What started as a modest gathering for New York’s emerging cannabis community has transformed into one of the most dynamic B2B events in the industry. The Cannabis Means Business (CMB) Conference & Expo—now heading into its eleventh year—returns to the Javits Center in New York City this June, boasting a sharpened focus on business development, deal flow, and global cannabis connectivity.
According to Chris Day, co-founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective and industry advisor to CMB, the event’s evolution mirrors the maturing cannabis marketplace it serves. “The ten-year history of the show has tracked along with the changes in the cannabis industry,” he said. “It started as a hub for the cannabis community to gather and connect before New York legalization took hold and has grown into a premier event for driving deals and connecting decision makers across the supply chain.”
The Heart of Cannabis Business—In the Heart of Business
The choice of venue is no coincidence. The Javits Center, an iconic hub in one of the world’s financial capitals, sets the stage for serious conversations and serious deals. “New York represents opportunity,” Day said. “You can’t do that from any city other than New York.”
With the Empire State’s adult-use market gaining momentum and neighboring states ramping up operations, CMB serves as a regional magnet and a national launchpad. “If you are in a market near New York or want to serve one of the fastest-growing cannabis markets in the world, you should be at CMB,” he added.
AI, Access, and Activations: What to Expect in 2025
While many cannabis expos serve as networking mixers in disguise, CMB takes a deliberate approach to content and education. The 2025 agenda dives deep into actionable intelligence, with pre-conference workshops on everything from AI-powered cultivation and resource optimization to global brand development.
“People often get stuck thinking AI is just ChatGPT cranking out social media posts,” Day said. “But AI is being used in antimicrobial detection, quality control, efficacy data consolidation—real tools that impact speed to market.”
On the show floor, attendees will find dedicated spaces for exploring future retail concepts, capital access strategies, and the ever-important grow zone. The idea is to foster connections that translate into real-world outcomes, whether you’re an operator, entrepreneur, or investor.
Equity and Innovation Side by Side
Staying true to its community roots, CMB continues to make space for underrepresented voices and social equity entrepreneurs. A Women in Cannabis Luncheon—second only in popularity to the show’s sold-out yacht party—spotlights gender-based challenges and celebrates industry trailblazers. The event also hosts a job fair to help people explore new pathways into cannabis careers.
“It’s not just about hitting a profit number,” Day emphasized. “It’s about building a responsible and equitable industry. We’re in a critical time where we must be bold operators and strong advocates.”
Partnerships with Purpose
As the cannabis industry professionalizes, collaboration is increasingly valued—even among competitors.
“I’m an enormous advocate for the notion of collaborative partnership to expand our industry’s ecosystem,” Day said. “CMB is designed to be that hub of connection.”
To that end, the event is stacked with sponsor activations and partner-driven programming. Organizations like NORML are teaming up on advocacy-driven rooftop events, while other partners bring financial resources and tech innovation to the forefront. A full list of sponsors and collaborators is available on the event website, cannabismeansbusiness.com.
The Yacht, the Rooftop, and the Rolodex
For first-timers, Day’s advice is simple: plan ahead and don’t skip the networking. “The parties have a purpose,” he noted. “The O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party brings together C-level execs and decision makers to create real deal flow.”
The networking isn’t limited to cocktails and skyline views. With a curated attendee list of industry leaders from across North America, South America, Europe, and beyond, the event positions itself as a true global exchange.
CMB’s Global Vision
As legalization spreads and international cannabis commerce heats up, the role of events like CMB is shifting. No longer just a place to shake hands, CMB is evolving into a nexus for global trade and strategic partnerships.
“In the next three to five years, the Cannabis Means Business Conference will expand its reach even further,” Day predicted. “It will continue to be the premier connectivity event, bringing together stakeholders from every continent where cannabis is taking root.”
That includes growing ties to Latin America, Europe, and emerging markets in Africa and Asia. New York’s unique status as a global crossroads makes it the ideal launchpad.
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What You Might Not Know
While the panels, parties, and prestige make headlines, Day believes the true magic of CMB lies in its purpose-driven foundation. “There is no cannabis market that doesn’t require us to acknowledge the advocacy work that made it possible,” he said. “That spirit lives on in everything we do.”
