Hall of Flowers Palm Springs was the first rendition I ever got to attend, and it was certainly an experience to remember.
It was more than just an expo center full of weed and people getting high. I saw Hall of Flowers as an opportunity for connection and collaboration for both the cannabis culture and industry. Hall of Flowers also made me realize everybody in the industry is in this together.
The Layout of the Venue
Hall of Flowers in Palm Springs was a lot of ground to cover when you consider that the hall had both an outer ring and inner jungle of booths. Then, there’s the outside area that’s split into cannabis vendors, lounging areas, and food vendors.
I felt fine traveling outside and cruising the outer rings, especially since the brands were very familiar: some to note including Maven Genetics, Alien Labs, and Ball Family Farms. Even the inner booths adjacent to the outer rings were brands that I knew. The inner ring, however, was intense and a bit intimidating for my first time walking through. Nonetheless, I pushed through and introduced myself to brands I haven’t heard of and learned more about the ones that I have. Overall, I felt that I made great connections, but that I could have moved through booths faster instead of getting stuck on a few.
Hall of Flowers Palm Springs Day One
Day One was exciting, since I didn’t really know what to expect. Despite all the attractions, I had to remember I was there to connect and work first. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get in until the afternoon because I had to finish up some responsibilities for RMR. As soon as I was done, I ran straight over to the event from the hotel.
When I finally got into the grounds, I found vendors upon vendors with not just products, but creatively designed booths, stylish merch, and friendly teams. The venue was split into the main hall and the outdoor area. This differed in size when you consider that Santa Rosa had three halls. Additionally, there was no stage area because there were no keynote speakers this time around. That certainly didn’t diminish my excitement, as I quickly started making my rounds to each booth.
As purchasing products was a given for me, I focused on connecting with brands and learning more about their products. I was learning a lot about how some companies got their start in the industry and what their missions are past providing high-quality products.
Ready To Go for Day Two
On Day Two, I quickly touched base with the connections I had made before. However, I really wanted to make sure I did a good job of tackling the inside ring. I realize there were a good number of brands I did recognize. On the other hand, there were a lot of them that I didn’t, but was glad to learn about and meet. Some of the stories I heard from people who took a leap into their own brand have been inspiring. Oakfruitland, an Asian-owned brand from the Bay, really stood out as one of those stories when I considered that they made a jump leaving the brand they originally were associated with.
Furthermore, I found companies that dealt with POS systems, pre-rolled wraps like King Palm, and nutrient brands too. The technology in pre-roll machines ranged from mass production to individual purpose machines. I really thought there wasn’t much I was missing from Day One. Not only was I wrong, but now I think I could have explored more after experiencing Day Two.
Party After Party
With the many different afterparties being thrown, we had lots of options and opportunities to work and make more connections.
The night before Day One included the neon party at the golf course hosted by The Cure Co. and Originals. The food was as fire as the party gifts the two companies provided for everybody. This was all while putting around their mini-golf greens that were set up with lights and pre-roll/sample booths. Another event that night was Claybourne Co.’s party. It featured a rolling station with samples of their new Gold Cut line and lots of infused food vendors.
Day One parties included one thrown by Immersia Live and Farechild Events at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where they had Cannabis Talk 101 and booths serving up the best products in California. There was also a fat party thrown by The Cure Co. and Originals again. This time, it featured a Ferris wheel and a live performance by Xzibit.
Day Two had a party hosted by CBX and featured Highatus edibles. They had gift bags, a DJ and dance floor, and complimentary eighths and pre-rolls. Weed threw a mansion party that included jars of kief, strains of weed for next year’s release, and infused treats by Big Pete’s Treats.
Though I felt exhausted, I was eager and energized during both days at Hall of Flowers. I realized how much I am passionate about the cannabis world. I found out that there are so many others out there as passionate if not more. Most importantly, I discovered I love connecting with others. I am more than ready to experience all that Hall of Flowers has to offer again and again.
