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Talman Zurich

20 February, 2026
Shape The Future!

Zurich 2026 Digital Program

Event Schedule

9:30 Pre-Event Networking Zurich 2026
9:30 Pre-Event Networking Zurich 2026 mobile

10:00

10:00

Introduction

Welcome to the Talman Zurich Event
Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference and The Talman Group and MC Jamie Pearson, International Consultant of the New Holland Group, welcome conference attendees and provide an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers who will deliver presentations and interviews.

Introduction

Welcome to the Talman Zurich Event
Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference and The Talman Group and MC Jamie Pearson, International Consultant of the New Holland Group, welcome conference attendees and provide an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers who will deliver presentations and interviews.
Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers

CEO, The Talman Group & ICBC
Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers

CEO, The Talman Group & ICBC

Alex Rogers is a visionary entrepreneur, political activist and the founder of several influential cannabis businesses over the past 30 years. He is the mastermind behind the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC)—the first and largest international business conference producing events across multiple continents. He is renowned worldwide for connecting elite industry leaders and also serves as the CEO of the members-only Talman House, created to connect entrepreneurs seeking capital with investors ready to deploy capital in Europe’s emerging industry. Alex Rogers also played a crucial role in professionalizing and mainstreaming the United States’ cannabis industry by founding one of the most popular medical cannabis clinics, which became the first to advertise medical cannabis on network television. A Magna Cum Laude graduate in Political Science, Rogers’ passion is leveraging his influence to shape cannabis policy globally. Alex has successfully advocated for progressive cannabis reform on the global stage, including in California, Oregon, Germany and Slovenia. His foundational work with legendary pioneer Jack Herer and his incredible influence globally have cemented Rogers’ legacy as both a successful international cannabis entrepreneur and a global policy influencer.

Jamie Pearson
Jamie L Pearson

Jamie L Pearson

International Consultant, New Holland Group

Jamie Pearson

Jamie L Pearson

International Consultant, New Holland Group

Jamie Pearson has been a highly respected leader in the cannabis industry for over a decade. Her “in the trenches” operational success and deep, global relationships led her to be coined “Wonder Woman” in the 2023 Women of Influence issue of Cannabis Now Magazine. Fluent in German, Jamie spent decades in the global real estate investment and finance world on three continents. She currently sits on the advisory boards of Dope Drinks, Marley One, Cellotex Dev Ltd, Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC), Lift & Co, and Alpen Group AG.
Jamie founded and leads The New Holland Group, a global consulting firm serving clients with international business development & strategy, seed to sale operations, branding & marketing, effective capital raising, executive coaching, cross border IP licensing, celebrity partnerships, buy & sell side M&A, and financial turnarounds. Client referrals have been New Holland Group’s only source of business and business is booming!
Before New Holland Group, Jamie spent seven years, including three as the President & CEO, of Bhang Inc. [CSE:BHNG] one of the world’s most-awarded and recognized cannabis edible brands, famous for its infused chocolate bars. She led the company’s diverse executive team, managed the “expansion through licensing” plan, ran the capital markets division, and was the face of the brand – catapulting Bhang from a California favorite to a multi-state and multi-national phenomenon. When Jamie exited Bhang the brand had been distributed in 7 US states and 10 countries through licensing deals with the likes of Trulieve, [CSE:TRUL], Indiva [TSX:NDVA] and Origin House [CSE:OH] (now Cresco). Jamie served four years as the Vice Chairman of Bhang’s Board and served on the Board’s audit committee.
Jamie is a popular speaker with competence in the areas of global expansion, ESG, IP & brand licensing, real estate acquisition, creative deal structuring, celebrity partnerships, business development, and leadership. Jamie can be reached at jamie@new-holland.group.

10:15

10:15

Pharmaceutical Medical Cannabis Market Partnerships – Keynote

The emergence of pharmaceutical companies collaborating with medical cannabis companies
One of the most noteworthy examples of medical cannabis becoming a universally accepted form of therapy in the medical community is the increasing rate at which larger pharmaceutical companies are partnering with medical cannabis entities. Jaap Erkelens, CEO of Bedrocan, will discuss the importance of medical cannabis companies collaborating with larger pharmaceutical companies and how such partnerships are helping further the mainstreaming of cannabis as medicine. Mr. Erkelens will provide an overview of the recently announced partnership between Bedrocan, one of the oldest medical cannabis companies in the world, and pharmaceutical product distribution powerhouse Medios AG.

Pharmaceutical Medical Cannabis Market Partnerships – Keynote

The emergence of pharmaceutical companies collaborating with medical cannabis companies
One of the most noteworthy examples of medical cannabis becoming a universally accepted form of therapy in the medical community is the increasing rate at which larger pharmaceutical companies are partnering with medical cannabis entities. Jaap Erkelens, CEO of Bedrocan, will discuss the importance of medical cannabis companies collaborating with larger pharmaceutical companies and how such partnerships are helping further the mainstreaming of cannabis as medicine. Mr. Erkelens will provide an overview of the recently announced partnership between Bedrocan, one of the oldest medical cannabis companies in the world, and pharmaceutical product distribution powerhouse Medios AG.
Jaap Erkelens
Jaap Erkelens

Jaap Erkelens

CEO, Bedrocan
Jaap Erkelens

Jaap Erkelens

CEO, Bedrocan

Jaap Erkelens is the CEO of Bedrocan, the world’s most experienced producer of pharmaceutical-grade medicinal cannabis. Stepping into the role previously held by his father and company founder, Tjalling Erkelens, Jaap has been guiding the organisation into steady international development. This strategic growth includes the construction of a dedicated production facility in Denmark and the acquisition of the former Bedrocan Canada facility in Toronto.
Under his leadership, Bedrocan recently partnered with German Specialty Pharma company Medios AG for exclusive distribution in selected European markets. This alliance reflects Jaap’s commitment to a strictly medicinal path: “We advocate for a pharmaceutical approach and a clear separation between adult and patient use. For this reason, we value collaborating with true pharmaceutical companies like Medios.”
Bedrocan remains a global benchmark for medicinal cannabis, providing high-quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and prescription-grade products to the global medical community.

10:30

10:30

Switzerland’s Cannabis Market In Transition

What’s next for medical and adult use?
Switzerland’s legal cannabis industry is evolving on two fronts: a growing medical market with sharply rising demand since August 2022, and an adult-use industry model shaped by pilot trials and the draft Cannabis Products Act. This presentation will unpack where the current federal consultation process stands and analyze what early pilot results are signaling for a future regulated market. On the medical side, panelists will discuss the acceleration of prescriptions, the expanding role of pharmacy-dispensed products, including flowers, and where regulation and reimbursements are heading.

Switzerland’s Cannabis Market In Transition

What’s next for medical and adult use?
Switzerland’s legal cannabis industry is evolving on two fronts: a growing medical market with sharply rising demand since August 2022, and an adult-use industry model shaped by pilot trials and the draft Cannabis Products Act. This presentation will unpack where the current federal consultation process stands and analyze what early pilot results are signaling for a future regulated market. On the medical side, panelists will discuss the acceleration of prescriptions, the expanding role of pharmacy-dispensed products, including flowers, and where regulation and reimbursements are heading.
Daniel Haymann
Daniel Haymann

Daniel Haymann

Attorney At Law, MME Legal

Moderator
Daniel Haymann

Daniel Haymann

Attorney At Law, MME Legal

Daniel Haymann specialises in corporate and commercial law. Thanks to his extensive business experience, he has a good sense for new markets and understands the requirements for market launch and scale-up strategies. As an interdisciplinary and hands-on advisor, his focus is on investments, venture capital and financing transactions as well as regulatory issues in the healthcare and consumer goods sectors.
He has been advising investors, start-ups, and vertically integrated companies along the value chain, including on regulatory matters relating to THC, CBD and other cannabinoids and psychedelic compounds, on GMP and GDP standards, foodstuff and cosmetics regulations as well as authorization procedures before Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products.
Daniel is the co-founder and co-chair of the European offshoot of the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA Europe). In addition, as a dual Swiss-Israeli citizen, he focuses on supporting clients with ties to Israel and strengthening the corresponding business relationships.
Prior to his career as a lawyer, Daniel spent over 10 years as a commodities trader for multinational corporations in senior management positions.

Dr. Nicolai Berardi
Dr. Nicolai Berardi

Dr. Nicolai Berardi

Prakt. med. FMH, MBA-HSG

Dr. Nicolai Berardi

Dr. Nicolai Berardi

Prakt. med. FMH, MBA-HSG
Nicolai Berardi is a physician and entrepreneur with a focus on medical cannabis, care innovation, and digital health operations. He founded Evidena GmbH and Evidena Care AG to build patient-centred, compliant, and quality-driven structures for medical cannabis therapy. He also leads Sweazy ePraxis, a technology-enabled practice that supports clinicians across clinical documentation, standardised workflows, and coordination along the patient journey. Before his current ventures, Nicolai served as COO at SOS Ärzte Turicum AG, where he drove operational execution and process and quality development in a high-throughput care environment. Clinically, he completed training in Surgery and Internal Medicine and is currently pursuing further education in phytomedicine with the Swiss Medical Society for Phytotherapy (SMGP). His work sits at the intersection of clinical decision-making and business execution, translating medical requirements into scalable care models with a strong emphasis on evidence, safety, and practical implementation.
Andrew David Petronanos
Andrew David Petronanos

Andrew David Petronanos

CEO and Founder, Dascoli Pharma AG

Andrew David Petronanos

Andrew David Petronanos

CEO and Founder, Dascoli Pharma AG

Andrew David Petronanos is the CEO and Founder of Dascoli Pharma AG, a Swiss-based company specializing in medical cannabis supply, distribution, healthcare training, and pharmacy retail operations, holding a nationwide Swiss mail-order license.
With expertise in business development, regulatory compliance, and strategic investment, he has led high-value partnerships and market expansions in regulated industries. Previously, he founded FINELEAF, advised investors in the cannabis sector, and worked in investor relations at Alpha Three Invest. He also serves as a Senior Advisory Board Member at Arclif Group.
Beyond business, Andrew is a dedicated husband and father, passionate about building relationships, exploring cultures, and driving innovation with transparency and purpose.

Thomas Bär
Thomas Bär

Thomas Bär

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Canway Holdings Ltd.

Thomas Bär

Thomas Bär

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Canway Holdings Ltd.

Thomas Bär is a Co-Founder and the Managing Director of CANWAY Holdings Ltd.

Thomas is a Swiss Certified Fiduciary by education with a strong focus on corporate management & governance, financial, legal, compliance & regulatory affairs.

Prior to getting involved in the cannabis industry by establishing the CANWAY Group of companies back in 2016, Thomas co-founded a group of companies named CONSAVO, specialized in rendering multidisciplinary business and legal consulting services to internationally aligned corporations throughout various industry sectors.

Thomas also served as member and president of the board of «IG Hanf», the umbrella association of the Swiss cannabis industry. Thanks to his extensive experience and network, Thomas is always up to date regarding all legislative and regulatory matters and current market developments relating to the cannabis industry.

11:10

11:10

Global Cannabis M&A and Investment Outlook

Where Smart Money is Moving in 2026
The emerging legal cannabis industry is entering the ‘post-U.S. rescheduling era.’ While 2025 was defined by defensive restructuring, 2026 will be defined by strategic expansion. The cannabis M&A and strategic investment playbook is no longer about acquiring a “footprint”; it is about accretive profitability and pharmaceutical-grade supply chain dominance. This session explores why the current ‘arbitrage’ is shifting from low-cost production to high-compliance distribution, as evidenced by the landmark Cronos/CanAdelaar and Canopy/MTL transactions.

Global Cannabis M&A and Investment Outlook

Where Smart Money is Moving in 2026
The emerging legal cannabis industry is entering the ‘post-U.S. rescheduling era.’ While 2025 was defined by defensive restructuring, 2026 will be defined by strategic expansion. The cannabis M&A and strategic investment playbook is no longer about acquiring a “footprint”; it is about accretive profitability and pharmaceutical-grade supply chain dominance. This session explores why the current ‘arbitrage’ is shifting from low-cost production to high-compliance distribution, as evidenced by the landmark Cronos/CanAdelaar and Canopy/MTL transactions.
David Hyde
David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments

David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments
David Hyde is a 12-year veteran of the North American and global cannabis industries, with a background in strategic business advisory and M&A/investment consulting. David had a successful exit in 2018 from a cannabis ancillary company he founded, before starting up Hyde Advisory & Investments, a prominent, boutique Cannabis M&A/Investment firm representing cannabis companies and investors in the brokering of M&A and investment transactions across legal cannabis markets globally.
11:30 Break
11:30 break

11:50

11:50

Between Hype And Reality

Is the German medical market facing a new turning point?
Germany’s legal medical cannabis industry was a primary focus for many lawmakers throughout 2025, with opponents in Germany’s government seeking to overhaul the sector’s regulations. Cannabis advocates within the coalition government have pushed back on many proposals, instead seeking to pursue more sensible adjustments to policies that govern the nation’s medical cannabis industry and maintain market momentum. Panelists will provide updates on the current state of affairs in Germany and what to expect from German medical cannabis regulation in the coming year.

Between Hype And Reality

Is the German medical market facing a new turning point?
Germany’s legal medical cannabis industry was a primary focus for many lawmakers throughout 2025, with opponents in Germany’s government seeking to overhaul the sector’s regulations. Cannabis advocates within the coalition government have pushed back on many proposals, instead seeking to pursue more sensible adjustments to policies that govern the nation’s medical cannabis industry and maintain market momentum. Panelists will provide updates on the current state of affairs in Germany and what to expect from German medical cannabis regulation in the coming year.
Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig
Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig

Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig

Partner
Moderator

Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig

Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig

Partner

Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig is an experienced solicitor who specialises in providing comprehensive advice to clients on pharmaceutical advertising and all aspects of intellectual property law. His areas of expertise include health technology and life sciences, with a focus on medical cannabis, regulatory issues and recreational cannabis. Dr. Ludwig has been admitted to the bar since 2007 and is a partner at BRP RENAUD. As a specialist lawyer for industrial property rights, copyright and media law, Jan’s practice concentrates primarily on IP litigation. He has been involved in landmark decisions before the Federal Court of Justice in copyright and design law. Additionally, Dr. Jan Rasmus Ludwig also advises national and international companies and investors in the fields of medical cannabis, medical devices and dietary supplements, and the entire product and business development cycle of the dynamically growing cannabis industry.

Kai-Friedrich Niermann
Kai-Friedrich Niermann

Kai-Friedrich Niermann

Founder, Kfn+ Law Office

Kai-Friedrich Niermann

Kai-Friedrich Niermann

Founder, Kfn+ Law Office

Kai is characterized by his outstanding expertise and diverse practice in the cannabis industry. With a broad range of expertise in cannabis and business law, he provides comprehensive legal support to companies and individuals.
From contract drafting and company formation to day-to-day legal support, he assists cannabis companies with customized solutions in all legal matters, including white collar criminal law where necessary.
Kai is also the author of the blog canna-biz.legal, where he positions himself as an expert in the thriving cannabis business. Canna-biz.legal not only provides insights into the legal status of cannabis in Germany and Europe today, but also current developments and offers resources for businesses and interested parties.
His work spans all aspects of the cannabis industry, from advising companies on cultivation licenses and production regulations to assisting with regulatory issues in product development. His deep understanding of the complex legal framework in this sector makes him a sought-after contact.
Kai and his law firm KFN+ advise large CBD and medical cannabis companies, as well as companies and associations interested in the emerging recreational cannabis market. He is also advisor to the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), which has submitted a joint application to the EU Commission for authorization as a novel food for various CBD products.
With an international perspective, Kai operates not only nationally, but also across borders. His network in the industry enables him to support companies in their global activities and adapt to the challenges of an ever-changing legal landscape.
Kai regularly speaks at international cannabis conferences on topics related to the German and European legal framework for cannabis, and publishes articles at Krautinvest, BusinessCann and in law journals.
Born in Löhne/Westf. in 1972, studied law at the Universities of Marburg, Adelaide (Australia), Cologne, legal assistant at the press center of the German Bundestag (2000-2002), worked for the Berlin District Court, for the Director of Public Prosecution in Berlin, for the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Hong Kong Consulate General.

Gašper Friškovec
Gašper Friškovec

Gašper Friškovec

CCO, The Talman Group

Gašper Friškovec

Gašper Friškovec

CCO, The Talman Group

Gašper Friškovec is a licensed attorney in Slovenia, and has over a decade of practice in advising clients and their legal representation on economic, regulatory, and political matters before the highest Slovenian and international courts. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana, where he is also earning his doctorate while specializing in administrative law. His experience has given him a unique perspective on public policy and law within both Slovenia and the EU. Gasper is able to work adeptly within a variety of regulatory frameworks. He brings a pragmatic and disruptive approach to crafting innovative solutions for the complex challenges facing businesses in this emerging industry.

Seyit Kaya
Seyit Kaya

Seyit Kaya

CFO, Sanity Group

Seyit Kaya

Seyit Kaya

CFO, Sanity Group
Seyit Kaya. CFO at Sanity Group with extensive M&A experience across pharma and consumer sectors. Strong background in corporate finance, strategic transactions, and value creation across high-growth and regulated environments. Proven track record in scaling organizations, leading complex deals, and building robust finance, governance, and reporting structures. Focused on enabling sustainable growth, data-driven decision-making, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

12:30

12:30

Pitches

Our team of ‘Sharks’ evaluate cutting-edge cannabis companies

This pitch session will feature presentations from several different companies, each with immense potential in the cannabis space. The Talman House Portfolio provides a range of opportunities, from pure startups to operators with established distribution channels and market traction. Companies from Europe and around the world will be represented in these rapid-fire presentations, with eight (8) minute pitches followed by seven (7) minute Q&A sessions.

Pitches

Our team of ‘Sharks’ evaluate cutting-edge cannabis companies

This pitch session will feature presentations from several different companies, each with immense potential in the cannabis space. The Talman House Portfolio provides a range of opportunities, from pure startups to operators with established distribution channels and market traction. Companies from Europe and around the world will be represented in these rapid-fire presentations, with eight (8) minute pitches followed by seven (7) minute Q&A sessions.

Sharks

Jeanne Sullivan
Jeanne M. Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Jeanne Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Chief Inspiration Officer – Sullivan Adventures LLC
Partner: New Holland Group
Keynote Speaker – Advisor – Investor

Jeanne M. Sullivan is a passionate about delivering ideas – information – and inspiration to entrepreneurs – Sullivan has been early to various sectors – investing in tech infrastructure, the internet wave, cloud-based computing, data aggregation and early in the cannabis sector. She is thrilled to leverage years in this industry and support entrepreneurs seeking European-based cannabis opportunities.
She co-founded an early-stage cannabis fund and is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit. Sullivan has been part of the Arcview Group and Arcview Ventures since 2015.

Jeanne co-founded StarVest Partners, a venture capital firm in NYC raising $400 million to invest in tech-enabled business services companies. Prior to her venture experience with StarVest and Olivetti Ventures, Jeanne gained her operating experience with AT&T and Bell Labs while serving in product and industry marketing roles.

Ms. Sullivan has served on the board of multiple technology and cannabis companies and has extensive experience creating “go to market” plans for growth and expansion stage companies. Her expertise also includes strategy, an understanding of the tech and cannabis landscape and industry trends. Sullivan lives in New York City.

Connect: Linkedin.com/in/jeannemsullivan

David Hyde
David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments

David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments
David Hyde is a 12-year veteran of the North American and global cannabis industries, with a background in strategic business advisory and M&A/investment consulting. David had a successful exit in 2018 from a cannabis ancillary company he founded, before starting up Hyde Advisory & Investments, a prominent, boutique Cannabis M&A/Investment firm representing cannabis companies and investors in the brokering of M&A and investment transactions across legal cannabis markets globally.
Emilie Lewis
Emilie Lewis

Emilie Lewis

Senior Vice President; Brand Leader MJBiz™ • MJBizCon®

Emilie Lewis

Emilie Lewis

Senior Vice President; Brand Leader MJBiz™ • MJBizCon®

Emilie Lewis is a seasoned brand strategist and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across fashion, lifestyle, and CPG industries. She has worked with iconic global brands including Nike, Levi’s, and Adidas, and has led the growth and creative direction of major cultural and B2B events such as Project, Coterie, ComplexCon, and BeautyCon.
Emilie’s career highlights include spearheading the rebrand and revitalization of the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, founding the Room4 Agency wholesale showroom, and launching the boutique retail concept Please & Thank You, both online and in-store.
Currently, she serves as Senior Vice President and Brand Leader at MJBiz, where she drives marketing strategy, content, and brand evolution for the cannabis industry’s most influential platform.
Above all, Emilie is proudest of her role as a mom to two incredible boys. Her creative vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to deliver impact continue to set her apart in every chapter of her career.

13:00 Lunch Zurich 26
13:00 Lunch Zurich 26

14:15

14:15

Pitches

Our team of ‘Sharks’ evaluate cutting-edge cannabis companies

This pitch session will involve presentations from different companies, each with immense potential in the cannabis space. The Talman House Portfolio provides a range of opportunities, from pure startups to operators with established distribution channels and market traction. Companies from Europe and around the world will be represented in these rapid-fire presentations, with eight (8) minute pitches followed by seven (7) minute Q&A sessions.

Pitches

Our team of ‘Sharks’ evaluate cutting-edge cannabis companies

This pitch session will involve presentations from different companies, each with immense potential in the cannabis space. The Talman House Portfolio provides a range of opportunities, from pure startups to operators with established distribution channels and market traction. Companies from Europe and around the world will be represented in these rapid-fire presentations, with eight (8) minute pitches followed by seven (7) minute Q&A sessions.

Sharks

Jeanne Sullivan
Jeanne M. Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Jeanne Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Chief Inspiration Officer – Sullivan Adventures LLC
Partner: New Holland Group
Keynote Speaker – Advisor – Investor

Jeanne M. Sullivan is a passionate about delivering ideas – information – and inspiration to entrepreneurs – Sullivan has been early to various sectors – investing in tech infrastructure, the internet wave, cloud-based computing, data aggregation and early in the cannabis sector. She is thrilled to leverage years in this industry and support entrepreneurs seeking European-based cannabis opportunities.
She co-founded an early-stage cannabis fund and is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit. Sullivan has been part of the Arcview Group and Arcview Ventures since 2015.

Jeanne co-founded StarVest Partners, a venture capital firm in NYC raising $400 million to invest in tech-enabled business services companies. Prior to her venture experience with StarVest and Olivetti Ventures, Jeanne gained her operating experience with AT&T and Bell Labs while serving in product and industry marketing roles.

Ms. Sullivan has served on the board of multiple technology and cannabis companies and has extensive experience creating “go to market” plans for growth and expansion stage companies. Her expertise also includes strategy, an understanding of the tech and cannabis landscape and industry trends. Sullivan lives in New York City.

Connect: Linkedin.com/in/jeannemsullivan

David Hyde
David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments

David Hyde

David Hyde

Founder, Hyde Advisory & Investments
David Hyde is a 12-year veteran of the North American and global cannabis industries, with a background in strategic business advisory and M&A/investment consulting. David had a successful exit in 2018 from a cannabis ancillary company he founded, before starting up Hyde Advisory & Investments, a prominent, boutique Cannabis M&A/Investment firm representing cannabis companies and investors in the brokering of M&A and investment transactions across legal cannabis markets globally.
Emilie Lewis
Emilie Lewis

Emilie Lewis

Senior Vice President; Brand Leader MJBiz™ • MJBizCon®

Emilie Lewis

Emilie Lewis

Senior Vice President; Brand Leader MJBiz™ • MJBizCon®

Emilie Lewis is a seasoned brand strategist and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across fashion, lifestyle, and CPG industries. She has worked with iconic global brands including Nike, Levi’s, and Adidas, and has led the growth and creative direction of major cultural and B2B events such as Project, Coterie, ComplexCon, and BeautyCon.
Emilie’s career highlights include spearheading the rebrand and revitalization of the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, founding the Room4 Agency wholesale showroom, and launching the boutique retail concept Please & Thank You, both online and in-store.
Currently, she serves as Senior Vice President and Brand Leader at MJBiz, where she drives marketing strategy, content, and brand evolution for the cannabis industry’s most influential platform.
Above all, Emilie is proudest of her role as a mom to two incredible boys. Her creative vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to deliver impact continue to set her apart in every chapter of her career.

14:50

14:50

From Pitch to Pressure Test

Live Investor Q&A with the Pitching Companies

This interactive session flips the traditional panel format. Instead of moderators driving the conversation, Talman members become the investment committee and engage directly with pitching companies. In this live, unscripted session, the pitching companies will be asked unfiltered questions, just as they would in a real due diligence meeting. Capital structure, go-to-market strategy, regulatory exposure, scalability, partnerships, exit logic… No topic is off limits.

Designed to pressure-test companies in real time, this session sharpens founder narratives while giving investors early insight and context. Intentionally dynamic, the live investor Q&A will deepen engagement and foster genuine investor-founder chemistry before anyone ever exchanges a business card.

From Pitch to Pressure Test

Live Investor Q&A with the Pitching Companies

This interactive session flips the traditional panel format. Instead of moderators driving the conversation, Talman members become the investment committee and engage directly with pitching companies. In this live, unscripted session, the pitching companies will be asked unfiltered questions, just as they would in a real due diligence meeting. Capital structure, go-to-market strategy, regulatory exposure, scalability, partnerships, exit logic… No topic is off limits.

Designed to pressure-test companies in real time, this session sharpens founder narratives while giving investors early insight and context. Intentionally dynamic, the live investor Q&A will deepen engagement and foster genuine investor-founder chemistry before anyone ever exchanges a business card.

15:20

15:20

Fireside Chat With M. Brooks Jorgensen

An intimate discussion with the President and CEO of Canopy USA

M. Brooks Jorgensen is the President and CEO of the industry-leading United States-based holding company Canopy USA. With its powerhouse portfolio of brands, including Wana, Jetty, and Acreage’s Superflux, as well as The Botanist retail locations, Mr. Jorgensen’s leadership of Canopy USA is helping one of the world’s top cannabis companies reach its full potential in the U.S. market. Mr. Jorgensen will sit down with Jeanne Sullivan for an intimate conversation about Canopy USA’s current pursuits, the state of the legal U.S. cannabis industry, and how the recently announced federal rescheduling in the U.S. will alter the course of the global cannabis industry.

Fireside Chat With M. Brooks Jorgensen

An intimate discussion with the President and CEO of Canopy USA

M. Brooks Jorgensen is the President and CEO of the industry-leading United States-based holding company Canopy USA. With its powerhouse portfolio of brands, including Wana, Jetty, and Acreage’s Superflux, as well as The Botanist retail locations, Mr. Jorgensen’s leadership of Canopy USA is helping one of the world’s top cannabis companies reach its full potential in the U.S. market. Mr. Jorgensen will sit down with Jeanne Sullivan for an intimate conversation about Canopy USA’s current pursuits, the state of the legal U.S. cannabis industry, and how the recently announced federal rescheduling in the U.S. will alter the course of the global cannabis industry.

M. Brooks Jorgensen
M. Brooks Jorgensen

M. Brooks Jorgensen

President, Canopy USA

M. Brooks Jorgensen

M. Brooks Jorgensen

President, Canopy USA

Brooks Jorgensen guides CUSA’s portfolio of brands toward profitable growth and operational excellence across the U.S. cannabis market. In his role, Brooks oversees a unified leadership structure, with each brand leader and shared services head reporting directly to him, ensuring a cohesive, scalable approach across sales, marketing, operations, and distribution.

Brooks brings more than 25 years of experience in high-growth industries, including cannabis, wine, and spirits. Prior to joining Canopy USA, he was President of Kiva Sales & Service, growing the company from a small cannabis distributor into the largest full-service distributor in the United States. Earlier in his career, Brooks held a series of leadership roles with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, ultimately serving as Vice President and General Manager of Fine Wine for Southern Glazer’s of Texas, and gained additional experience with Moet Hennessy USA.

Throughout his career, Brooks has built high-performing teams, driven innovative commercial strategies, and delivered measurable growth across multi-brand portfolios. At Canopy USA, he is focused on elevating brand performance, expanding market presence, and integrating operations to create a unified, market-leading platform across key adult-use and hemp-derived segments.

Jeanne Sullivan
Jeanne M. Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Interviewer

Jeanne Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan

Chief Inspiration Officer, Sullivan Adventures LLC; Partner, New Holland Group

Chief Inspiration Officer – Sullivan Adventures LLC
Partner: New Holland Group
Keynote Speaker – Advisor – Investor

Jeanne M. Sullivan is a passionate about delivering ideas – information – and inspiration to entrepreneurs – Sullivan has been early to various sectors – investing in tech infrastructure, the internet wave, cloud-based computing, data aggregation and early in the cannabis sector. She is thrilled to leverage years in this industry and support entrepreneurs seeking European-based cannabis opportunities.
She co-founded an early-stage cannabis fund and is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit. Sullivan has been part of the Arcview Group and Arcview Ventures since 2015.

Jeanne co-founded StarVest Partners, a venture capital firm in NYC raising $400 million to invest in tech-enabled business services companies. Prior to her venture experience with StarVest and Olivetti Ventures, Jeanne gained her operating experience with AT&T and Bell Labs while serving in product and industry marketing roles.

Ms. Sullivan has served on the board of multiple technology and cannabis companies and has extensive experience creating “go to market” plans for growth and expansion stage companies. Her expertise also includes strategy, an understanding of the tech and cannabis landscape and industry trends. Sullivan lives in New York City.

Connect: Linkedin.com/in/jeannemsullivan

Location

The Dolder Grand

Zurich, Switzerland

Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland

The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich
The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich Lobby Stairs
The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich Bedroom

Event Sponsors

Event Sponsors

Lunch & Networking Reception Sponsor

Weco Blue

Platinum sponsors

Gold sponsors

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Upcoming Events

Open to Talman House members only

Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany

Talman House – Berlin

location icon Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany
calendar icon 13 April 2026

Join us in Berlin, across the iconic Brandenburg Gate on April 13th at the 5 star Hotel Adlon Kempinski. We will be presenting the latest opportunities in Europe and beyond, including our invaluable analysis of industry trends across the EU and the world.


Past Events

Find out what it was like

Munich past event

Talman House – Munich

location icon Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Munich, Germany
calendar icon 8 November 2024

Zurich past event

Talman House – Zurich

location icon The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
calendar icon 21 February 2025

Berlin past event

Talman House – Berlin

location icon Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany
calendar icon 28 April 2025

Brussels past event

Talman House – Brussels

location icon Embassy of the Republic Slovenia to Belgium and Luxembourg
calendar icon 15 May 2025

London 2025 past event

Talman House – London

location icon Strand, London WC2R 0EZ United Kingdom
calendar icon 10 November 2025

Zurich past event

Talman House – Zurich

location icon The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
calendar icon 20 February 2026



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