The 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo will take place on March 29-31, 2023, at one of Colorado's most legendary and historic resorts, The Broadmoor. "Now is the time to reserve space to showcase your brand and products at this highly anticipated event – and certainly to mark your calendar to attend," the organizers say.
With roots dating back to the late 1800s and located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs features a world-class setting, 315,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art meeting and convention space, a lake, walking paths, a 36-hole golf course, a spa, restaurants, and premium lodging at a special rate for NoCo Hemp Expo attendees. Recently remodeled, the Broadmoor is committed to sustainability and has been awarded a Forbes Five-Star resort rating every year since 1960.
This year, NoCo9's educational program will highlight investment and finance, science, technology, innovation, industry and consumer trends, regulatory and legislative news, BIPOC and diversity in hemp, advances in research, best practices in sustainable agriculture, and more. Covering all aspects of hemp over three days of programming, NoCo9's comprehensive educational program is divided into the following tracks:
Advocacy and policy
Hemp businesses are required to operate in a highly regulated, rapidly evolving environment. As a result, it's critical to pay attention to legislation and what's going on in regulatory agencies, including the USDA, FDA, and DEA, as well as various state-by-state regulations. By staying abreast of current legislation before Congress affecting hemp, CBD and cannabis, the hemp industry has a unique opportunity to create the regulatory environment it seeks, but not without advocacy, vigilance, and knowledge. This track will feature policymakers, regulators, legal specialists, and legislative advocates involved in advancing the market for hemp from inside the Beltway and in states across the country. Learn how what happens in Washington, D.C., affects your business and how you can stay involved to affect outcomes that favor business growth and ultimately create greater access to hemp-derived products.
Business and investment
NoCo Hemp Expo's Business & Investment Track will bring together top business leaders and investors from around the world in the exciting convergence of industrial hemp, cannabis, natural products, technology & innovation, infrastructure, diversity & inclusion, capital markets, banking & financial services, ESG, and more. Learn from the stories of entrepreneurs, experts, and leaders from publicly traded companies. Garner data and information from the market and economic analysts about what trends are on the horizon and, from investors, learn what's drawing their interest, where they're placing capital in the hemp and cannabis markets, and where they see future opportunities and risks. Gain valuable insights about what lies ahead for the business of hemp in the U.S., North America, and throughout the world, and interact with key business influencers and investors in the market.
Agriculture and academia
Hemp is entering its fifth year as a legal crop in the U.S. after more than 80 years of prohibition. The industry has experienced growing pains, but it also has seen significant advances in hemp agriculture and production techniques, as well as a renaissance in hemp and cannabis research. NoCo Hemp Expo's Agriculture & Academia Track draws skilled farmers, researchers, educators, and specialists in genetics and plant breeding, soil health, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, pest control, harvest, and post-harvest handling and storage, testing and compliance, and innovations in value-added processing and product development. Exploring the latest science, research, methodology, agricultural economics, domestic and international trade, and what's happening in universities across the country, this full-day event also will focus on programs farmers can take advantage of, e.g., carbon credits, banking services, crop insurance, farm, harvest, and processing equipment, and more.
Experience Hemp Expo Hall – The world of hemp under one roof
In addition to the educational program, NoCo9 will feature the Experience Hemp Expo Hall in The Broadmoor's new exhibition facilities. Featuring a world of hemp and business opportunities in 100,000 square feet, NoCo9 attendees can sample wares, learn about products and businesses, hold meetings and visit with more than 350 exhibitors. The Experience Hemp Expo Hall also will feature specialized zones, including:
Solution Circle – Visit this special educational zone on the trade show floor for quick solo presentations from experts and specialists innovating with hemp solutions across all industries, from automotive to zero-waste.
NoCo Demo Zone – Experience hands-on demonstrations and workshops featuring traditional and new applications of hemp, from the making of hemp textiles to using hemp in artisan craft production, as well as in building and construction.
Schedule at a glance
- Advocacy & Policy Conference, Wednesday, March 29
- Welcome Party, Wednesday, March 29
- Business & Investment Conference, Thursday, March 30
- 2nd Annual NoCo Hemp Pitch, Thursday, March 30
- Agriculture & Academia Conference, Friday, March 31
- Experience Hemp Expo Hall: Thursday and Friday, March 30-31
- NoCo Hemp Expo After Party, Friday, March 31
Register Here for NoCo9 – $499 early bird Platinum tickets are still available. Visit https://www.nocohempexpo.com/ticket-sales/
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, and Patagonia lead the group of Sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo is also pleased to recognize our Sponsors, including First Citizens Bank, which returns as Presenting Sponsor after a successful experience at this past summer's 4th Annual Southern Hemp Expo, held in August in Nashville, Tenn.
"Having a leading, agriculture-focused financial institution such as First Citizens Bank, with its 100-plus-year history of serving farmers and ag-related businesses, step up and serve as Presenting Sponsor of this year's NoCo Hemp Expo is a huge statement, providing vital credibility and legitimization for the industry at a time when it's needed most," said Morris Beegle, NoCo9 Hemp Expo organizer and president and founder of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
"We're also thrilled to welcome EarthX as our Environmental NGO partner and Patagonia as Sustainable Apparel Sponsor. We are very excited about these categories to bring focus to areas where hemp can make a difference in sustainability and improving the environment," Beegle said.
NoCo9 also will feature networking events, as well as the much anticipated 2nd Annual WAFBA Awards of Excellence, recognizing top leaders, innovators, educators, policymakers, and advocates in the hemp community.
For more information:
NoCo Hemp Expo 
www.nocohempexo.com