This is a marathon, not a sprint. First, really think about what you want to carry around all day. When packing your bag to go to the show think “do I really need this?” Second guessing will help save your shoulders. Second, when selecting your shoes, consider something that you might exercise in. We know this is a professional event and people will be dressing in business casual. However, when it comes to your feet there is an unwritten rule that no one will judge you for tennis shoes. Take a chapter out of our friends at Sapphire Risk and take this as a branding opportunity (see image below). Third, check the weather ahead of time and pack accordingly. The average high temp is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temp is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Being comfortable will help maximize your enjoyment of the show.

This year you will be able to pick up your badge on Monday or Tuesday before the show. This will save you time from standing in the very long line the day of the event. Bonus tip*** upload a photo to your registration prior to picking up your badge. This will save a step at check-in and will also ensure your badge picture is something you want people staring at over the next couple of days.

It is way too easy to get distracted when on the floor of the conference and in Las Vegas; There is a lot going on. Know what booths you must stop by before hitting the ground running and figure out where they are according to the map. This will help save your feet a couple of miles from having to go back and forth at the convention. You will have no problem getting your steps in everyday especially since this year there are two floors. Save yourself some energy and walk with a plan. Bonus tip*** Know where the restrooms are before you need them.

Put GreenSpacePro and Temeka Group’s booths on your list! We would love to have you stop by. Temeka Group (booth #7015) will have a huge booth! You will not want to miss the cool set up. GreenSpacePro (booth #721) will have a really cool piece of SWAG. Check it out early so you don’t miss out!

If you book your hotel on the monorail route, you will save so much money buying a few days pass on the monorail. Uber and cabs rides can become expensive. Plus, you won’t have to wonder what time and where exactly will the driver pull up. The monorail has multiple stations with a set schedule. Bonus tip*** If you do Uber, know there are specific pick up spots at the casinos for rideshare only. You cannot go to the same place as the cabs. Your Uber driver will make you walk across the casino to find them. They will get fined if they attempt to pick you up in the wrong spot. It is a very stressful situation.

Even if you live in an area where adult-use is legal or if you do not consume you should still check out the local dispensaries. Planet 13 is the largest dispensary in the world with 40,000 square feet, has unique display cases, and it is just a cab ride off the strip. Bonus tip*** they will not let you have any beverages inside the dispensary, so drink your coffee before you get there.

You may have a breakfast meeting on the strip then a coffee meet-up at Freemont. Take location into consideration when booking a meeting. See if they will be flexible with either the time or the location. You don’t want to show up to a meeting covered in sweat and panting. Bonus tip*** Make reservations NOW to ensure you get a table at the restaurants you want to meet at.

Building relationships is the key to growing your business. You are not going to be able to make a real connection on the floor of the show; It is very fast pace. People want to see as much as they can, exchange as many business cards as possible, and collect all the SWAG. Getting people away from the convention is the opportunity to slow down and have a conversation.

Building a schedule beforehand will help maximize your productivity. However, it is easy to over schedule. Leave plenty of buffer time in between each meeting or event. You don’t want to have so much going on in your schedule that all you can think about is what you need to do next. Remember that life and business is about living and enjoying the moment and what you do. The people who you are with can feel your energy. You don’t want to be with a lead you have been trying to land for months and continuously looking at your watch. Bonus tip*** GreenSpacePro is a project management tool that you can use to build a schedule for MJBizCon for yourself and/or your team. You can share schedules with other users and the mobile app is great for on the go.

Drink plenty of water, make breaks for yourself throughout the day, eat healthy meals for breakfast and lunch then leave dinner for indulging, and get enough sleep. Bonus tip*** Staying on your regular time zone is a great way to make sure you get up and go to bed at decent times and you won’t be off your regular schedule when you get home. It is easy to want to have all of the fun in Las Vegas, but if you stick to your regular schedule than you will stay out of trouble and leave plenty of time to get ready and answer some emails in the morning.

Yes, this is a business trip, but this is also the biggest event of the year for the cannabis industry. Make memories and have experiences with your employees, colleagues, clients, and vendors. The stronger relationships you build, the more successful you will be. Enjoy yourself and drink responsibly.