Canna Connect Brainerd

A one-day gathering for cannabis operators, cultivators, dispensaries, and industry partners building the future of Minnesota cannabis.

Canna Connect Brainerd

July 30, 2026 | Northern Pacific Center | Brainerd, Minnesota

Minnesota's cannabis industry is entering a new chapter.

As operators move from licensing and planning into cultivation, retail, infrastructure, and business development, the need for meaningful conversations has never been greater.

Canna Connect Brainerd is an education-first industry summit designed to bring together cultivators, dispensary operators, tribal leaders, service providers, and cannabis professionals for a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration.

This is not a traditional trade show.

Instead of rows of booths and sales pitches, Canna Connect Brainerd is built around practical conversations, expert perspectives, and real-world insights from the people actively building Minnesota's cannabis industry.

What To Expect

Educational Panel Discussions

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from industry leaders representing cultivation, technology, workforce development, infrastructure, marketing, compliance, and cannabis operations.

Panel conversations will focus on real challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota operators today.

Topics may include:

• Cultivation technology and facility design
• Cannabis retail and dispensary operations
• Workforce development and hiring
• Marketing and customer acquisition
• Energy efficiency and infrastructure planning
• Risk management and business growth
• Lessons learned from operators across Minnesota

The Canna Connect Pods

The event floor is organized around four interactive Pods designed to continue conversations beyond the stage.

Each Pod brings together organizations with complementary expertise and provides space for attendees to connect directly with speakers and partners throughout the day.

Connect

Technology, infrastructure, payments, software, and operational systems.

Educate

Business strategy, workforce development, compliance, insurance, and professional services.

Learn

Operator experiences, case studies, lessons learned, and Minnesota market insights.

Grow

Cultivation, facility design, lighting, environmental controls, and post-harvest solutions.

Live Content Recording

Selected panel discussions and interviews will be professionally recorded as part of The Canna Connect Show and future educational content initiatives.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from leaders helping shape Minnesota's cannabis industry while contributing to conversations that continue beyond the event itself.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for:

• Licensed cannabis businesses
• Cultivators and growers
• Dispensary owners and managers
• Cannabis entrepreneurs
• Tribal cannabis operators
• Ancillary service providers
• Industry professionals
• Home cultivators interested in advanced education
• Investors and stakeholders interested in Minnesota's cannabis market

Event Schedule

9:00 AM

Registration & Networking

10:00 AM

Opening Remarks

10:15 AM - 4:45 PM

Educational Panels, Pod Discussions & Networking

Important Information

This event is educational in nature and focused on professional networking and industry development.

No cannabis sales or product sampling will take place at this event.

All attendees are expected to comply with applicable Minnesota laws and venue policies.

About Canna Connect

Canna Connect is Minnesota's cannabis community platform, connecting operators, brands, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals through media, events, and education.

Since launching in 2023, Canna Connect has engaged more than 250 organizations across Minnesota's cannabis ecosystem through events, podcasts, newsletters, and strategic partnerships.

Connecting Minnesotans Over Cannabis.