The Year So Far: Cannabis Event Highlights

The StashStock team kicked off 2026 with a strong presence across several key events, connecting with operators in both established and emerging markets. Each stop offered a different perspective on where the industry is heading and what operators are prioritizing as they scale.

Ignite It New Jersey

Ignite It New Jersey brought together operators, service providers, and industry leaders for a focused look at one of the East Coast’s fastest-evolving markets in February. The event created a strong balance between education and networking, with conversations centered around operational efficiency, compliance, and what it takes to scale successfully in New Jersey’s competitive landscape.

Lucky Leaf Minnesota was another standout event in February, highlighting a key moment for one of the country’s newest markets. With the state continuing its rollout, there was a noticeable mix of excitement and uncertainty among operators preparing to enter the space. Events like this play a critical role in helping businesses understand the landscape, connect with local partners, and begin building the infrastructure needed to succeed long term.

Sneakerball 2026

The Great Lakes Expungement Network (GLEN) Sneakerball stood out as one of the most meaningful events of the quarter, bringing together the cannabis community in Detroit for a night that blended fashion, sneaker culture, and purpose. Known for its “drip + purpose” vibe, the event encourages guests to pair formalwear with their best sneakers while supporting GLEN’s mission to provide free legal services that help individuals clear cannabis-related and other eligible offenses. The 2026 Sneakerball, held in March and backed by strong industry support from sponsors, featured live entertainment, a silent auction, and more—creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and impactful.

NECANN Boston

NECANN Boston brought together a wide range of East Coast operators navigating one of the most competitive and tightly regulated markets in the country. In addition to time on the show floor, StashStock was proud to be involved in Cultivate & Create Rail Jam, hosted by Industree Standard at New Dia Fenway. The event created a unique setting to connect with the community outside the convention center, blending culture, creativity, and cannabis in a way that reflects the energy of the Boston market. Across both the conference and off-site events, conversations consistently centered around efficiency, compliance, and how operators can continue to scale in an increasingly mature landscape.

Upcoming 2026 Cannabis Event Calendar

Looking ahead, the 2026 event calendar is packed with opportunities to engage with the industry. These upcoming events are where connections are made and the next phase of growth takes shape.

Meet. Connect. Puff.

Taking place May 14 in Detroit, Meet. Connect. Puff. is one of Michigan’s premier B2B cannabis networking events, bringing together cultivators, processors, retailers, and key decision-makers for a day focused on product procurement, partnerships, and industry connections. With a strong emphasis on cannabis, community, and culture, MCP offers a high-energy environment for operators looking to grow their network and strengthen their presence in Michigan’s evolving market.

Ignite It

Ignite It is emerging as a standout event as the Midwest gains momentum as a cannabis hub, known for its strong operator presence and practical, no-nonsense approach. Blending education with meaningful networking, the event focuses on real-world challenges and actionable insights rather than theory, making it highly relevant for attendees at all stages. Taking place June 14–15 in Chicago, it brings together both established operators and newcomers, offering a valuable opportunity to stay connected to the pulse of the Midwest market.

Lucky Leaf Expo Series

The Lucky Leaf Expo series is a go-to for operators looking to establish themselves in emerging markets. With events hosted in states that are still in the early stages of legalization and rollout, Lucky Leaf offers a unique ground-level view of how new cannabis ecosystems are forming. What makes these events especially valuable is their regional focus. For anyone looking to enter a new state early, Lucky Leaf provides both the context and the connections needed to do it right. Upcoming events include Dallas, TX (June 27-28), Philadelphia, PA (August 6-7), and Richmond, VA (August 27-28).

NECANN

NECANN is one of the most established and influential cannabis event series in the U.S., with a multi-state presence that offers a broad view of how the industry is evolving across regional markets. Known for bringing together operators, service providers, regulators, and advocates, each event creates a space where education, policy, and business intersect—while still reflecting the unique dynamics of its local market. With a strong sense of community across its network, NECANN continues to be a key touchpoint for industry connection and insight, with upcoming events in New Jersey (September 18–19), Rhode Island (September 25–26), and Virginia (October 1–2).

Hall of Flowers

Hall of Flowers continues to be a high-value cannabis event, offering a highly curated experience that focuses on connecting top-tier brands with verified buyers. The event prioritizes meaningful conversations around product placement, branding, and retail strategy—giving brands direct access to key buyers and helping retailers efficiently discover products that fit their shelves. With events on both coasts, it continues to draw operators nationwide, including its upcoming New York show on October 21–22 and Sacramento event on November 5-6.

MJBizCon

MJBizCon continues to be the largest and most influential cannabis business conference in the world. While the sheer size of the event can be overwhelming, it also creates unmatched opportunities to connect with a wide range of industry participants in a short amount of time.

Beyond the expo floor, MJBizCon is where much of the real business happens. Meetings, dinners, and after-hours events often lead to the most meaningful conversations and partnerships. It’s a place to reconnect with existing partners, meet new ones, and gain a broader perspective on where the industry is heading. For many, it serves as both a year-end reflection point and a launchpad for the year ahead.

The Value of In-Person Cannabis Events

In cannabis, relationships remain at the core of how business gets done—and in-person events continue to be one of the most effective ways to build them. While digital tools have made communication more accessible, they haven’t replaced the trust, nuance, and momentum that come from face-to-face interaction.

Events create space for real conversations—where ideas are tested, strategies are refined, and insights are shared openly among peers navigating similar challenges. They also offer a clearer, real-time view of how the industry is evolving across markets, often ahead of what’s reflected in reports or online discussions.

For operators focused on staying competitive, these moments aren’t just valuable—they’re a key part of how growth happens. We hope to see you at the next one!

Why StashStock?

StashStock is a Michigan-based technology and compliance solutions provider serving the medical and recreational cannabis industry across the United States. Specializing in Metrc-integrated solutions for growers, processors, and retailers, we help license holders maintain compliance, streamline operations, and reduce labor costs. As a Metrc-recommended top integrator, we focus on proactive compliance solutions that make regulatory tracking effortless—ensuring businesses stay compliant with Metrc and state agencies with ease.