MJBizCon is fastest-growing trade show again, mirroring marijuana market’s growth

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For the fourth year in a row, MJBizCon ranked as the fastest-growing trade show in the United States, echoing the rapid growth of the MJ industry both in this country and overseas.

The business-to-business conference, put on each fall by Marijuana Business Daily, finished first for percentage growth in paid net square feet of exhibit space as well as sheer growth in attendance numbers for 2018, Trade Show Executive announced at “The Fastest 50” awards ceremony Wednesday in Las Vegas.

MJBizCon, staged in Las Vegas, also ranked fourth in percentage growth in number of attendees and percentage growth in number of exhibitors.

Another marijuana industry gathering, sponsored by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), also was ranked among the top trade shows last year.

Trade Show Executive, which provides news and analysis for professionals who run trade shows, ranks the nation’s 50 fastest-growing trade shows by annual percentage of growth in attendees, net square feet of paid exhibit space and number of exhibitors.

“(This is) a significant accomplishment given that, every year, the baseline for that growth continues to reset at a higher level,” MJBizDaily CEO Cassandra Farrington said.

“The achievement is a recognition that the burgeoning cannabis industry continues to turn to MJBizCon as the go-to event for professional education, vendor sourcing, attendee experience and unparalleled networking.”

In 2018, MJBizCon attracted more than 27,000 cannabis professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center, a record for the event and the marijuana industry, and a 52% increase from the 2017 show. The show floor featured 1,028 exhibitors, a 38% increase from 2017.

This year’s MJBizCon, set for Dec. 11-13, is expected to draw 35,000 attendees to Las Vegas. This will be Marijuana Business Daily’s eighth fall conference.

In the Trade Show Executive competition, the NCIA’s Cannabis Business Summit & Expo in San Jose, California, in July 2018 finished:

  • Second in percentage of growth in number of exhibiting companies.
  • Third in percentage of growth in net square feet of exhibit space.
  • Seventh in percentage of growth in total attendance.