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.

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.

Start your Masterclass Technical Series experience with opening remarks from Dr. Av Singh, Executive Director of the Scotian Cannabis Alliance and creator/moderator of the Masterclass Series. With a full day of technical educational workshops designed for experienced cannabis cultivators, this introduction sets the tone for a series of in-depth, advanced discussions led by experts in cannabis cultivation. Dr. Singh will welcome participants, outline what to expect, and frame the key themes that will guide the learning throughout Grow Up’s Masterclass Technical Series.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This session offers experienced cannabis cultivators a detailed look at microbial bio-stimulants and the function of the rhizomicrobiome. Led by experts in the field, the discussion will cover how microbial activity in the root zone impacts plant health, nutrient uptake, and yield. Attendees will gain technical knowledge on how to apply and manage these biological inputs to improve consistency and performance in commercial cannabis production.

Moderated By: Atiyyah Ferouz, AgCann Consultancy.

Panel Description:
This session guides retailers through the reasons why three successful Ontario micro-licensed cultivators turned to overseas markets first - focusing on how they found revenue opportunities beyond Canada’s crowded recreational sector. Attendees will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of exporting from a micro-cultivator’s vantage point, along with proven strategies for building global relationships that yield consistent international sales. The discussion will also address what needs to change in provincial wholesale frameworks to encourage more micro-cultivators to consider local sales, ultimately helping retailers engage with an expanded range of high-quality products.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This technical session is built for experienced cannabis cultivators looking to enhance yield and plant performance through advanced lighting techniques. Experts will break down the advantages and disadvantages of under-canopy and inter-canopy lighting setups, supported by real-world trial data. Attendees will gain insight into how different lighting strategies impact plant health, energy efficiency, and overall crop quality - helping growers make informed decisions tailored to their cultivation environments.

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.

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.

Moderated By: David Brown, StratCann.

Panel Description:
Retail owners, inventory purchasers, and store managers often see the end result - but how the crop is grown directly impacts product quality and consumer satisfaction. This session introduces the agronomic science behind cannabis farming highlighting the differences between cultivation environments and variables like lighting, genetics, and feeding programs. Led by A&L Labs and experienced cultivators, the discussion will focus on how proper nutrient strategies and agronomic best practices can reduce pathogens, improve yield, and produce a more consistent, high-quality flower. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the professional standards needed to deliver a better product from cultivation to shelf.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This technical session offers experienced cannabis cultivators a data-driven comparison of commonly used growing media, from soil and coco to rockwool and living mixes. Experts will outline the advantages and limitations of each substrate, examining how media choice impacts plant health, yield, and input costs. The panel will also explore how specific media perform differently in indoor versus greenhouse settings, giving growers the practical insight they need to select the most effective option for their operation.

Moderated By: Keith Bao, AVEO Vapour Devices.

Panel Description:
Ambitious supervisors seeking to move beyond middle management are often faced with nonstop responsibilities in the cannabis industry. This panel takes a firm stance on pushing through ordinary fatigue, while underscoring the real differences between feeling tired and truly reaching a breaking point. Expert speakers - who have successfully transitioned from manager to leader - will share coping strategies that maintain mental health, promote strong performance, and keep pace with industry demands. Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies to stay focused, sustain their well-being, and advance into higher-level roles without letting everyday challenges become an excuse.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This session breaks down the key differences between mixing your own nutrient recipes and using preformulated blends. Growers, breeders, and phenohunters will gain insight into the cost differences, flexibility, and control that come with custom mixing - alongside the convenience and consistency of pre-made options. Experts will walk through how to approach nutrient formulation, where to find reliable resources, and what to consider when deciding which method best suits your operation. This session will help you make informed, cost-effective nutrient decisions at your grow.

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.

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.

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

Panel Description:
This session helps retail owners and managers refine their customer service approach by drawing insights from established and emerging medical e-commerce platforms - without viewing them solely as competition. Cannabis e-commerce industry professionals will break down how many cannabis businesses hold Sales for Medical Purposes licenses across Canada and illustrate the differences in operating costs between online medical e-commerce and traditional cannabis retail storefronts. By comparing the direct-to-consumer medical cannabis e-commerce model with the recreational provincial wholesale framework, attendees will learn how consumer behavior differs between medical cannabis e-commerce and in-store retail, and discover practical ways to improve their own operations without viewing online cannabis e-commerce providers as direct competitors.

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.

Moderated By: David Brown, StratCann.

Panel Description:
Kevin Jodrey’s keynote will guide retail industry professionals on understanding the importance of applying a “craft” mindset to producers of any size. He shows how careful attention to detail can create unique value, even as the industry normalizes and shifts toward commercial cultivation. Attendees will discover that “craft” isn’t limited to smaller producers - rather, it’s a pathway for better product lines, more sustainable practices, and meeting evolving consumer expectations. Kevin’s goal is to inspire positive change by merging artisanal quality with commercial efficiency, ultimately bringing greater value to both the marketplace and the environment.

Moderated By: Atiyyah Ferouz, AgCann Consultancy.

Panel Description:
This panel brings together Indigenous cannabis producers and representatives from Indigenous cannabis commissions to share their experiences navigating a system that often fails to reflect their realities. Panelists will discuss why many Indigenous communities have developed their own regulatory frameworks, the challenges of operating without a Health Canada license, and the barriers that exist when attempting to access broader markets, genetics, and fair licensing pathways. This session offers licensed producers and industry stakeholders an honest look at the current landscape - and the need for meaningful inclusion, equity, and collaboration in Canada’s legal cannabis industry.

Start your day in the Breeders Zone with opening remarks from our coordinators Daniel Joly of Apollo Green and Grow Up 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.

Moderated By: Chris Johnson, Big League Genetics.

Panel Description:
Join legendary cultivator and cannabis educator Ed Rosenthal for a formal presentation on the history and evolution of cannabis genetics. This session will trace the development of the plant’s genome through decades of breeding, highlighting key milestones and influential cultivars that shaped today’s market. Developed for experienced growers and breeders, this presentation will close with a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of the industry’s most respected voices in the cannabis industry.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
This session features seasoned outdoor cannabis farmers and outdoor cannabis genetic breeders who will share their firsthand insights on commercial-scale outdoor cultivation. Learn about how genetics bred for specific outdoor climates can achieve a greater resistance towards pathogenic and environmental challenges, causing more consistent yields and greater final sale prices. Discover the true cost differences between outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor cultivation methods, and learn why outdoor production may prove to be an effective business model as the industry continues to stabilize. Attendees will also gain best agricultural practices unique to outdoor cannabis farming, helping new outdoor growers avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities that indoor and greenhouse growers might overlook.

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.

Moderated By: Daniel Joly, Apollo Green Nursery.

Panel Description:
Hear from a seasoned breeder who helped bring European genetics to Canada, alongside an academic researcher from the University of Guelph driving forward new breeding projects. Together, they’ll share insights on how heritage strains evolved, what current research is uncovering, and why purposeful selection is key to advancing cannabis genetics. This discussion is for experienced growers and breeders seeking fresh perspectives from the field’s past and future.

Moderated By: Dr. Av Singh, Scotian Cannabis Alliance.

Panel Description:
Do you grow cannabis in Ontario? Please join our special guest speaker, Jason Bent, Director of Policy Research at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), to learn how cannabis farmers can become part of Ontario’s largest general farm organization - one that proudly represents 38,000 family farm members across Ontario.

Discover how the Farm Property Class Tax Rate program might benefit your cannabis farming operation, and see how OFA’s advocacy, policy work, and local leadership initiatives support a stronger, more sustainable future for cannabis farmers across the province. Whether you’re seeking to reduce costs, navigate regulatory challenges, or join a community of like-minded farmers, this special presentation offers a direct path to the resources and expertise that will help cannabis growers thrive under the OFA banner.

Moderated By: Imran Rashid, Extractwise.

Panel Description:
Designed for retail owners, store managers, and inventory buyers, this session unpacks the unique challenges of bringing concentrates to a broader consumer base in Ontario retail markets. Learn from successful industry extractors who have dialed in cost-efficient production, earned premium shelf space under their brand, and adapted to different generational consumer preferences. Discover how future trends - fueled by more affordable inputs - will open new opportunities for product innovation and profit. Attendees will gain practical strategies for selecting the right concentrates, addressing common barriers, and meeting the evolving expectations of today’s customers while preparing for tomorrow’s marketplace.

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:

 

Moderated By: Imran Rashid, Extractwise.

Panel Description:
This session explores high-demand skillsets and abilities that have propelled many budtenders into supervisory, management, and even brand-representative roles in the industry. Aimed at ambitious budtenders and middle managers eager to move up, attendees will learn about the impact of intentional mentorship - how to seek it, build meaningful relationships with potential mentors, and effectively request guidance to become a stronger professional. Attendees will takeaway a clear roadmap for developing the right in-demand skills and invaluable connections needed to evolve and thrive in leadership positions within a highly competitive cannabis retail landscape.

Moderated By: Katy Perry, Toke Cannabis.

Panel Description:
If you’re a cannabis producer or retail professional, this session will give you a firsthand look at the winning approaches behind Ontario’s highest-performing recreational cannabis retailers. Attendees will discover which retailers are commanding the market, the products driving top-tier sales, how these retailers learn about upcoming consumer trends, and how they consistently meet their target customer's demands in a fast-paced market. Attendees will gain insights into the next steps these leading retailers plan to take for continued profitability and building stronger customer loyalty. Network and learn from experienced, high-performing Ontario retail professionals, only at Grow Up Conference & Expo.

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.

Moderated By: Katy Perry, Toke Cannabis.

Panel Description:
This session is designed for experienced budtenders, supervisors, and retail owners who want to learn how to improve sales performance in Ontario. Learn proven techniques to increase conversion rates, move product faster, and grow basket sizes - both in-store and online. Industry experts will share industry-specific strategies to upsell effectively at checkout, guide customers with confidence, and maximize revenue while maintaining a positive, compliant retail experience.

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.