By PoppaDukes Serrano, Executive Producer – Host

Join us on August 29 for the premier gathering of cannabis pioneers in Long Island City.
There is a powerful shift happening across the five boroughs right now. If you have been paying attention to the New York cannabis community, you know that surviving and thriving as a legal operator takes more than just grit, it takes real community power, genuine connections, and access to the right resources. That is exactly why we are bringing folks together for the Elevate & Innovate: NYC CAURD Licensee Success Summit on August 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at T2 @ Trends LIC in Long Island City.
If you are a licensee, an ancillary business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a passionate consumer and advocate, this is a must-listen, and must-attend, gathering. As your host, I am ready to bring that live podcast energy right to the room. So grab your ticket now on the EventHi Elevate & Innovate Ticket Page and let’s get to work building generational wealth together.
Register Now on EventHi
Don’t wait to secure your place at this powerhouse gathering. Click here to register: EventHi: Elevate & Innovate Event Page
Why This Summit Matters for Cannabis Entrepreneurs NYC
Let’s keep it real: breaking into the legal market as one of the cannabis entrepreneurs nyc isn’t for the faint of heart. Between navigating licensing structures, funding hurdles, and retail rollouts, operators need spaces where they can let down their guard, share game-changing strategies, and link up with allies who truly understand the hustle.
This evening is designed to bridge the gap between B2B professionals and the vibrant B2C community. We are talking about real talk, actionable insights, and networking that actually moves the needle.
“When we talk about equity in this industry, we aren’t just talking policy, we’re talking about putting power back into the hands of the people who laid the groundwork.” , PoppaDukes SERRANO

Salal Business Services supports equitable growth across the industry.
Backed by Industry Leaders: Salal Credit Union
We cannot talk about moving the industry forward without shouting out our incredible lead sponsor, Salal Credit Union. Their dedication to social equity cannabis financing and banking support is a game-changer for operators who have historically been locked out of traditional financial institutions. Having partners like Salal in our corner means our community gets the backing it deserves to scale sustainably.
What to Expect at Trends LIC
This isn’t your average stuffy corporate conference. We are bringing together the culture, the economics, and the politics of cannabis under one roof. Here is a glimpse of what’s on deck:
- High-Energy Networking: Meet fellow founders, investors, cultivators, and advocates at one of the premier cannabis networking events of the summer.
- Live Podcast Energy: Experience the unfiltered, authentic conversations you love from The OG Social Network Podcast recorded live on-site.
- Resource Sharing: Connect directly with financial experts, legal minds, and operational trailblazers who can help your business level up.

Catch that live podcast energy and authentic community dialogue in Long Island City.
Secure Your Spot Today
Space is limited, and you don’t want to be on the outside looking in when the culture convenes in Queens. Whether you’re refining your business model or looking to connect with the most influential voices in the space, this evening is all about community, collaboration, and success.
Head over to the EventHi Registration Page to lock in your spot. You can also register from the official Elevate & Innovate EventHi event page. Check out the event QR code below for quick mobile registration!

Scan or click to secure your tickets for the Elevate & Innovate Summit on August 29.
Relax, Relate, Release, and let’s elevate together. Have a NYCCE day!
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About the Author
PoppaDukes Serrano is the Executive Producer and Host of The OG Social Network Podcast. The podcast covers the intersection of cannabis, culture, politics, and community in New York. PoppaDukes has deep roots in advocacy. He is committed to amplifying marginalized voices in the industry. PoppaDukes brings real talk grounded in lived experience and leadership. Follow the podcast for conversations with the trailblazers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and activists shaping the future.