Attendee Planning & Checklist Guide (Lucky Leaf Expo Feb 27/28)
- Carpfish Creative
- Feb 14
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Attendee Planning & Checklist Guide (Lucky Leaf Expo Feb 27/28)
Minneapolis Convention CenterFebruary 27-28, 2026
1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Event Overview
Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis is the Midwest's premier cannabis industry conference, bringing together thousands of cannabis professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers during a transformative period for Minnesota's cannabis market. With adult-use sales launching and neighboring states evolving their programs, this two-day event provides essential education, networking, and business development opportunities.
Key Event Statistics
Expected attendance: 5,000+ industry professionals
100+ exhibitors showcasing products and services
30+ educational sessions and live demonstrations
50+ expert speakers and panelists
Pre-show intensive Cannabis Business Crash Course
Networking events and after-parties
Event Hours
Thursday, February 26, 2026Pre-Show Cannabis Business Crash Course (Special ticket required)
Friday, February 27, 202610:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Exhibit Hall & Seminars)
Saturday, February 28, 202610:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Exhibit Hall closes at 4:00 PM; seminars may continue until 5:00 PM)
Important Note: No medical cannabis card required for attendance.
Pre-Event Planning Checklist
2+ Weeks Before Event
⬜Register for event tickets (early bird pricing available)
⬜Book hotel accommodations near the Minneapolis Convention Center
⬜Register for Thursday Pre-Show Crash Course (if applicable)
⬜Review conference schedule and speaker lineup
⬜Identify must-attend sessions based on your interests
⬜Research exhibitors you want to visit
⬜Submit questions for speaker Q&A sessions
⬜Request time off from work
⬜Arrange transportation (flight, car rental, or parking)
⬜Create a personalized agenda with session times and locations
⬜Prepare a list of exhibitors to prioritize
⬜Research speakers and panelists on LinkedIn
⬜Identify networking goals (e.g., meet 10 cultivators, find compliance consultants)
⬜Prepare business cards (order extras)
⬜Update LinkedIn profile
⬜Join Lucky Leaf Expo social media pages for updates
⬜Review Minnesota cannabis regulations and licensing information
⬜Prepare questions for specific exhibitors or speakers
2 Weeks Before Event
⬜Confirm hotel reservation
⬜Confirm transportation arrangements
⬜Download conference app or print schedule
⬜Review the venue map and plan a navigation strategy
⬜Pack professional attire (business casual recommended)
⬜Charge portable phone charger
⬜Set up meetings with specific exhibitors or attendees
⬜Register for networking events or after-parties
⬜Prepare an elevator pitch for your business or interests
⬜Create a personalized agenda with session times and locations
⬜Prepare a list of exhibitors to prioritize
⬜Research speakers and panelists on LinkedIn
⬜Identify networking goals (e.g., meet 10 cultivators, find compliance consultants)
⬜Prepare business cards (order extras)
⬜Update LinkedIn profile
⬜Join Lucky Leaf Expo social media pages for updates
⬜Review Minnesota cannabis regulations and licensing information
⬜Prepare questions for specific exhibitors or speakers
1 Week Before Event
⬜Print event tickets and confirmation
⬜Print business cards
⬜Print personalized schedule
⬜Check the weather forecast for Minneapolis
⬜Confirm parking arrangements or transportation details
⬜Prepare a notebook and pens for note-taking
⬜Load the contact management app on your phone
⬜Review session descriptions one final time
⬜Pack comfortable walking shoes (large venue)
Educational Sessions Schedule
Friday, February 27, 2026 - Room L100 F
Time | Session Title | Speaker |
10:00 AM | Protecting Your Cannabis Business: Physical Security Strategies for Compliance in Minnesota | Eli Skorich |
10:35 AM | Empowering Growth: Financial Inclusion in Cannabis Banking | Erica El Hilali |
11:10 AM | Benefits of Microbial Metabolites in Cannabis Production | Bud Wylie |
11:45 AM | Cannabis Without the Complaints: Zoning, Odor Control, and Sustainable Industry Growth | Christopher Petro & Armando Hurtado |
12:20 PM | The CPA's Blueprint for Building a Scalable Cannabis Business | Meggan Ciaccia |
12:55 PM | Creating a Thriving Cannabis Facility Workforce & Planning for the Unknowns | Christy Essex |
1:30 PM | TBA | Lucas McCann |
2:05 PM | The Fractional Compliance Model | Warren Harasz |
2:40 PM | Making Scents of Odor Control: Evaluating Mitigation Technologies and Trade-offs | Eva Lu & Armando Hurtado |
3:15 PM | Exhibitor Presentation | Growers House |
3:50 PM | Exhibitor Presentation | Dizpot |
4:25 PM | Keep Calm and Audit On: Turning Compliance Checks into Confidence | Michael Johnson |
5:00 PM | Leveling Up Your Digital Presence in Restricted Markets | Mark Huffman |
Table 2: Friday educational session schedule
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - Room L100 G
Time | Session Title | Speaker |
10:00 AM | How to Develop & Succeed in the Premium Exotic Flower Niche | Rick Rainbolt |
10:35 AM | Market Specific Genetics, Breeding Advancements and Sustainable Cultivation | Justin Esquivel |
11:10 AM | TBA | Matthew Cullen |
11:45 AM | Craft Cultivation Facility Design Considerations | Jennifer Martin |
12:20 PM | Accounting Panel | Nikki Rohloff |
12:55 PM | 5 Ways to Market Your Dispensary Like a Fortune 100 Enterprise | Dan Mondello |
1:30 PM | Tech Tools You Need to Start a Cannabis Dispensary in Minnesota | Gary Cohen |
2:05 PM | Investment Opportunities in the Distressed Cannabis Sphere after the Initial Licensing Rush and Early Investor Enthusiasm | Patricia Heer |
2:40 PM | Creating a Thriving Cannabis Facility Workforce & Planning for the Unknowns | Christy Essex |
3:15 PM | Greener Pastures: Maximizing Opportunity in Minnesota's New Adult-Use Cannabis Market | Jason Tarasek |
3:50 PM | Exhibitor Presentation | TBA |
4:25 PM | Exhibitor Presentation | Growers House |
Note: Additional sessions may be scheduled in Room 2 and other conference spaces. Check the official schedule for updates.
Day-of-Event Checklist
Arrival & Registration
Arrive 30 minutes before the first session for registration
Pick up the badge and event materials at the registration desk
Review the venue map and locate key areas (restrooms, seminar rooms, food)
Take a photo of the venue map on your phone for quick reference
Identify emergency exits
Locate exhibitor booths you prioritized
What to Bring
⬜Event tickets (printed or digital)
⬜Government-issued photo ID
⬜Business cards (bring 50-100)
⬜Smartphone with a fully charged battery
⬜Portable phone charger/power bank
⬜Notebook and multiple pens
⬜Comfortable walking shoes
⬜Light jacket or layers (convention centers can vary in temperature)
⬜Reusable water bottle
⬜Small bag or backpack for collecting materials
⬜Printed schedule with highlighted sessions
⬜Venue map with marked booths
⬜Snacks (for energy between sessions)
Networking Strategies - Maximizing Your Experience
Before Sessions Begin
Arrive early to meet speakers before their presentations
Introduce yourself to people sitting near you
Exchange business cards and LinkedIn connections
Take notes on potential follow-up conversations
During Exhibit Hall Time
Visit priority booths first (use your pre-planned list)
Ask specific questions about products/services
Collect business cards and literature
Take photos of products (with permission)
Scan QR codes for more information
Note follow-up actions on each business card
Networking Events & After-Parties
Attend evening networking events
Practice your elevator pitch
Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions
Follow the 70/30 rule: listen 70%, talk 30%
Exchange contact information with new connections
Conversation Starters
"What brings you to Lucky Leaf Expo?"
"What aspect of the Minnesota market are you most excited about?"
"Have you attended any standout sessions today?"
"What's your biggest challenge in the cannabis industry right now?"
"Are you involved in cultivation, retail, or another segment?"
"What trends are you seeing in your area of the industry?"
Session Attendance Tips - Getting the Most from Educational Sessions
Before the Session
Arrive 5-10 minutes early to get a good seat
Review speaker bio and topic overview
Prepare 2-3 specific questions
Turn off phone notifications (but keep phone for photos/notes)
During the Session
Take detailed notes on key takeaways
Note specific resources, websites, or tools mentioned
Capture relevant slide content (photos)
Write down questions as they arise
Record action items for your business
After the Session
Approach the speaker during Q&A or immediately after
Exchange business cards with the speaker
Connect with the speaker on LinkedIn
Follow up within 48 hours with specific questions
Share key insights with your team
Balancing Sessions and Exhibit Hall
Recommended Strategy:
Morning: Attend 2-3 educational sessions
Mid-day: Explore the exhibit hall and have lunch
Afternoon: Mix of sessions and exhibitor visits
Late afternoon: Priority exhibitor conversations and networking
Pro Tip: If torn between two sessions, choose the one with the speaker you can't easily reach afterward. You can often get presentation materials later.
Example Questions to Ask Exhibitors
For Cultivation Equipment Vendors:
How does your equipment perform in Minnesota's climate?
What's your local service and support structure?
Do you work with other Minnesota cultivators I can reference?
What's the typical ROI timeline for your solution?
For Compliance Consultants:
What's your experience with Minnesota's regulatory framework?
Have you helped clients obtain Minnesota licenses?
What are the most common compliance pitfalls in new markets?
Do you provide ongoing compliance monitoring?
For Technology Providers:
Is your platform compliant with Minnesota's tracking requirements?
What's your implementation timeline?
Do you integrate with other systems I'm considering?
What's your customer support structure?
Budget Planning Guide (Estimated Total Event Costs)
Expense Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
Event ticket (2-day all access) | $99 | $120 |
Hotel (2 nights) | $200 | $400 |
Transportation (parking or rideshare) | $30 | $60 |
Meals (2 days) | $60 | $150 |
Business cards | $20 | $50 |
Miscellaneous (coffee, snacks) | $20 | $40 |
Total (without Crash Course) | $429 | $820 |
Thursday Crash Course (optional) | $499 | $525 |
Total (with Crash Course) | $928 | $1,345 |
Contact Information & Resources
Lucky Leaf Expo
Schedule & Updates: https://luckyleafexpo.com/minneapolis-mn-cannabis-conference-2026/schedule/
Ticket Purchase: https://luckyleafexpo.com/get-tickets/
Contact: Kristian M Hultgren (Event Organizer)
Minneapolis Convention Center
Address: 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: (612) 335-6000
Maximizing ROI - Additional Tips for Success
Professional Development Goals
Set specific goals before attending:
Make connections with X number of potential partners/vendors
Learn about 3 specific topics relevant to your business
Identify 2 solutions to current business challenges
Meet at least 5 Minnesota-based cannabis professionals
Gather information on licensing requirements
Find a mentor or advisor in your area of interest
Track Your Investment:
Calculate total cost of attendance
Set measurable goals (connections made, deals initiated, knowledge gained)
Evaluate outcomes within 30 days
Compare learnings applied vs. cost invested
Action-Oriented Mindset:
For every session attended, identify one immediately actionable insight
For every vendor visited, determine if they solve a current need
For every connection made, establish a clear next step
Minnesota Market Focus
Given your deep involvement in Minnesota's cannabis market, prioritize:
Sessions specifically about Minnesota regulations and opportunities
Minnesota-based exhibitors and service providers
Networking with local entrepreneurs and operators
Understanding licensing timelines and requirements
Learning regional cultivation strategies for the Midwest climate
Connecting with Minnesota investors and funding sources
Success Formula:
Prepare thoroughly using this guide
Set clear, measurable goals
Engage actively with speakers and exhibitors
Network strategically with intention
Follow up diligently after the event
Apply learnings to your business immediately
Post-Event Follow-Up Checklist
Within 24 Hours
⬜Organize the business cards collected
⬜Add notes to each contact about conversation topics
⬜Send LinkedIn connection requests with personalized messages
⬜Upload business card contacts to CRM or spreadsheet
⬜Review and organize session notes
⬜Download any presentation materials shared by speakers
Within 48 Hours
⬜Send follow-up emails to key contacts
⬜Thank the speakers who provided valuable insights
⬜Request quotes or information from exhibitors
⬜Share event highlights with your team or partners
⬜Post about experience on LinkedIn (tag Lucky Leaf Expo)
⬜Review photos and materials collected
Within 1 Week
⬜Schedule calls or meetings with promising connections
⬜Research vendors and services that interest you
⬜Create an action plan based on educational insights
⬜Implement one quick win learned at the conference
⬜Join any industry groups or associations discussed
⬜Subscribe to the relevant industry publications mentioned
Within 1 Month
⬜Execute on major action items identified
⬜Evaluate the ROI of conference attendance
⬜Maintain relationships with key new contacts
⬜Apply knowledge gained to business operations
⬜Consider exhibiting at next year's event
⬜Plan for other cannabis industry events
Mark your calendar: February 27-28, 2026
See you at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
Document prepared for attendee planning purposes by Carpfish Creative Inc.Information subject to change - verify expo details at luckyleafexpo.com
Last updated: February 2026
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