The CHAMPS Trade Show has become one of the most influential business events in the cannabis industry, offering a dedicated platform where retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and innovators converge to shape the future of the market. First launched in 1999, CHAMPS has grown alongside the legalization movement, transforming from a niche gathering into a national circuit of high-energy shows that attract thousands of professionals looking to source products, build relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends. Today, it stands as a premier marketplace for smoke shops, dispensaries, counterculture retailers, and emerging cannabis-focused brands.
At its core, CHAMPS is designed to help businesses connect with the heartbeat of the cannabis lifestyle economy. The show floor is massive and diverse, packed with everything from glass art and grinders to CBD wellness goods, vape technology, packaging solutions, and licensed apparel. Exhibitors represent both established market leaders and fresh up-and-coming startups hoping to capture retailer attention. This dynamic mix gives buyers a rare opportunity to compare products side-by-side, negotiate pricing directly, and discover new items before they hit the wider market.
One standout element of CHAMPS is its commitment to showcasing craftsmanship—especially through its legendary glassblowing competitions. The Masters Invitational and other live demonstrations bring a unique creative energy to the show, featuring top artists who design intricate, functional glass pieces right on the floor. These competitions draw big crowds and spotlight the artistry that remains central to cannabis culture, bridging the gap between traditional headshop heritage and the modern legal marketplace.
While CHAMPS is best known for its bustling expo floor, its impact extends beyond product sourcing. The event also doubles as an industry intelligence hub. Seminars, workshops, and informal networking sessions give attendees a deeper understanding of emerging regulations, retail strategies, and consumer trends. The environment is highly collaborative, allowing buyers and brand owners to exchange insights and build long-term partnerships that support sustained success in a fast-shifting landscape.
Another defining feature of the CHAMPS ecosystem is its geographic reach. Over the years, the show has expanded from its original Las Vegas venue to include stops in Denver, Orlando, Chicago, and Atlantic City, among others. Each location attracts a unique regional audience, giving exhibitors a chance to connect with new markets and adjust their strategies based on local demand. The Las Vegas shows, however, remain the flagship events—drawing the largest crowds and serving as a key kickoff point for new product launches, seasonal buying cycles, and industry announcements.
Retailers often describe CHAMPS as an essential checkpoint on the cannabis business calendar. For many, attending is not just about stocking shelves but about staying culturally relevant. The show captures the intersection of commerce and counterculture, blending business practicality with the creativity and innovation that continue to drive the cannabis movement forward.
As the legal market matures and competition intensifies, CHAMPS remains a vital resource for brands and retailers seeking visibility, credibility, and connection. For anyone operating in the smoke shop or cannabis retail space, it continues to be one of the most valuable trade shows to attend—and a reliable pulse on where the industry is heading next.