Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Chicago, which took place on June 8-10, was dominated by the subtle theme of resiliency in cannabis. Many brands that attended weren’t only those who survived economic downturns in the cannabis industry. The brands that showed up were not just those who survived economic downturns. Growing up.
A shift was also apparent at Benzinga. In the past most companies would attend the invitation-only event in order to meet potential investors, and to secure funding for a cannabis business. Most of the Chicago brands were past this stage, as they had already received investment and started their business. Benzinga was not a place to seek investment. They came instead to learn and collaborate with the best minds.
Get Success Tips from Industry Leaders
Cannabis Now sat down with a few reputable brands to discuss how they achieve success in the cannabis market and get their advice for navigating its complexities. Some of the key takeaways that we learned during our interviews are:
Kristi P. Palmer, president and co-founder Kiva Confections: Palmer thinks Kiva’s ongoing success can be attributed to their wide selection of products. This includes edibles but also vapes, pre-rolls and flower. Staying firm on payment terms—even when it’s not the easiest path—has also been a big part of keeping the business strong.
A retailer may stop purchasing Kiva but edibles are still a very small part of the dispensary’s sales and market. But flower, vape, pre-roll—it’s pretty hard for a retailer to say goodbye to all those products,” Palmer explained, speaking to the power of their portfolio, which has helped position Kiva as one of California’s only remaining distributors. Palmer says that when it comes down to the payment terms they have to “draw a line in the dirt” for their company’s health.
Howard Lee, CEO SōRSE Technology: Lee shared that his team works hard to keep costs low and stay prepared for any potential revenue dips, with the goal of staying profitable—even when the market gets tough. He stressed the importance of backing up products and services by real science and data, which he believes sets his company apart from their competitors.
Lee clarifies, “There are so many who copy us. But they do not copy us enough for it to be right.” What we are able to show is actual data. “Most of the other teams who are competing against our team don’t have data to support their science.”
Kevin Koby CEO of Abstrax TechAbstrax Tech has been the market leader for botanical terpenes, flavors, and aromas in the cannabis sector since its founding. Abstrax, in spite of its niche success, is always looking to improve and find new ways to be relevant. Koby believes that the cannabis market will continue to experience highs and lowers. However, the best operators will be able to come out of the top.
Koby says that Abstrax will use the technology to expand their business. There are many ups and downsides to the cannabis business, which is why we’re trying to diversify.
Why Benzinga?
Brand leaders share why they keep coming back to Benzinga—and what stood out in Chicago this month.
Cameron Forni (CEO and Founder, Global Can Beverage and Adaptaphoria) announced his launch of Adaptaphoria – a fast-acting beverage – at Benzinga Chicago. The new brand has been a huge success, generating significant media attention and sales.
It’s taken two-and-ahalf years to develop this beverage, brand, and formula. Forni explains that this has kept her away from many events. This is our first announcement, so it has been energizing. It was exciting. Just yesterday, people tried the product and sold more than $50,000. And we received positive media attention. The best part is that I am so happy. We had a great time at the Benzinga Capital Conference.
Seth Yakatan is the co-founder and CEO of Katan Associates. He spoke in a discussion panel entitled “The Next Generation – Making a Case For Mid-Market Investability.” Yakatan, who has more than three decades of experience in the cannabis business, helps clients buy companies and raise funds. Currently, he says he’s focused on three main areas: “I keep my eye on the pharmaceutical business, the wellness business—broadly speaking—and the cannabis business.”
Yakatan is a regular at Benzinga’s events, and finds them to be a great way to meet high-level business decision makers. It also allows Yakatan the opportunity of connecting quickly with other people in different markets.[Benzinga] He says that the company has supported him tremendously and been an incredible partner. “The annual meeting is a great example of this.” It’s the opportunity to talk to high-level, critical decision makers from 70 to 100 different companies. This allows me to get a real feel for each market and market trends without visiting each individual market.
Yakatan values the Benzinga conferences for their efficiency, but Kiva’s Palmer spoke at the “The Hemp Industry Divide” panel, which was entitled, “Quick Cash vs. Sustainable Growth,” commented on how the conference has shifted from being focused on capital investment deals to partnerships, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and out-of-state expansion. We come to the conference for its quality. She says that even if the group is not trying to raise money, they can still talk about other things.
Lastly, Lee of SōRSE Technology, the leading hemp and terpene emulsion supplier for CPGs and other food, beverage and topical manufacturers, emphasized the importance of showing up consistently at events like Benzinga to build long-term relationships. “Merely showing up makes 90% of it,” says Lee. “Benzinga allows you to reconnect with people whom you’ve known for many, many years. Raising money requires that we be present year after year.”
Cultivating Minds & Spirits
The 2025 Benzinga Chicago conference kicked off with a women’s networking event called Canna & Coffee on Monday morning, June 9. After the opening remarks and analysis of the market, a number of panels covering a broad range of cannabis-related topics were held.
Affiliate events outside of the conference brought attendees together in a casual and social environment. The Benzinga Cannabis Pairing Buyers dinner brought together CEOs, key decision-makers and journalists for a three-course, exclusive culinary experience. Brands could present their products to consumers in a guided, mindful environment.
“When it comes to consumption events, there’s a real art to guiding people through their high—something that I teach through CashoM and something that few truly understand,” says Philp Wolf, CEO of Cultivating Spirits, which produced the event with support from Cloud 9 Studios’ Cannaluxxe Wellness Academy. It’s all about weaving in education with engaging demonstrations, which are inspirational while still holding the space for guests to fully immerse themselves into their experience. The balance is delicate: ensuring sponsors are seen, valued, and creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
After another successful day of speakers at Benzinga Chicago, the event concluded with “The Final Spark,” an after party on the Tunnel Treehouse Rooftop. The event concluded with a cocktail party, “The Final Spark,” at the Tunnel Treehouse Rooftop.
Predictions
Even though there isn’t a crystal ball to guide you, trends and analysis of the market can help one make intelligent decisions. Although the cannabis market is volatile, the attendees are well prepared to handle changes. They also remain positive for the future.
We all Know [cannabis] Lee believes that federal legalization will come someday. You will succeed if you hold on to that North Star. Keep your head up and work hard.