We know you've waited long enough to hear firsthand from the movers and shakers in the cannabis-infused sector. It's one of the fastest-growing segments of the cannabis industry. Opportunity knocks!

Cannabis Drinks Expo is coming to Chicago on 15th November. In this blog, we are going to talk about the 30 Minute Presentation (1:00 - 1:30) that is going to be held in the Grand Ballroom at Midwest Conference Center, Northlake, IL.

In this session, Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC) will host a female-focused conversation about what women want from their infused beverages at retail and on-premise, at restaurants and bars. IWC has assembled a powerhouse panel of female executives who will discuss women as consumers of cannabis-infused beverages and drinks, and the implication of portability, palatability, and sociability on product development, branding, and marketing.

Established in 2014, Illinois Women in Cannabis has grown into the leading cannabis industry networking organization in Illinois, and is steadily advancing its mission to empower women to build strong cannabis industry relationships, networks, and careers. Its Cannabis Drinks Expo panel of experts are all women and include the chief revenue officer from the beverage category’s leading cannabis-infused brand, the product development advisor for a just-launched cannabis-infused seltzer, the partner and business strategist of a buzzworthy national cannabis brand and shopper marketing agency, and a food and beverage trend-spotter for the nation’s restaurant industry. You will want to join us for this informed and focused discussion on what women want from their infused beverages.

Get your spot now! (Chicago Expo Floor + Conference Ticket)

CHECK OUT who and what we have lined up for Chicago on November 15, 2021.

Panelists:

Chelsea Bedard, Cann Social Tonics

Chelsea Bedard is the Chief Revenue Office at Cann Social Tonics, a cannabis-infused beverage company based in California. It is the #1 selling THC-infused beverage in California and has attracted famous investors like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ruby Rose, and Rebel Wilson. Cann has partnered with manufacturers to introduce its microdosed, non-alcoholic beverages in other states. Just this April Cann Social Tonics entered the Illinois market in partnership with Green Thumb Industries (GTI). Bedard was among Cann’s inaugural leadership recruits, hired a year ago to help manage the cannabis company’s accelerated growth.

Laura Yee, USFood & Bite This Media

Laura Yee has been monitoring and responding to global food trends in the hospitality industry for two decades. As owner and editorial chief of Bite This Media agency, she develops marketing strategies and directs custom editorial content for food, hospitality, and cannabis brands. Strategizing with experienced and popular culinary cannabis creators on culinary cannabis for health and wellness and for hospitality are among her current focuses.

Jennifer Owens, Beverage Solution Partners

Jennifer Owens is a co-partner of a midwest beverage product innovation consultancy, Beverage Solution Partners (BSP). BSP specializes in sensory research, packaging design, product development, and production. Owens’ previous marketing career and insightful consumer engagement experience complement her husband’s two decades of craft brew product development and operations experience. Their most recent collaboration is on Society Seltzer, a cannabis-infused seltzer just launched in the Missouri medical marijuana marketplace by Monarch Supply Company.

Allison Disney, Receptor Brands

Allison Disney is the partner at a new cannabis brand experience agency based in Chicago - Receptor Brands. Established in 2021, the creative services agency offers end-to-end services for the cannabis industry, including business strategy, branding, product innovation, packaging design, marketing, and experience design. As Business Strategist, Disney helps define the field of opportunity for her clients’ businesses in an industry poised to disrupt every major category at the store.