Live from the media stage at IgniteIt Chicago, High Spirits co-host AnnaRae Grabstein conducts five lightning-round interviews with the industry’s sharpest minds. From the realities of major M&A integration and enterprise AI deployment to a wild on-stage metaphor involving a literal caterpillar, this special bonus episode captures the exact energy, momentum, and anxiety of the current market.

Featuring insights from Patrick Lane, Ed Keating, Sarah McLaughlin, Jordan Eisenstat, and Dr. Lucas McCann.

What You’ll Learn:

• Data-Driven AI: How Claude and custom AI tools are replacing manual analytics for conference organizers and content creators.
• Navigating Consolidation: The operational reality of merging with your top competitor and how to manage staff during a surprise buyout.
• Formulation & Hemp Risk: Why the upcoming November hemp regulations are forcing a strategic pivot for edible and beverage brands.
• The Global Opportunity: How Canadian export data shows a clear survival blueprint for lean American operators looking overseas.

Why Tune In?

Get a seat on the expo floor and hear exactly how top cannabis executives, PR strategists, and scientists are preparing their businesses for the next 12 months of federal policy changes.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Live Podcast Kickoff with Patrick Lane (IgniteIt)

5:30 - M&A Data & Vendor Shakeouts with Ed Keating (Emerald Intel)

14:25 - Why Gummies Dominate the Market with Sarah McLaughlin (Melt Make)

20:45 - AI Disrupting PR Workflows with Jordan Eisenstat (Marino PR)

29:20 - Bold Policy Forecasts & Global Markets with Dr. Lucas McCann (CannDelta)

36:30 - Final Wrap-Up

Have a question for us? Send us a text. We may answer it in the next show!

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High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.

Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.

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Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.