Gary Cohen
CEO at Cova Software
Gary Cohen is the CEO of Cova, the most trusted cannabis POS brand in North America. Having met with nearly 2000 dispensary operators from coast to coast, he leverages expert knowledge to offer cannabis retailers the support they need to get a license, pass inspection, launch a store, assess tech tools, and scale operations. Gary leads seminars on retail technology, compliance, business operations, and cannabis banking laws at the industry’s largest events including NCIA, CannaCon, and MJBizCon.
Chris Reid
Head of Sales at Cova Software
Chris is Head of Sales for Cova Software, an award-winning cannabis POS & inventory management platform that simplifies compliance and streamlines complex dispensary operations. Chris and Cova are aligned in a mission of empowering cannabis retailers to achieve their vision of success.
An entrepreneur at heart, Chris is inspired to help others succeed and push the industry forward—sharing his valuable expertise in retail POS and eCommerce.
Will M. Blauvelt
Director of Government Relations at Stinson LLP
Will Blauvelt is a Director of Government Relations at Stinson LLP. Prior to joining Stinson, Will was a member of the Leadership Staff at the Minnesota House of Representatives, working for then-Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. In this capacity, Will worked extensively on the issue of legalizing adult-use cannabis, including both HF600 (the adult-use cannabis bill to pass the MN House in 2021 and would be the basis for HF100) and hemp-derived edibles legislation that became law in 2022. In 2023, Will was a member of the lobbying team that successfully passed HF100, which legalized adult-use cannabis in Minnesota.
Mike founded AnamiTech to develop software solutions, such as GreenSpace, for multi-unit retail operators and highly regulated business operators requiring data management. Mike is also founder + CEO of Temeka Group, a national retail design firm.
Jeff is responsible for overseeing Sapphire Risk's 'Phase 3' projects, which encompass a wide range of initiatives such as developing Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), providing security employee training, conducting on-site comprehensive risk assessments, implementing Culture of Honesty programs, and promoting robbery awareness. With more than three decades of experience in high-risk retail and logistics security, Jeff has played a pivotal role in training over 10,000 employees and sharing his expertise at numerous safety and security events throughout his career.
Yonel spearheads KayaPush’s partnership division, collaborating on strategies with best-in-class companies within the industry to help cannabis entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Yonel has been boots on the ground in multiple markets working with the industry’s leading businesses to empower dispensaries to become high performing and profitable businesses.
Aaron brings extensive Sales and Business Development expertise to his position at Solink, coupled with a fervent dedication to the Cannabis industry. Employing a consultative strategy, he aids Cannabis business proprietors in attaining security/surveillance compliance and minimizing shrinkage. Aaron is eager to contribute his knowledge and skills to professionals in the industry.