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Relive The 2023 Event
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Policy & Regulations
Cultivation, Processing & Manufacturing
Retail
Networking & Social Activities
Expert Panels
an Opportunity for Job Creation and Economic Growth.
let’s CELEBRATE bc’s craft cannabis sector.
The BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) and the Retail Cannabis Council of BC are inviting the craft cannabis sector to British Columbia’s pristine Okanagan Valley for the second annual BC Cannabis Summit on April 21-23, 2023. The comprehensive three-day event features industry experts’ insights, advice, policy discussions and resolutions, a business trade show, industry networking, and special events.
Whether you’re a legacy grower, a licensed micro-cultivator, a licensed retailer, a service provider, or new to the sector, the BC Cannabis Summit is the place to cultivate ideas, change, and foster meaningful partnerships. We’re welcoming craft cannabis farmers, processors, retailers, budtenders, vendors, Indigenous and community leaders, public officials, and anyone interested in establishing this highly-skilled sector, as it is a significant opportunity for job creation and economic development to support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery.
As the Cannabis Act is under review, we have an opportunity to reset the burdensome micro-class regulations and grow our sector in 2023.
The BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) and the Retail Cannabis Council of BC are inviting the craft cannabis sector to British Columbia’s pristine Okanagan Valley for the second annual BC Cannabis Summit on April 21-23, 2023. The comprehensive three-day event features industry experts’ insights, advice, policy discussions and resolutions, a business trade show, industry networking, and special events.
Whether you’re a legacy grower, a licensed micro-cultivator, a licensed retailer, a service provider, or new to the sector, the BC Cannabis Summit is the place to cultivate ideas, change, and foster meaningful partnerships. We’re welcoming craft cannabis farmers, processors, retailers, budtenders, vendors, Indigenous and community leaders, public officials, and anyone interested in establishing this highly-skilled sector, as it is a significant opportunity for job creation and economic development to support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery.
As the Cannabis Act is under review, we have an opportunity to reset the burdensome micro-class regulations and grow our sector in 2023.
About the Venue
Framed by stunning architecture and unparalleled views of Lake Okanagan, we’ve partnered with Eldorado Resort to provide attendees with a warm and spirited experience. This venue will be the backdrop to shaping the government’s policies and celebrating BC’s network of legendary craft cannabis farmers. The Resort is offering a range of accommodation options for attendees.
About the Venue
Framed by stunning architecture and unparalleled views of Lake Okanagan, we’ve partnered with Eldorado Resort to provide attendees with a warm and spirited experience. This venue will be the backdrop to shaping the government’s policies and celebrating BC’s network of legendary craft cannabis farmers. The Resort is offering a range of accommodation options for attendees.
About Kelowna
Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Peoples and cradled within a glorious range of mountains, Kelowna is a sanctuary filled with pristine lakes, pine forests, abundant gardens, orchards and vineyards, sandy beaches, and legendary cannabis farmers and innovators. Kelowna and other nearby communities have been early leaders in understanding BC’s craft cannabis sector, and we want to build on their hard work. With a rich agricultural history and an outstanding international reputation, Kelowna is a natural choice to host the inaugural BC Cannabis Summit.
About Kelowna
Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Peoples and cradled within a glorious range of mountains, Kelowna is a sanctuary filled with pristine lakes, pine forests, abundant gardens, orchards and vineyards, sandy beaches, and legendary cannabis farmers and innovators. Kelowna and other nearby communities have been early leaders in understanding BC’s craft cannabis sector, and we want to build on their hard work. With a rich agricultural history and an outstanding international reputation, Kelowna is a natural choice to host the inaugural BC Cannabis Summit.
2023 PROGRAM
2023 PROGRAM
Click the plus icon to expand the agenda for each date. Speakers, panelists, and exhibitors will be published soon.
Click the plus icon to expand the agenda for each date. Speakers, panelists, and exhibitors will be published soon.
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FRIDAY APRIL 21
Theme: Open for Business: Opportunities for Cannabis Tourism, Job Creation and Economic Development
11:00 am: Registration Opens @ Eldorado Hotel and Manteo Resort
1:00 pm: Opening Ceremony @ Eldorado Hotel
- Representatives of Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada TBC
- MLA Brittny Anderson (Nelson-Creston): BC Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and BC Premier’s Special Advisor for Youth
2:15 pm: Lakeside Patio Break @ Manteo Resort
2:45 pm: Cannabis Tourism and Economic Development “What is the scale of BC’s cannabis tourism and job creation opportunity – and the barriers to realizing this potential?” @ Eldorado Hotel
- Panel Host: Michelle Mungall-BC Minister of Jobs, Economic former Nelson-Creston MLA and BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Competitiveness (2009-2020)
- Presentation: Dr. Susan Dupej: President of Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management
- Panel participants to be announced
4:20 pm: Welcome Reception and Cannabis Celebration @ Eldorado Rooftop Lounge
6:30 pm: Networking
SATURDAY APRIL 22
Theme: The State of BC Cannabis: Where is the industry today, and where should we be next year on 4/20? How can we get there together?
8:00 am: Summit Registration and Trade Show Opens @ Manteo Lakeside Ballroom
8:45 am: Opening Presentations @ Eldorado Hotel
- All Nations Mestiyexw
- BC Craft Farmers Co-Op
- Retail Cannabis Council of BC
- Kootenay Cannabis Development Council
10:00 am: Lakeside Patio and Trade Show Break @ Manteo Resort
10:30 am: Summit Panels
- The State of BC Cannabis @ Eldorado Hotel, Grand Room
Where is the BC Cannabis Industry at today and where should we be next year on 4/20/2024? How can we get there together? - Medical Cannabis @ Manteo Resort Recreation Room
What is the current state of medical cannabis access? What are the future threats and opportunities? Are legal mushrooms next?
11:30 am: Lakeside Patio and Trade Show Break @ Manteo Lakeside Ballroom and Patio
12:00 pm: Delegate Lunch @ Eldorado Grand Room
Note: Delegates will be invited to RSVP for a limited number of seats
12:45 pm: Summit Keynote Address @ Eldorado Grand Room
- Hon. Mike Farnworth: Deputy Premier of British Columbia; BC Minister of Public Safety; BC Solicitor General; MLA for Port Coquitlam; former BC Health Minister and Government House Leader
- Question and Answer with BC’s Deputy Premier hosted by Michelle Mungall, former BC Minister for Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness
1:45 pm: Lakeside Patio and Trade Show Break @ Manteo Resort
2:15 pm: Retail and Producer Panels with BC Officials @ Eldorado Grand Room
2:15 pm: Trade Show Speaker Series @ Manteo Lakeside Ballroom and Patio
4:20 pm: Trade Show and Cannabis Celebration @ Manteo Lakeside Patio
SUNDAY APRIL 23
Theme: Health, Wellness, and Inclusion
8:00 am: Summit Registration and Trade Show Opens @ Manteo Lakeside Ballroom
8:30 am: Opening Presentations @ Eldorado Hotel
9:00 am: Health Canada Panel
10:00 am: Leadership Panel – Women in Cannabis @ Eldorado Hotel, Grand Room
- Host: Jaclynn Pehota, Executive Director, Retail Cannabis Council of BC
11:30 am: Fireside Chat with BC Indigenous Leaders @ Eldorado Grand Room
- Host: Greg Hopf, Moccasin Trails
1:00 pm: Summit Closing Ceremony @ Manteo Lakeside Ballroom and Patio
- Media Availability
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
SPACE IS LIMITED
For Members and Supporters of BCCFC and/or RCCBC only. Get exclusive rates on in-person, three-day passes.
For non-members. Save your spot and purchase your in-person, three-day passes today while quantities last.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pass options and prices
There are currently in-person, three-day event passes available.
BCCFC and RCCBC members
- Until January 12: $125.00
- January 12 to February 24: $200.00
- After February 24: $300.00
Early-bird registration opens on December 13. Members can purchase up to two additional tickets for guests. Prices above exclude tax.
Non-Members
- Until January 12: $210.00
- January 12 to February 24: $420.00
- After February 24: $500.00
Prices above exclude tax.
All passes include:
- Access to all panels and presentations
- Access to the Trade Show
- Access to networking events
- Voting Card for the Policy Process
- Access to recordings of panels and presentations following the event
How can I become a partner?
This unique event provides significant opportunities for cannabis-related businesses, policymakers, and local and regional businesses. The organizing committee has established a limited number of tiered partnership opportunities for the Policy Conference and Trade Show. Contact assistantsecretary@bccraftfarmerscoop.com for more information prior to February 25, 2023.
How can I get a booth at the Trade Show?
The Eldorado Resort’s sprawling lakeside location provides some unique trade show displays and booth opportunities. Conference organizers have identified several unique and high-profile locations around the policy conference and resort that are available to partners. Contact assistantsecretary@bccraftfarmerscoop.com for more information prior to February 25, 2023.
Where should I stay?
Passholders and partners get access to exclusive rates from $169/night at the Manteo Resort. Book your stay at the Manteo Resort here.
Where should I eat?
Passholders enjoy access to food and beverages during breaks. However, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not provided. The Eldorado Resort offers various on-site dining options. There will also be food trucks on-site.
Where should I park?
Eldorado Resort is providing free on-site parking for pass holders on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here’s What The Industry is Saying:
“The BC Cannabis Summit is the first of its kind: providing a platform for cannabis retailers, craft farmers, and policy analysts to meaningfully connect. A rising tide lifts all boats – we are stronger together than alone.”
– Anne Forkutza, Head of Strategic Growth at Dutchie
“Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley have been early leaders in understanding the potential of BC’s craft cannabis sector. With a rich agricultural history, outstanding facilities and reputation, Kelowna is a natural choice to host our first conference and trade show.”
– Nicole Post, BCCFC President
“This event is an opportunity to establish our craft farmers and independent retailers as job creators, innovators, and engines of sustainable economic growth that can support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery.”
– Jaclynn Pehota, RCCBC Executive Director
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to support BCCFC and RCCBC and to network with independent BC Cannabis retailers to expand the Weed Pool nationally.”
– Jim Southam, President at Weed Pool
“We’re thrilled to support the collaboration of Canadian cannabis retailers, cultivators, processors, and service providers at the BC Cannabis Summit, to continue to push the industry forward while creating a space for craft cannabis to grow and thrive.”
– Kaya Arai, Senior Account Manager, Nine Point Agency
“The Kootenay Cannabis Development Council is excited to meet up with our peers at this Summit and demonstrate the many and important contributions that cannabis makes to our respective communities’ wealth, health, and cultures.”
– Abra Brynne, Coordinator (she | her), Kootenay Cannabis Development Council
The Canna Golf Classic is an annual series of B2B networking events bringing their guests Canada’s top-rated golf courses, amazing chefs, world-class wines, industry sponsors and host top-level cannabis sales executives. Taking place in Kelowna, this event includes corporate golf, ”Best in Class” food and beverage, live entertainment, awards, product sampling, luxury gift bags, and top tier networking in an inspiring setting.
“Moccasin Trails is very excited to be contributing to this conference. The issue of cannabis is an industry we are discussing at our leadership level in our communities. It is our communities and leadership that will lead us into the future with Cannabis.”
– Greg Hopf, Moccasin Trails
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