Market Spotlight: New Jersey 2026
Market Spotlight: New Jersey 2026
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February 10th, 2026

Last year's NJ Spotlight event SOLD OUT with an oversubscribed audience of more than 500 attendees!

This targeted, one-day event offers a rare opportunity to talk to, learn from, and network with the most important players in the one of the most exciting cannabis markets in the country.

Start 2026 off on the right foot and supercharge your company's path to success with this fast paced, hard-hitting, and invaluable event

Register Now

JUST ANNOUNCED – Licensed Operators receive a special discount on registration - email Events@igniteit.com for access.

What's The Big Deal?
  1. This exclusive event, centered on strategic networking, provides an opportunity to forge lasting business connections...all in a single day.
     
  2. Hear directly from leading industry professionals through high-impact education to help navigate the intricacies and obstacles of New Jersey. 
     
  3. Acquire Insider insights on the impact Federal Rescheduling will have on the New Jersey market.
     
  4. Leave empowered with a actionable roadmap to grow your business, fueled by the knowledge and connections you’ve made.
Don't take it from us, listen to the experts:

"IgniteIt events are the most valuable networking experiences I’ve encountered in cannabis. I’ve engaged in a number of strategic partnerships as a result of the connections I’ve made, and the educational discussions provide actionable insights from other operators."  - Lauren Carpenter, CEO, Embarc

"It’s not a finance show, it's a community. A room full of people who’ve been through it, sharing what they know. And that’s what makes this event matter." - Dee Sidhu, CMO, Humboldt Family Farms

"The relationships that I formed at the conference have led to valuable partnerships with people I may not otherwise have met. The combination of a decision-maker–rich audience and high-quality content makes this an essential event."  - Wes Hein, Co-Founder, Mammoth Distribution

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Westin Jersey City
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Who Attends?
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Experience previous Market Spotlight events in New Jersey and California.
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2026 Speakers
Our list of speakers, sponsors and attendees is growing every day. Take a look at some of our confirmed speakers.
Tahir Johnson
Tahir Johnson
CEO
Simply Pure Trenton
Laurie Parfitt
Laurie Parfitt
Founder & CEO
LKP Impact Consulting
Jason Wild
Jason Wild
Chairman of the Board
TerrAscend
Joseph Lustberg
Joseph Lustberg
CEO
UPWISE CAPITAL
Rachelle Gordon
Rachelle Gordon
Editor
GreenState
Trent Woloveck
Trent Woloveck
Chief Strategy Director
Jushi
Stella Morrison
Stella Morrison
Founder
CannaContent
Jeff Guillot
Jeff Guillot
Founder
Guillot Consulting
Swati Gupta
Swati Gupta
Founder and CEO
Moondust USA
Jeff Freeman
Jeff Freeman
Co-Founder & CCO
Mfused
Dr. Roz McCarthy
Dr. Roz McCarthy
Founder & CEO
Black Buddha Cannabis, M4MM
Lou Magazzu
Lou Magazzu
Managing Member
Law Offices of Louis N. Magazzu
Jeffrey Dunetz
Jeffrey Dunetz
Partner
Highgate Capital Partners
Cy Scott
Cy Scott
Co-Founder & CEO
Headset
Sarah Trent
Sarah Trent
CEO
Valley Wellness
Howard Lee
Howard Lee
CEO
SōRSE Technology
Faye Coleman
Faye Coleman
Co-Founder & CEO
Pure Genesis
Donny Moskovic
Donny Moskovic
Senior Director, Co-Founder
Katz & Associates, Rockland Cannabis Dispensary
Susanna Puntel
Susanna Puntel
National Council Member
American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp
Kellen O'Keefe
Kellen O'Keefe
VP Of Business Development
Dutchie
Dave Vautrin
Dave Vautrin
CEO
FLUENT Cannabis
Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Founder/CEO
The Other Side Dispensary
Tim Seymour
Tim Seymour
Founder & CIO, Portfolio Manager, $CNBS Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF.
Seymour Asset Management
Jesce Horton
Jesce Horton
Co-Founder
Grand National
Brett Finkelstein
Brett Finkelstein
Founding Member & Managing Director
Phyto Partners
Kate Miller
Kate Miller
Co-founder + CEO
Miss Grass
Todd Johnson
Todd Johnson
Executive Director
New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association
Tom Armstrong
Tom Armstrong
Co-founder , COO
Fire & Oak Dispensary ; Franklin Roots Dispensary
Nikolas Komyati
Nikolas Komyati
Partner
Fox Rothschild
Krista Raymer
Krista Raymer
Chief Strategy Officer
C3 Industries
David Holmes
David Holmes
Co-Founder
Clade9
Trip McDermott
Trip McDermott
Chief Operating Officer
Verano
Matha Figaro
Matha Figaro
CEO
CannPowerment
Bran Noonan
Bran Noonan
CEO
OGeez!
Marc Claybon
Marc Claybon
Principal
Crowe
Brendon Robinson
Brendon Robinson
Co-Founder & CEO, Co-Founder & Chairman
Mudd Brothers & NJ Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Jeffrey Miller
Jeffrey Miller
CEO
HoneyProjects
Lauren Laplante
Lauren Laplante
Chief Growth Officer
Spokes Digital
Travis Scadron
Travis Scadron
EVP
Surfside
Joshua Krane
Joshua Krane
Vice President of Operations, Northeast
Justice Cannabis Co.
Steven Ernest
Steven Ernest
Head of Originations
Chicago Atlantic
Keshawn Warner
Keshawn Warner
Co-Founder & CTO
Dazed Cannabis
Jeremy Rivera
Jeremy Rivera
CEO
Terp Bros
Tom Zuber
Tom Zuber
Managing Partner
Zuber Lawler
David Nicolas
David Nicolas
Founder and CEO
Prolific Growhouse
Patrick Lane
Patrick Lane
CEO & Co-Founder
IgniteIt
Elliot Lane
Elliot Lane
President & Co-Founder
IgniteIt
February 10th Agenda
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION + NETWORKING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Opening Remarks
 
Elliot Lane, IgniteIt
Patrick Lane, IgniteIt
Opening Remarks
 
 
 
 
 
9:10 AM - 9:20 AM
An Exclusive Look at New Jersey's Cannabis Market, Presented by Headset
 
Cy Scott, Headset
An Exclusive Look at New Jersey's Cannabis Market, Presented by Headset
 
 
 
 
 
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ

Federal policy shifts are poised to fundamentally reshape how capital markets view the cannabis industry, creating new pathways for institutional participation and long-term investment. This panel brings together capital markets leaders to examine how rescheduling, banking reform, and regulatory clarity will influence valuation models, risk assessment, and capital deployment—particularly in markets like New Jersey.

Jeffrey Dunetz, Highgate Capital Partners
Brett Finkelstein, Phyto Partners
Joseph Lustberg, UPWISE CAPITAL
Nikolas Komyati, Fox Rothschild
Marc Claybon, Crowe
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ
Investing Into the Next Chapter: How Federal Change Could Unlock Reinvestment in NJ
 
9:50 AM - 10:15 AM
Inside the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission: An Exclusive Fireside
 
Susanna Puntel, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp
Inside the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission: An Exclusive Fireside
 
 
 
 
 
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
The Plant Matters: How Genetics, Terpenes, and Cultivation Strategy Drive Market Advantage

Even in a scaling market, product integrity starts with the plant. How are operators leveraging genetics, terpene profiles, and cultivation techniques to differentiate their products—while still meeting the demands of efficiency, consistency, and growth?

David Holmes, Clade9
Joshua Krane, Justice Cannabis Co.
The Plant Matters: How Genetics, Terpenes, and Cultivation Strategy Drive Market Advantage
The Plant Matters: How Genetics, Terpenes, and Cultivation Strategy Drive Market Advantage
 
 
 
 
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
Morning Keynote
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11:05 AM - 11:30 AM
TBD
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey

Retail opportunity in New Jersey is increasingly shaped by where municipalities say yes—and how many operators enter once they do. This panel dives into how leading operators evaluate market entry, manage saturation risk, and align real estate, capital, and community engagement strategies in a highly uneven regulatory landscape.

Laurie Parfitt, LKP Impact Consulting
Sarah Trent, Valley Wellness
Tahir Johnson, Simply Pure Trenton
Tom Armstrong, Fire & Oak Dispensary ; Franklin Roots Dispensary
Kellen O'Keefe, Dutchie
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey
Oversaturation, Solved: The Dispensary Playbook for Smarter Growth in New Jersey
 
12:00 PM - 12:55 PM
Networking Lunch
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Trust Is the Moat: Competing in New Jersey Beyond Price and Potency

In New Jersey, pricing is tightening and many products feel interchangeable. This session focuses on what still moves the needle: trust. Retail leaders share how they build loyalty through consistent curation, transparent education, reliable service, and community credibility—creating a retail experience customers return to, even when competitors race to the bottom.

Donny Moskovic, Katz & Associates, Rockland Cannabis Dispensary
Stella Morrison, CannaContent
Brendon Robinson, Mudd Brothers & NJ Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Jeffrey Miller, HoneyProjects
Trust Is the Moat: Competing in New Jersey Beyond Price and Potency
Trust Is the Moat: Competing in New Jersey Beyond Price and Potency
Trust Is the Moat: Competing in New Jersey Beyond Price and Potency
Trust Is the Moat: Competing in New Jersey Beyond Price and Potency
 
 
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Washington Watch: Cannabis Policy and Market Signals

Federal cannabis policy continues to evolve, with real implications for capital, compliance, and state markets like New Jersey. This recurring update breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how operators and investors should interpret signals from Washington—from rescheduling discussions to enforcement posture and regulatory coordination.

Jeff Guillot, Guillot Consulting
Steven Ernest, Chicago Atlantic
Washington Watch: Cannabis Policy and Market Signals
Washington Watch: Cannabis Policy and Market Signals
 
 
 
 
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM
What’s Hot in Jersey: Premium Cannabis, Price, and Real Demand

New Jersey’s premium shelves are crowded with “hot” brands—but only some truly convert buzz into repeat sales. This panel breaks down what’s actually moving in NJ right now, how premium brands navigate price pressure without losing identity, and how demand, taste, and retailer trust turn hype into lasting loyalty.

Rachelle Gordon, GreenState
Swati Gupta, Moondust USA
Jesce Horton, Grand National
Bran Noonan, OGeez!
What’s Hot in Jersey: Premium Cannabis, Price, and Real Demand
What’s Hot in Jersey: Premium Cannabis, Price, and Real Demand
What’s Hot in Jersey: Premium Cannabis, Price, and Real Demand
What’s Hot in Jersey: Premium Cannabis, Price, and Real Demand
 
 
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
At the Head of the Table: An Exclusive Conversation with Jason Wild

Needs no explanation. Just Jason Wild and Tim Seymour. The names say it all.

Jason Wild, TerrAscend
Tim Seymour, Seymour Asset Management
At the Head of the Table: An Exclusive Conversation with Jason Wild
At the Head of the Table: An Exclusive Conversation with Jason Wild
 
 
 
 
2:40 PM - 3:10 PM
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline

The next phase of NJ Cannabis will be defined by margin discipline, operational efficiency, and smarter deployment of capital. This panel explores how operators are refining cost structures, optimizing supply chains, and making strategic tradeoffs to stay profitable as growth normalizes.

Trent Woloveck, Jushi
Krista Raymer, C3 Industries
Trip McDermott, Verano
Tom Zuber, Zuber Lawler
Travis Scadron, Surfside
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline
What Comes After Rapid Growth? Margin Discipline
 
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?

New York’s cannabis market is scaling fast, and its impact extends well beyond state lines. This panel explores how New York’s regulatory decisions, market growth, and capital dynamics are influencing New Jersey in real time—from consumer behavior and supply chains to investor expectations. For NJ leaders, the focus is on understanding spillover effects and using regional signals to inform smarter long-term strategy.

Jeff Freeman, Mfused
Dave Vautrin, FLUENT Cannabis
Keshawn Warner, Dazed Cannabis
Lauren Laplante, Spokes Digital
Jeremy Rivera, Terp Bros
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?
The NY–NJ Feedback Loop: Which Way Does the Spillover Flow?
 
3:40 PM - 4:10 PM
Inside Trenton: How New Jersey Cannabis Operators Can Engage Policy and Shape Outcomes

Policy decisions made in Trenton continue to influence everything from licensing and compliance to market structure and long-term growth. This panel offers an inside look at what’s happening at the state level—and how operators and industry advocates can engage effectively without losing focus on running their businesses.

Matha Figaro, CannPowerment
Todd Johnson, New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association
David Nicolas, Prolific Growhouse
Inside Trenton: How New Jersey Cannabis Operators Can Engage Policy and Shape Outcomes
Inside Trenton: How New Jersey Cannabis Operators Can Engage Policy and Shape Outcomes
Inside Trenton: How New Jersey Cannabis Operators Can Engage Policy and Shape Outcomes
 
 
 
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM
Exclusive Fireside Chat
 
Lou Magazzu, Law Offices of Louis N. Magazzu
Exclusive Fireside Chat
 
 
 
 
 
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.

In New Jersey’s tighter, more competitive market, brands are finding that growth comes from product decisions, not bigger footprints. This panel breaks down how operators prioritize genetics, formulation, and innovation while making disciplined choices about what to own vs partner on vs outsource—so quality stays high and costs stay controllable.

Faye Coleman, Pure Genesis
Kate Miller, Miss Grass
Howard Lee, SōRSE Technology
Dr. Roz McCarthy, Black Buddha Cannabis, M4MM
Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, The Other Side Dispensary
 
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.
Great Weed, Fewer Buildings: Product First. Growth Follows.
5:00 PM - 5:05 PM
Closing Remarks
 
Elliot Lane, IgniteIt
Patrick Lane, IgniteIt
Closing Remarks
 
 
 
 
 
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Venue

Westin Jersey City Newport

Jersey City, NJ

The Westin Jersey City Newport is located steps from the Newport PATH station. Exchange Place and Journal Square are close by, while Lower Manhattan is a short trip away. Newark International Airport is also 11 miles from our Jersey City Waterfront hotel.

Located on the Hudson River waterfront, and with easy access to train, airport, and ferry, this hotel is the perfect venue for an IgniteIt Cannabis Market Spotlight event and should draw ample audience from NJ, NY, CT, PA, and other markets.

Address: 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310

Book Your stay
Directions
Parking

Parking is available adjacent to the hotel property.

PATH Train

Access to the train is only a 5min walk from the hotel

Premier Partners
Sponsors
CannaContent
Crowe
Dutchie
Fox Rothschild
GrowGeneration
Happy Cabbage
HARA Supply
Headset
Hummingbird
Melt To Make
Moondust USA
SoRSE Technlogy
Spokes Digital
Surfside
The Plug Society
Upwise Capital
Zuber Lawler
Trusted Partners
8th Revolution; The Dime Podcast
ATACH
Beard Bros Pharms
Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
Cannabis Noire
Canna MGT
CPEAR
FlowerHire
Freedom Grow
GCNC
HCCC
Heady NJ
High Times
House of Ambassadors
Jews In Weed
Katan Associates International
Katz & Associates
KCSA
M4MM
Mattio
MITA
MJ Biz
NCIA
New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce
NJCTA
Smoke Show
The Canna Boss Babes
The Mycelia Group
Women Grow

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