Join us for the 2025 CFA Networking Event
Surviving And Thriving in the NY Cannabis Market
When: Monday, March 3rd, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Where: The Cornerstone at the Plaza, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
Conference Cost: $85.00
The conference cost is deducted from CFA membership if annual dues are paid at the conference. (This equals a free conference.) The cost of annual membership is $420 per year. Membership fees go directly to pay for our lobbying and legal work fighting for cannabis farmers.
The Main Goals of the Conference
Help craft cannabis growers discover business strategies to survive and thrive in a market in which large, well-capitalized cannabis businesses are trying to dominate the marketplace.
Provide conference participants opportunities to network with both sponsors and other small craft cannabis cultivators.
Build a community with common goals.
Many of the sponsors are providing discounted services to conference participants.
Networking and Conference Schedule
9:30 - 10:30 AM:
Check-in and Continental Breakfast
Visit sponsors' tables and network.
Join CFA at a $85 discount
10:30 - 11:00 AM:
Welcome from CFA Board President Joseph Calderone
CFA Attorney and Lobbyist ; Matthew Leonardo Hinman and Straub shares a few words and presents awards
Cannabis Farmers Alliance awards will be presented to Senator Jeremy Cooney, Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes
A few words from Colton Griffin of Flourish Software
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM:
Panel discussion: Surviving and Thriving in the New York Market with Moderator Megan Jewett
12:30 - 1:30PM:
Buffet lunch at The Cornerstone for sponsors, panelists and participants catered by Logan’s. Time for additional networking opportunities.
1:30-2:00:
Brian Farmer’s career is defined by innovation, advocacy, and hands-on experience in both policy and practice in the cannabis industry. Brian is a seasoned leader in cannabis regulation, sustainability certification, and regenerative agriculture with over 35 years of experience shaping ethical and environmentally responsible farming practices. Most recently at NYS OCM Brian was the Special Executive Assistant for Development at the Cannabis Hub and Incubator program. Also, he held the position of Deputy Director of Compliance at the New York Office of Cannabis Management where he developed compliance framework, sustainability metrics, and worker safety standards while overseeing statewide inspections. Currently, Brian Farmer is working on several projects with his company Farmer’s Table (farmerstableconsulting@gmail.com) and will continue his work in regenerative agriculture, compliance, and creating a community consulting certification space. Brian is committed to working with farmers to create a community of growers who use regenerative organic practices to produce their cannabis and food.
2:30- 4:30 PM:
Afternoon Networking and Community Building with Topic Experts. Meet with panelists, vendors and current CFA members to discuss constructive cannabis business strategies.
Topics:
Compliance And Regulations
NYS Track and Trace
Business Strategies While Waiting For OCM Licensing
cGMP Certification
Payroll, Banking Programs And Services
Marketing Strategies
5:00 - 7:00 PM:
Taste of New York event sponsored by the New York State Farm Bureau, located at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and free to all. The event features an abundance of New York State-produced food and beverages.
8:00 - 10:00 PM:
After Party at The Argus, an elegant mansion and hotel located less than one mile from the Empire State Plaza with plenty of parking. Out-of-town guests may also book a room there. Join us for some delicious desserts, a nightcap and a puff or two (there’s an outdoor smoking patio). Tickets $20.00
