The inaugural Cannabis Tourism Summit took place at the Blue Mountain Resort in 2019. Here’s everything you need to know about this one-day conference. Is it worth attending?
One of the positive outcomes of cannabis legalization in Canada is the opportunity to combine travel with the emerging world of cannabis. That’s exactly what the first-ever Cannabis Tourism Summit aimed to showcase.
The New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit 2019 was held at the picturesque Blue Mountain Resort, located northwest of Collingwood in the province of Ontario.
This article will highlight some of the key features of this one-day cannabis event and help you decide whether it’s worth your attendance.
Read on to discover more!
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What is the Cannabis Tourism Summit?
The New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit is described as a “one-day tourism leadership conference.”
The event aims to bring together individuals who are interested in cannabis tourism and provide them with comprehensive insights into Canada’s emerging cannabis industry.
Through a series of conference sessions, the Cannabis Tourism Summit covers topics such as legal information, product creation and marketing strategies, and social media guidance.
This all-day conference is organized by JLM Marketing, in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
A special mention goes out to JLM and Marigold Marketing for their incredible support and hospitality before and during the event!
“More events have been happening since cannabis legalization, and it’s becoming more mainstream. A lot of Canadians are trying to find their piece of the pie, and it’s amazing what people come up with.”
Katie Pringle – Marigold Marketing
What does the Cannabis Tourism Summit offer?
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The Cannabis Tourism Summit promises a “highly active and inspirational day.” It offers engaging conversations, presentations, and demonstrations by industry leaders.
The event takes place at the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre and runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
It features speakers, panel discussions, and demonstrations scheduled throughout the day, with breaks for refreshments, lunch, and networking opportunities. The event also includes a marketplace area where businesses can showcase their cannabis-related products.
Speakers at the first New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit include marketing experts from the aforementioned companies, as well as Wendy Forwell from Cannabis Hotels.
Other prominent presenters included David Brott from the Cannabis Cooking Company, Miz D from Dvibz, and Jacquie Court from Wine, Women, and Weed.
The one-day experience
To begin with, the organizers lucked out with perfect weather when selecting the date and venue for the event at Blue Mountain Resort. (They even offered a discounted group rate on resort accommodations, considering the distance from Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.)
Despite being held in late October, the warm and sunny weather added to the laid-back atmosphere of the conference.
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The vibe
Upon arrival, the organizers warmly welcomed attendees. We arrived just before lunchtime and had a glimpse inside the conference room.
The room was set up banquet-style, with a stage at the front. Most attendees were dressed in casual or business-casual attire, and the overall ambiance was laid-back and relaxed.
The lobby area provided water, coffee, tea, and light refreshments, with small tables for networking. Nearby, the marketplace area featured a few stalls displaying various products.
The exhibitors
While we didn’t have the chance to connect with all the featured guests, majority of the speakers and demonstrators were involved in some aspect of cannabis tourism.
The event had a mix of business and marketing professionals, as well as experts deeply involved in the cannabis and cannabis tourism industry.
The presentations covered a range of topics, from collaborative panels and Q&As to workshops and even a mouth-watering cooking demonstration.
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Networking
Though the New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit is a one-day conference, ample networking opportunities were available throughout the event. Breaks for lunch and refreshments were ideal for connecting with fellow industry professionals. Additionally, outside the conference room, attendees could be found engaging in smoke sessions, providing additional chances for networking.
The laid-back environment made it easy to strike up conversations and build connections.
Who should attend the New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit?
The Cannabis Tourism Summit is specifically designed for individuals interested in the field of cannabis tourism. If you’re new to the industry and looking to explore opportunities or expand your knowledge, this event can provide valuable insights and expert advice.
The conference is also relevant for those interested in Canada’s evolving tourism scene or who own businesses related to the tourism industry.
While many cannabis enthusiasts may be interested in the tourism aspect, it’s important to note that this event caters primarily to industry professionals. Like any conference, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Who should skip the event?
Although described as laid-back, the New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit is more suited for individuals already working in, or seriously interested in, the cannabis tourism industry.
Moreover, keep in mind that this is an actual conference. If you’re not a fan of conference-style events, take some time to consider if it aligns with your preferences.
In addition, regular tickets to the event cost around $300 CAD, which may be a significant expense for regular consumers or grassroots start-ups. Therefore, make sure to evaluate the lineup of presenters and the overall value of the event before purchasing a ticket.
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In Conclusion
The New Heights Cannabis Tourism Summit provides a refreshing and authentic perspective on the cannabis tourism industry. While the focus lies on the business side and industry growth, the people involved are approachable and down-to-earth, making this sector of the cannabis industry more inviting than others.
After attending the event, we left feeling tired but excited about the future of cannabis tourism.
So, will you be attending the next Cannabis Tourism Summit?
