This fall, a new breed of trade show aims to bring serious discussion and an atmosphere of cutting-edge innovation to the cannabis industry in a way that hasn’t been done before.
“We want this to be the ‘TechCrunch Disrupt’ of cannabis. It is a natural fit that we bring a disruptive technology conference to this very rapidly growing and emerging marketplace, and we’re proud to be the ones who are doing it.”
Focused on developments in technology, media, and investing in the cannabis space, the New West Summit will take place Nov. 20 and 21 in downtown San Francisco, arguably the global epicenter of new technology development. Merging San Francisco’s cosmopolitan style, Oakland’s urban flavor, and Silicon Valley’s science, the Summit will bring together media, investors, and the most advanced brands in cannabis from across the country.
“We’ve gotten an overwhelming response to our “disruptor” focus, from both mainstream media and within the community, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the re-branding of the cannabis industry,” said Dean Arbit, co-founder of the event.
New West Summit’s other co-founder, Jim McAlpine, has been a successful entrepreneur in the internet space for almost 20 years. “To be able to transition from my decades in the Silicon Valley tech landscape to the forward-moving and progressive cannabis industry has been a great experience,” he said. “We want this to be the ‘TechCrunch Disrupt‘ of cannabis. It is a natural fit that we bring a disruptive technology conference to this very rapidly growing and emerging marketplace, and we’re proud to be the ones who are doing it.”
Apart from the Bay Area’s prestigious reputation for tech innovation, the region has always been a hotbed for cannabis culture as well, with Oakland acting as the Amsterdam of the West Coast for the past decade in terms of tourism and relaxed policy.
Several factors go into throwing an effective trade show for cannabis, and in the case of the New West Summit, founders Jim McAlpine and Dean Arbit have done an outstanding job of creating something new and unique that will stand the test of time.
Buzzworthy
Getting the mainstream business and tech media interested in a cannabis event is no easy task, though it’s starting to become more common. New West Summit packs a promising lineup of media partners for the event, both within and outside of our niche.
If you’re looking to speak with members of the technology and business press, this conference could be your best bet. Both Bloomberg and CNET will be in attendance covering the trends in disruptive cannabis innovation, as well as the San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.
Cannabis-focused media in attendance will include Cashinbis, Culture Magazine, DOPE Magazine, Smell The Truth, Green Flower Media, and more. Elite Daily, a culture blog popular with millennials, will be covering the event too, but based on their track record we’re guessing the focus will be more cultural than business-oriented.
Educational
On the speaker panels, some of the best minds in the industry will mix with some fresh faces, offering up new insight for cannabis businesses and prospective entrepreneurs.
Attendees can look forward to targeted presentations from founders like Cy Scott (Leafly/Headset), Steve DeAngelo (Harborside Health Center), Isaac Dietrich (Massroots), and Keith McCarty (Eaze), in addition to some important figureheads in the cannabis digital media space.
Typically, a cannabis expo will cover several random topics related to business, cultivation, and policy, but New West Summit has planned out exclusive panels that will address trends in consumer apps, sustainability, vape tech, cannabis-infused products, business software, and industry-specific editorial content in much more detail than the community is used to.
Fun
Somewhere along the line, did we forget that these events are supposed to be a good time for all the participants? Summit passes include admission to a live concert at the end of the weekend by reggae performer Pato Banton.
In addition to the provided entertainment, the stacked exhibitor floor means that there will be plenty of industry professionals (and investors) to shake hands and brainstorm with.
Want to work with us at the event on a video project for your brand? We’ll be conducting interviews all weekend long, and can work with you on an individual basis on creating company-specific content. Contact us or go to NewWestSummit.com to get involved with this one-of-a-kind event.
