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Author: Grace Gonzales

Champs Trade Show Las Vegas Winter

The CHAMPS Trade Show, a cornerstone event in the counterculture industry since
1999, is set to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from February 12th to 15th,
2025.

This premier business-to-business expo brings together a diverse array of exhibitors,
including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, glass artists, and suppliers, all
showcasing a vast selection of smoking accessories, counterculture products, clothing,
hand-blown glass, and other specialty gifts.

Attendees can look forward to the renowned CHAMPS Glass Games, a live
glassblowing competition featuring elite artists vying for cash prizes and industry
recognition.

Additionally, the event offers numerous networking opportunities, informative keynote
sessions, and panels led by industry leaders, providing valuable insights into the latest
trends and innovations.

For those planning to attend, CHAMPS has secured special hotel deals. Rooms at
Tuscany Suites0 & Casino start at $89 per night, available from February 10th to 17th,
2025, with no resort fee and complimentary shuttle service to the convention center.
This deal ends on January 10th. Additionally, Resorts World offers rooms ranging from
$95 to $275 per night between February 9th and 15th, 2025.

As the premier counterculture B2B expo, CHAMPS Trade Shows provide an
unparalleled platform for businesses to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead
in a thriving marketplace. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or industry enthusiast,
this event is a must-attend to experience the forefront of counterculture trends and
innovations.

For Buyers:
CHAMPS offers retailers access to exclusive deals, cutting-edge products, and
connections with top brands and industry leaders. Attendees can discover the latest
trends, witness live glass art competitions through the CHAMPS Glass Games, and
benefit from a dynamic atmosphere conducive to business growth. The event is free to
attend but is strictly business-to-business and not open to the public. All attendees must
be at least 18 years old and provide two forms of business identification, such as a
reseller’s license, seller’s permit, business license, or tax ID.

For Exhibitors:

Exhibiting at CHAMPS provides a unique platform to showcase products to a diverse
and influential audience, facilitating market expansion and the formation of international

partnerships. The event is renowned for innovation and trendsetting within the
counterculture industry, offering exhibitors invaluable insights, exposure, and networking
opportunities that can drive business growth and success.
Each 10×10 booth includes an 8-foot table, a chair, a wastebasket, pipe and drape, and
up to four vendor badges. Larger booths receive proportional amenities. Additional
furnishings, carpet, and electricity can be ordered through the Exhibitor Kit. A 50%
deposit is due at the time of booking, with full payment required 45 days before the
show. Badge registration instructions are provided approximately one month before the
event, contingent upon a signed contract and full payment.
For more information and to register as a buyer or exhibitor, visit
https://champstradeshows.com/

Cultivating Wellness: The Journey of Endozondo Farm

Endozondo Farm, a Texas-based hemp operation, was born from a passion for natural wellness and a desire to offer affordable alternatives to traditional medicine. Founded by Arturo Elizondo and his family, the farm’s mission goes beyond cultivation—they are committed to sustainable farming, community education, and elevating Texas as a leader in the hemp industry. In this interview, Elizondo shares the inspiration behind Endozondo Farm, the sustainable practices that drive their work, and his vision for a future where Texas-grown hemp is recognized and celebrated nationwide.

What inspired the founding of Endozondo Farm, and how did it evolve into a hemp-focused operation?

  • We were inspired by seeing friends and family face legal consequences for using a natural plant to find relief from various ailments. This fueled our passion to offer people an affordable, natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.

Can you describe the specific types of hemp you cultivate and the primary products you produce?

  • We focus on cultivating unique hemp genetics tailored to our customers’ needs. Potency and purity are our top priorities, which drive our selection and pheno-hunting processes.

What sustainable farming practices does Endozondo Farm implement to ensure environmental responsibility?

  • We use coco coir as a growing medium, which we recycle multiple times for both veg and flower stages. Our targeted watering cycles allow us to conserve water throughout the day.

How does Endozondo Farm contribute to the local community and the hemp industry in Texas?

  • We actively participate in local farmers’ markets and sponsor community events. Education on health and wellness is a big part of our mission, as well as supporting The Elizondo Foundation, our family’s nonprofit organization.

What challenges have you faced in the hemp farming industry, and how have you overcome them?

  • Texas lawmakers often seem more supportive of out-of-state interests, allowing them to sell products statewide while Texas farmers face restrictive regulations. We hope to see lawmakers prioritize Texas-grown products, giving local farmers a fair chance to thrive.

Can you share the story behind the name “Endozondo” and its significance to your mission?

  • The name combines “Endo,” for the endocannabinoid system, and “Zondo” from our family name, Elizondo. It reflects our commitment to harnessing natural plant properties

What role does innovation play in your farming techniques and product development?

  • We keep our processes straightforward, using automated watering systems and climate control to monitor grow conditions. For the most part, we let the plants thrive naturally, intervening only to optimize their health.

How do you ensure the quality and safety of your hemp products from cultivation to market?

  • Quality starts with maintaining controlled environments and a strict integrated pest management (IPM) protocol. We prioritize cleanliness, advance planning, and state-approved testing to ensure our products are safe and reliable.

What advice would you give to new farmers interested in starting their own hemp operations in Texas?

  • Educate yourself thoroughly and be prepared for long hours. Stay committed, and just go for it.

What are your future goals for Endozondo Farm, and how do you envision the growth of the hemp industry in Texas?

  • Our goal is to keep producing high-quality hemp with our customers’ wellness in mind, while continuing to educate the community on health. We see Texas becoming a hemp powerhouse, with a thriving local industry that supports our state’s farmers.

For more information, please go to: www.EndoZondo.com.

 

 

Upcoming Events

With the rapid growth of the hemp industry in Texas, upcoming events and workshops offer invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, acquire practical insights, and engage in meaningful advocacy. These events highlight sustainable practices, provide updates on regulatory developments, and showcase innovative applications of hemp.

Upcoming Hemp Events in Texas

3rd Annual Texas Hemp Summit – Nov 1-2, 2024, Texas A&M AgriLife Center, College Station

Organized by the Texas Hemp Coalition, this two-day summit will explore hemp market trends, sustainable farming, and regulatory developments. Attendees can participate in networking sessions, workshops, and policy discussions, focusing on hemp’s environmental and economic impact.

Hemp-Ology – November 30, 1-2pm, Online

Discover the World of Hemp with Expert Dora Wilson-Jefferson. Join renowned hemp grower and author Dora Wilson-Jefferson for an engaging two-hour training session to empower beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to expand your expertise, this event offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the hemp industry and its many applications. This session covers topics such as: exploring hemp’s versatility and discovering the wide range of uses and benefits of hemp, from wellness products to sustainable materials. Learning to stay ahead of trends: Gain insights into the latest industry trends and uncover emerging business opportunities to master best practices including understanding proven strategies and techniques for cultivating hemp successfully and maximizing your yields

Texas Hemp Building Summit – Dec 5, 2024, Austin

This summit brings together builders, architects, and environmental advocates to explore innovative uses of hemp in construction. Sessions will cover topics such as hempcrete applications, sustainable design, and eco-friendly building materials. Attendees will also take a guided tour of local projects using hemp-based materials, offering real-world insights into sustainable architecture.

National CBD Month – January

National CBD Month is celebrated every January, raising awareness about CBD’s potential wellness effects. CbdMD was officially founded to combat health challenges associated with the misperceptions of CBD. Throughout January, we aim to shine a spotlight on the hemp-derived substance, clear up misunderstandings, change perceptions, and set standards for superior CBD products.

Advocacy Training by the Texas Hemp Federation – Ongoing

These advocacy sessions empower participants to engage with lawmakers at the state and federal levels. Attendees will learn how to advocate effectively, understand current hemp regulations, and develop strategies to communicate the benefits of hemp to policymakers, contributing to legislative changes that support the industry.

Stay Engaged with Hemp Events

AllEvents: Search for “hemp” to discover additional workshops, summits, and networking opportunities across Texas and beyond.

Texas Hemp Coalition: Stay updated on events and advocacy efforts by visiting their website and following their social media channels.

Education and advocacy remain key drivers of the hemp industry’s growth in Texas. Participating in events like the Texas Hemp Summit, Hemp Building Summit, and Hemp for Health Workshop helps Texans stay informed and shape the future of this growing sector. Engaging in these initiatives ensures hemp becomes a vital part of the state’s agricultural, health, and economic development landscape, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions.

 

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