MJBizCon 2025: Dope Guide to Cannabis’ Biggest Stage

Las Vegas is not an easy city for a trade show. It’s loud, distracting, and exhausting. But once a year, it’s where the cannabis industry gathers in full force — and if you work in this space, you have to deal with it. MJBizCon is too important to sit out.

The show is massive, the opportunities are real, and the people you need to meet are all there. The trick is showing up prepared while leaving enough room for the unexpected.

Plan Ahead — But Leave Space

The single best way to waste your MJBizCon is to walk in without a plan. Do yourself a favor and lock down your must-have meetings before you even hit the ground. But don’t overstuff your calendar. Leave room in between commitments — that’s when you stumble into someone you’ve been meaning to meet, or end up at the booth you didn’t know you needed. Serendipity only works if you give it space.

Know Your Story

Everyone in Vegas is pitching something, and the ones who cut through the noise do it quickly and clearly. You’ll be asked “what do you do?” dozens of times — maybe hundreds. Have a version you can deliver in 15 seconds, and a second version that takes a couple of minutes when someone shows real interest. Practice it, own it, and don’t let jargon get in the way.

Pace Yourself — Including Cannabis

MJBizCon is a marathon, not a sprint. Between the Expo floor, networking events, and the Vegas nightlife, it’s easy to burn out fast. Eat real food, drink water, sneak in a power nap if you can. And let’s be honest: this is a cannabis conference. You’re going to be offered joints, dabs, edibles, and everything in between. Know your limits. Nothing derails a good meeting faster than overindulging the night before.

Think Beyond the Booth

The Expo floor is the anchor of the show, but the best conversations often happen outside of it. Dinners, mixers, hotel lobby bars, and unofficial parties are where deals get moving and partnerships are born. Don’t underestimate the side programming — but also don’t try to do it all. Pick the events that make the most sense for you and show up ready to engage.

Invest in the Right Events

Not every side event is worth your time. Some are glorified parties; others are stacked with the exact people you need to meet. Do your homework, ask around, and choose wisely. A smaller, curated gathering often beats the big bash when it comes to real business value.

Follow Up or It Didn’t Happen

The show ends fast, and the blur of Vegas means people forget even faster. If you meet someone worth talking to again, follow up within a day or two. A quick personal note is enough to remind them of the conversation and keep momentum alive. Letting those business cards pile up in your bag without action is the same as not going at all.

Take Care of Your Team

If you’re attending with colleagues, make sure you’re not all chasing the same people. Divide and conquer. Share notes at the end of each day so you don’t miss opportunities. And don’t forget: everyone’s exhausted. A little teamwork goes a long way in making sure nobody burns out.

Practical Tips for Surviving Vegas:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet all day, and walking the Expo floor is only part of it — navigating Vegas itself means long walks everywhere you go.
• Drink water constantly. The desert air and hotel AC dry you out quickly, and dehydration can sneak up fast.
• Bring lip balm and moisturizer. They sound like small things, but you’ll be glad you packed them.
• Carry a portable charger and extra cords so your phone never dies in the middle of the floor or at an event.
• Keep a stash of snacks like nuts or protein bars. Food lines get long and skipping meals will catch up with you.
• Make time for a workout if you can. Breaking a sweat helps reset your body and mind during a long, draining week.
• Don’t forget to eat real meals. It’s tempting to run on coffee and adrenaline, but sitting down for food keeps you grounded and energized.
• Pack a lightweight bag to carry materials, swag, and anything else you pick up throughout the day.

Bottom Line

MJBizCon is chaotic, crowded, and overwhelming — and that’s exactly why it works. If you plan enough to cover the basics, pace yourself, respect your limits, and follow up like it matters, you can turn a few exhausting days in Las Vegas into a year’s worth of real opportunities.