Vancouver, B.C., Nov. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With an eight-year legacy and reputation for evolving alongside the industry, Grow Up Conference & Expo (“Grow Up”) leverages its deep sector knowledge to curate forward-looking and practical programming for Grow Up Vancouver 2026, presented by Quality Horticulture. Known for its depth across the cannabis value chain, from cultivation and extraction to retail, brands, policy, and ancillary services, the national B2B event will bring together hundreds of industry professionals from January 19-21, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre (East Building), to help scale the sector for the long term.
Since 2017, Grow Up has hosted 11 national conferences, six Industry Awards Galas, three Canadian Cannabis Championships, and two CannaVision International Executive Summits, establishing itself as one of Canada’s most credible and connected industry platforms. From 2018 to 2024, the cannabis sector contributed $76.5 billion to Canada’s GDP, reflecting both the industry’s scale and the pressure points that come with growth. This event’s programming reflects an industry in motion, one navigating regulatory shifts, tight margins, and consolidation, alongside the optimism of new retail models, emerging technologies, and global export opportunities.
Programming Highlights
Grow Up’s Executive Summit, powered by StratCann, opens the conference on January 19 with a high-level forum for executives, investors, and policymakers. The Summit comes at a pivotal moment as Canada reflects on seven years of legalization and defines its future trajectory.
Featured speakers include: The Honourable Lana Popham on how cannabis continues to shape B.C.’s agricultural innovation and economic development. Kevin Jodrey, internationally recognized cultivator and educator, on genetics, legacy expertise, and the path forward for a maturing global industry.
From January 20-21, the Industry Conference & Expo connects the full cannabis ecosystem with over 100 speakers and exhibitors. This year’s Main Stage, presented by High North, will host thought-provoking discussions on topics like Direct Delivery in B.C., The Next Wave of Retail, and AI Transforming Cultivation.
The CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone features North America’s top breeders, cultivators, and seed innovators, while the Brand Zone links Canada’s hottest cannabis brands with hundreds of retail buyers. Hands-on Masterclass sessions, Speed Networking, and live competitions like So You Think You Can Cook with Cannabis?, are designed to strengthen relationships and drive business outcomes.
The event will also honour key figures with Lifetime Achievement Awards whose decades of advocacy and entrepreneurship built the foundation for Canada’s regulated market, including Don Briere and Carol Gwilt, Co-owners of WEEDS; Jodie Giesz-Ramsay, Owner of Cannabis Culture; and John Conroy, Barrister and Solicitor.
Alongside its conference programming, Grow Up Vancouver offers dedicated networking spaces and evening events including the Kick-off Party on January 19 at Cannabis Culture and The New Amsterdam Café and the Official Networking Party on January 20 at Shark Club, supporting meaningful industry relationships throughout the week.
As Canada’s cannabis industry works toward sustainable long-term growth, events like Grow Up Vancouver play a vital role in shaping the roadmap for what comes next. With its proven track record, Grow Up remains a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in a maturing industry.
About Grow Up Conference & Expo
Since 2017, Grow Up Conference & Expo has served the Canadian cannabis industry as a leading national B2B event focused on cultivation, processing, retail, and innovation. Known for its engaging conferences, expansive expo floors, and strategic networking formats, Grow Up continues to bring together professionals who are driving the industry forward. Learn more at www.growupconference.com.
About Quality Horticulture
Quality Horticulture is a Canadian-owned, Burnaby-based wholesale distributor with over 25 years of experience serving the controlled-environment agriculture market. Providing high-quality solutions in lighting, nutrients, grow media, climate control, and propagation, the company is built on the values of integrity, value, and innovation. With coast-to-coast reach and a commitment to grower success, Quality Horticulture is a trusted partner for professional cultivators. Visit www.qualityhort.com for more.
The largest cannabis conference for Canadian growers expands its footprint to Edmonton, Alberta
November 24, 2022, Edmonton (Alberta): Canada’s widely respected Grow Up Conference and Expo announces its cross-country expansion with the inaugural Alberta conference held in Edmonton from May 28-30, 2023, at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Awarded the best cannabis conference of 2021 by High! Canada magazine, Grow Up attracts top industry experts, businesses, and professionals, creating a hub of cannabis culture in key regions across Canada.
“After countless requests from the industry, we are thrilled to bring the Grow Up Conference and Expo to Edmonton for the first time. With rich cannabis history and culture, Alberta is a natural hub to host top experts to gather, learn, network and discuss how the industry moves forward,” says Randy Rowe, President, Grow Up Cannabis Conference & Expo. “With internationally renowned speakers, an all new Brand and Buyers zone, innovative workshops, expert panels, interactive demonstrations, and valuable networking opportunities, it will be valuable programming for those in the cannabis space.”
New for 2023 – Brands and Buyers
Grow Up will introduce the Brands and Buyers zone, where Licensed Producers can promote their latest brands and products directly to retail buyers. Purchasers from the largest retail stores across Canada will congregate to select products from the hottest brands by standard, micro and craft processors. No matter how big or small the brand, they will have an equal opportunity to connect with buyers and arrange one-on-one meetings with retailers interested in purchasing their products.
Alberta 2023 will feature the largest collection of retail and wholesale buyers in Canada – a prime time for brands to shine. Flower, concentrates, extracts, edibles, beverages and topicals will be on display and ready for purchase orders to be made.
The show’s robust programming will include interactive and hands-on cannabis workshops, master classes, a dedicated hash zone, and the popular seed exchange. In addition, Grow Up is proud to bring The Canadian Cannabis Cup to Alberta Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The top licensed producers in cannabis flower, hash, extracts and concentrates will compete for the title of “Best in Canada” by live judging in the Grow Up Consumption Lounge in front of delegates.
With a reputation for bringing heavy-hitter keynotes and industry legends to the expo, past speakers include Jim Belushi, Ed Rosenthal, Simon Smit and the late Frenchy Cannoli, Grow Up Conference and Expo is the one-stop event for all aspects of cannabis.
Retail owners and purchasers will be eligible for a free VIP Pass to Grow Up and the Brands and Buyers Zone. Only Health Canada approved companies will be considered.
Exhibition booths, ticketing and registration for Grow Up Conference and Expo is now open. For further information, email sales@growupconference.com
-##-
About Grow Up Cannabis Conference and Expo: Grow Up Conference and Expo has been hailed a top cannabis industry event in Canada, hosting events in Niagara Falls, ON, Victoria, BC, and now Edmonton, AB. With decades of experience creating nationally renowned high-profile events, trade summits and shows around the world, Grow Up is committed to bringing forward-thinkers, trailblazers and experts together. For more information, visit growupconference.com.
The nominations have been processed and we have our list of finalists for the 3rd Annual Grow Up Awards. For a complete list of finalists, please visit https://growupawards.com/vote/nominees
Join us as we celebrate the best in the industry.
• Cocktail Reception • 2022 Grow Up Industry Awards Ceremonies
Reception: 5:00PM // Awards Gala: 5:30PM //
Tickets on sale now. LIMITED VIP Tables are available. Theatre seating is general admission. $60/ticket. LIMITED VIP tables of 8 available: $600
Recent Comments