World-Renowned Cannabis Experts Take the Stage in Vermont May 2-3.
The 6th Annual Vermont Cannabis Convention is set to host two powerhouse keynote speakers who are reshaping the global cannabis conversation, while making direct impacts right here in Vermont.
Friday’s keynote speaker, “Kind Bill” Fenger, is a legendary figure in the cannabis world, best known as the father of Live Resin. Now the Chief Cultivation Officer at Vermont’s own Zenbarn Farms, Fenger brings decades of cultivation and extraction expertise to the state’s growing industry.
In the early 2010s, Kind Bill and his collaborator developed the now-famous Live Resin extraction method, which changed the game for concentrate production. By flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis before extraction, the process preserves delicate terpene and cannabinoid profiles, resulting in a more flavorful, potent, and full-spectrum product. His legacy continues to influence extractors and connoisseurs across the globe.
But Kind Bill’s roots run deeper. Long before legalization, he was a respected breeder and cultivator. Today, he continues to mentor, consult, and innovate, bringing his deep love of the plant and passion for quality to Vermont’s cannabis community.
Saturday’s keynote speaker, Kevin Jodrey, is another globally respected expert who brings a legacy of innovation, education, and cultivation wisdom. Based in Humboldt County, California, Jodrey is known for his decades of work as a cannabis breeder, grower, and thought leader. He’s the founder of Port Royal, owner of Wonderland Nursery, and co-creator of The Ganjier, a sommelier-style certification program for cannabis professionals.
Featured in the New York Times, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post article, and numerous other outlets, Jodrey has been at the center of the cannabis conversation for years. He’s judged the Emerald Cup, spoken at universities, and consulted for television programs on National Geographic and A&E. At VTCANN, he’ll share his vision for the “Clean Rush”—a movement to use cannabis to regenerate soil and cultivate sustainably.
Bringing these two global voices to Vermont adds significant depth and credibility to the convention, while also reinforcing the importance of community-led, small-scale cannabis excellence.
Eli Harrington, president of the Vermont Cannabis Convention, noted in a video interview responding to GreenMountain’s questions, “The speakers this year are large…adding expertise and experiences, and giving the Vermont industry some practical advice on lessons they’ve learned in other states.”
Whether you’re a cultivator, extractor, entrepreneur, patient, or curious consumer, the Vermont Cannabis Convention offers direct access to some of the most brilliant minds in the industry. It’s a chance to ask questions, gain insights, and connect in meaningful ways that go far beyond product displays.
The Vermont Cannabis Convention takes place May 2-3, 2025, at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction. Learn more and get tickets at necann.com/vermont.
