The 11th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo is officially in the books—and what a spectacular week it was in Estes Park, Colorado. With ideal spring weather and an inspiring convergence of industry pioneers, advocates, innovators, and changemakers, NoCo11, sponsored by First Citizens Bank delivered an unforgettable experience at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
A Cinematic Start to a Powerful Week
The event launched on Wednesday, April 9, with NoCo Film Night—featuring the first-ever International Cannabis Film Festival, presented by ReliefFoundation.org and hosted by filmmaker Jeff Eichen. The evening showcased thought-provoking films that explored the diverse world of cannabis and hemp culture from around the globe.
Policy, Progress, and Global Perspective
Thursday, April 10, marked the opening of the Let’s Talk Hemp Conference Series, spotlighting critical issues in policy, regulation, and research. Keynotes by legal expert Bob Hoban and economist Beau Whitney anchored a day of high-level dialogue. A standout panel on International Markets featured global thought leaders Paul Benhaim, Patrick Atagi, Maximiliano Baranoff, and Robin Destiche. Other powerful sessions explored Indigenous Leadership in Hemp Policy and Economic Development and Key Priorities for the 2025 Farm Bill.
That evening, the energy continued with the NoCo11 Welcome Party and the presentation of the 2025 WAFBA Awards of Excellence, honoring outstanding contributions to the hemp industry:
✨ 2025 WAFBA Awards of Excellence
- Elevation Award: Danny Desjarlais
- Shrimp Master Award: Michael ‘Coach’ Harris
- Global Stewardship Award: Hana Gabrielova, Robert Ndiritu Kiama
- Legacy Award: Paul Benhaim, Paul Stanford, Eric Steenstra, Paige Figi
- Community Building Award: Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, South Dakota Hemp Association, Alexis Harris
- Green Guardian Award: Laura Sullivan, Maciej Kowalski, Steve Groff
- Integrity in Media Award: HempBuild Magazine, Cannabis & Tech Today
- Synergy Award: Debby West, Ben Wright, Victoria Moon, Dillon Forner, Steve Hoffman
Innovation and Inspiration Take Center Stage
Friday, April 11, the conference continued with sessions dedicated to Hemp Food, Feed, Cannabinoids, and Flower. Clarence Shwaluk of Manitoba Harvest delivered a compelling keynote on hemp food innovation, while Paige Figi, mother of Charlotte Figi, made an emotional and urgent call for clear CBD and cannabinoid regulation at the federal level.
Attendees also gained insights into Hemp Genetics Advancement and the Evolving Legal Landscape of Hemp Disputes.
Meanwhile, the Experience Hemp Expo Hall buzzed with energy as attendees explored a wide array of exhibits featuring textiles, building materials, food products, wellness offerings, banking solutions, and live demonstrations in the Kosmos Zone, including hempcrete construction and decortication.
That night, the Get Up Stand Up Freedom Party at The Bull Pin—sponsored by Kifcure, Franny’s Farmacy, The Northern Illinois Hemp Hub, and THCA(The Hemp & Cannabis Attorney’s)—brought together the NoCo community for a high-vibe evening of music, connection, and celebration.
Building the Future: Materials, Machinery, and the Environment
Saturday, April 12, concluded the conference with a focus on Fiber, Machinery, Materials, and Environmental Solutions. Paul Benhaim (The Hemp Plastic Company) and Sergiy Kovalenkov (Hempire Holdings) delivered impactful keynotes, setting the stage for powerful panels on Scaling Hemp Supply Chains, Processing Technology Innovation, and Next-Generation Hemp-Based Building Materials.
The Expo came to a close with the NoCo11 Sayonara Full Moon Party at Ember Restaurant & Bar, nestled beside Lake Estes. With the full moon rising over the water, guests enjoyed heartfelt conversations, great food, and a perfect finale to an inspiring week.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the generous support of our 2025 sponsors who helped make NoCo11 possible:
- First Citizens Bank
- National Industrial Hemp Council of America
- US Hemp Roundtable
- Her Many Voices
- Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association
- Healthy Oilseeds
- Forever Green
- THCA(The Hemp and Cannabis Attorney’s)
- Franny’s Farmacy
- Kifcure
- Toasty Hemp
- Trilogene Seeds
Thank You to Our Product Donors
We also extend our appreciation to those who provided product donations that added flavor and flair to this year’s event:
- Victory Hemp Foods
- Buddha Beans Coffee
- Sati Soda
- Jane West
Together, We Shape the Future of Hemp
The 11th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo was more than a trade show—it was a movement. A convergence of culture, industry, advocacy, and action. From local farmers to global entrepreneurs, we are building the future of hemp—collaboratively, intentionally, and sustainably.
Let’s keep the momentum going. See you next year for NoCo12!
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