DC Startup & Tech Week: Full Schedule

We are so excited to share with you the DC Startup & Tech Week 2024 schedule! If you are early stage to growth stage founder, entrepreneur, investor, or looking to work with startups we have 14 tracks of content with over 150 sessions, 250 speakers that have been curated for you.

Ready to personalize your schedule and add sessions to your calendar? First register and purchase your ticket on Eventbrite, then you will receive an email to personalize your schedule. If you already registered, create your schedule today.

10:15am EDT

Future of Cannabis: Insights from Founders and Funders in Cannabis Panel

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

This track is designed for individuals interested in the landscape of capital raising in the cannabis industry, offering insights into what institutional funds seek in a robust cannabis business, essential do's and don'ts in the cannabis investment realm, and the latest trends and insider perspectives that will empower you to enhance your investment strategy and achieve new levels of success.

Speakers

Carter Lewis

Paul Dellapenta

Vice President, FVCbank

Eduardo Cabral

Senior Analyst & Consultant, Triple Beam Advisors

Eduardo Cabral is a consultant with Triple Beam Advisors and founder of Worker Solidarity Capital. He brings a unique background blending venture capital, cooperative finance, and community organizing. Previously, he led the corporate development for Obran Health, from inception to... Read More →

Tracey Lancaster Miller

Executive Vice President, Peake ReLeaf

Tracey Lancaster Miller is the Executive Vice President, founding member and owner-operator of Peake ReLeaf, a cannabis dispensary in Rockville, Maryland. She has been appointed by the Governor to the state’s Advisory Board for Medical and Adult Use Cannabis and is also the Past... Read More →

Todd Hughes

Co-Founder, BCB Mastermind

Todd is a fearless visionary, established engineer, and the founder of EntreVation LLC, a business incubator and accelerator. Todd has more than 10 years of organizational management experience at the Department of Energy where he manages a $150 million portfolio of research and development... Read More →

IGNITE Coach Ron Mitchell

Partner and Founder, BEM ENTERPRISES LLC

Ignite Coach Ron Mitchell is an American businessman U.S. Army veteran, philanthropist, entrepreneur, lecturer, artist, author, a champion for diversity and inclusion, and a steward of culture, the environment, equity, and education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University... Read More →

Bethany Frick

CEO, District Cannabis

I am passionate about the success of those around me and contributing to the growth of great innovative companies. I flourish in environments that are entrepreneurial in spirit and foster collaborative decision making.

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track

11:00am EDT

The State of the Cannabis Market in the DMV

Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

Join us for a candid discussion on the current state of cannabis in the District of Columbia. Our expert panelists will delve into the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the cannabis industry in the nation's capital. From regulatory updates to consumer trends, we'll explore the evolving landscape and discuss the future of cannabis in DC. Don't miss this informative and engaging panel chat!

Speakers

Robert Martin

Founder, DCC

Originally from Atlanta, Ga, Robbie has called DC home for the last 8 years. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he held roles in sales, finance, operations, and marketing. When DC began expanding its medical cannabis program, he jumped at the opportunity to combine his passions... Read More →

Colin Fraser

founder, upling

At Upling, we are devoted to upholding an environment where inclusion, equality, community, and diversity are valued and appreciated. We recognize that community is built in our DNA and that’s why it takes all kinds of people and perspectives to produce great ideas that shape our... Read More →

Allison Siegel

CEO, CULTA

Allison Siegel is the CEO of CULTA, a vertically integrated Maryland cannabis company. She was previously President of Next Day Blinds, the dominant window covering company in the Mid-Atlantic. A Maryland- based vertically integrated company, they excelled in selling, manufacturing... Read More →

Kim Boucher

Linda Mercado Greene

Owner/CEO, Anacostia Organics

I am the Owner/CEO of Anacostia Organics, the first DC licensed medical cannabis dispensary East of the River in Historic Anacostia, opening our doors for business January 24, 2019. My daughter, Tamia Harper, Director/GM, and I are one of only 3 black mother and daughter owners/operators... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track

11:45am EDT

Startup Success: Navigating the Early-Stage Cannabis Industry

Friday October 25, 2024 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

Discover the essential steps to launch a successful cannabis startup, leveraging data-driven tools to establish a solid foundation and structure for the industry's plant-touching and non-touching businesses.

Speakers

Jonathan Crandall

Owner, Green Theory

Jonathan, a DC local and owner of Green Theory, spearheaded the first successful transition from I-71 to a licensed medical dispensary in DC. With a marketing degree from Radford University and years of experience in the DC cannabis market, Jonathan entered the I-71 space in 2017... Read More →

Derrick Frost

SVP Operations & Private Wireless, Kajeet

Senior technology executive with a proven track record of successfully building and growing new products and services, managing business growth and achieving business process improvements. Strategically focused with strong leadership and communication skills and very effective at... Read More →

Keisha Reed

CEO, The Connected Ecosystem

Keisha J. Reed is a digital media strategist located in Baltimore, MD.She is the founder of The Connected Ecosystem a full-service agency that specializes in sustainable community building, digital strategy, and talent management. Explore Maryland Cannabis, a membership community... Read More →

Lisa Scott

CEO/Owner, Bud Appetit Edibles

Barry Doyle

Founder and CEO, Embers

CEO of vertically integrated DC Medical Cannabis Licenses (Retail, Cultivation, and Manufacturing).

Evelyn Lachapelle

Founder, The Weed Lady

Evelyn LaChapelle's transformative journey began in 2013 when she faced adversity, leading to her conviction on three charges related to a minor role in a marijuana distribution operation. Despite enduring an 87-month prison sentence during this challenging period, Evelyn emerged... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track

12:45pm EDT

Cannabis Tech Revolution: AI, LLMs, and Beyond Panel

Friday October 25, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

Explore the game-changing power of artificial intelligence and the groundbreaking possibilities of language modeling and data in the cannabis industry. This track offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of cannabis technology. Join industry leaders, innovators, and pioneers as they unveil revolutionary solutions, provide exclusive insights, and spark creativity with the endless potential of tech-driven cannabis innovation.

Moderators

Colin Fraser

founder, upling

Speakers

Carlo Manabat

Founder, Kuya

Carlo Manabat is the founder of Kuya, a customer data platform for the cannabis industry. His mission is to enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of data. His passion for addressing significant challenges is informed by his experience with companies such as Sony, Microsoft... Read More →

Caroline Crandall

CEO, Green Theory

Caroline earned her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, with a focus on science and technology, and has proudly called DC home ever since graduating. After nearly a decade in the corporate tech world—first at Deloitte and then leading the Newsroom Analytics team at... Read More →

Munir Haque

VP, Cure8

Munir is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced cannabis technology experts in North America. He specializes in retail technology and security and has worked closely with cannabis retailers to design, set up, and manage over 100 dispensaries in the last few years.One thing... Read More →

Tyler Spence

Sales Director, Solink

An accomplished leader in the cannabis industry, who began their career in the early Canadian market and have since leveraged that experience to navigate both early-stage and mature state markets across the United States.

Erica Loftin

Sr. Account Executive, Dutchie

Erica Loftin is a Senior Account Executive at Dutchie, the cannabis industry's leading operations and compliance technology provider. Having worked in over 10 states and launched over 200 stores, Erica brings a depth of knowledge on how to open and operate a sustainable business in... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track

1:30pm EDT

Branding in Cannabis: Strategies to Thrive in a Competitive Market Panel

Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

Explore how top cannabis brands are forging genuine connections with consumers, utilizing the art of storytelling, and crafting memorable experiences that stand out in a competitive marketplace. Hear from industry experts, thought leaders, and marketing innovators as they reveal their strategies for success and introduce groundbreaking methods to boost brand recognition and enhance customer engagement in the cannabis industry.

Speakers

Manelle Nunez Martino

Brand Development, M&A, Marketing & Sales Leader, High-Growth Startups | Retail, Cannabis, SaaS / Technology

My background blends extensive experience elevating brand performance through operational excellence, sales and marketing leadership, and revenue growth. My expertise lies in launching, scaling, and fundraising rapidly growing startups across multiple industries. As a leader, I place... Read More →

Hannah Perry

CEO/Consultant, Baddie Solutions LLC

With over 20 years of experience in the retail and hospitality sectors, I have established myself as a dynamic force in customer service excellence and operational strategy. For the past six years, I have specialized in consulting, focusing on customer service training, product knowledge... Read More →

Dave Tart

Sr. Marketing Manager, Curaleaf

Dave Tart is a Senior Marketing Manager at Grassroots, where he combines his passion for cannabis with strategic marketing expertise. A certified Ganjier, Dave is dedicated to the intricacies of cannabis genetics and connoisseurship, helping to elevate the understanding and appreciation... Read More →

Paige Danielle Kelly

Marketing Manager, TerrAscend

Paige Kelly is the Retail Marketing Manager for the Apothecarium Dispensaries in Maryland, where they lead customer engagement strategies and brand development.With over six years of experience in cannabis retail marketing, Paige specializes in increasing customer loyalty, and retention... Read More →

Brytany Melville

President, Forte Operations

Brytany Melville is the President of Cannabis Dispensary Consulting Agency, Forte Operations. With 17+ years of entrepreneurial and high-volume retail experience, she began her cannabis career in 2018 with opening the very first legal dispensaries in Canada. Through her work, she... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track

2:15pm EDT

Policy, Compliance, and Finance: Navigating Cannabis Regulations Panel

Friday October 25, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop

Whether you're a policymaker, compliance officer, finance professional, or cannabis entrepreneur, this track offers invaluable insights, actionable strategies, and expert guidance to help you navigate the complex intersection of policy, compliance, and finance in the cannabis industry.

Speakers

Shanita Penny

Senior Vice President, Forbes Tate Partners

Shanita R. Penny, MBA is a Senior Vice President leading stakeholder engagement at Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan government and public affairs firm. She also serves as co-executive director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation (CPEAR). Before joining... Read More →

James Gibbons

Founder/Wealth Manager, Alpha Pointe Capital

Early Influence and Start- Jim Gibbons was inspired by his father’s advice during the 1987 stock market crash, leading him to begin his career as a financial advisor in 1998.Investment Philosophy- In his early career, Jim established his investment philosophy called “Invest in... Read More →

Rodney Holcombe

Vice President, Public Policy, LeafLink

Rodney Holcombe is the Vice President of Public Policy at LeafLink, a non-plant touching cannabis technology company that manages $5 billion in annual orders across its business-to-business platform. Prior to joining LeafLink, Rodney was the New York State Director for Criminal Justice... Read More →

Ambur Smith

Founder + Managing Attorney, The Law Office of Attorney Ambur C. Smith PLLC

Ambur C. Smith, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Law Office of Attorney Ambur C. Smith PLLC. Her clients are startups, nonprofits, and creatives across the sports, entertainment, fashion, tech and wellness industries. On any given day, she helps protect their billion... Read More →

Nathaniel Hicks Jr

Vice President of North East Territories, Cannas Capital LLC

Nathaniel Hicks, Jr, Vice President of Cannas Capital Insurance Firm, is the proud founding Board Member of Maryland Cannabis Equity Collective, a grassroots non-profit aimed to educate POC in entrance into cannabis entrepreneurship. With nearly 10 years of experience in Maryland’s... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Eaton Hotel: Wild Days Rooftop 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Cannabis Sub-Track