Most of the world was closed, shut down, and no longer in business during the pandemic. Everything seemed uncertain, and how humans interacted with each as a “norm” changed completely. Cannabis became essential so, the industry was still active but, cannabis events were non existent.
When we screamed “Happy New Year” on Jan 1, 2022, it appeared to me as if the world of cannabis events broke wide open. Every week, a new event, in a new state; I mean, there are so many events happening that if we placed them on a calendar, I’m willing to bet there’s a different event happening every 3rd day.
With these new cannabis events, come new attendees, vendors, speakers, and exhibitors. Many are walking into these spaces for the very first time in cannabis, and maybe even the very first time- period.
I attend events as the media/press so I can’t offer tips on what it takes to be a vendor or an exhibitor at an event but, I know a group of women in cannabis that are great at this! If you check out their social media pages, you’ll find these cannabosses at various events, in different locations, more than a couple times a month.
A photo of Sunflowers Spacecakes at Cannafest PA, by Cannavibezz Media, LLC
This one is for the new to vending and/or aspiring vendor. Below is a short Q & A with 3 woman owned cannabis/hemp businesses based in Florida and Pennsylvania. We talked about: traveling to events and setting up as a vendor, the most challenging parts of vending, the most rewarding parts of vending, and tips for must-haves at a vendor booth.
Q & A Woman Owned in Cannabis: The Green Baker, Hygh Maintenance Society, and Sunflower’s Spacecakes
The Green Baker is a cannabis chef with 20 years of culinary experience. She creates a variety of infused edibles, entrees, and buffets; and is passionate about cannabis advocacy and education.
Hygh Maintenance Society is an online store for the bougie cannabis lover. The company offers skin care products, accessories, favors, infused edibles, and is passionate about the black cannabis lover.
Sunflowers Spacecakes is a vegan, 420 friendly catering company that bakes edibles, creates entrees, extracts their own oils, offers learning experiences, and is passionate about healing people through the powers of love and cannabis.
How many times have you been a vendor/exhibitor since launching your company/brand?
The Green Baker: “Oh my… too many to count, but if I had to guess I would say around 80-90 times and counting.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “Since starting my company I’ve vended more than 100 times.”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “Since launching my brand in 2014, I have vended over a few 100 times.”
Do you stay local or travel to various events/festivals?
The Green Baker: “When I first started I only did local, then I expanded and started traveling around the state of Florida. Now I will only do out of area if it is ABSOLUTELY fiscally sensible and is for an intentional purpose.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “I do both local and out of town events and festivals. My first time traveling to a festival was in Arkansas.”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “We are very involved locally, and that has led to many opportunities and invitations to vend out of state.”
A photo of Hygh Maintenance Society at Cannafest PA, by Cannavibezz Media, LLC
What is the most challenging thing about being a vendor/exhibitor?
The Green Baker: In my opinion, having the funds to source, make, purchase all of the items you will be selling, and also to support the behind the scenes operations.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “The most challenging thing about vending is when an event doesn’t turn out how you expected. The disappointment is heavy.”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “We find that the most challenging thing is when traveling out of town, and having to acquiring the proper licenses and permits.”
What is the most rewarding thing about being a vendor/exhibitor?
The Green Baker: “My most rewarding moments in vending are meeting new people, speaking to my customer base face to face, connecting with fellow vendors, and educating and surprising the community with my presence.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “The most rewarding part of vending is connecting with people who have been following my business from the beginning, and the feeling I get when someone walks through and is drawn to my table; like they found their people.”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “The most rewarding thing for us is always helping someone heal. It feels good to see some of the same people at different events and hearing from them that our products provided relief.”
What are 3 tips you can offer for those wanting to get out there as a vendor?
The Green Baker: “1.) Don't be afraid to start small and work your way up. 2.) Never underestimate the power of networking and collaboration. 3.) Doesn't matter what you decide to sell, be passionate about your products.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “1.) Know your crowd and determine if an event is right for your company. 2.) Interact with people. Regardless if they don’t buy anything, it’s one more person that knows about your business. 3.) Have fun!”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “1.) Do it. 2.) Have no fear. 3.) Know Your Why”
Photo of the Green Baker at a Florida Event, photo from the Green Bakers Instagram page
What are 3 must have items for a vendor booth?
The Green Baker: “1.) Fan and Bug spray. I’m from Florida so it is VERY handy. 2.) Branding: cards, stickers, banners, tablecloth etc. 3.) Battery operated or rechargeable lights.”
Hygh Maintenance Society: “1.) Happy/Fun personality. 2.) A set up to draw people in. 3.) A helping hand for bathroom breaks.”
Sunflowers Spacecakes: “1.) A table. 2.) Product Display. 3.) POS”
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