With the five-year mark for federal legalization on the horizon, the Canadian cannabis industry is experiencing a critical period. From June 1-3, Lift Toronto 2023 welcomed professionals from each segment of the cannabis ecosystem, along with supporters and consumers, to discover new products and innovations, experience Lift’s signature ah-ha! moments, and immerse in three days of leading-edge content focused on the future of cannabis from diverse points of view.
“The first Lift was in 2015, and since then, it’s been with the Canadian cannabis industry every step of the way,” says Lindsay Roberts, Portfolio Lead, Lift Events & Experiences. “Our events provide a forum for celebration and support. While the balance between the two shifts, depending on the needs and challenges of the community, our purpose remains the same: to produce an amazing event for our partners, exhibitors and attendees.”
New for Toronto 2023, two sets of grants for micro-growers and independent retailers, as well as 30 budtender educational scholarships were sponsored by the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). David Lobo, President & CEO of OCS, also delivered the keynote address to open the Lift Cannabis Business Conference on Thursday, June 1. “Cannabis is a movement, not just a market,” said Lobo, setting the tone for a day of advocacy-oriented, strategy-focused speakers and panels.
The event continued through Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, with a multi-neighborhood expo, four stages packed with content, and Lift’s signature activations and attractions. High points included the brand-new Diners’ Club with live food and beverage demonstrations, two Speakers’ Corner small group discussion areas, expanded budtender and consumer programs, interactive networking areas and plenty of opportunities for new product discovery.
Lift Toronto 2023 Highlights
- 3,000+ attendees
- 140+ speakers featured in 45 educational sessions, demonstrations and panels
- Strategy-focused and advocacy-oriented Lift Cannabis Business Conference
- Expo showcasing 100+ exhibiting companies from across the cannabis ecosystem
- Micro-Grower, Independent Retailer & Budtender Grant Awards
- Budtender appreciation program including free entry, dedicated lounge area and Budtender Masterclass education.
- Consumer-focused features including PLAY@Lift with games and photo opps, and live entertainment from The Noobie and The Doobie’s Timmy Boyle and Marijane Baker.
- All-new Diner’s Club featuring the hottest culinary cannabis trends and insights.
- Lift After Party at Steam Whistle Brewing with music, drinks, bites and networking to end the show on a high note.
Micro-Grower Grant Winners
- Bob’s Better Buds
- Primeau Cannabis
- The Cultivarium
- Treez Botanical, Inc.
Independent Retailer Grant Winners
- Ingram & Sons Cannabis Co.
- Purple Tree Cannabis
- ROLL’D Cannabis Co.
- Shivaa’s Rose
Lift Industry Attendees Snapshot
- 27% Own or Represent LP’s
- 48% C-Suite, Owner or Founder
- 54% Purchasing Decision-Makers
- 80% Plan to Follow Up with Exhibitors After the Show
“Now more than ever, in-person events like Lift are crucial for the industry,” said Roberts. “You could feel the positive energy at the conference, on the expo floor, and at the Lift After Party. We were grateful to be able to bring the community together for important conversations about the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Lift Toronto was an inclusive, meaningful and uplifting experience that won’t soon be forgotten.”
Upcoming Events:
Lift San Francisco 2023: August 3-4, 2023 | Moscone Center
Tickets are on sale now and prime partnerships are still available for the Lift Events & Experiences U.S. debut. Lift San Francisco Exhibits & Partnerships
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Sacha Cohen at 202-251-9417 or sacha@themaverickpr.com
About Lift
Lift Events & Experiences serve the cannabis community as both a meeting place and a destination for discovery. With dates across North America, each Lift event showcases leading-edge content and premiere exhibitors in a high-energy setting for thousands of cannabis growers, processors, manufacturers, brands, budtenders, retailers, educators, advocates, regulators, consumers, investors and more – while paying tribute to the roots of this rapidly-evolving industry. Lift is proudly produced by MCI. For more information, visit LiftEvents.com.
