This year marked Meadow's 7th anniversary at the Hall of Flowers, held for the first time at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Reflecting on our experience, it’s clear that the cannabis industry continues to evolve rapidly, with innovation and community at its heart.
The highlight for us was seeing how technology is making selling cannabis easier and faster each year. At HOF Ventura, Meadow’s POS system brought the same efficiency and speed to direct in-booth sales as it does to our top dispensary partners, eliminating wait times and making it easy to buy products on-the-spot.
Pictured 📷 Meadow POS In-Booth Sales at both Ojais Finest and Cookies alongside Ryan Bush from Meadow POS and Stately Distribution's Booth
This efficiency meant everyone could spend more time enjoying the event—exploring new products, connecting with people, and experiencing everything Hall of Flowers had to offer without the hassle of standing in line. We also observed exciting trends in product innovation and sustainability, which are shaping the future of the cannabis industry.
Here’s a breakdown of what we learned and what it means for the future of retail and B2B cannabis events.
Direct Booth Sales: A Game Changer
Pictured 📷 Meadow POS In-Booth Sales at both Seven Leaves and Ojai's Finest
One of the standout features at the Hall of Flowers was the Direct Booth Sales activation. By integrating Meadow’s technology directly into the sales process, we enabled brands and retailers to conduct transactions effortlessly right at their booths. The absence of lines and immediate product accessibility not only heightened the customer experience but also capitalized on the peak interest moments, ensuring no sales opportunity was missed.
Direct Sales also highlighted how technology can create seamless, efficient interactions between retailers, brands, and end-customers, helping everyone focus on what they do best. This innovation allowed everyone to maximize their time at the show, engaging with the community and exploring the fair’s offerings without the hassle of wait times.
Spotlight on Flower Quality and New Strains
Pictured 📷 Flower from Royal Key Organics alongside LAX Packs' Booth
Cultivators brought their A-game to Ventura, showcasing a mix of innovative new strains and old-school classics. A noticeable trend was the popularity of “gas candy” flavors and a preference for indoor-grown options.
The introduction of blended flower varieties piqued interest, suggesting a new trend on the horizon. The dedication to quality and innovation in cultivation is a clear signal that the industry continues to mature, with producers striving to meet the sophisticated and evolving palates of today’s consumers.
The Emergence of Smaller, Leaner Brands
Pictured 📷 El Blunto's Booth
This year, we noticed a shift towards smaller, more focused booths often manned directly by brand founders. This move towards leaner operations reflects a broader industry trend where efficiency and personal connection intersect.
These smaller setups not only reduce overhead but also foster genuine interactions, giving brands a chance to engage directly with buyers and end-customers. This hands-on approach is invaluable, as it builds trust and loyalty through personal connection.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Vape Technology
Pictured 📷 Bloom Brands Disposable Vape Pens, Dime Industries Disposable Vape Pens
The ongoing debate about disposable vapes and their environmental impact remains a hot topic. While hardware innovations have improved functionality and user experience, the sustainability of these single-use products is concerning.
This year’s Hall of Flowers highlighted several advancements aimed at reducing waste, including discussions on upcycling and enhancing the sustainability of vape technology. These conversations are crucial as they guide the industry toward more environmentally friendly practices.
An Optimized Event Layout Enhances Overall Experience
Pictured 📷 Stone Road and Bong Baba's Booths, along with Mia from Redwood Roots Distribution
The new venue layout with vibrant outdoor spaces significantly enhanced the event experience. It facilitated easy movement, comfortable networking, and, of course, plenty of opportunities for consumption within compliant settings. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces underscored the event’s commitment to providing not just access but also an elevated experience where sampling and direct interaction with product vendors were encouraged.
Looking Forward
Pictured 📷 Blazy Susan's Outdoor Booth Experience and Mikiko Yokoyama from Meadow POS
The cannabis industry is always changing, and it's moving towards more personal, efficient, and eco-friendly ways of doing things.
At Meadow, we're proud to be part of these changes. Our technology helps the cannabis community meet today's demands, get ready for the future, and create delightful experiences along the way.
We're excited to keep working with dispensaries, brands, and events, providing the tools they need to succeed. It’s clear that for events like Hall of Flowers, fast, direct, in-booth sales is the way to go.
>> Next up: Our Recap of the California Metrc User Exchange Events Events
Read more about Seamless In-Booth Event Sales for Brands at Hall of Flowers (Plus: Download The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Events!)
Interested in offering In-Booth sales at your next Hall of Flowers? Email events@getmeadow.com
