Moderated By: Atiyyah Ferouz, AgCann Consultancy.

Panel Description:
This panel brings together Indigenous cannabis producers and representatives from Indigenous cannabis commissions to share their experiences navigating a system that often fails to reflect their realities. Panelists will discuss why many Indigenous communities have developed their own regulatory frameworks, the challenges of operating without a Health Canada license, and the barriers that exist when attempting to access broader markets, genetics, and fair licensing pathways. This session offers licensed producers and industry stakeholders an honest look at the current landscape - and the need for meaningful inclusion, equity, and collaboration in Canada’s legal cannabis industry.

Start your day in the Breeders Zone with opening remarks from our Conference Program Director Andrew Nunez-Alvarez. This session will introduce the day’s programming focused on phenotyping, genetics, and cultivar development. Attendees will get a clear overview of what to expect, who’s speaking, and how to make the most of the day's programming. Questions are welcome throughout the day - this is a safe space for growers and breeders to connect, learn, and explore the future of cannabis genetics.

Moderated By: Chris Johnson, Big League Genetics.

Panel Description:
A fresh clone or seed line arrives with little data and high expectations. Experienced growers explain the checkpoints they use - vigor in veg, node spacing, stretch, trichome density, and finishing time - to decide if a new cultivar deserves production space. Hear how they set baseline targets, fine-tune environmental variables and nutrients on the fly, and read plant signals to bring out a cultivar's best traits on the first run. Walk away with a clear framework for testing unfamiliar genetics, comparing results, and making confident keep‑or‑cut calls.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This session features seasoned outdoor cannabis farmers and outdoor cannabis genetic breeders who will share their firsthand insights on commercial-scale outdoor cultivation. Learn about how genetics bred for specific outdoor climates can achieve a greater resistance towards pathogenic and environmental challenges, causing more consistent yields and greater final sale prices. Discover the true cost differences between outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor cultivation methods, and learn why outdoor production may prove to be an effective business model as the industry continues to stabilize. Attendees will also gain best agricultural practices unique to outdoor cannabis farming, helping new outdoor growers avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities that indoor and greenhouse growers might overlook.

Moderated By: Dave Auger, Big League Genetics.

Panel Description:
This panel brings together seasoned breeders and phenohunters from across North America to share the techniques and lessons they’ve gained through years of hands-on work with the plant. Aimed at experienced cultivators looking to deepen their knowledge of phenotyping and cultivar development, the session will explore practical approaches to breeding and selection. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask direct questions during an open Q&A with some of the most respected names in the field.

Moderated By: Daniel Joly, Apollo Green Nursery.

Panel Description:
Academic institutions are refining infertile cultivars and seed‑uniformity protocols, while industry breeders chase commercially-viable rapid market wins. This session puts both worlds at one table. Academic cannabis researchers and breeders will share new findings on genetic stabilization and uniform seed lines; industry breeders will detail the real‑world pressures that shape their breeding objectives and selection choices. Together they’ll outline how intentional parent selection, tighter phenotypic baselines, and data‑backed markers can produce consistent, scalable cultivars. Attendees will leave with an understanding of where academia is pushing the science, where industry practice diverges, and how purposeful collaboration can move cannabis genetics forward.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
Do you grow cannabis in Ontario? Please join our special guest speaker, Jason Bent, Director of Policy Research at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), to learn how cannabis farmers can become part of Ontario’s largest general farm organization - one that proudly represents 38,000 family farm members across Ontario.

Discover how the Farm Property Class Tax Rate program might benefit your cannabis farming operation, and see how OFA’s advocacy, policy work, and local leadership initiatives support a stronger, more sustainable future for cannabis farmers across the province. Whether you’re seeking to reduce costs, navigate regulatory challenges, or join a community of like-minded farmers, this special presentation offers a direct path to the resources and expertise that will help cannabis growers thrive under the OFA banner.

Moderated By: Keith Bao, AVEO Vapour Devices.

Panel Description:
Ambitious supervisors seeking to move beyond middle management are often faced with nonstop responsibilities in the cannabis industry. This panel takes a firm stance on pushing through ordinary fatigue, while underscoring the real differences between feeling tired and truly reaching a breaking point. Expert speakers – who have successfully transitioned from manager to leader – will share coping strategies that maintain mental health, promote strong performance, and keep pace with industry demands. Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies to stay focused, sustain their well-being, and advance into higher-level roles without letting everyday challenges become an excuse.

BioFloral proudly presents The Grower's Luncheon at Grow Up Toronto 2025. Join fellow home growers, industry cultivators, breeders, and phenohunters for a complimentary buffet-style lunch at The Grower's Luncheon. This exclusive growers-only event offers a chance to connect with like-minded growers, share cultivation insights, and hear from BioFloral and their trusted suppliers through special guest presentations.

Please Note: Seating is limited and the event is strictly for cannabis growers. Admission to this special event is by invite-only.

If you're a grower, apply to attend below for your chance to receive an invite to The Grower's Luncheon.

ALL GROWERS & BREEDERS MUST APPLY
BY COMPLETING THE FORM
IN THE LINK BELOW:

 

Moderated By: Imran Rashid, Extractwise.

Panel Description:
This session explores high-demand skillsets and abilities that have propelled many budtenders into supervisory, management, and even brand-representative roles in the industry. Aimed at ambitious budtenders and middle managers eager to move up, attendees will learn about the impact of intentional mentorship - how to seek it, build meaningful relationships with potential mentors, and effectively request guidance to become a stronger professional. Attendees will takeaway a clear roadmap for developing the right in-demand skills and invaluable connections needed to evolve and thrive in leadership positions within a highly competitive cannabis retail landscape.

Moderated By: Katy Perry, Toke Cannabis.

Panel Description:
If you’re a cannabis producer or retail professional, this session will give you a firsthand look at the winning approaches behind Ontario’s highest-performing recreational cannabis retailers. Attendees will discover which retailers are commanding the market, the products driving top-tier sales, how these retailers learn about upcoming consumer trends, and how they consistently meet their target customer's demands in a fast-paced market. Attendees will gain insights into the next steps these leading retailers plan to take for continued profitability and building stronger customer loyalty. Network and learn from experienced, high-performing Ontario retail professionals, only at Grow Up Conference & Expo.

Moderated By: Kevin Jodrey.

Panel Description:
Bring your toughest questions to this open-format roundtable featuring leading cannabis phenohunters & breeders with decades of experience. Whether you’re curious about advanced hybridization or refining your favorite cultivars, you’ll get real-time answers and actionable insights from award winning breeders across North America. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from experts in one place - and after the session, you can keep the conversation going with our special guest speakers at The Genetic Exchange, where you’ll have a friendly space to network and build connections.

Moderated By: Katy Perry, Toke Cannabis.

Panel Description:
This session is designed for experienced budtenders, supervisors, and retail owners who want to learn how to improve sales performance in Ontario. Learn proven techniques to increase conversion rates, move product faster, and grow basket sizes - both in-store and online. Industry experts will share industry-specific strategies to upsell effectively at checkout, guide customers with confidence, and maximize revenue while maintaining a positive, compliant retail experience.

Facilitated By: Daniel Joly, ApolloGreen.

Special Event Description:
At Grow Up's Genetic Exchange Networking Event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a collection of seeds and clones from reputable breeders and growers, showcasing their finest projects. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a homegrower seeking to add to your collection, you’ll find an array of cultivars to suit your needs – from medicinal to recreational, and from classic favorites to rare and exotic varieties.

The Grow Up Genetic Exchange is committed to fostering a responsible and inclusive environment. All participants must adhere to provincial and federal regulations and guidelines for cannabis cultivation and seed distribution and no one shall be in possession on more than 30g of flower or equivalent. Please remember that 1 seed = 1 g of dried cannabis and participants are allowed to possess a maximum of x4 non-flowering plants.

Expand your cannabis cultivation network at The Genetic Exchange networking event. Trade cannabis seeds and clones while networking with experienced breeders and growers in the industry. This event provides a platform to discover new genetic varieties, exchange cultivation tips, and build professional relationships with like-minded growers and breeders.