Combatting Illicit Competition: Retail Associations Supporting Safe Cannabis Access in Ontario

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 26, 2025

Moderated By: Zaira Gaudio, Co-Chair of the Retail Cannabis Council of Ontario (RCCO).

Panel Description:
Licensed retailers across Ontario are under constant pressure to compete with illicit shops that avoid all taxes and regulations. This panel explores how retail associations are working alongside provincial efforts to protect consumers through retailer-led initiatives. Attendees will learn about the various forms of unregulated access points, why it poses a risk to safe access, why retailers are concerned, and how licensed retailers can level the playing field from a harm reduction lens.

Cross-Border Cannabis: US Updates and North American Compliance

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 26, 2025

Moderated By: Michael Elkin, The CannaBrokr.

Panel Description:
This session helps industry executives and retail owners understand what’s happening in the US cannabis market and how those changes affect Canadian operations. Learn how American brands and genetics legally enter Canada, why some ventures face challenges, and the shifting regulations behind North American compliance. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the North American cannabis economy and brand ecosystem, positioning industry leaders to better shape the future of the national market.

Wholesale Data Trends: The Relationship Between Pricing, Marketing, and Profit Margins.

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 25, 2025

Moderated By: David Brown, StratCann.

Panel Description:
This session explores how producer pricing, marketing, and provincial markups sets the stage for wholesale orders and why these key metrics often guide which products hit retail shelves. Industry experts will teach retail owners, store managers and supervisors how to balance price, lab results, and consumer demand – offering data-driven tips for diversifying inventory and improving profit margins. Learn how targeted marketing and brand representatives can shape purchasing habits, drive high-demand SKUs, and give consumers the confidence to make informed choices. Participants will leave with practical strategies for accessing and analyzing data, fine-tuning product selection, cultivating brand/product loyalty, and creating a more informed experience that keeps both retailers and consumers satisfied in Ontario’s recreational cannabis market.

Retail Delivery Strategies: Tech, Logistics, and Profitable Growth in Ontario

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 25, 2025

Moderated By: David Brown, StratCann.

Panel Description:
This session is specifically designed for retail owners and store managers to learn practical strategies that have launched successful retail delivery programs across Ontario. Industry professionals experienced in implementing profitable retail delivery services will walk you through retail tech solutions that track and manage orders in real-time, while highlighting how to identify and serve your ideal audience – whether you operate in rural or urban settings across Ontario. You’ll also hear success stories from Ontario cannabis retailers who’ve boosted revenue by implementing delivery services within their regions. Attendees will leave with proven tactics to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and scale business revenue through cannabis retail delivery.

Cannabis E-commerce & Veterans: Mapping Canada’s Online Medical Market

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 25, 2025

Moderated By: Andrew Nunez-Alvarez, LEGACYTEK Cannabis E-commerce.

Panel Description:
Canada’s online cannabis e-commerce platforms support veterans accessing cannabis for medical purposes, yet many brick‑and‑mortar operators know little about how this sector of the industry works. This session presents current data – active Sales for Medical Purposes licences, provincial licence counts, veteran usage rates, and insurance coverage – so industry professionals can learn first-hand what this demand looks like and how it is served successfully online. Cannabis e-commerce experts will explore recent regulatory shifts, the size of Canada’s medical footprint, and sales trends on veteran‑focused platforms, sharing how to align with, rather than compete against, Canada’s growing cannabis e‑commerce ecosystem.

Creating International Relationships Within The Cannabis Industry

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 25, 2025

Moderated By: Alex Gauthier, Origine Nature.

Panel Description:
As international cannabis markets gain momentum, growers, breeders, and industry professionals must learn how to build lasting relationships beyond Canada. This session explores how to establish strong export connections in regions like Germany, the UK, and other developing markets. Speakers will share strategies for navigating regulatory barriers, understanding local business practices, and building trusted networks with buyers, distributors, and government contacts. Attendees will hear real-world examples of successful global expansion and leave with a clear understanding of how to position their cannabis business for long-term success on the international stage.

Welcoming Ceremony & Opening Remarks

by Andrew Nunez-Alvarez | Mar 25, 2025

Begin your Grow Up Toronto experience with an inspiring opening address from Randy Rowe, President & CEO of Grow Up Cannabis Conference & Expo. This welcoming ceremony sets the tone for leadership development and innovative thinking throughout the event. Managers, supervisors, and aspiring leaders will gain insights on the conference’s core objectives, while hearing firsthand how strategic vision and collaborative growth can position them for success in a fast-paced industry.