Beginning June 2nd, 2022, cannabis entrepreneurs from all over the Northeast and beyond will gather in NYC for the 8th annual Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) at the Jacob K. Javits Center. During the 3-day B2B conference and trade show, cannabis entrepreneurs of all stripes will spend time learning, networking, and planning on how to grow their business alongside top leaders in the industry.
While CWCBExpo is always a major event in its own right, it also represents a great opportunity for visitors to explore everything that NYC has to offer, including events during Cannabis Week, a CWCBExpo-initiated, community-oriented focal point for all NYC and New York State businesses to come together and build education and community around the cannabis industry.We hope you enjoy attending the week-long series of events for education, networking, business-building, fun, to create long-lasting relationships.
Whether you are attending the expo for one day or plan to exhibit for the whole show, you may be looking for some extra fun, food, and culture to add to your itinerary. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to attractions in NYC during CWCBExpo, both on and off the conference floor.
1. Visit the Intrepid Museum
For those looking to explore the concrete jungle beyond the offerings of CWCBExpo, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is the perfect place to start.
Home to the first space shuttle, the world’s fastest jets, a guided missile submarine, and more, the Intrepid Museum is an American military and maritime history museum, offering one of the most unique museum experiences in the city.
The museum itself resides within a decommissioned aircraft carrier built in 1943, allowing visitors to take in a bit of history while walking in an actual artifact. If you’re looking to gain a history lesson between trade show events within close proximity to Javits, Intrepid may be just the ticket.
2. Attend the CWCBExpo Yacht Party
This expo favorite is back! CWCBExpo is hosting its Industry Yacht Party on the second night of the expo, June 3rd. Boarding directly from the pier behind the Javits Center, ticketed attendees can enjoy an evening of food, drinks, music, and more aboard a luxurious yacht amidst the backdrop of New York City’s famous skyline. This unforgettable trip runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 3rd. Tickets and more information on the Industry Yacht Party are available here.
3. Tour Hudson Yards
Home to more than 100 shops, restaurants, art exhibits, and more, Hudson Yards is one of the newest attractions in Manhattan that’s just a quick walk from the Javits Center. Located on top of an active Amtrak and NJ Transit rail yard, Hudson Yards provides a glimpse into the future of architecture in densely-populated cities.
Hudson Yards features the famous “Vessel,” a futuristic honeycomb and open-air monument with 154 intricate flights of stairs. Throughout, visitors can tour a variety of art spaces, residences, and even a mall. Open to the public and free to visit, this 28-acre neighborhood is the perfect place to take in the views and experience New York City from a different perspective.
4. Attend the CWCBExpo Networking Mixer on June 2nd
Immediately following the first spectacular day of the CWCBExpo, you can network and continue deal-making, or just relax and get ready for the next two days ahead. Food, beverages, business, enjoyment, and celebration are all on the agenda from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This networking event, which takes place on the show floor, is sponsored by Weedmaps. Keep in mind, though, that you need to be registered for the expo to purchase a networking mixer ticket, so head to our registration page and get signed up now!
5. Check out Cannabis Week events
Anchored by CWCBExpo, Cannabis Week in New York City extends from Monday, May 30th to Sunday, June 5th. The entire week features opportunities for learning, sharing, connecting, business building, and fun!
The CWCBExpo Cannabis Week Guide is currently accepting submissions for new events, which will offer visitors countless chances to engage with the industry in exciting ways. Previous events have featured everything from keynote speaker panels to infused happy hours to discounted CBD facials at local spas.
Check out this year’s Cannabis Week Guide to stay in the loop on all the available events and discounts.
6. Explore Times Square
Just one mile from the Javits Center, Times Square is one of NYC’s most popular tourist attractions and a must-see for anyone new to the city. Many credit Times Square as a five block glimpse into the energy and fun of New York City. Travel to the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, and you will find everything from bars to theaters to museums to shops nestled between neon lights and billboards.
7. Support cannabis advocacy at NORML FORML
Taking place on the eve of the CWCBExpo, The NORML FORML is a fundraising event for the benefit of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). The NORML FORML helps support ongoing cannabis advocacy efforts driving legalization forward on both state and federal levels, improving access to safe, tested cannabis products for every consumer.
Featuring various artists, speakers, educators, and advocates, the NORML FORML was created to raise awareness and funds for the group’s continued work reforming cannabis laws and protecting the rights of responsible consumers. Since the first NORML FORML in 2019, the night has included art exhibits, music, and programs by NORML leaders, experts, and entertainers.
The event will occur on June 1st; get your ticket at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2022normlformlnyc.
8. Attend a Broadway performance
There is nothing quite like a Broadway show in the Big Apple. If you like plays and musicals and have extra time after a jam-packed day of sessions walking the show floor, we recommend immersing yourself in the city’s world of live entertainment.
Long-running shows like Wicked and newer productions like The Music Man are currently running on Broadway. Many of the theaters are just a few short blocks from Javits. For an extensive list and schedule of the current shows on Broadway, visit broadway.com.
Pro tip: TKTS is a non-profit organization that offers unsold, discounted tickets for same-day performances. They have two ticket booths, one located in Times Square and a second at Lincoln Center.
9. Check out Top of the Rock
Towering 850 feet above sea level, Top of the Rock is an observation deck located inside the famous Rockefeller Center, located on 6th Ave. between 49th and 50th streets. Top of the Rock offers multiple tiers of viewing decks, both indoor and outdoor, and provides one of the best views of the city.
Head up the elevator to the 70th floor, where you will find sweeping views as far as the eye can see – Central Park, downtown skyscrapers, and beyond. While you’re there, you can also swing by Flipper’s Rolling Rink for some skating or take a guided tour of the complex.
Tickets for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck are available online here.
10. Walk the High Line
Conveniently located directly next to the Javits Center, the New York City High Line is an elevated freight rail line transformed into a public park. Stretching 1.45 miles, the High Line spans several Manhattan neighborhoods and offers a great way to take in the city from a unique perspective.
Whether you’re looking to experience nature, art, or some delicious food options, the High Line has got it all. Located directly underneath the High Line is Chelsea Market, home to dozens of restaurants, merchants and vendors of its own.
11. Chow down at the Gotham West Market
For the foodie in you, take a short walk to the Gotham West Market, a food hall replete with all the options you could possibly desire. Peruse rows and rows of different cuisines, from ramen to tacos, or choose from a dizzying array of tapas for a quick bite to eat. Best of all, after a long day on your feet walking the CWCBExpo show floor or exhibiting for your business, the Gotham West Market has plenty of seating so you can take a load off and enjoy refueling and refreshing.
Plan your itinerary for CWCBExpo and Cannabis Week in NYC
Between the events going on inside the trade show and the usual excitement of the city, there is a lot to tackle during your visit to CWCBExpo. But one thing is for sure; you certainly won’t be bored!