Vancouver will host Canada's largest B2B cannabis gathering in January 2026 as the Grow Up Conference & Expo returns to the West Coast with an ambitious program designed to support industry growth and innovation.
Major Industry Gathering Returns to Vancouver
The Grow Up Vancouver 2026 event, presented by Quality Horticulture, will take place from January 19-21, 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre's East Building. This marks the continuation of an eight-year legacy for an organization that has established itself as one of Canada's most credible cannabis industry platforms.
Since launching in 2017, Grow Up has hosted an impressive track record including 11 national conferences, six Industry Awards Galas, three Canadian Cannabis Championships, and two CannaVision International Executive Summits. The event comes at a critical time for Canada's cannabis sector, which contributed $76.5 billion to Canada's GDP between 2018 and 2024.
Comprehensive Programming for Industry Growth
The 2026 event features extensive programming designed to address the cannabis industry's current challenges and opportunities. The conference opens with the Executive Summit powered by StratCann on January 19, providing a high-level forum for executives, investors, and policymakers during a pivotal moment as Canada reflects on seven years of legalization.
Featured speakers include The Honourable Lana Popham, who will discuss how cannabis continues to shape British Columbia's agricultural innovation and economic development. Also headlining is Kevin Jodrey, an internationally recognized cultivator and educator who will share insights on genetics and the path forward for the maturing global industry.
From January 20-21, the main Industry Conference & Expo will connect the full cannabis ecosystem with over 100 speakers and exhibitors. The Main Stage, presented by High North, will host discussions on critical topics including:
- Direct Delivery in B.C.
- The Next Wave of Retail
- AI Transforming Cultivation
Specialized Zones and Networking Opportunities
The event will feature several specialized areas including the CANNA Breeders & Genetics Zone showcasing North America's top breeders and seed innovators, and the Brand Zone connecting Canada's leading cannabis brands with retail buyers.
Attendees can participate in hands-on Masterclass sessions, Speed Networking events, and live competitions such as "So You Think You Can Cook with Cannabis?" designed to strengthen business relationships and drive tangible outcomes.
The conference will also honor industry pioneers with Lifetime Achievement Awards recognizing decades of advocacy and entrepreneurship that built Canada's regulated market foundation. Recipients include Don Briere and Carol Gwilt (Co-owners of WEEDS), Jodie Giesz-Ramsay (Owner of Cannabis Culture), and John Conroy (Barrister and Solicitor).
Beyond the formal programming, Grow Up Vancouver offers dedicated networking spaces and evening events including a Kick-off Party on January 19 at Cannabis Culture and The New Amsterdam Café and the Official Networking Party on January 20 at Shark Club.
As Canada's cannabis industry works toward sustainable long-term growth, events like Grow Up Vancouver play a vital role in shaping the industry's future direction. With its proven track record, the conference continues to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in this rapidly evolving sector.
Registration is now open at growupconference.com/vancouver for what promises to be Canada's most influential B2B cannabis gathering of 2026.
