CHAMPS – Marijuana Vegas Style

CHAMPS Trade Show: Where Cannabis Culture Meets Commerce

In the world of cannabis accessories, counterculture products, and smoke-shop innovation, few events hold as much weight as the CHAMPS Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. For over two decades, this massive B2B gathering has brought together the movers and makers of the industry—from glass artists and wholesalers to apparel brands and dispensary buyers—all under one roof.

A Hub for the Counterculture Industry

Founded in 1999, CHAMPS (short for Counterculture Heads, Artists, Manufacturers, Producers & Sellers) has evolved into one of the most influential trade shows in the United States. Held several times a year, the Las Vegas edition—typically hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center—is considered the flagship event. The next winter show is set for February 12–15, 2025, featuring thousands of exhibitors from across the globe.

Unlike traditional conventions, CHAMPS is not open to the general public. It’s strictly for verified business professionals—store owners, distributors, and manufacturers—who come to connect, collaborate, and expand their networks. Attendees must present valid business credentials such as a resale license or tax ID, ensuring that the event remains focused on trade and professional growth.

The Importance of CHAMPS

What makes CHAMPS so crucial to the cannabis and smoking accessory industry isn’t just its size—it’s the influence it carries. Each show unveils cutting-edge products, emerging trends, and creative artistry that shape the future of counterculture retail.

Trend Discovery: Attendees get the first look at innovations in glass design, vaporizers, grinders, apparel, and specialty gift items. Many retailers rely on CHAMPS to source their newest and best-selling products.
Networking Power: With thousands of vendors and buyers in attendance, CHAMPS is where relationships are built. Dispensary operators, smoke shop owners, and manufacturers use the show to form distribution deals and explore collaborations.
Education & Inspiration: Beyond sales, CHAMPS is also a creative platform. Live glass-blowing competitions, known as The Glass Games, showcase world-class artistry and attract media attention throughout the industry.
Gateway to Growth: For new and established brands alike, CHAMPS provides unmatched exposure. Many now-famous names in glass art, vaping, and hemp products launched their careers on the CHAMPS floor.

The Las Vegas Experience

Las Vegas provides the perfect backdrop for CHAMPS. Known as “Sin City,” it mirrors the show’s energy—vibrant, daring, and always evolving. The convention floor spans thousands of booths filled with colorful displays, demos, and product launches. It’s common to see business owners making wholesale deals, artists customizing pieces live, and influencers capturing behind-the-scenes content for their audiences.

The Las Vegas show also tends to be the largest of all CHAMPS events, drawing international participants from Europe, Asia, and South America. For buyers, admission is 100% free, provided they meet the trade requirements. This accessibility helps small and mid-size retailers compete with major distributors, keeping the market dynamic and diverse.

Why It Matters to the Industry

As the cannabis and accessory industries mature, events like CHAMPS have become more than trade shows—they’re economic and cultural engines. They connect the creative roots of cannabis culture with the professionalism of modern retail. For writers, marketers, and entrepreneurs, CHAMPS offers a front-row seat to where the next wave of innovation begins.

Whether you’re covering the evolution of cannabis commerce or looking to grow within the space, the CHAMPS Trade Show in Las Vegas remains an essential stop. It’s where ideas become products, brands become movements, and the pulse of the counterculture industry beats strongest.