Inside Grow Up: What Budtenders Actually Get Out of Canada's Biggest Cannabis Conference
May 21, 2026
Randy Rowe built Grow Up Conference and Expo from the ground up, and it shows. What started as a grower-focused event has become Canada's largest cannabis industry conference, the kind of room where budtenders, brands, retailers, and licensed producers all end up in the same conversation. This year's Toronto show runs June 1 to 3, 2026.
We asked Randy what makes Grow Up worth the trip, why budtenders are such a big part of the program, and what first-timers should actually do when they get there.
How did Grow Up get started, and what problem were you trying to solve in the Canadian cannabis space?
"Grow Up started because we saw a real need for a professional, grower-focused cannabis event in Canada that brought the entire industry together under one roof. At the time, there were plenty of business and investment-focused events, but not enough spaces where growers, retailers, brands, budtenders, and executives could connect, learn, and actually do business together.
Coming from the music event industry, I recognized that cannabis growers needed a platform to build relationships, share knowledge, and help move the industry forward in a meaningful way. Our mission has always been about education, collaboration, and creating opportunities across every level of the cannabis community.
We wanted to create a true 360-degree cannabis event - one that supports everyone from craft growers and retailers to budtenders and global industry leaders. Today, Grow Up has become Canada's largest cannabis industry conferences because we stay focused on helping people connect, learn, and grow their businesses."
What are you most excited about for attendees to experience at this year's Toronto show, and why?
"This year's Toronto show is shaping up to be our biggest and most interactive event yet. What excites me most is the energy that comes from having every part of the industry together in one place - growers, brands, retailers, budtenders, and decision-makers all networking face-to-face.
One of the highlights will definitely be our Retail Buyers Day and Speed Networking sessions. These meetings create real business opportunities between brands and retail stores. We've had hundreds of retail locations represented at previous events, and brands consistently tell us these sessions lead directly to listings and sales opportunities.
I'm also excited about Budtender Day. Budtenders are the frontline educators of this industry, and we're putting a huge focus on giving them access to brands, product education, sampling opportunities, and networking with the industry they simply can't get anywhere else.
And of course, the atmosphere at Grow Up is unique. Between the expo floor, networking events, after parties, and educational sessions, there's something happening every minute."
What does Grow Up offer budtenders specifically, and why is that audience important to the event
"Budtenders are one of the most important audiences at Grow Up because they directly influence consumer purchasing decisions every single day. They're the connection between brands and customers.
That's why we dedicate an entire Budtender Day at the Toronto show. Budtenders get the opportunity to:
- Meet licensed producers and brands directly
- Learn about new products before they hit shelves
- Participate in sampling opportunities
- Attend educational sessions
- Build relationships with retailers and industry professionals
- Discover trends shaping the future of cannabis
- Join us at our official networking party Tuesday night
We also know that budtenders want more than just product pitches. They want real education and hands-on experience so they can better guide consumers. Grow Up creates an environment where they can ask questions directly to growers, extractors, and brand owners.
At the end of the day, informed budtenders help build a stronger cannabis industry."
If a budtender is reading this and hasn't been to Grow Up before, what's the one thing you'd tell them to do when they show up?
"Network. Don't be shy.
The biggest mistake first-time attendees make is spending all their time walking the expo floor without actually introducing themselves to people. This industry is built on relationships.
Talk to brands. Ask growers questions. Sit in on sessions. Attend the networking events. Exchange Instagram handles and LinkedIn contacts. Use our app to scan other attendees and make new connections. Some of the best career opportunities in cannabis happen through conversations at events like Grow Up.
And definitely come prepared to learn. The cannabis industry changes fast, and Grow Up gives budtenders a chance to stay ahead of trends, products, and consumer preferences before they hit the mainstream.
If you show up with an open mind and a willingness to connect with people, you'll leave with valuable knowledge, industry contacts, and probably a few new friends too."
See you in Toronto!
If you've been thinking about going, this is your sign. Budtender Day is June 3, and it's built around exactly what you'd want: direct access to brands, real product education, and the chance to meet people who are shaping where this industry goes next. Tickets are available now and we, the CannSell + We Know Training team will see you at Grow Up!