While we may not be rubbing elbows at tradeshows these days, New Hope Network is staying more connected and energized than ever in order to support the health of our industry and our customers. On May 20 we’re bringing together the hemp and CBD industry for a day of learning and networking at our Hemp Collective Virtual Summit; below are several ways you can optimize your participation in the event, and be sure to register for the Hemp Collective Virtual Summit here. You can also check out the agenda and speakers here.

1. Be 'all in.'

The magic of trade shows comes from being fully immersed in the experience and open to soaking up all the information—and love!—around you. Therefore, we recommend reducing or eliminating the distractions. Try turning off your email alerts and closing other browsers for the duration of the event to stay focused on all the education and networking the event has to offer. When you’re all in, you’ll get so much more out.

2. Explore and discover new companies.

In addition to four hours of stimulating education featuring the hemp industry’s top experts, we’re also including our 14 Hemp Collective partners that have been rigorously vetted by Informa Health and Nutrition’s standards team and represent quality, integrity and transparency in the industry. You can learn more about these companies in the Product Pavilion by watching company videos and reading up on their missions and visions. Additionally, you will be able to obtain product information and chat with their teams.

3. Take advantage of the networking opportunity.

Meeting individuals who become lifelong friends and business connections is the best part of attending events, and we want to replicate this experience as best as possible at the Hemp Collective Virtual Summit. In addition to viewing attendees and being able to chat with them throughout the day, all participants can set up video meetings with members of the industry you’ve been wanting to meet, or those that you discover the day of the event.

All you need to do is make a Brella profile (which only takes a minute) and outline your interests so that Brella can match you with those most in line with your objectives, or help you search for specific people and brands. Then you can start requesting meetings and let the magic commence. We’ll be hosting meetings immediately following event in addition to next Thursday and Friday. Here's a quick tutorial to get you up to speed on the platform.