Matt Graham

Matt Graham

Matt Graham is a pioneering figure in the cannabis industry, known for his innovative approach to cannabis cultivation and consumer engagement. His journey in the cannabis sector began at Summit Cannabis Co. in Revelstoke, BC, this was the towns first cannabis store. As the general manager there he was instrumental in launching the Flower Bar takeover. This initiative not only transformed the retail experience but also significantly boosted sales by directly connecting customers with the stories and science behind the products through interactions with sales representatives and master growers from various Licensed Producers.

Under Matt’s leadership, the Flower Bar initiative became a benchmark for personalized cannabis retail experiences, showcasing the diversity and quality of cannabis flowers available in the market. This was a very powerful tool to not only help improve sales, but also to help introduce new cultivars to the consumer. His efforts at Summit Cannabis Co. led to him sales that exceeded $1.5 million in cannabis products and accessories, highlighting his prowess in both sales and customer education in his 3 years there.

Since leaving the retail sector, Matt’s passion for cannabis has evolved into a deep commitment to cultivation and genetics. He has acquired an ACMPR license and now operates as a small-batch craft breeder, amassing an impressive collection of over 275 different cannabis cultivars from around the globe. His work in this area is not just about growing cannabis but about preserving and advancing the genetic diversity of the plant, ensuring that the future of cannabis includes a wide array of flavors, effects, and medicinal benefits.

At the Edmonton GrowUp Conference, Matt will delve into the potential benefits of grafting in cannabis cultivation, a technique that could revolutionize how we approach cannabis breeding and growth. His talk promises to enlighten attendees on how grafting can enhance plant vigor, disease resistance, and yield, potentially setting new standards in the cannabis industry.

Matt’s expertise, combined with his hands-on experience from retail to cultivation, makes him a unique voice in the cannabis community, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this versatile plant.

Justin Esquivel

Justin Esquivel

Esquivel, CEO & Geneticist, Green Luster Phenos LLC, has been an influencer and leader in the cannabis industry for fifteen (15) years.  Esquivel was the head grower and geneticist of an indoor commercial-scale cultivation operation out in Colorado back in 2012.  Justin has consulted with 87 cannabis facilities, 64 of which operate commercial canopies.  He brings standard operating procedures to a gold standard.  Esquivel also specializes in Cannabis Tissue Culture & Selective Homozygous Breeding, enabling his company to bring exotic tailored offspring to growers globally!

Minister Dale Nally

Minister Dale Nally

Dale Nally was sworn in as Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction on October 24, 2022. He previously served as the Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity.

Prior to his service as an elected official, Mr. Nally spent decades in the private sector, where he led and managed business units that generate between $50 million and $80 million in revenue. He has a Masters Degree in Education.

Dale Nally was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for St. Albert-Morinville on April 16, 2019 and was re-elected on May 29, 2023.

Steve Johnston

Steve Johnston

Steve is a strategic leader and business consultant with over 30 years of experience driving the growth, sales, profitability, and performance of leading Global organizations and brands. He has extensive expertise in business transformation and sales excellence across diverse sectors, including cannabis, natural foods, consumer packaged goods, and beverage alcohol.

Currently Steve is the Lead Cannabis Consultant at SpringBoard Data Management who works with LPs that struggle with understanding and making sense of the many data sources they deal with. For over a decade, SpringBoard Data Management has been helping organizations succeed with easy-to-use tools and agile data solutions.

Stefan Röhrl

Stefan Röhrl

Stefan is a key leader in the European cannabis market with 15 years of senior management experience. He owns Cannabis clubs in Spain and businesses in Germany, providing him with a deep understanding of the industry. His strong connections in product development and cultivation are valuable. This background makes him skilled at navigating the complex cannabis market and finding new growth opportunities.

Alison Demelis

Alison Demelis

With over 25 years of experience in the media and marketing industry, I lead the Enterprise Solutions Group at LinkedIn Canada, helping professionals to deliver innovative and effective solutions for our customers and clients. I have a strong background in corporate marketing, traditional media, and digital marketing, and I have successfully managed multiple teams and partnerships across various platforms and sectors. I am passionate about creating value and impact for both customers and the organization, and I believe that success is achieved if we all are honest and transparent. I am also committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, and I seek to learn from and empower others with different perspectives and experiences. In my current role, I leverage my expertise and skills to drive growth, innovation, education and excellence and to teach others to remember to have a good time in their careers! It’s the most important!

Steve Lobel

Steve Lobel

Steve Lobel, CEO of A2Z Entertainment and “weworking” is known to be one of the hardest working men in the industry today, while conducting numerous projects and running his entertainment company: the label, production company, management company, and film company. Lobel has worked with artists such as Run DMC, Fat Joe, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, 2pac The Outlawz, IYAZ, Sean Kingston, Soulja Boy, Mann, Nipsey Hussle, and DUBB.

Growing up in Queens, New York, Jam Master Jay of the legendary group RUN DMC put him in the game. With an engaging New York accent, laid-back style, and intensive communication skills, Lobel, began picking up on the ins and outs of the music industry thru RUN DMC’s success. Slowly but steadily, he made his rounds in the music industry. After making a name for himself, he got a job at sony /Relativity Records as an A&R and worked with Fat Joe, The Beatnuts, frankie cutlass , MOP, Common Sense, Fatal from the Outlawz, 8 Ball and MJG, and 36 Mafia , eazy e’s ruthless records, tony drapers sauve house records, Lobel soon met Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright, which led him to meet, then 16 and 17-year-olds, Bone Thugs n Harmony. With the skills, connections, and knowledge he had put into the industry, he put his energy into the group, and in return they became one the most prominent icons in the Rap Game today. Lobel was the dominant force behind much of their success with the work put into their projects: LP’s, solo projects, the Mo Thugs! projects, and the collaborative projects with Bone and other artists: Mariah Carey, Biggie, Tupac and BIG Pun, Chamallionaire, Phil Collins, Akon, The Game and Ty Dolla Sign and is still with the group 20 years later because of his loyalty.

Lobel has won two Grammy Awards and two American Awards as well other awards.