CannaVision '25 Executive Summit Schedule-at-a-glance
Global Executive Summit
Exploring the Future of Global
Monday May 26, 2025
8:00am - 9:00pm
Breakfast / Keynote
9:00am - 5:30pm
Panel Discussions
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
Monday May 26, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Awards Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Grow Up Awards Gala
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Meet the Exhibitors / Post Awards party
Tuesday May 27, 2025
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grow Up Conference and Expo
Wednesday May 28, 2025
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grow Up Conference and Expo
Pearson Conference Center
2638 Steeles Ave E, Brampton, ON L6T 4L7
CannaVision ’25 Executive Summit Schedule
We are working on the schedule for CannaVision ’25. Please visit this site on a regular basis, as we will be updating the schedule on a regular basis.
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Erin Kelly
CEO,
Advanced Symbolics Inc.
Canada
Ask Polly AI is designed to distill massive amounts of unstructured data—such as social media conversations, customer feedback, and public sentiment—into clear, actionable insights. This powerful tool enables organizations to identify not just what their audiences are saying, but what truly matters to them, empowering brands and businesses to create meaningful connections and drive strategic decisions with unparalleled accuracy and empathy.
In this session, Erin Kelly will perform a deep dive into our sector offering tailored insights for impactful decision-making.
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Chief Claire Sault
Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) ,
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations
Canada -
Danya Dixon
VP Programming,
CannaVision, Grow Up Conference
Canada -
Randy Rowe
President,
Grow Up Cannabis Conference & Expo
Canada -
Tony Chapman
Media Personality - Podcast Host ,
Chatter that Matters
Canada
Join Randy Rowe, President and CEO, as he kicks off the inaugural CannaVision 2025 Executive Summit, part of the 11th Grow Up Conference and Expo. He will set the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and networking opportunities that will shape the future of the cannabis sector.
We are also honored to have Chief Claire Sault Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations extend a welcome and prayer, grounding the summit in a spirit of respect, collaboration, and unity.
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Erin Butler
Chief Financial Officer,
Canadian Cannabis Exchange
Canada -
Michael Colbourne
Founder & CEO,
Neobi Technology Corp.
Canada
Key Takeaways:
- In-depth analysis of current market trends shaping the cannabis industry.
- Data-driven insights into consumer behavior and purchasing patterns.
- Future projections and growth opportunities within the cannabis market.
- How to leverage data and trends to inform business strategy and investment decisions.
- Key regulatory and economic factors impacting market growth and expansion.
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Atiyyah Ferouz
Founder,
AgCann Consultancy
Canada -
Edward Woo
VP International Business Development,
Pure Sunfarms
Canada -
John Fowler
President,
Muskoka Grown
Canada -
Mathieu Aubin
VP Marketing and New Business,
Rubicon Organics™
Canada -
Stephanie Pow
Founder & Head of Global Recruitment,
Emerald Lane Recruitment
Canada
Canadian cannabis companies are increasingly expanding into global markets, with significant opportunities across various regions worldwide.This session offers exclusive insights from industry leaders with firsthand experience in exporting cannabis from Canada. Experts will share strategies for entering new markets, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and establishing a strong brand presence abroad. Key topics will include updates on international regulations, emerging trends, export guidelines, and advice on building partnerships and optimizing distribution channels. Whether you're looking to expand globally or explore international opportunities, this session provides actionable advice for successfully navigating the complexities of cannabis exports.
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Arek Kuich
Board Advisor,
Cannabis Poland
Poland -
Bernie Yeung
CEO,
Budbase | Montu
Canada/Australia -
Daniel Assayag
Founder & CEO,
Reefer
Israel -
Deepak Anand
Cannabis Industry Management Advisor,
ASDA Consultancy Services
Canada -
Finn Hänsel
Founder & Managing Director,
Sanity Group
Germany -
Neil Manning
National Director, Transport Logistics,
Canada
Moderated By: Deepak Anand
Join us for an insightful discussion with international buyers who will share their firsthand expertise on what it takes to successfully enter and navigate global cannabis markets. As cannabis markets continue to grow and evolve in regions like Europe, Australia, and Israel, there are both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for international producers. Learn about key regulatory requirements, quality standards, and logistics for exporting cannabis products, as well as tips for building strong relationships with buyers across different markets. Whether you're new to international trade or aiming to expand your presence, this panel offers valuable insights straight from the buyers who are shaping the global cannabis landscape.
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Bronwen Ward
Vice President, Insights,
Upwords Inc.
Canada -
Philip Spearman
Qualitative Market Research & Consumer Insights Consulting ,
CRC Research Inc.
Canada -
Susan Seto
Senior Vice President,
Environics Research Group
Canada
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Alexandre Gauthier
VP of R&D, Director of Cultivation,
Origine Nature
Canada -
Christian Butt
Director of Manufacturing ,
JointCraft™
Canada -
Jennifer Butt
Quality Assurance,
Auxly
Canada -
Steve Abboud
Chief Horticulturist ,
Trichome LTD
Israel -
Xavier Gaya
Principal Consultant,
Avitas Global
Canada
The cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by groundbreaking innovations in genetics, cultivation technology, automation, and artificial intelligence. As companies scale and expand into international markets, leveraging cutting-edge technology is no longer optional—it’s essential for competitiveness and growth.
This panel will explore how technological advancements are reshaping cannabis cultivation, production, and distribution on a global scale. Industry leaders will share insights into how AI-driven cultivation techniques, automation in processing, and next-generation genetics are optimizing efficiency, enhancing product quality, and meeting the increasing global demand.
Key Discussion Points:
- AI and data-driven cultivation – How artificial intelligence is improving yield, consistency, and resource efficiency.
- Genetic advancements – Cutting-edge breeding techniques unlocking new cannabinoid profiles and terpene expressions.
- Automation in production – The role of robotics and advanced manufacturing in streamlining cannabis processing.
- Supply chain & distribution tech – How blockchain, IoT, and digital tracking systems are enhancing global trade compliance and logistics.
- Scaling through innovation – How technology helps companies expand internationally while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Future trends in cannabis tech – What’s next for R&D and innovation in the industry?
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Allen Benjamin
Managing Director & National Lead, Emerging Industries,
BMO Financial Group
Canada -
Caitlin Fell
Restructuring Lawyer,
Reconstruct LLP
Canada -
Howard Steinberg
Founder & Principal,
Steinberg Advisory Corp.
Canada -
Michael McTaggart
Partner/Financial Restructuring & Turnaround Professional,
PwC
Canada -
Trevor Dayton
Vice President, Merchandising and Inventory Management ,
Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)
Canada -
Zachary George
CEO,
SNDL Inc.
Canada
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, businesses are facing increasing pressure to restructure in response to oversupply, pricing pressures, regulatory hurdles and shifting consumer demand. This panel will provide in-depth insights on how companies can navigate the complexities of restructuring, focusing on practical strategies for navigating financial distress and operational challenges. Topics will include leveraging restructuring tools such as CCAA and BIA proceedings, addressing cannabis-specific licensing and asset valuation complexities, and stabilizing businesses through operational streamlining and strategic partnerships. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on managing insolvency, optimizing operational efficiency, and positioning cannabis companies for long-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
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Andrew Kain
Principal & Founder,
AMK Advisory Services
Canada -
David Hyde
CEO,
Hyde Advisory and Investments / CannaNavigators
Canada -
Michael Wekerle
CEO,
Difference Capital Financial Inc.
Canada -
Shawn Dym
Managing Director,
York Plains Investment Corp.
Canada
Moderated By: David Hyde
In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, securing capital remains one of the most significant challenges for businesses striving to scale. This panel will bring together industry leaders to explore the opportunities and obstacles cannabis companies face when attracting investment. With firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cannabis funding, our expert panelists will share insights on how businesses can attract the right investors, structure successful funding deals, and secure capital in both domestic and international markets.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of current investment trends, strategies for overcoming common hurdles, and emerging opportunities in the cannabis sector. This session will provide actionable advice on building a strong investment framework, understanding capital flow trends, and positioning companies to succeed in the competitive cannabis landscape.
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Atiyyah Ferouz
Founder,
AgCann Consultancy
Canada -
Deepak Anand
Cannabis Industry Management Advisor,
ASDA Consultancy Services
Canada -
Dr. Sherry Boodram
CEO & Co-Founder,
CannDelta Inc.
Canada -
Jason Moscovici
President, IP and Regulatory Affairs Attorney/Biochemist,
Provisions Legal Services Inc.
Canada
This session will provide cannabis producers with a clear roadmap to achieving EUGMP (European Union Good Manufacturing Practice) and GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) certification—key requirements for entering international markets. This session will also address important legal and due diligence considerations that should be top of mind when considering these commercial markets. Experts will discuss the certification process, compliance standards, the contract review process and key export guidelines such as packaging, labeling, and logistics. Attendees will learn best practices for maintaining certification, ensuring quality control, and navigating the complexities of exporting cannabis products globally.
Key Takeaways:
- Steps to achieve EUGMP and GACP certification.
- Export guidelines for packaging, labeling, and logistics.
- Best practices for maintaining compliance and quality control.
- Insights into the certification process for global cannabis trade.
- Due diligence and best practices for import/export/supply agreements.
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Andrew Nunez-Alvarez
Founder / Lead Developer,
LEGACYTEK (AALP Class 20)
Canada -
John Fowler
President,
Muskoka Grown
Canada -
Keanan Stone
Vice Chair | Owner,
Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance | Valley Bio Ltd.
Canada -
Stephen Duff
Chief Economist,
Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Canada -
Wayne Black
National Sales Manager,
A&L Canada Laboratories (AALP Class 14)
Canada
This panel will explore how cannabis, as an emerging agricultural commodity, can learn from the stabilization of other agricultural industries. We’ll examine how large-scale outdoor and greenhouse cultivation can drive down operational costs, improve pricing, and ensure competitiveness in the evolving cannabis market. With cannabis producers facing increasing pressure to reduce costs while meeting consumer demand, commercial-scale cultivation becomes essential for long-term success.
As major corporations vertically integrate and repurpose assets, the industry is shifting towards a more efficient, cost-effective model. The realities and challenging times ahead for the cannabis sector highlight the need for strategic acquisitions, large-scale production, and commercialization. This session will discuss how these strategies will position cannabis as a stable, profitable commodity in the global market, and help navigate the future challenges of the industry.
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Michele Romanow
Dragon | Co-Founder and Executive Chair,
CBC'S Dragons' Den | Clearco
Canada -
Tony Chapman
Media Personality - Podcast Host ,
Chatter that Matters
Canada
In this exclusive fireside chat, Michele will share her insights on what it takes to stand out in a competitive market, attract investment, and build a business that lasts. She’ll explore the key ingredients of a compelling pitch, the leadership strategies that drive high-performing teams, and the mindset required to thrive in an industry that is still finding its footing.
This is more than just a conversation—it’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Canada’s most dynamic investors. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or industry leader, you’ll walk away with valuable perspectives on innovation, growth, and leadership in the cannabis space.
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Tony Chapman
Media Personality - Podcast Host ,
Chatter that Matters
Canada
Location: The Clubhouse Eventspace, Toronto, ON
195 Galaxy Blvd. Etobicoke, ON
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM Award Presentations
GROWER OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
LEGENDS OF CANNABIS
AWARD TICKET PRICING:
$195 pp
$225 pp – After May 2, 2025
Limited seating.
Includes four-course dinner. Cash bar.
9:00 PM – POST AWARDS PARTY
Location: The Clubhouse Eventspace, 195 Galaxy Blvd. Etobicoke, ON
Award ticket holders and all CannaVision ’25 and Grow Up Industry pass holders welcome to the Awards after party.