Trade shows are about more than just booths, parties, and business cards. On a deeper level, they provide building blocks for growing markets, forging connections, and shaping the future of industries. They’re especially important for young industries that are still maturing and learning how to thrive amid challenges.
Few industries are evolving as rapidly — or face as many challenges — as cannabis. That’s why shows like Cannabis Means Business (CMB) are essential parts of the ecosystem.
What started a decade ago as the Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) has rebranded, adopting a name that better reflects the event’s mission: helping professionals navigate an industry that’s as unpredictable as it is full of opportunity.
CMB is a hub for industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries who want to learn, network, and discover new products, tools, and people that can help them thrive in the present and prepare for the future. Here’s what to expect at the 2025 conference, set to take place June 4–5 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.
A cannabis trade show rooted in evolution
Veteran show organizer Jennifer Hoff joined the team to help CMB focus its strategy and operations for the future. Coming from trade shows for traditional industries, she said the cannabis industry’s vibrancy surprised her at first.
“I come from a trade show background, so my perspective comes from building markets and bringing communities together,” Hoff said. “It amazes me that cannabis has become such an integral part of the mainstream world, sort of like [artificial intelligence]. It’s been creeping in in a way that no one understands yet. I’m excited to be here because the people in the industry are so passionate, and I definitely see how it’s going to be interwoven into bigger and more varied markets as it evolves.”
To meet the evolving industry’s needs and expectations, CMB plans to lead with face-to-face interactions, which Hoff regards as key to building trust within any industry.
“It’s important to slow down and connect, because this space is so chaotic and ever-evolving,” she said. “People are learning how to operate in the standard business world, and markets are growing. There’s this whole ecosystem, and we want to be the ones who establish those connections, showcase some talented brands, and find answers for people looking for them.”
Hoff sees New York as the ideal launchpad for the rebranded event. As one of the world’s most influential business hubs, the city attracts entrepreneurs from all over the globe, making it a particularly important gateway for the budding European and East Coast cannabis markets.
“New York is one of the most significant influencers of international affairs, finance, and business,” Hoff said. “We think there’s an opportunity to really redefine this as our launching year, and then just keep building from here. Everyone is interested in the New York market both domestically and internationally, so this is going to be a really great kickoff.”
What to expect at CMB 2025
Beyond the re-launch, this year’s event is about redefining what a cannabis trade show is meant to be — not just a place to network, but also an opportunity to build the future of the industry with like-minded individuals. Almost every cannabis event promises opportunities for networking and education, but CMB will bring some added elements attendees won’t find anywhere else.
“We are going to incorporate some opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship into day two, starting with our Women’s Lunch,” Hoff said. “We’ll get a few hundred people together to network and share ideas over lunch. From there, we’ve created the Powering Entrepreneurship Lounge, which is designed for women and other groups really trying to be seen in the space.”
On the education side of things, CMB will host deep-dive workshops about AI, which currently is a topic of considerable interest among all industries. A podcast zone will feature some of the top influencers live-streaming interviews with exhibitors and attendees, and a Long Island Cannabis Coalition meeting will take place on the trade show’s grounds.
“We also created some special interest zones, like our Cannabis Capital and Money hub,” Hoff said. “This space will be a chance for people to connect and conduct one-on-one conversations with investors and other financial professionals.”
Of all CMB’s offerings, the networking events are what really “knocked [Hoff’s] socks off” the first time she attended.
“We’ll have a [business-to-business] rooftop bash on Wednesday night, where we’ll have some opportunities for giveaways,” Hoff said. “And then we have our biggest event: a yacht party sponsored by O2VAPETM. It’ll be a four-hour cruise with food, fun, dancing, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Women at the helm
While cannabis traditionally has been a male-dominated industry, Hoff quickly pointed out strong female leaders also are shaping its future.
“There are women at the forefront of this industry: founders, business owners, the people putting programming together,” she said, adding CMB is owned and operated by women.
According to the 2024 report Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry, 39 percent of cannabis executives were female in 2023, up from 22 percent in 2021. Hoff said more than a quarter of cannabis businesses are owned by women. Those statistics inspired her to create opportunities for women to thrive within the CMB’s upcoming show.
“I want people to feel like they belong here, regardless of who they are,” Hoff said. “Just being in the room, being part of the conversation, that’s powerful, and it’s meant for you.”
Where does the show plan to go from here?
Hoff said she sees New York continuing to be a global cannabis hub — not just for the United States but for the entire global industry. With international players watching closely, she believes CMB is positioned to become a major force in cannabis networking and education. Looking ahead, this means potential for regional meetups, more specialized programming, and an even greater focus on bridging the gap between cannabis and mainstream business sectors.
“It’s a building year,” she said. “But I think we’re on the edge of something big. For those looking to tap into the future of cannabis, CMB is where the conversation starts.”
