As hemp industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and advocates prepare to convene at the 9th annual NoCo Hemp Expo on March 29-31, 2023, at the historic Broadmoor Resort & Convention Center in Colorado Springs, nominations are open for two special events: the annual WAFBA Awards of Excellence and the NoCo Hemp Pitch Competition.
Hemp industry members are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals and/or groups to be recognized at the WAFBA Awards of Excellence Celebration and Welcome Party on the evening of Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, the first day of the NoCo Hemp Expo. Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Resort
Legacy Award
This award is to honor a remarkable person whose legacy in industrial hemp has and will continue to empower, influence, and inspire others. Their perseverance has remained steady through challenges they may have faced over time.
Elevation Award (Advancing the industry through impeccable leadership)
Someone who drives the industry forward by breaking down barriers, thus paving the way for others. They are an advocate who focuses on developing others while being committed to their own personal development. Their impact goes beyond the industry.
Mother Earth Award (Lady of Agriculture)
A woman whose entrepreneurial spirit has ushered in a new era of business leaders through her skills and execution in agriculture. She is a visionary who has cultivated relationships through education, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Best New Tech Award / Tech Innovation
A person or group whose work is at the forefront with game-changing technical tools for improvement and impact to further the hemp industry, whose brand has grown markedly over the last year, whose product or services fill a gap in the market, or both.
Carbon Solution Award
Acting as a change agent by creating ways to reduce carbon emissions with their own practices and/or products, and leading the way in lowering their carbon footprint while providing direction for others to do the same in the joint effort against the carbon crisis.
Community Economic Impact Award
Someone who has demonstrated extraordinary stewardship by positively impacting their community through job creation and opportunity, contributing to clean-up, strengthening financial stability, inclusivity, and leading by example.
Entries open for NoCo pitch slam competition
In addition to the WAFBA Awards of Excellence celebration, this year’s NoCo Hemp Expo also will feature the Second Annual NoCo Hemp Pitch on Wednesday, March 30, 3:30-5:00 pm MST, where six finalist companies will vie for prizes, including legal fees and other services.
Sponsored by Michael Best, a law firm serving the hemp and cannabis markets, the NoCo Hemp Pitch competition features six finalist companies looking to elevate their business and get the exposure and resources they need to take their brand or idea to the next level. Prizes include more than $5,000 in value in legal fees and other services.
The finalists will have six minutes to pitch in front of a live audience and will be judged by hemp industry start-up consultants, attorneys, and investors. Submissions for the competition are due by Friday, March 3, and can be made by completing the form here.
“NoCo recognizes the unique challenges of the hemp industry, and we are looking forward to celebrating again this year hemp founders, game changers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and others who are making a difference,” said Morris Beegle, Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo, and President and Founder of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA).
Experience Hemp Expo Hall – the world of hemp under one roof
In addition to three days of comprehensive education, keynote presentations, workshops, and seminars, NoCo9 will feature the Experience Hemp Expo Hall in The Broadmoor’s new exhibition facilities. Featuring a world of hemp and business opportunities, NoCo9 attendees can sample wares, learn about products and businesses, hold meetings, and visit an expo hall full of exhibitors. The Experience Hemp Expo Hall also will feature specialized zones, including:
Davita hemp block demo zone & solution circle
Visit this special educational zone on the trade show floor for solo presentations, panels, demos, and workshops from experts and specialists innovating with hemp across all industries, from hemp textiles to medicinal applications of cannabinoids, to using hemp in artisan craft production, as well as in building and construction.
Schedule at a Glance
- Advocacy & Policy Conference, Wednesday, March 29
- Lake Terrace Welcome Party & WAFBA Awards of Excellence, 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
- Garden of the Hemp Gods - NoCo9 After Party: Friday, March 31
The Broadmoor offers special NoCo Hemp Expo rates
NoCo Hemp Expo will take place March 29-31, 2023, at one of Colorado’s most historic resorts, The Broadmoor. 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 meeting and convention space, a lake, walking paths, 36-hole golf course, spa, restaurants and 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.
First Citizens Bank, EarthX, Patagonia lead group of sponsors
NoCo Hemp Expo recognizes their Sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor First Citizens Bank. “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 Beegle. “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.”
For more information:
NoCo Hemp Expo 
www.nocohempexo.com