Schedule-at-a-Glance
Monday May 26, 2025
Global Executive Summit
Exploring the Future of Global
7:45am - 8:45pm
Breakfast / Keynote
8:45am - 5:30pm
Panel Discussions
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Awards Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Grow Up Awards Gala
8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Meet theExhibitors / Post Awards party
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Industry Conference and Expo
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Conference and Expo Registration
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Exhibitor and VIP Morning Coffee and Networking (Expo Hall Networking Lounge)
All-Access and VIP delegates only
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Consumption Lounge
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grow Up Expo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
High North Main Stage
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Retail Speed Networking
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Seed Exchange
8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Grow Up Official Networking party
El Mocambo
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Industry Conference and Expo
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Conference and Expo Registration
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Exhibitor and VIP Morning Coffee and Networking (Expo Hall Networking Lounge)
All-Access and VIP delegates only
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Consumption Lounge
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grow Up Expo
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
High North Main Stage
10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Budtender Breakout Sessions
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Seed / Clone Exchange
2025 Schedule
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Cody Funderburk
Cannabis Retail Strategist,
The Joint Seattle
USA -
Jennifer Maccarone
Consultant,
Total GxP Inc.
Canada -
Keith Bao
Managing Partner,
AVEO Vapour Devices
Canada -
Kori Ainsworth
VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs,
Cannabis Co-pack
Canada
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.
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Dia Friedman
Ontario Sales Manager,
Woody Nelson Inc.
Canada -
Hannah Treadway
Territory Sales Manager,
FIGR
Canada -
Imran Rashid
Founder,
Extractwise
Canada -
Nayyir Sunderji
Director of Business Development,
CannSell by WKT
Canada
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.
-
Clifford Tindall
Owner/Manager,
Spiritleaf (Little Italy)
Canada -
Katy Perry
Owner,
Toke Cannabis
Canada -
Thomas Esufali
Owner,
Cannabis Hut
Canada -
Yasas Weerasingha
CEO,
High Society
Canada
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.
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Cody Funderburk
Cannabis Retail Strategist,
The Joint Seattle
USA -
Jaime Lipowitz
Founder,
High Buds Club
Canada -
Katy Perry
Owner,
Toke Cannabis
Canada
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.
