Bruce Barcott is the author of the Leafly Cannabis Jobs Report, the only comprehensive audit that tracks job creation and growth in the cannabis industry in the absence of federal-level reporting, and will provide an analysis regarding the current state of the cannabis labor force. Barcott is the author of "Weed the People: The Future of Legal Marijuana in America" and a Guggenheim fellow. In this presentation, Bruce will present the findings of the 2020 Cannabis Jobs Report, including overall takeaways, state-by-state insights, and year-over-year trends.

As the Industry gains steam M&A activity has predictably heated up with well-capitalized players looking at acquisition as a faster means to scale regionally and into new product verticals. Our panel of sellers, buyers, and bankers will discuss recent market activity and share their thoughts on near term trends and long-term predictions from differing perspectives.

The cannabis regulatory landscape is currently made up of complex local, state, and federal regulations. In the U.S., interstate commerce is illegal, and therefore, each state must establish individual supply chains. As legalization spreads, this situation will change, and when it does, the industry will restructure itself. Businesses looking to remain profitable in the long term will need to strategize for both interstate and international expansion. In this session, Nic Easley, CEO of 3C Consulting and CEO & Managing Director of Multiverse Capital, will walk both entrepreneurs and investors through how to plan for and determine the best current and future opportunities. Topics will include regional advantages in taxes, compliance, cultivation, production, and distribution. Nic will also discuss how California's market will be applicable for the industry's long game.

Cannabinol (cbd) has exploded into mainstream retail and pop culture. However, the fledgling Industry faces massive challenges including commoditization, fractured regulation, and lack of oversight which threaten growth and the ultimate sustainability of this offshoot Industry. Our panel of successful operators will discuss navigating the complexities and trends of this dynamic, fast growing segment.

Industry growth is being propelled by advances from purpose-made innovations. Novel hardware, software, and other IP provide efficiency, scale, and sales channels to help operators navigate our hyper-regulated Industry. Our panel of leading entrepreneurs and tech executives will discuss the impact and differentiation provided by tech, and its impact on industry competition.

Dave Branfman, Esq. (Branfman Mayfield Bustarde Reichenthal LLP) will provide a brief update on some of the major changes that have taken place in the last year in the arena of intellectual property ("IP") law and cannabis that will help sharpen your strategies for creating, protecting and monetizing your IP as the industry rapidly morphs into a mature business sector.

Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships is vital to success for all cannabis companies. Collaborating with the right partner(s) can literally be the difference between a company becoming a titan of the cannabis industry or fizzling. Panelists will discuss tips and tricks for seeking out the right partnership, as well as potential pitfalls that entrepreneurs should avoid.

Providing a world-class cannabis product or service is only part of the equation for cannabis industry success. Your product or service cannot be viable if no one knows about it. Panelists will share their tips, tricks, and insight to educate you about the best ways to get your company in front of the right people in a way that will have a lasting impact.