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Texas Hemp Classic

Summit

January 31, 2025 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

@ Vulcan Gas Company, Austin, Texas
The Texas Hemp Classic Summit is the cornerstone of the Texas Hemp Classic—a gathering dedicated to empowering and celebrating the Texas hemp cultivation community. Whether you’re a grower, processor, retailer, or advocate, this summit is your chance to connect, learn, and lead in the evolving hemp industry.

What to Expect:

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Networking Opportunities

Connect with top cultivators, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs driving the Texas hemp movement. Build relationships that matter and discover new opportunities to grow your business.
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Expert Panels & Keynotes

Hear from the brightest minds in cultivation, hemp policy, and business strategy. Gain actionable insights to elevate your practices and adapt to the latest market trends.
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Texas Cannabis Legal Update

Stay informed about the current cannabis laws and regulations impacting Texas farmers and businesses. Get a sneak peek at updates from the 89th Texas Legislative Session and what they mean for you.
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Delicious Food & Refreshments

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and a happy hour during the summit to fuel your day and conversations.
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Awards Show & Comedy Night

After the summit, celebrate the best outdoor-grown hemp and prerolls in Texas at the Outdoor Grown & Preroll Competition Awards Show. Then, cap off the evening with laughter at the Comedy Night finale!

Featured Speakers

Meet the experts and visionaries shaping the future of the hemp industry:

Valin Bodie

Soil Scientist

Valin Bodie is a dedicated Soil Scientist with a strong academic foundation and practical expertise in environmental sustainability. He earned his Bachelor’s in Applied Science with a concentration in Global Environmental Sustainability from Oral Roberts University. Valin is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in watershed management, showcasing his commitment to water conservation and ecosystem health. Currently, he has done soil research alongside Oklahoma State University and constantly researching to advance his knowledge.

He is also pursuing a Professional Master’s in Environmental Science from Oklahoma State University, focusing on innovative solutions for soil and environmental challenges.

Presentation title and Description:
“Building a Resilient Future Through Regenerative Practices” will house the principles and practices of regenerative farming using living soil. It covers key topics such as soil health, no-till farming, composting, integrated pest management, and water conservation, highlighting their environmental and agricultural benefits. The goal is to equip participants with practical knowledge to transition to sustainable cultivation methods that promote long-term soil fertility and ecosystem resilience.

Heather Fazio

89th Legislative Update

An advocate of individual liberty and personal responsibility, Heather Fazio has worked to limit government overreach since 2009. She has served as an advisory board member for Texas NORML since 2012 and worked as Texas Political Director for the Marijuana Policy Project from 2014-2018. Now, Heather leads the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, a hub for Texas cannabis news, policy overviews and recommendations, and a civic center for grassroots engagement with lawmakers.

In 2018, Heather established the annual Texas Cannabis Policy Conference, which will be hosted at Texas A&M University in September 2025.

With support from allied organizations, Heather has hosted dozens of advocacy training events across the state, organized educational exhibits and lobby days at the Capitol, analyzed legislation and lobbied lawmakers directly, and engaged the media to ensure positive statewide coverage. She has been featured or quoted in reports by Fox New, Forbes, Politico, Newsweek, Reason Magazine, the Texas Tribune, and every major news outlet in Texas.

Thanks to many years of groundwork, Texas is in a position to enact meaningful cannabis law reform, including statewide decriminalization, expanded access to the Compassionate Use Program, and a legal, well-regulated market for adult use. Watch Heather’s interview with Fox News about Texas cannabis policy, including the legalization of hemp, marijuana law enforcement, and advocacy efforts to decriminalize statewide.

Scaling as Big as Texas: Innovations in Automation and Efficiency

Featured Panelists: Chad Blair, Steve Pettit, Tom Moriarty, Ron Perry, Patrick Grenier

Join this dynamic panel as industry leaders share insights into how automation and innovation are revolutionizing the hemp industry. From streamlining production to enhancing efficiency, the experts will explore strategies for scaling operations to meet market demand while maintaining quality and consistency.

  • Chad Blair: Chief Sales Officer, PreRoll-Er
    Former owner and operator of NEO in Massachusetts, Chad brings hands-on expertise from every part of the automation sphere, from plant to preroll and cone to customer.
  • Steve Pettit: Territory Manager, PreRoll-Er
    With 12 years in manufacturing and 20 years in automation sales across industries like oil, gas, and aerospace, Steve now leads automation solutions for preroll production and packaging in Texas and beyond.
  • Tom Moriarty & Ron Perry: Pack Studio, the newest brand of Mimeo.com
    With over 4,000 corporate clients since 1998, Pack Studio leverages cutting-edge technology for digitally printed labels and packaging. Their innovative online design and proofing system is making waves in customized packaging.
  • Patrick Grenier: Marketing Director, PreRoll-Er
    A knighted industry expert and one of only four Ganjier in Canada, Patrick provides unique market insights and expertise in automation, quality, and customer experience trends.

This panel will provide practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and firsthand knowledge from industry innovators, offering attendees the tools they need to scale as big as Texas and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how automation is reshaping the hemp industry! 🌿

Brandi Townsend

CEO & Visionary of Cozy Cannabis

From overcoming legal challenges that would break most people to building a successful business around the very products I was once penalized for, my journey has been one of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. Today, I proudly lead Cozy Cannabis, a trailblazing luxury retail brand that challenges stigmas and creates space for connection, wellness, and healing through cannabis and psychedelics.

As a mother of five, I work to break the stigma that parents who consume can’t lead healthy, balanced lives. My vision is to show how plant medicine can be integral to recovery, health, and self-discovery, and to create an environment where others feel safe to explore their journey without judgment.

What began as a personal mission to prove the potential of cannabis and psychedelics has grown into a thriving community — one that feels luxurious and intentional. Cozy Cannabis isn’t just a retail store; it’s a movement, where people come to heal, connect, and celebrate their worth. While the environment may exude feminine energy, it welcomes men courageous enough to honor and embrace it.

Beyond the business, I pour energy into creating fun and transformational experiences for my community. I curate events that blend entertainment with meaning, encouraging people to connect, dive deeper into themselves, and maybe even share a bit of vulnerability. Whether it’s crafting intentional gatherings or hosting immersive celebrations, my goal is to spark moments that leave people feeling more alive and aligned.

I attribute our growth to the strength of our team, our community, and our shared vision of making wellness accessible and empowering. Now, I aim to take this model nationwide, proving that plant-based medicine is the future and that we can push back against big Pharma and industries that make us feel less-than for choosing the path of natural healing.

Let’s connect and create something meaningful together.

Aaron Owens

Secrets to Financial Success in the Hemp Business

Featuring DopeCFO Cindy Asian & Cannakkeeper’s Violeta Rivas

The hemp industry is booming, but navigating the financial side can be challenging with its unique regulations and evolving market dynamics. Join us for an insider’s guide to achieving financial success in the hemp business.

This panel features two expert accountants specializing in cannabis and a seasoned payment processor who will share practical tips, proven strategies, and essential insights. From managing your books to overcoming payment processing hurdles, you’ll gain the tools you need to build a financially sound and compliant hemp business.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Key accounting practices to stay compliant and profitable.
  • How to streamline payment processing in a high-risk industry.
  • Strategies to maximize financial efficiency and reduce risks.

Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, this session will provide valuable takeaways to help your hemp business thrive.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry pros and unlock the secrets to financial success!

Retail Revolution: How Hemp Retailers and Hemp Brands Win Together

Featuring Billy Marsden of The Glassmith and Alex & Michael Macleod of The Haze Connect Moderated by Grow House Media Co-Founder Liz Grow

Get ready to dive deep into the secrets of retail and brand success with two of the cannabis industry’s most influential leaders. This panel features Billy Marsden, the visionary behind The Glassmith, an Austin retail staple for nearly 20 years, and Alex & Michael Macleod, founders of the dynamic nationwide brand The Haze Connect. Together, they’ll share insights and strategies for thriving in the competitive Texas cannabis market.

What to Expect:

  • Retailer Insights: Billy Marsden has spent almost two decades building The Glassmith into one of Austin’s most trusted and recognized names in retail. With seven thriving locations, Billy will share how he’s cultivated a loyal customer base, weathered industry changes, and maintained success in an ever-evolving marketplace.
  • Branding That Stands Out: Alex & Michael Macleod will discuss how The Haze Connect has crafted a versatile and approachable brand that thrives across diverse retail environments. Learn how their commitment to simplicity, quality, and authenticity allows them to stand out in a crowded, noisy industry.
  • Tips for Brands: Discover exactly what it takes to get your products onto the shelves of iconic stores like The Glassmith, build lasting retail partnerships, and grow your footprint in the Texas cannabis industry.

This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to grow their cannabis business. Whether you’re a brand looking to break into retail or a retailer seeking fresh inspiration, you’ll leave with actionable insights to elevate your success. 🌿

Billy Marsden

AKA Bildo
aka TheglassmithBilly is from Silver City, New Mexico, a small town nestled near the Gila National Forest. After traveling around the country in his earlier years, he settled down in Austin, Texas to raise a family and start a business. The business Billy got into was the world of artistic, glass smoking devices. Since his humble beginnings learning how to glassblow in a small shack behind his house until now, Billy has worked diligently to bring a new swagger to the way he does things. Now, Billy owns and operates 4 smoke shops, is highly involved in the greater Austin art scene and is currently building out a glassblowing and event center.

Rooted in Success: Lessons from Award-Winning Texas Growers

Featuring Geremy Greens, Luke Temple, Eric Goodman

Join Geremy Greens, Eric Goodman of Errganix Organic Hemp Farm, and Luke Temple of T&T Roots for an exclusive panel discussion on what it takes to build a thriving hemp operation in Texas. These award-winning growers will share the stories behind their farms, detailing how and why they built them, the challenges they overcame, and the secrets to their success.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Insights into their unique growing methods and sustainable practices.
  • Tips and tricks for building a successful hemp operation from the ground up.
  • Lessons learned and strategies for thriving in a competitive market.

Caron Cooper

CEO + Creative Director

Clicks, Conversions, and Cannabis: Building Hemp Websites That Sell

Caron Cooper empowers startups and small businesses with her unique blend of creativity, technical expertise and strategic thinking. She started her first web design company in 2005 and has since guided various parts of operations for 11 startups, including two that were acquired. Most recently she co-founded two successful digital marketing brands, one proudly serving the budding cannabis industry. CannaSiteCo. was founded in 2018 and has launched more than 400 cannabis websites to date!

Join Caron as she shares insights into creating powerful, effective websites for the hemp industry. In this session, Caron will showcase some of CannaSite’s most successful projects, highlighting real-world examples of how great design and strategy can drive business growth.

What to Expect:
  • Success Stories: See standout hemp websites and learn how they’ve helped businesses thrive.
  • Best Practices: Discover key elements of a website that build trust, drive sales, and convert visitors into loyal customers.
  • Expert Tips: Gain actionable advice for creating or improving your website, tailored to the unique needs of hemp businesses.

Whether you’re launching a new site or optimizing an existing one, this presentation is packed with valuable insights to help your hemp brand succeed online! 🌿

Who Should Attend?

The Texas Hemp Classic Summit is designed for:

  • Hemp Farmers and Growers
  • Processors and Manufacturers
  • Retailers and Dispensary Owners
  • Cannabis Industry Advocates
  • Anyone Passionate About Texas Hemp!

Why Attend?

  • Gain actionable insights from experts.
  • Stay ahead of legal and market trends.
  • Celebrate the Texas hemp community.
  • Build connections that will shape your future in the industry.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Texas hemp.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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