Tether's First-Ever Retailer Exchange is Coming to Ottawa
Canada's legal cannabis market has matured into one of the country's most competitive retail sectors. Ontario retailers generated more than $2.28 billion in legal cannabis sales in 2025, while consumers continue to show a strong preference for shopping in store, with 75% identifying retail locations as their preferred purchasing channel. As growth stabilizes and competition continues to intensify, success increasingly comes down to strong industry relationships and a clear understanding of what drives customer loyalty.
Events like the Retailer Exchange are investments in the future of cannabis retail because they give decision-makers the chance to connect with peers, brands, and industry leaders who understand the realities of operating in a highly competitive environment.
What to Expect
This is Tether's first-ever Retailer Exchange, and the agenda has been built to deliver value to retailers wanting practical insights to support their businesses. Taking place on Monday, August 17, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Preston Event Centre in Ottawa, the event will feature two expert-led panels covering topics relevant to today's retail environment with input from both the retail and brand sides of the industry and smaller informational presentations, followed by a high-value networking lunch.
Panel Topics
Our first panel, Retail Revenue Driving Strategies, examines how retailers are evolving beyond day-to-day execution to build profitable businesses in a margin-constrained environment. Panellists will explore high-impact partnerships, operational efficiencies, merchandising approaches, and strategic decisions that can help retailers improve performance and drive sustainable growth.
In our second panel, Brand Growth Strategies: From Independents to Key Accounts, we’ll explore how commercial and marketing teams align to drive disciplined, scalable growth across channels. This discussion will focus on how brands build stronger retailer relationships, what drives revenue growth across channels, and how brand teams create strategies that resonate with both retailers and consumers. Attendees can expect practical insights that apply to businesses of all sizes.
Tether is expecting 80 decision-makers representing more than 350 stores to be in attendance. Bringing that level of buying power into one room creates a valuable opportunity for retailers to benchmark against peers and build relationships that can support long-term business growth.
Who Should Attend
Whether you are a retail owner, manager, buyer, category lead, or brand representative, the Retailer Exchange offers an opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future of the retail and brand landscape in Ontario and beyond.
The combination of education and relationship-building makes the Retailer Exchange a valuable addition to any retailer's calendar. Each ticket also includes access to Tether's sampling event later that evening.
Buyer Opportunity
Do you make purchasing decisions? The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is sponsoring 30 complimentary tickets for qualified buyers on a first-come, first-served basis. If you work for a retailer in Ontario, make purchasing decisions, and are available to attend the event, we encourage you to apply for a complimentary ticket.
Secure Your Spot
Secure your ticket today and join Tether in Ottawa on August 17 for a day of industry insight, meaningful connections, and conversations that can help strengthen your business.
