A new cannabis B2B event is coming to Chicago. Flower Expo is set to host its inaugural Illinois event where “Brands Meet Buyers” at a “high-vibe, consumption-friendly trade show.” Flower Expo Illinois is scheduled for 12-10 p.m. March 25 at Sarabande Chicago. Flower Expo is offering Illinois News Joint readers and followers 20% off Industry GA Passes. Click here or use the code “NEWSJOINT20” to unlock the discount.

Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to submit an interest form, and buyers and budtenders at licensed Illinois dispensaries may be eligible for free admission after filling out an application.

“We’re beyond excited to bring this experience to Chicago,” said Kai Brady, Flower Expo’s Director of Business Development. “It’ll be great to see some familiar faces, as well as meeting all the new operators in the state”

The Flower Expo experience “combines high vibes and good times with a productive business atmosphere. Attendees can expect a showroom with various brands in attendance, from large MSOs to independent craft growers, all showing off their latest products. Aside from walking the floor, guests can network with other cannabis professionals, take in an informative SESHES speaker panel, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and sample their favorite products in an outdoor consumption area. With a unique blend of focused deal-making alongside a festival vibe, Flower Expo has something to offer for everyone in the industry.” Because of high demand, Illinois Seshes applications will close this Friday, Jan. 24.

Sarabande Chicago is located in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood and offers roughly 15,000-square feet of exhibition space. “With a trade show floor, lounge, intimate speaker sessions, curated food and beverage bars, and an outdoor patio, the space is designed to foster meaningful connections,” said Flower Expo CEO Jason Bello. “Our core mission of ‘Brands Meet Buyers’ takes center stage, streamlining efforts for brands to connect with the most buyers and budtenders as possible in a single day.”

The Flower Expo mission is “to connect and transform the cannabis industry through a professional, high-vibe, and efficient platform. We foster meaningful connections, strategic partnerships, and knowledge exchange to propel the industry forward. With a focus on professionalism, positive energy, and streamlined processes, we empower businesses and individuals to showcase their offerings, inspire innovation, and shape the future of cannabis.” Flower Expo organizers anticipate more than 100 cannabis brands on display and 150 Illinois dispensaries in attendance.

Verified members of the media may be eligible for press passes, and non-exhibiting industry attendees can purchase general admission passes. Email Flower Expo at ops@theflowerexpo.com or find Flower Expo on Instagram @theflowerexpo, LinkedIn, X @theflowerexpo, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Flower Expo also hosts a B2B event in Massachusetts and Michigan. Flower Expo’s Massachusetts and Michigan events in 2024 hosted a combined 400+ brands, including STIIIZY, Bloom, Cresco Labs, PAX, Green Thumb Industries, Fernway, The Cannabist Company, Select, Cookies, and MariMed. Representatives from more than 600 dispensaries attended the shows, such as Lume, Ascend, Skymint, NOBO, Exclusive, High Profile, RISE, Curaleaf, Sunnyside, and Mission Dispensaries. Many of these same brands and retail chains are expected to join Flower Expo in the Windy City, along with several new operators.

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