The Revelry Buyer's Club: Gathering Together the New York Cannabis Industry
Photos Courtesy of Author
The third annual Revelry Buyer's Club returned to the historic Basilica Hudson in Hudson, N.Y., sparking a buzz from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The vibe was incredible, with industry cultivators, processors, retailers, and budtenders from across the state coming together to discover new brands, explore innovative products, and build lasting relationships. On The Revel is notorious for their cannabis community gatherings; this year was no exception. Waves of eager attendees filled the Basilica to its brim, with an overflow tent inviting attendees to step outside, meet more vendors, and breathe the fresh air.
Sparking Connections & Creating an Ecosystem of Cooperation
Rick Bashkoff of Lit Alerts expressed his excitement about the New York market:
"Lit Alerts team is excited about the Buyer's Club because of the people who are here. The decision-makers are walking around and are very approachable. On The Revel and the whole team do a great job making sure the right people are in the room. So, for us, it was a no-brainer. We are extremely focused on the NY market and learning, so we're here to open our ears and listen to the operators in the market. Because, as software providers, we are problem solvers. God bless Lulu (Tsui) and Jacobi (Holland) for giving us a forum on one single day to hang out and find out what is happening in the market."
Embracing a "Full Spectrum" of Innovation
A clear trend at this year's show was the emphasis on product innovation, notably with the move towards more advanced cannabinoid profiles and full-spectrum products. Many brands showcased infused pre-rolls and full-spectrum rosin and resin offerings in response to increasing consumer demands. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that boast full-spectrum cannabinoid profiles, and Revelry gave brands a chance to show off their newest creations.
At the heart of some of New York's innovation sits Ithaca Organics. Cheryl, the lead grower, and her counterpart, Eva, attended and said:
"We're really excited to meet other buyers, new brands, cultivators, and just everyone in the industry. We love sharing what we're growing because we are really proud of it; we just love growing!"
Sampling some of their newer strains, like the Piff haze, was a real treat.
Jaunty and the team were at Revelry to share their excitement about their new lines and their Marketing Director, Carol Tyson, shared :
“Our team is feeling very Jaunty to be a part of Revelry Buyers' Club this year. 2024 is proving to be the biggest year yet for New York, and the showcase will highlight the massive momentum the industry has. We look forward to sharing our products and connecting with new faces. Beyond business, this event is pivotal in shaping the culture of New York's cannabis scene.”
Community United
Revelry Buyers' Club is at the heart of uniting the diverse players in New York's cannabis industry, creating a collaborative haven where ideas flourish. Since its founding in 2016, Revelry has organized events supporting New York's cannabis sector, each dedicated to celebrating the diverse people building the industry.
"On The Revel was an amazing place to feel the humanity of the cannabis industry.” Lindsay Rae Cohen of HPI Canna shared about her experience. “Beyond being somewhere to get business done, the energy allowed for true human connection and bonding. I was proud today to be with a gaggle of talented and strong women representing HPI Canna and showing how leading with empathy and kindness is the way. Cheers to women in cannabis and cheers to On The Revel for making a safe space for authentic human connection."
Tyler from 420Bliss Dispensary in Troy, NY, also highlighted the event's impact:
"What excites me the most about Revelry is just seeing the different people that the cannabis industry brings together—the brands, the culture, and the education of all things cannabis. It's our one-stop shop to network and see the people behind the scenes of these brands that our customers enjoy on a day-to-day basis. Not just brands, but my fellow buyers and CAURD (Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries) holders. We're all here with the same end goal, and I feel like we all have something we bring to this table that we can teach one another. Revelry makes that happen under one roof. I love that I could do this with my family; it makes it even more special. It's the unity of it all."
In Summation
All in all, Revelry was an amazing event filled with love and excitement for each other and the New York market. Everyone was thrilled to be there, making connections and celebrating the industry's progress.
For those serious about doing business in the New York cannabis market, Revelry Buyers' Club is an unmissable event. It highlights current and soon-to-market players and sets the stage for future innovators and collaborations in the cannabis space. More information about the Revelry Buyers' Club, exhibitor registration, and sponsorship can be found on the Revelry website.