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TeeHC Open 2023: Tees, Greens, and Meaningful Connections
One thing is always certain when it comes to the cannabis industry: change will happen. From ever-evolving regulations to social equity issues, there is almost always something coming out of left field in our line of work.
Success in this dynamic field is, therefore, inherently relationship-driven. Without being well-connected, you cannot guarantee success. The relationships built through cannabis networking not only serve as the backbone of this industry but also as the catalyst for collective growth.
From cultivators to retailers, manufacturers to advocates, ancillary businesses to influencers, our shared commitment to fostering relationships not only strengthens our businesses but unites us in a journey toward a brighter and more innovative future for all.
The annual TeeHC Open, hosted by Cannabis Creative Group with support from Joint Venture & Co, aims to create a space to build those connections. More specifically, it aims to foster deeper relationships through non-traditional activities, such as brand activations, golf contests, and more.
This year’s 2023 event boasted over 400 attendees from all over New England (and beyond), 100+ cannabis brands, 20+ non-golf activities, 4 charity partners, and tons of free samples, prizes, and giveaways.
Swinging Success on the Course
The lush green fairways at Highfields Country Club & Golf Course transformed into a scene so much more dynamic than a typical golf tournament. Over 18 diverse brand activations spread across the course, creating a hub of engagement for every golf player and networker in attendance.
These activations, hosted by a mix of both new and established cannabis brands and ancillary businesses, became a central point for players and attendees to connect, network, and talk about the future of their companies and careers.
From tee to green, these brand stations offered more than just a game of golf; they provided an immersive experience, sharing samples of their premium products and valuable insights about their companies.
- Nimbus and Orange Photonics at Hole 1 with the Puff Putt Contest and live product testing
- Full Harvest Moonz and Green Monke at Hole 2 with samples, merch, and the Closest to the Pin Contest
- Root & Bloom at Hole 3 with plinko and prizes
- CannaLine Packaging at Hole 4 with t-shirts and other swag in their supersized packaging pouches
- Melt and Backswing Golf at Hole 5 with samples of infused ice cubes and the Beat the Pro/Hole in One Contest
- HighTide at Hole 6 with infused margaritas
- Greencare Collective at Hole 7
- Nova Farms at Hole 8
- 1906 and Daydreamz Estates at Hole 9 with samples
- Bask and Alternative Wellness Centers at Hole 10 with the Air Cannon contest
- Garcia Hand Picked, Strane, Hellevated, and Wandering Pour at Hole 11 with the Bertha Bus, gravity infuser demonstrations, cannabis strain-inspired mocktails, and more
- Cannabis Creative, Kelia, and Warner’s Best with putting contests, a claw machine, cannabis cordial samples, and raffles
- Garden Remedies and SafelyLock at Hole 13
- Treez at Hole 14
- The Pass at Hole 15
- Cal Verde Naturals at Hole 16 with goodies
- Pioneer Valley at Hole 17 with Kanha samples
- Outfront Media at Hole 18 hosting the Chill Zone
Whether it was a chance to savor the latest cannabis beverage or engage in insightful conversations about the industry, the TeeHC Open’s on-course brand activations turned every hole into an unforgettable encounter.
Making Connections off the Course
While the golf course buzzed with energy, the excitement spilled over into the clubhouse and the outdoor Chill Zone under the tent, sponsored by Outfront Media. The off-course brand activations created an atmosphere of relaxation and discovery. Think festival vibes.
Attendees found themselves immersed in a variety of interactive activities that drove conversations and fueled their networking experience. From intricate henna designs to the art of kokedama building; the undeniable joy of playing with foster puppies to the mystique of tarot card readings, there was something for everyone to enjoy:
- Rootwurks and Holistic Industries sponsored the clubhouse gentle yoga and sound bath
- Azalla Education hosted speed networking and trivia in the tavern
- The Healing Rose provided wellness shots
- Canna Mountain had a tie-dye station
- No Mutts Left Behind and My Analytics Lab gave us the cutest puppy playpen
- Vuber showed up with the flower and vape bar
- Alternative Wellness Centers provided mini-modified massages
- PAX engraved vapes
- Spring Big hosted a build-your-own kokedama
- Putt Buddy held a mini-putting contest and showcased their unique product
- Garden Remedies gave away goodies
- The Drinkable Company gave out sample drinks almost too pretty to drink
- Infused Element had infused margaritas, cold brews, and macarons; and
- Med Farms shared CHILL Medicated samples.
These unique, hands-on activities fostered an inclusive and communal atmosphere, allowing attendees to form meaningful connections through shared experiences. In these unconventional but profoundly engaging settings, business relationships were forged, strengthened, and enriched, reminding us that the cannabis industry thrives not only on the green but also in the moments of togetherness that take place beyond the fairways.
Giving Back as a Community
The 2023 TeeHC Open was not just about golf and networking; it was also about making a positive impact in our community. We are proud to have partnered with four exceptional charity organizations – Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, Hilary for Charity, Cannabis Center of Excellence, and No Mutts Left Behind.
Through the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we were able to raise substantial proceeds from our raffles, and these funds were distributed among the first three charities, each dedicated to causes close to our hearts.
Moreover, we extend our deepest gratitude to My Analytics Labs for their dedicated sponsorship, which allowed us to contribute significantly to No Mutts Left Behind. It is the collective spirit of giving and support from our attendees and sponsors that made this event such a success, proving that when the cannabis community comes together, we can truly make a difference in the lives of others and the causes we hold dear.
RSVP for the 2024 TeeHC Open
In addition to all the sponsors mentioned above, we want to give a special thank you to Salt Construction as our swag bag and dining sponsor; Needham Bank for the food and beverage stations; HighLife Packaging for the Heli Ball Drop and all of our event signage, Canna Carton for the on-course golf tours; Aruna for the outdoor snack and beverage carts; the Pokanoket Nation and Nipmuc Tribe members and council for blessing us with the Land Acknowledgement Ceremony; the Sensi Allstars for a wonderful evening performance; and Sensi, The Bluntness, Different Leaf, and Talking Joints Memo for covering our event media partners.
In all, we are so grateful to everyone who made our 2023 networking event an unforgettable success. It’s your passion, enthusiasm, and commitment that fuels the spirit of unity, progress, and de-stigmatization in the cannabis industry.
As we reflect on the connections made, the memories created, and the impactful contributions to our charity partners, we can’t help but look forward to what lies ahead. We invite you to mark your calendars for the third annual event, where we’ll continue to build bridges, strengthen bonds, and drive positive change together.
Let’s create new highs in 2024, carrying forward the legacy of growth and advancement within the cannabis community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible experience, and we can’t wait to see you all again next year!
*Photos by Steph Larsen, Steph Larsen Photography & Ben Wight, Dubside Photography
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