Business Conference & Investment Summit
Thursday – March 24, 2022
10am-5pm
The Let’s Talk Hemp Business Conference & Investment Summit features industry professionals discussing what’s next for hemp business owners, investors, entrepreneurs and the future of the hemp industry.
Hemp Pitch Sponsor
Breakout Room Sponsor
Thursday
Let’s Talk Hemp Business Conference
(schedule subject to change – updated weekly)
MC – 10:30am-4:30pm – Ian Terry, The Topical Co.
| 10:30am-10:40am | Welcome to NoCo8 – A Revolution Rising Morris Beegle, WAFBA Lizzy Knight , WAFBA |
As 2022 finds a maturing, evolving, transforming hemp industry, NoCo Hemp Expo producers, hosts and cofounders Elizabeth Knight and Morris Beegle offer a warm welcome to the industrial hemp community, along with information and tips on how to enjoy a productive, profitable and safe event. |
| 10:45am-10:55am | NIHC Update: The National Industrial Hemp Council Patrick Atagi, National Industrial Hemp Council |
Patrick Atagi, President and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council, will brief the industry on the association’s initiatives in leading national policy, public education and advocacy for industrial hemp. |
| 11:00am-11:15am | Hemp: A Building Block for Resilient Communities Judy Wicks, All Together Now |
As we face climate emergency and the vulnerability of global supply chains, the versatile hemp plant can play an important role in building regional self-reliance by producing materials that address many basic needs. Presenting a model applicable to other states, Judy Wicks, founder of Philadelphia’s legendary White Dog Café and All Together Now PA, will describe the work being done in Pennsylvania to build resilient regional economies, while demonstrating the values we need to survive an uncertain future: cooperation, generosity, and win-win relationships with each other and our natural world. |
| 11:20am-11:50am | Hemp Opportunities – Food, Fiber and Cannabinoids Moderator: Joy Beckerman, Hemp Ace International Chad Rosen, Victory Hemp Foods Andrea Holmes, Precision Plant Molecules Sergiy Kovalenkov, Hempire USA |
Horizons are expanding for the uses of hemp, and while CBD took center stage for a while, hemp for food and fiber usage is exploding. Meanwhile, consumer and industry interest in the benefits of cannabinoids is expanding beyond CBD. Learn more from the diverse expertise presented in this discussion. |
| 11:55am-12:10pm | H is for Hemp Maren Krings, Climate Impact Storyteller |
Noted German photographer and author Maren Krings will present award-winning photography and stories from all over the world from her new book, H is for Hemp, chronicling the renewal of industrial hemp as a global agricultural crop. |
| 12:15pm-12:30pm | The Eco-Fashion Opportunity Marci Zaroff, Eco Fashion Corp |
Educator, author, model, fashion designer and lifestyle entrepreneur Marci Zaroff coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995, and since then she has been instrumental in building the market for sustainable and organic clothing and home products. A key figure in the development of GOTS – the Global Organic Textile Standard – Marci also is a board member of the Organic Trade Association. Marci will share her story and explore hemp’s role in changing fashion. |
| 1:30pm-1:40pm | Gov. Jared Polis: Welcome to Colorado, Center of the U.S. Hemp Industry Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado |
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a longtime supporter of and advocate for the hemp and cannabis industry, kicks off the 8th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo with a keynote “state of the hemp union” address. |
| 1:45pm-2:05pm | Global Industry Update Bob Hoban, Clark Hill |
Representing and defending the hemp industry’s interests has brought leading attorney Bob Hoban around the world. From Europe to Asia to Africa, the U.S., India, Latin America and more, Bob has his pulse on global markets, regulation and policy affecting hemp. Here, Bob will share his stories, perspectives and the opportunities ahead for the global hemp market. |
| 2:10pm-2:50pm | Shelf Interest: The State of Hemp and Retailing Moderator: Todd Runestad, New Hope Network Alan Lewis, Natural Grocers Franny Tacy, Franny’s Farmacy Jessica Mulligan, Winged CBD Jeff Cole, US Hemp Brokerage |
Hemp and CBD products are sold across a number of channels, from independent natural products retailers to wellness apothecaries and dispensaries, where customer education is key. Groundbreaking franchises and online retailers, too, have opened the market for hemp products. Learn from leaders in the field how to take advantage of retail markets for hemp-derived supplements, functional foods and related products. |
| 2:55pm-3:35pm | Level Up Your Operations Moderator: Liz Geisleman, 710 Spirits Rocco Ianapollo, Cannabis Kitchen Supply Kara Lavaux, Allay Consulting Rob Wirtz, Mach Technologies Bill Gorman, Huber USA |
A perspective from industry experts of the Canna Consortium into improved operational profitability in this ever-changing regulatory and challenging supply chain climate. This conversation is designed to deliver you the hottest information and ask the questions you need answered so you and your company are not left out in the cold. |
| 3:40pm-4:20pm | 2022 Regulatory and Compliance Update
Sponsored by the US Hemp Roundtable
Moderator: Josh Hendrix, Driftless Extracts Jonathan Miller, General Council, US Hemp Roundtable |
Today, there are a number of congressional bills and legislative and regulatory activity that can have an impact the hemp industry. Join this expert panel for an overview and analysis of key political, policy and regulatory activity that require the hemp industry’s attention, and how producers and marketers of CBD and other cannabinoids, in particular, can remain compliant in the face of USDA, FDA, EPA and other regulatory oversight. |
| 4:25pm-4:30pm | Closing Remarks Ian Terry, The Topical Co. |
Ian Terry is Founder and CEO of Cannaissance Creative, a cannabis data and IP company that provides operational support and services across sectors. Formerly the Laboratory Manager at Elixinol, Ian also is the co-founder of Crafts Unbranded, a product innovation, formulation and manufacturing firm that provides upport to retail cannabis businesses. |
Thursday
Let’s Talk Hemp Investment Summit
(schedule subject to change – updated weekly)
MC 10:50am-5:00pm – Sean Murphy, Kompassion, Inc.
| 10:50am-11:00am | Welcome Sean Murphy, Kompassion, Inc. |
Sean Murphy, Founder of Hemp Business Journal and President of Kompassion Inc., will offer a warm welcome to the industrial hemp community, along with information and tips on how to enjoy a productive, profitable and safe Investor Summit. |
| 11:05am-11:25am | Whitney Economics Hemp Market Growth Forecast Beau Whitney, Whitney Economics |
Get the latest market forecast data you need to plan for success from Beau Whitney, Founder and Chief Economist at Whitney Economics. Beau is considered to be one of the world’s leading cannabis economists. |
| 11:30am-12:00pm | What Investors are Looking for in Today’s Cannabis and Hemp Space Moderator: Garrett Graff, Moye White Colin Ferrian, Poseidon Asset Management Mina Mishrikey, Merida Capital Partners LLC Charles Hutton, C. E. Hutton LLC |
Investment in the marijuana side of the cannabis space has been heating up, yet private equity investment in industrial hemp has been lagging, due in part to a slump in CBD sales exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the FDA’s reiterated stance against allowing CBD in food and supplements. Learn how investors are navigating this environment as they scout for investment opportunities in hemp and cannabis. |
| 12:05pm-12:20pm | Regenerative Industries and ESG Geoff Trotter, Regennabis |
Investors are increasingly applying non-financial factors such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as part of their analysis process and in evaluating growth opportunities and risks. Geoff Trotter, Cofounder of Regennabis Ventures, will help guide companies to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and how to build out and implement a companywide ESG framework. |
| 12:25pm-12:30pm | The Need For Hemp Industry Investment and Capital Ken Elliott, IND Hemp |
Ken Elliott of IND Hemp in Fort Benton, MT, has dedicated himself to building out large-scale hemp food and fiber processing and manufacturing facilities to grow his business and expand opportunities for hemp farmers and processors. Learn where he feels investment capital can best accelerate growth in hemp infrastructure and manufacturing. |
| 1:40pm-2:05pm | Banking, Insurance & Accounting Moderator: Alexis Harris, Harris and Associates LLC Gary Rimler, Rimler Consulting & Risk Management, LLC Dave Kilroy, Ledger Accounting Ross Sloan, West Town Bank |
These are the basics of a successful business, but they’ve been hard for hemp businesses to access. Where do hemp companies stand as regulators seeks to assure access to banking (the SAFE Banking Act), and the USDA expands access to crop insurance for hemp farmers. What are current options and services available that are friendly to hemp businesses? Learn more in this practical, informative session. |
| 2:10pm-2:40pm | The Founders Roundtable Moderator: Morgan Davis, Davis Legal, PLLC Ben Williams, Highway Vodka Joe Hickey, Halcyon Technology Holdings Winona LaDuke, Winona’s Hemp |
Featuring a group of dedicated, innovative and determined “hempreneurs,” this discussion will explore what has inspired and sustained leading hemp business founders in building their companies, disrupting their industries and making a memorable impact on the market. Come be inspired by this special session. |
| 2:45pm-3:05pm | Solving the Hemp Industry Funding Crisis David Wilkinson, The Hemp Business Advisors, Inc. |
Hemp Business Advisors Cofounder David Wilkinson will present the need and the opportunities to invest in hemp, along with some creative solutions, as well as how businesses can minimize the risks that may be keeping investors at bay in the hemp market. |
| 3:10pm-3:25pm | ESG Funds, SPACS and Public Markets Geoff Whaling, rePlant Hemp Advisors LLC |
In November 2021, replant Hemp, an ESG impact fund, was launched to invest up to $500 million in the industrial hemp supply chain by 2030, and to ”connect American agriculture with innovative technologies that can serve as renewable, sustainable replacements for our current unsustainable ones,” says Geoff Whaling, founder of the fund and presenter of this discussion. Learn how Geoff is using such financial vehicles as ESG Funds, SPACS and public markets to spur the growth of the hemp industry. |
| 3:30pm-5:00pm | NoCo Hemp Pitch Sponsored by Michael Best Cameron Field, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP David DiGiacomo, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Shawn Stigler, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP |
The NoCo Hemp Pitch, sponsored by Michael Best, will open up the stage to six companies looking to elevate their business and get the exposure and resources needed to take their brand or idea to the next level. Finalists will pitch in front of a live audience and be judged by highly regarded consultants, attorneys, and investors. The winner will receive initial legal se |
Thursday
IND Hemp Breakout Room
(schedule subject to change – updated weekly)
MC – 11:00am-12:30pm – Kayla Heard, Global Hemp Association – Jennilynn Coley 12:30-4:20
| 11:00am-11:45am | DrawdownHemp: Quantifying Hemp’s Potential as a Leading Solution to the Climate Crisis Bruce Dietzen, Drawdown Hemp |
Hemp innovator Bruce Dietzen, creator of the hemp bodied Renew Sports Car, and Founder of the DrawdownHemp “think tank” will present a cursory analysis of 18 hemp products and solutions with the potential to sequester and/or avoid millions, if not billions of tonnes of atmospheric CO2 per year. |
| 11:45am-12:15pm | Carbon Go-to-Market Strategy Seth Boone, PanXchange Alex Meleshko, PanXchange |
The development of carbon credit markets has potential to not only impact hemp agronomic practices, but also help hemp growers improve their soils while generating an additional revenue source. Seth Boone and Alex Meleshko from PanXchange will present how hemp farmers can benefit not only from growing the crop, but also for selling credits on the carbon market. |
| 12:20pm-12:40pm | Climate Change vs Climate Engineering Nikki Florio, Bee Heroic |
Issues, impacts, and solutions, surrounding agriculture, environment and economies.
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| 1:00pm-2:00pm | University Research Ramps Up on Hemp Jane Kolodinsky, University of Vermont Tyler Mark, University of Kentucky Dr. Russell Jessup, Texas A&M |
Since hemp was made legal in the 2018 Farm Bill, colleges and universities across the U.S. have been ramping up their research programs in hemp. From studying plant genetics and the benefits of cannabinoids to researching best practices in agriculture and manufacturing, such peer-reviewed research is long overdue and needed for the growth of the hemp market. Learn about the latest in research in hemp agriculture, production, nutrition and health. |
| 2:10pm-2:30pm | Gone to the Dogs: Canine Research in CBD Absorption and Safety Keith Butler, OP Innovates |
Hemp-derived CBD has gone to the dogs, and much to their benefit, research indicates. Here, Keith Butler of OP Innovates will present results from a cross-over clinical study examining absorption rates and safety profiles of CBD by delivery methods for canines. |
| 2:40pm-3:00pm | Hemp Grain – Latest Research and Market Potential Wendy Mosher, New West Genetics |
From New West Genetics CEO Wendy Mosher comes this look at the latest research around the development of hemp crops for seed/grain production, including choosing optimum strains and genetics based on growing region, maximizing yield, developing varieties for ease of harvest, best farming practices, and the latest technology in hemp seed and grain production and processing. |
| 3:10pm-3:30pm | Cannabis Applications for Medical Conditions Terel Newton, MD LLC |
Dr. Terel Newton, M.D., is a leading specialist in pain management and the use of medical cannabis for trauma and injury patients. Fellowship trained in interventional pain management, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a medical cannabis physician and educator, Dr. Newton in tis session will present evidence to support its use and where medical applications of CBD and cannabis are showing promise. |
| 3:40pm-4:20pm | How to Get the Funding: Essentials of Grant Writing Nick Walters, National Hemp Growers Cooperative |
Researchers, universities, nonprofits, trade associations and other NGOs will benefit from tips presented by Nick Walters of the National Hemp Growers Cooperative to writing a successful grant proposal to fund your hemp project – an essential skill to know in fundraising for your organization. |
