(LUNCHEON) Beats, Bud & the Business: A Fireside Chat + Live Q&A with Steve Lobel
Interviewer: Dalton Higgins
Brand-building lessons from one of hip-hop’s OGs, where music, cannabis, and culture collide—served with real talk and lunch.
Special Event: The Genetic Exchange
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.
Expert Breeding & Phenohunting: Ask Me Anything Roundtable
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.
The Grower’s Luncheon: Presented by Biofloral
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:
Breeders Zone Series Opening Remarks
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.
Dialing In New Genetics: Trial Runs, Metrics, and First‑Pass Decisions
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.
Breeding by Experience: Proven Techniques from Leading Cannabis Breeders & Phenohunters
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.
Breeding with Intention: Industry Meets Academia
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.
IPM in Focus: Hemp Russet Mite, Hop Latent Viroid, and Emerging Threats
Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.
Panel Description:
This technical session explores current pest and pathogen issues affecting cannabis cultivation, including hemp russet mite and hop latent viroid. Experts will share proven IPM strategies to manage these challenges and address what growers should be preparing for next. Designed for experienced industry cultivators, the discussion will focus on strengthening plant health and improving pest control methods in commercial environments.
Root Zone Mastery: Advanced Cultivation Practices with Kevin Jodrey
Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.
Panel Description:
Led by renowned cannabis cultivator Kevin Jodrey, this advanced masterclass session focuses on optimizing root zone health through proven agricultural techniques tailored for cannabis. Attendees will explore high-level strategies for maintaining root vitality, improving nutrient uptake, and maximizing plant performance. This is a technical discussion for seasoned growers looking to fine-tune their cultivation methods and strengthen plant health from the ground up.
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