniques and expert advice.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    2:30 PM3:30 PM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Explore how different light spectrums affect cannabis cultivation with new initial research conducted at the University of Ottawa and the University of BC. Learn about the ways various spectrums influence genetic expression, plant structure, and growth patterns. This session will provide valuable insights for growers aiming to optimize their lighting strategies through science.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    3:30 PM4:00 PM
    Monday September 30th
    Room: Hall D
    Explore the importance of seed stability in successful cannabis breeding. This session will explain the science behind developing stable genetics that ensure consistent plant quality and performance. Learn from experts about the techniques and strategies that lead to reliable and predictable cannabis strains.
    Moderator: Dr. Av Singh
    DAY THREE: Industry Conference & Expo
    Tuesday Oct. 1, 2024

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