Maybe far too much like the HBO series Game of Thrones, Pier 36 on New York City’s East River has been the site of a competition in the Cannabiz between the cannabis industry conferences Hall of Flowers and Revelry for the past few Autumns.
By John Bollinger
(Pictured above: Just a few of the 3800 industry players at Revelry.)
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The puffs of smoke are not from dragons, and there was not a drop of blood spilled. But Revelry Buyer’s Club and Hall of Flowers competed for dominance of the NY/NJ cannabiz conference throne.
In this Lannister/Targaryen scenario, according to comments from sponsors and attendees, both were victorious.
Dr. Craig Antell, the CEO of State of Mind, a new entrant into the New York cannabis market, felt that both events had more than enough merit.
“Revelry was a great show for brand introductions from a buyer’s perspective,” he said.
“Hall of Flowers also checked all the boxes for us. Our team met with existing and potential brand partners and vendors, and the productive format eliminated our need to travel out West for meetings,” Antell added.
The sampling from a score of other exhibitors and attendees struck the same notes: the NYC Area of Dominating Influence is more than ripe enough for the two or more.
One Has a Dragon. One Has a Wizard
Truly, the baseline of the cannabis business, whether it is large corporate, plant-touching, scientifically derived, or ancillary, is how the product helps people.
Partying with business being done, or business being done while partying, as the industry develops, there is little difference.
Riverrun or the Iron Islands?
Revelry brought 3,800 attendees and 659 retailers to New York City on September 28th for one day with less structured booth activations. This was in keeping with Revelry’s freer flowing vibe, a celebration of the plant more than a business proposition.
The aura of Revelry, which celebrated its tenth year this year, has traditionally been Empire State-centric. Lulu Tsui and Jacobi Holland, founders of the event, intentionally lean into the jubilee aspect of the marketplace. It gives Revelry a more hometown festival feel.
In fact, Revelry featured a first for smaller NY businesses. Tightening margins and less start-up funding make it difficult for most mom-and-pop shops to show their wares at big events.
“Our first Micro Business Showcase proved that some of the most exciting and intentional products in New York are coming from smaller operators who are deeply connected to both the plant and the communities they represent,” said Peter Mercado-Reyes, Chief Insights Officer at On The Revel.
Hall of Flowers Versus Revelry
Hall of Flowers is the West Coast-based cannabis company that took over Pier 36 on the East River parallel to Chinatown in New York City more recently in October.
With 482 exhibitors, a little less than 3000 attendees, and more regimented animal pen-style displays, there was more of a farming feel, though there were some large- scale corporate exhibits circling the pens.
Naturally, there were Multi-State Operators (MSOs) at both events. But Hall of Flowers (HoF) featured a few that are relatively new to the New York State market.
That included a few California favorites like Stone Road, Lowell, and Dabwoods. Principals said that, at present, the NY/NJ markets are more lucrative than West Coast states.
HoF having two days, rather than Revelry’s one, resulted in more industry pre-, during, and post-parties that ran from Midtown to the Lower East Side and Brooklyn.
High Times, Cannabis Now, Beard Bros, and Puffco were among the many competing to throw the ultimate bash in October. But, that said, Revelry is more of a party itself, with music and merriment during the event.
Creating the Best New York City Cannabis Industry Conference
For many years, the only cannabiz conference in NYC was the now-defunct Cannabis World Congress and Business (CWC) Business Expo held at the Javits Center.
Since its demise, and even before, the “city that’s so nice they named it twice,” NYC hasn’t had the one big event.
Next year, rumor has it that HoF is planning on completely changing its timing to June rather than Fall. If Revelry stays with its September/October time frame, one event during planting time and one during harvest may ease the perceived duplication of effort or competition.
But perhaps like the end of Game of Thrones, the Iron Throne of NYC Cannabis should be melted rather than fought over.
We’re planning our own little party this Friday, November 6th: Heady NJ Presents A Business Get-Together! Get a ticket here!
