As hemp industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and advocates prepare to convene at the 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo, the world’s most comprehensive hemp business conference and trade show, on March 29-31, 2023, at the historic Broadmoor Resort & Convention Center in Colorado Springs, nominations are open for two special events: the annual WAFBA Awards of Excellence and the annual Hemp Pitch Competition.
Hemp industry members are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals and/or groups to be recognized at the WAFBA Awards of Excellence Celebration and Welcome Party on the evening of Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 – 9:00 pm, the first day of NoCo Hemp Expo. Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:
Legacy Award
This award is to honor a remarkable person whose legacy in industrial hemp has and will continue to empower, influence and inspire others. Their perseverance has remained steady through challenges they may have faced over time.
Elevation Award (Advancing the Industry Through Impeccable Leadership)
Someone who drives the industry forward by breaking down barriers, thus paving the way for others. They are an advocate who focuses on developing others while being committed to their own personal development. Their impact goes beyond the industry.
Mother Earth Award (Lady of Agriculture)
A woman whose entrepreneurial spirit has ushered in a new era of business leaders through her skills and execution in agriculture. She is a visionary who has cultivated relationships through education, inclusivity and collaboration.
Best New Tech Award / Tech Innovation
A person or group whose work is at the forefront with game-changing technical tools for improvement and impact to further the hemp industry, whose brand has grown markedly over the last year, whose product or services fill a gap in the market or both.
Carbon Solution Award
Acting as a change agent by creating ways to reduce carbon emissions with their own practices and/or products and leading the way in lowering their carbon footprint while providing direction for others to do the same in the joint effort against the carbon crisis.
Community Economic Impact Award
Someone who has demonstrated extraordinary stewardship by positively impacting their community through job creation and opportunity, contributing to clean-up, strengthening financial stability, inclusivity and leading by example.
Entries Open for NoCo Hemp Pitch Competition
In addition to the WAFBA Awards of Excellence celebration, this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo also will feature the Second Annual NoCo Hemp Pitch on Wednesday, March 30, 3:30-5:00 pm MST, when six finalist companies will vie for prizes, including legal fees and other services.
Sponsored by Michael Best, a leading law firm serving the hemp and cannabis markets, the NoCo Hemp Pitch competition features six finalist companies looking to elevate their business and get the exposure and resources they need to take their brand or idea to the next level. Prizes include more than $5,000 in value in legal fees and other services.
The finalists will have six minutes to pitch in front of a live audience and will be judged by hemp industry start-up consultants, attorneys and investors. Submissions for the competition are due by Friday, March 3, and can be made by completing the form here.
“NoCo recognizes the unique challenges of the hemp industry, and we are looking forward to celebrating again this year hemp founders, game changers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and others who are making a difference,” said Morris Beegle, Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo, and President and Founder of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
The post Nominations Now Open for NoCo9 Hemp Industry Awards & Hemp Pitch Competition first appeared on Let’s Talk Hemp.