The 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo, the world’s most comprehensive hemp business conference and trade show, featured speakers from all over the hemp business world, who came together to move the industry forward with examinations of policy, processing, supply chain and opportunity. Over three days of programming, speakers and workshops focused on the need for a united voice if the industry is to achieve its potential.
In his opening remarks, show producer Morris Beegle noted that industry leaders agree on 95% of what needs to be done to advance the hemp supply chain. “We need to leave the 5% behind and join hands to march with one voice to make this hemp industry what we know it can be,” he said.
Longtime industry leader and cannabis legal expert Bob Hoban echoed the message, urging hemp industry participants to look at their competition as “co-opetition” and reminding the audience that the hemp supply chain is complex. “Everyone is under the misconception that they can do things on their own,” he said.
Unprecedented Partnership and Collaboration
Jared Stanley, chief operating officer of CBD company Charlotte’s Web, said partnerships like the one his firm has with Major League Baseball will propel the hemp industry’s success. “Education is the foundation of our partnership,” he said. Stanley also noted that the company’s mission and vision “aligned” with the MLB’s, with both organizations dedicated to player wellness. It is the first such partnership for a CBD brand and a national athletic league.
In an unprecedented meeting, over 50 participants from more than 10 hemp advocacy and policy organizations gathered to emphasize the points where they agree on moving federal policy ahead. U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller opened the meeting by saying that he hoped participants would stay positive and work together to gain more policy advantages for the industry.
Expo producer Morris Beegle was upbeat.
“I have always focused on optimism, positivity and bringing industry stakeholders together,” Beegle said. “I’m pleased with the energy and outcome of this year’s three-day show.”
NoCo Hemp Expo will take place again next year at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, from March 20-22, 2024.
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, Patagonia Led Distinguished Group of Sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo is pleased to recognize our Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor First Citizens Bank. “Having a leading, agriculture-focused financial institution such as First Citizens Bank, with its 100-plus-year history of serving farmers and ag-related businesses, step up and serve as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it’s needed most,” said Beegle. “We’re also thrilled to welcome EarthX as our Environmental NGO partner and Patagonia as Sustainable Apparel Sponsor. Additional lead sponsors include Global Fiber Processing, Michael Best, CannaConsortium, Advanced Bio-Materials Technologies, Divita Hemp Block & Weaving Vibes. We are very excited about these categories that bring focus to areas where hemp can make a difference in sustainability and improving the environment.”
2024 NoCo10 Announced
The 10th NoCo event will be held at The Broadmoor from March 20-22, 2024. To exhibit or sponsor, click here.
About NoCo Hemp Expo
For a decade, NoCo Hemp Expo — the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp exposition and conference — has brought together international business and government leaders, academics, nonprofits, media and the public to collaborate on important initiatives, opportunities and solutions for the future of a crop and an industry that can have significant positive impact on human, animal and planetary health.
NoCo is produced by We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), a leading organization dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education and legalization. WAFBA also is the publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp, the industry’s leading news source. Learn more about the hemp and cannabis industry and subscribe to the latest news at www.letstalkhemp.com.
The post NoCo9 Speakers Urge Industry Unity Moving Forward first appeared on Let’s Talk Hemp.