ICBC SAN FRANCISCO 2019 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2020
9:00 International Cannabis Business Conference Overview
Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference, welcomes conference attendees and provides an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers that will be providing presentations and interviews.
9:15 Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard will be providing a keynote speech and update on federal cannabis policy via Skype . Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is a champion for cannabis policy in Congress and has been since she was first elected in 2013. During her tenure in Congress Gabbard has introduced and sponsored a number of cannabis reform bills.
9:45 California Cannabis Industry Regulatory Overview with Lori Ajax
California is home to the largest cannabis market in the United States. Lori Ajax, Chief of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control, provides an update on the latest regulatory changes and news regarding California’s evolving cannabis industry.
10:00 Words Matter: Communicating with Industry Stakeholders
The legal California cannabis market has been a roller coaster ride over the past two years. And if you think it’s been tough for operators to stay on top of all the twists and turns, how about the folks behind the scenes communicating with them? Come hear the stories and learn about the challenges associated with getting information and guidance out quickly to the diverse group of stakeholders that make up this industry.
10:45 How to Differentiate in the Crowded CBD Industry
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.
11:30 Cannabis Industry Mergers And Acquisitions
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.
12:15 The Long Game: Which Business Types Will Remain Profitable in an Age of Federal Legalization and International Expansion?
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.
1:00 Break
2:15 The Evolution of Cannabis Sales and Distribution in California
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.
3:00 Growing Like A Weed- Intellectual Property Law & Cannabis Update
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.
3:15 Tech Steering the Cannabis Industry
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.
4:00 Forming Strategic Partnerships in The Cannabis Space
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.
