Following the success of the first RAD (Retail and Dispensary) Expo in January, Marijuana Venture has announced plans for its second retail-focused trade show, Oct. 10-11 in Portland, Oregon.
RAD is the first and only national trade show specifically targeted toward the retail sector of the legal cannabis industry. The fall event doubles down on its proven concept to being together more vendors and retailers at the Oregon Convention Center and feature the latest cannabis and CBD products, hottest new technology and a variety of service providers.
“We were blown away by the response from the first RAD Expo,” said Marijuana Venture publisher Greg James. “It really confirmed that the industry needs a good, retail-focused trade show that doesn’t charge hundreds of dollars for qualified buyers to walk the floor, so we’re looking forward to an even bigger and better second show.”
Because the RAD Expo is free to marijuana retail and dispensary owners, managers and employees, the quality of attendees was a difference-maker for many exhibitors at the first event, which took place Jan. 17-18 at the Oregon Convention Center.
“The RAD Expo is the only conference where we know almost everyone we talk to will be a potential client or partner because its focus on retail and brands,” said Jeff LaPenna, CEO of The Peak Beyond, a technology company aimed at retailers.
The first RAD show featured more than 100 exhibitors offering everything from flooring and point-of-sale systems to insurance, glassware, marketing services and rolling papers. The two-day show drew more than 1,000 attendees, all of whom were in the business.
“No other cannabis industry trade show offers such a high concentration of retailer owners and managers,” said Bill Byrnes, account executive for Wurk, a workforce management company with a cannabis focus. “It is an ideal event for making quality connections with quality contacts.”
The first RAD Expo featured four retail-specific panels with experts in their fields discussing branding and marketing, retail design, legal concerns and the journey of operating a successful retail enterprise, complete with a moderated audience Q&A.
Marijuana Venture was named a “Sustainability Partner” by the Oregon Convention Center after officially complying with all of the specifications in the venue’s waste diversion policy.
“The OCC works very hard to be the greenest convention center in the world, and your partnership with us has helped to keep Oregon’s land, air, and water as clean as can be,” wrote Ryan Harvey, the convention center’s sustainability coordinator, in an email. “With your partnership, we are showing other venues, businesses, and the public what a responsible event can look like.”
Portland is also a perfect location for the show, James said. The city is currently home to more than 150 licensed marijuana retailers.
The October show will include more vendors and new products, including CBD products, clones, apparel, accessories and more.
To participate in the second RAD Expo, check out www.TheRADExpo.com, email TheRADExpo@gmail.com or call 425-656-3621.