CHAMPS Trade Show: The Marketplace Powering Cannabis Innovation

The CHAMPS Trade Show has become a cornerstone of the cannabis industry, standing as one of the largest and longest-running business-to-business expos in the world. Since its launch in 1999, CHAMPS has brought together smoke shop owners, distributors, manufacturers, artists, and brand representatives to showcase the latest in glass art, vaporizers, CBD and THC products, accessories, and emerging cannabis lifestyle trends. It’s a professional-only marketplace dedicated to connecting brands with retailers and helping shape the future of counterculture commerce.

Each year, CHAMPS hosts multiple shows across the United States, with stops in key cities such as Las Vegas, Denver, Atlantic City, and Orlando. The Las Vegas edition, held twice a year, is the flagship event—filling massive convention halls with hundreds of booths, live demonstrations, and product launches. Attendees travel from around the world to explore new merchandise and trends in the cannabis space.

While CHAMPS is a business-first environment, it has evolved into a celebration of cannabis culture and creativity. The event often features live music performances, celebrity appearances, and art showcases. Over the years, stars like Mike Tyson, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wyte, and Tommy Chong have been spotted on the show floor—either promoting brands, networking with retailers, or simply supporting the industry. Cannabis Now covered how these celebrity appearances give CHAMPS a unique cultural edge, transforming it from a traditional trade expo into a full-spectrum experience of cannabis lifestyle and entertainment.

Music has increasingly become part of the show’s DNA. Publications like Honeysuckle and Fat Nugs Magazine have highlighted the integration of live hip-hop and reggae acts from artists such as Curren$y, Twista, LaRussell, and Fortunate Youth, bringing high energy to the expo. The performances blend perfectly with the brands exhibiting hemp products and accessories, underscoring the deep connection between cannabis, music, and creative culture.

Another signature element of CHAMPS is the CHAMPS Glass Games, an elite glassblowing competition that showcases some of the most talented artists in the country. The competition offers significant prizes and prestige, crowning a “Top Glass Artist of the Year.” For both buyers and spectators, the live glassblowing events are a highlight—turning craftsmanship into a front-and-center attraction.

The 2025 show circuit also spotlighted celebrity brand partnerships. For instance, Hidden Hills Club announced an exclusive collaboration with rapper Millyz during the Las Vegas Winter show, merging music influence with cannabis branding in a way that resonated with both retailers and fans.

At its core, CHAMPS remains a vital hub for business growth, product innovation, and networking within the cannabis sector. Through its official media outlet, the Smoke Shop Report, the organization continues to promote education, retail strategy, and awareness of the ever-evolving cannabis marketplace. For anyone involved in the industry—whether buyer, seller, or creative entrepreneur—CHAMPS Trade Shows represent the pulse of modern cannabis culture and commerce.