Marijuana Business Magazine - Issue 09, Oct 2017

FROM THE CEO'S DESK N ext month, cannabis professionals will gather for what is arguably the most important week of the year for advancing the business side of this remarkable industry: MJBizCon in Las Vegas, which runs from Nov. 15-17. MJBizCon has evolved from a noteworthy gathering of 400 people in Denver in 2012 to a can’t-miss annual event expected to draw 14,000-plus attendees this year in its new home: the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those who have been involved and engaged along the way recognize how the team here at MJBizDaily has constantly evolved this event to meet the ever-changing needs of the cannabis industry’s executives, investors and entrepreneurs. As we move to our new venue, new possibilities open up, and traditions must evolve. One of those evolutions will be evident next month with the MJBizCon Mixer. The Mixer has long been a great addition to the MJBizCon experience, where the business side of the industry could connect and engage with the legali- zation advocates advancing cannabis causes in the halls of Congress and in statehouses around the country. Fundraising, networking and celebration of the industry’s advancements took over the conference venue. For the upcoming event, we’ve decided to engage the entire MJBizCon audi- ence in this worthwhile effort. To that end, the Mixer will be held on the exhibit hall floor and is open to everyone, with no additional registration or donation required to participate. Also evolving: the focal point for donations. As the industry has pro- gressed and international legalization takes root, we recognize that continued advancement of the industry relies not just on legalization of the plant in the United States. The future of the cannabis industry rests on presenting a responsible, professional face to the world – and collectively developing an industry that is engaged with its communities and the environment. So, what about our donations to those great causes? Rather than raising money through ticket sales, MJBizDaily will provide a direct contribution to causes that support and advance the business interest of the market: Legali- zation Advocacy, Professional Development and Inclusion, and Sustainabil- ity and Community Development. I encourage all of you to join me in selecting the causes that speak to you and support your own business interests … and contributing alongside me. I'm excited to see all of you in Las Vegas next month! Let’s move this indus- try forward – again. All the best, Cassandra Farrington President & CEO Getting Together and Giving Back 8 • Marijuana Business Magazine • October 2017