Like every year, HSO has already circled the must-attend fairs of 2018. Not-to-be-missed events on both sides of the Atlantic where we'll show the cannabis market what we have prepared for this new season. Would you like to know where to find our stand this year? Grab a pen and some paper or open the app you use to jot down all your important events and start writing. We won’t stop moving around the world!
Cannabis fairs are meeting points for companies and customers: places where cannabis businesses can learn first-hand about the needs of their users; places where they can show the world their latest contributions to the cannabis field (brand-new growing techniques, newly born genetics...). Let's have a quick look at the main events taking place both in the USA and in some European countries where Humboldt will, of course, be present to share all its 2018 releases. To make sure nobody misses out on any of these big events, here is a rundown of the main fairs in chronological order. Take note!
Canapa Mundi, the Italian Colosseum
On the third weekend of February, we'll have a great excuse to start off our pilgrimage travelling to Rome, wandering around the over 9000 square feet that make up the exhibition venue of the third edition of the 'Fiera Internazionale della Canapa', also known as Canapa Mundi. This is the most important cannabis event in Italy, with more than 150 stands of companies around the world as well as several workshops and talks of all kinds.
Spannabis, the most important fair in Europe
Spannabis is back regardless of all the political issues. Europe's flagship event celebrates no more and no less than its 15th edition from 9th to 11th March at Fira de Cornellà. Like in previous editions, the most prestigious companies in the field as well as others which are trying to squeeze into the market will gather in Barcelona to talk a bit with the users and to learn a lot from one another.
Fashion and cannabis in Milan
Italian cannabis enthusiasts are really lucky. After visiting Rome, they'll be able to keep on learning about the latest developments in the cannabis field at the 4.20 Hemp Fest Milano. During 13, 14 and 15 April, the Italian city will become the world centre of cannabis. Over 100 carefully selected stands will be attending eager to present their new developments. On top of that, this fair will be held right before the Hemp Design Week, a 3-day festival taking place the following weekend during the Milan Design Week where hemp will play a major role.
Next stop: Konopex in the Czech Republic
With almost no time to unwind, we have to pack up our things again and head for Ostrava, Czech Republic, to celebrate the first edition of Konopex from 20 to 22 April. One of the most cannabis-friendly countries in Europe hosts an event whose focus will be on the talks about the role of cannabis culture in cinema as well as on the latest THC- and CBD-related developments or on how to introduce the permissive attitude of the Czech Republic towards cannabis regulation in other countries of the world. And, of course, after the event, there'll be an amazing party for all of us to have fun.
Canna Trade, the senior fair in Europe
The senior event on this side of the Atlantic is back to bring us the latest developments in the cannabis field. The 18th edition of Canna Trade will be held in Zurich from 27 to 29 April. However, this time it's been moved to the city centre, so attendees will also be able to tour this marvellous city facing the Alps.
The newly-born Balkannabis Expo takes us to Greece
If we were in need of an excuse to visit Greece, we've already found it! The first edition of Balkannabis Expo will be held from 1 to 3 June at Technopolis, Athens. As soon as you learn about the highly renowned conference speakers who will share their knowledge during this fair, you'll start counting the days that remain for it to begin. An event that seeks to become the meeting point for experts, entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators. A very interesting combination, right? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm4yi9gWkjM
Travelling from the Greek capital to the German capital: Mary Jane Berlin is back
A glance at the video of last year's edition should be enough to make us want to attend this amazing fair. Because this year, like every year, they're determined to outdo themselves. The exhibition area of Arena Berlin, comprising an indoor area of 6000 square feet and an outdoor area of 2000, will be home to over 200 stands from 8 to 10 June. Live music and street food to complement the interesting talks on the therapeutic effects of cannabis, one of the cornerstones of this legendary Mary Jane Berlin.
Expogrow, a must-attend event in the north of Spain
In the Basque Country, a region where cannabis legislation is moving at a faster pace than in the rest of Spain, cannabis growers and enthusiasts alike eagerly await the end of the summer to attend one of the biggest events in the area. Scheduled for 14, 15 and 16 September, Expogrow will take place in the fairgrounds of Ficoba, Irun, a city right on the border with France, whose location is just perfect for all the cannabis lovers coming from the neighboring country.
Cannabizz Warsaw: ready to repeat last year's success
Why change something that works so well? Poland seems to have the answer. After a really successful first edition, the organizers of Cannabizz Warsaw seem to be determined to outdo themselves. Although the dates are yet to be confirmed, we're sure that the venue will offer space for more stands, more talks and more activities for all those who wish to learn more about cannabis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmULmmMKy40&t=21s
Spannabis, from Madrid to infinity and beyond
After five years without visiting the capital of Spain, in 2017, the cannabis world could finally go back to Madrid to celebrate Spannabis at the Glass Pavilion of the Casa de Campo park. And, for the second year running, this major fair will also be held in Madrid. It will take place from 5-7 October and, although not much has still been revealed, the organizers of Spannabis are sure to surprise us all.
Back to the heart of Europe for Cultiva Hanfmesse
Given the circumstances, establishing an air bridge between the Mediterranean countries and central Europe may be a wise decision. From Irun to Warsaw and then from Madrid to Vösendorf, a town located on the outskirts of Vienna, to attend the cannabis fair Cultiva Hanfmesse. This major showcase will be held on 12th, 13th and 14th October, at the same time as the Cultiva Cannabis Congress, making Vösendorf the epicenter of the world of cannabis industry during autumn.
Canapa in Mostra, a not-to-be-missed event in Naples
The capital of Campania, as trendy a city as it is, will host once again the industrial and medical hemp fair. During 26, 27 and 28 October the crème de la crème of the European cannabis market and the professionals from different parts of the world will gather in Naples, trying to surprise attendees with their latest developments.
Cannafest will conquer Prague once again
The capital of the Czech Republic will also be hosting this year's edition of Cannafest, one of the most eagerly awaited events of Europe. Last year over 250 stands coming from 25 different counties took part in this green showcase; this year, they intend to surpass those figures. Although the official dates are yet to be confirmed, no doubt the organizers will do their best to bring together the main players of this international cannabis game.
Expoweed, a benchmark for Latin America
When the weather turns extremely cold here in the northern hemisphere, it's time to head for Chile to attend the most important event held in South America. With the official dates yet to be confirmed, the new edition of Expoweed will presumably take place in December, in Santiago de Chile. Here, the green industry of this side of the Atlantic will meet the one working in Europe to combine their ideas and help cannabis little by little reach every corner of the globe.
2018 FAIRS IN NORTH AMERICA
Cannifest in Eureka, California
Scheduled for 5-6 May 2018, Cannifest will be held at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds of Eureka, California. Apart from celebrating the concept of cannabis farming in style, this event wishes to become a meeting point for growers who are proud of their heritage. The already famous Humboldt Grow Games will be celebrated this year as well, which are individual or group games where cannabis growers can show their skills. But not only that. Attendees can also take part in the Cannifest Community Choice Bowl and see if the community chooses their samples as the winners.
Cultivation Classic in Portland, Oregon
12th May is the day in which Oregon will host the Cultivation Classic, the most important cannabis competition with a regenerative approach: neither mineral salts nor synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are permitted. For the third year running, this competition is the most scientifically rigorous of the planet, with a focus on community and education. If quality is your main concern and you wish to know where and how it was grown as well as how it affects the people and the planet, this event is meant for you.
Chalice in Victorville, California
To be held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, CA, during 7-9 July, Chalice was born as a dream to create a completely different experience by bringing together the best of every cannabis fair and festival. An event with live glass blowing, arts, music and lots of cannabis lovers; an event, based on respect for all kinds of extractions, that seeks to create safer consumption habits as well as to spread the necessary knowledge to help people learn how to create the best cannabis concentrates.
Marijuana Business Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada
A 3-day event taking place from 14 to 16 November in Las Vegas focused on the near future of the ever-growing cannabis industry. It's aimed at professionals in the sector who look for cutting-edge innovations and new technologies in a constantly expanding market. That's why this is a must-attend event for those who take this sector very seriously. Have a look at these figures: over 110 conference speakers, 18000 potential investors and 678 stands will gather at the Expo Hall, an exhibition area of over 300,000 square feet.
Emerald Cup in Sonoma County, California
Like every December after the harvest, cannabis growers come down from the mountains and go to the fairgrounds of Sonoma County to have their weed judged at the Emerald Cup. Its well-consolidated reputation as the largest and most prestigious medicinal cannabis competition in the world (Rolling Stone Magazine called this event the "Academy Awards of the cannabis industry") makes over 600 growers of organic cannabis take part in it every year.
I need to pick me some more skywalkerOG,
Will HSO be coming to Washington anytime soon ? If not I’ll be hitting Oregon in may GrowingGreen !