 
			CannaVision '25 Executive Summit Schedule-at-a-glance
Global Executive Summit
Exploring the Future of Global
Monday May 26, 2025
7:45am - 8:45pm
Breakfast / Keynote
8:45am - 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
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.
- 
									
										 
 Alex Revich
 Director, Partner Development,
 Loosh Brands
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 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.
- 
									
										 
 Erin Kelly
 CEO,
 Advanced Symbolics Inc.
 Canada
Erin Kelly is widely recognized as one of the foremost global thinkers on the strategic deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models to deeply understand both your customers and prospects. As the co-founder of Ask Polly AI, Erin has pioneered a revolutionary approach to sentiment analysis and consumer insight, harnessing advanced AI techniques to interpret the voices and emotions of millions of individuals.
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.
- 
									
										 
 Chris Liddy
 President and Technical Director,
 Shweed
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Christopher McGrath
 Co-Leader and Chief-of-Staff,
 Deloitte Centre for Cannabis
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Erin Butler
 Chief Financial Officer,
 Canadian Cannabis Exchange
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Michael Colbourne
 Founder & CEO,
 Neobi Technology Corp.
 Canada
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly—across borders, business models, and regulatory frameworks. In this four-part session, experts tackle some of the sector's most pressing topics, from market data chaos to tax reform and international pricing trends. Learn how AI is bringing clarity to cannabis data, why Canada’s excise tax model may need a rethink, and what’s driving wholesale prices in global and German markets. Whether you're chasing efficiency, profitability, or new markets, this session delivers grounded insights backed by data—not hype. If time permits, the session will conclude with a Q&A.
The High Bar: Wholesale Market Momentum - Canadian and Global Pricing Outlook - An insightful look into the latest trends in cannabis wholesale pricing across Canada and key global markets. This session offers insight into shifting supply-demand dynamics, pricing volatility, and what to expect from emerging international trade flows in 2025. (Presented By: Erin Butler)
Insights into the German Market: Pricing, Portfolios & Key Players - This presentation explores current pricing trends in the German market, highlights leading importer and distributor portfolios, and identifies key licence holders and major brands shaping the landscape. (Presented By: Chris Liddy)
Data High: Standardizing the Chaos in Cannabis - The cannabis industry is overflowing with data, but much of it is fragmented, inconsistent, and frankly, a bit of a buzzkill. In this data-packed session, Neobi reveals how its AI-powered platform unifies the mess. Discover how a standardized data model and advanced API integration are helping leading players clean, structure, and extract gold from the chaos. We’ll share market insights, consumer patterns, and bold predictions; all backed by real data, not smoke. Come for the charts, stay for the clarity. (Presented By: Michael Colbourne)
Excise Tax Study Summary - As the Canadian cannabis industry faces an inflection point with financial viability of cannabis producers in question and following the Health Canada Cannabis Act Review in 2024, we look to a topic that impacts both the financial objectives of cannabis producers and the policy objectives of federal / provincial regulators – the cannabis excise tax. With this article, Deloitte and Cannabis Council of Canada aim to illustrate the financial impact of the cannabis excise tax and provide actionable insights to both cannabis producers and regulators. (Presented By: Christopher McGrath)
- 
									
										 
 Atiyyah Ferouz
 Founder,
 AgCann Consultancy
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Chris Liddy
 President and Technical Director,
 Shweed
 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.
- 
									
										 
 Arek Kuich
 Board Advisor,
 Cannabis Poland
 Poland
- 
									
										 
 Bernie Yeung
 CEO,
 Budbase | Montu
 Canada/Australia
- 
									
										 
 Daniel Assayag
 Founder & CEO,
 Reefer
 Israel
- 
									
										 
 Deepak Anand
 Principal,
 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.
- 
									
										 
 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
In this session, we’ll walk through real-world case studies illustrating how layered consumer insights can fuel smarter product innovation, sharper brand positioning, and a more meaningful customer experience across all touch points in the cannabis space. Through quantitative segmentations, qualitative deep-dives and ethnographic research, these projects revealed new whitespace opportunities and brought to life key consumer personas—revealing who they are, what drives their choices, and where unmet needs exist across use cases from recreation to wellness. We’ll also show how applying a Social Values lens uncovered new ways to position brands competitively, fine-tune messaging and experience, and inform market strategies tied directly to evolving consumer motivations. Join us to learn how to blend research, empathy, and strategy to create meaningful growth in a crowded and evolving marketplace.
- 
									
										 
 Dalton Higgins
 Publicist/Author/Award-Winning Journalist,
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Steve Lobel
 CEO/Partner,
 Lobel Music Group/Rolling J's Worldwide
 USA
Brand-building lessons from one of hip-hop’s OGs, where music, cannabis, and culture collide—served with real talk and lunch.
- 
									
										 
 Alexandre Gauthier
 VP of R&D, Director of Cultivation,
 Origine Nature
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Christian Butt
 Director of Manufacturing ,
 JointCraft™
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Jennifer Butt
 Product Development Scientist – Flower,
 Auxly
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Justine Richard-Giroux
 Cannabis Research Scientist,
 Université Laval
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Steve Abboud
 Chief Horticulturist ,
 Trichome LTD
 Israel
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?
- 
									
										 
 Adam Marcus
 Partner,
 Steinberg Advisory Corp.
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Allen Benjamin
 Managing Director & National Lead, Emerging Industries,
 BMO Financial Group
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Caitlin Fell
 Restructuring Lawyer,
 Reconstruct LLP
 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.
- 
									
										 
 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.
- 
									
										 
 Atiyyah Ferouz
 Founder,
 AgCann Consultancy
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Daniel Kain
 COO,
 GrowerIQ
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Deepak Anand
 Principal,
 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
Moderated By: Dr. Sherry Boodram
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.
 
- 
									
										 
 Dr. Av Singh
 Executive Director,
 Scotian Cannabis Alliance
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Keanan Stone
 Vice Chair | Owner,
 Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance | Valley Bio Ltd.
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Martin Johnston
 CEO / Co-Founder,
 Lune Rise Farms
 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.
- 
									
										 
 Michele Romanow
 Dragon | Co-Founder and Executive Chair,
 CBC'S Dragons' Den | Clearco
 Canada
- 
									
										 
 Tony Chapman
 Media Personality - Podcast Host ,
 Chatter that Matters
 Canada
Michele Romanow has built a reputation as a fearless entrepreneur, investor, and Dragons' Den star. She has disrupted industries, scaled businesses, and made bold investments in companies that push boundaries.
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.
- 
									
										 
 Kevin Jodrey
 Founder,
 One Log Cookies R&D Facility
 USA
- 
									
										 
 Rick Simpson
 ,
 Pheonix Tears
 
- 
									
										 
 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.
 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                






