Marijuana Business Daily announced it is canceling its in-person flagship conference, MJBizCon, for 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and will instead offer a five-week digital conference and trade show starting Nov. 2 and culminating with the main event Dec. 2-4.
MJBizCon, the cannabis industry’s largest event, was originally scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
MJBizDaily received official word from the LVCC that it cannot host an event of MJBizCon’s size this year.
This move follows a similar announcement by Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, who said restrictions on in-person events continue to prevent a conference the size of MJBizCon from occurring because of the coronavirus and the risk of spreading the virus.
With these decisions, MJBizDaily can’t hold the live event this year.
Instead, MJBizCon attendees can participate in a five-week digital event beginning Nov. 2, one day before the presidential election.
“While it’s disappointing we cannot gather in Vegas this year, we will still bring the industry together to learn, network, establish business connections, create deal flow and – just as importantly – have some fun,” MJBizDaily CEO Chris Walsh said.
More than 40 speakers will cover topics such as the impact of the U.S. election on the marijuana sector, regional and global market analysis, progress and opportunities in cannabis investing, science as well as the hemp industry.
Additionally, general sessions will explore the impact of technology on cultivation and operations, plus there will be discussions about the future of marketing and retail.
“We’ve set up unique opportunities for the cannabis community to come together online,” explained Jess Tyler, senior vice president for events and strategic development at MJBizDaily.
“Instead of expecting everyone to be online all day for a week straight, attendees can access timely, rich content in quick, deep dives over time, then come together for core offerings Dec. 2-4.”
The all-digital MJBizCon will also offer networking opportunities and product demonstrations.
This year’s keynote speaker is John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market as well as the co-author of “Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business.”
Registration for MJBizCon is open.