Episode Details

On this episode of High Spirits, hosts Ben Larson & AnnaRae Grabstein are joined by Elliot Lane, Co-Founder and President of IgniteIt. After years of building the cannabis vertical at Benzinga, Elliot and his team are striking out on their own to create a more intentional, high-impact space for cannabis leaders. From navigating the "pure terror" of entrepreneurship to the tactical secrets of building a world-class B2B network, Elliot shares how Ignite It is cutting through the noise to provide the financial and strategic clarity the industry desperately needs in 2026.

💡 What You’ll Learn:
The Ignite It Origin Story: Why the team moved on from Benzinga to build a focused, niche ecosystem for emerging markets.
Tactical Business Development: How Elliot uses curiosity and "leading with value" to crack open relationships in new state markets.
The Future of Cannabis Media: How to build a platform that serves as an industry dashboard without adding to the "headline noise."
Founder Reality Check: A candid look at the mix of fear, imposter syndrome, and excitement that comes with being a first-time founder in cannabis.

🌟 Meet Elliot Lane:
Elliot Lane is a seasoned media and events leader and the Co-Founder of IgniteIt. Previously the head of product and sales for Benzinga Cannabis, Elliot was instrumental in turning their conferences into "must-attend" rooms for the industry's elite. With a background in New York City hospitality and the performing arts, he brings a unique ability to read a room and foster genuine human connection, making him one of the most effective networkers in the cannabis and hemp sectors.

📅 Why Tune In?
Whether you are looking to scale your B2B networking strategy or want an inside look at how the industry’s premier events are actually built, this conversation is a goldmine. 

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