FUBU founder and “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John is scheduled to headline the Power Connections Cannabis Conference at Novi's VIBE Credit Union Showplace on Nov. 20.
Organizers expect at least 500 attendees, according to a sponsored announcement by Power Connections published in DBusiness. Retailers, cultivators, brand founders, investors and service providers from across Michigan are expected to gather at the Grand River Avenue venue for panels, networking and an exhibit floor organizers say has doubled in size. The conference website advertises at least 75 sponsors and exhibitors.
“Michigan's cannabis market has grown up fast, and the companies that thrive are the ones in the right rooms with the right people,” said Derek Dickow, founder of Power Connections and conference chairman, in the sponsored announcement.
John will lead a fireside chat on business leadership. Organizers advertise at least 30 speakers. The announced lineup includes Chris Ostrowski, chief technology officer of Dutchie; Ankur Rungta, co-founder and CEO of C3 Industries; and Saphira Galoob, CEO of the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable.
The conference also features a Legislative Town Hall that is intended to bring invited state lawmakers together with cannabis operators to discuss regulation and policy, according to organizers.
Michigan's cannabis industry is navigating a new 24% wholesale tax that took effect Jan. 1. The tax generally applies to the first sale or transfer of adult-use cannabis from a wholesaler to a retailer, with additional provisions for certain other transactions and retailers that produce their own cannabis. It is separate from the existing 10% retail excise tax and 6% sales tax, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Michigan's adult-use dispensaries generated $3.17 billion in sales in 2025, down from $3.27 billion in 2024, according to data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency cited in the Michigan Chronicle’s Jan. 25 report. That report said more than 550 dispensaries and cultivation facilities had closed since recreational sales launched in late 2019.
The conference, at 46100 Grand River Ave., will also offer a dedicated one-on-one meeting space attendees can book through a conference app, according to organizers. Sponsors include Amnesia, Canopy HR, Citizens State Bank, Distru, Mercury Lighting and Sound, and Kairos Labs.
A VIP welcome reception takes place Thursday, Nov. 19. Elite registration is limited to 500 attendees, and all tickets must be purchased in advance through the organizer’s registration page.
