On Thursday, May 9th, we are excited to offer a very special networking event - our first ever - Innovation Speakeasy! Knock three times and we will let you in on a night of innovation, great networking, and samples and sips from some of the companies on the cutting edge of the cannabis/CBD revolution! Don't worry...it's all perfectly legal...but it is still gonna be a lot of fun!
Cannabis, Hemp, and CBD are the hottest topics in industry news as they dominate innovation, acquisition, and new channel development around their inclusion in food, drink, and various edible platforms across the industry.
- Canopy Growth just wagered $3.4 million on its bet on domination with US legalization in the wings
- Carl's Junior is testing a CBD burger in the food service channel
- And, cannabis investor SOL Global just took a nearly 10% stake in Jones soda in the beverage category
On Thursday, May 9th - we are spending the day exploring this revolution in food and drink. In the morning, our panel conversation, the May addition to our Innovation Breakfast series, "Cannabis - The Really, Reallys" is SOLD OUT!
Don't miss this truly unique night of networking and culinary adventure - sure to open your mind and offer lots of new opportunities to explore what food and beverage can offer to the consumer!
Join us for insights from:
Shehzad “Shez” Hoosein, Executive Vice President, Cannabistry Labs
Speaking on "The Consumer's Dilemma". Shehzad brings proven technical leadership in product innovation developed over 15 years at DIAGEO, the world’s number one premium spirits company. He started his journey in their Brand Technical Center, where he developed and commercialized close to 100 new and wide-ranging products over the span of 10 years. Leveraging his understanding of new product development, he took on several leadership roles within the organization including leading their Science and Technology platform in the field of fermentation, distillation and maturation. Eventually, he led the overall development and implementation of the entire operations management strategy for the North American whiskey portfolio. In 2015, Shehzad ventured into the cannabis industry, as VP of R&D at Cannabistry Labs™ - a professional research, development and branding company dedicated to bringing outstanding product innovation to the legalized cannabis industry. Over the past four years, he has spearheaded the creation of a world-class research and development team, which has brought numerous products and technologies to market. With innovation focused on patient needs, the Cannabistry Labs’ team of engineers, scientists, regulatory specialists and branding gurus are actively creating and reimagining the wide range of cannabis categories by unlocking and optimizing many of the key chemicals found in Cannabis. Shehzad earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology and holds an MBA in Finance and Operations Management from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Ryan Crane, CEO, Tukan/Tempo Beverage
Speaking on "The Normalization of Cannabis Through CBD" - examining the future trajectory of the industry and the risks and opportunity of operating an entrepreneurial company in the CBD space! Ryan Crane is a cannabis entrepreneur with a background in neuroscience and a passion for performance optimization. He is the founder of Chicago-based beverage brands Tukan and Tempo, companies that are re-thinking the way we fuel our bodies every day. Ryan received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business (honors), and BA in Neuroscience / Psychology from Princeton University (magna cum laude). Ryan is also a CFA charter holder. Tukan produces premium CBD beverages that bring clarity and focus into your everyday routine. Tukan’s line of wellness shots features complementary blends of CBD and functional superfoods that support your body’s natural rhythm and help you get the most out of your day. Refreshingly clean and powerfully revitalizing – no fake flavors, no synthetic sweeteners, no preservatives. Just the good stuff to keep your mind feeling balanced clear and balanced!
On the main floor, join Cresco Labs with special guest Chef Mindy Segal of Mindy's Edibles, as well as a full line-up of additional innovative and start-up companies in the space!
We will release the full line-up of participating companies...and our "speakeasy" location as we get closer to the date to confirmed participants only. And, space is limited, so register now so you don't get locked out!
*No companies will be sampling any illegal product, full spectrum THC or CBD products on-site during this event. All samples and samplers are providing samples that confirm to Illinois and Chicago legal and jurisdictional requirements.
We appreciate the support of our sponsors and speakers at this event:
