Go North Hemp at CHAMPS Austin 2026: Momentum, Maturity, and a Compliance-Focused Future

Go North Hemp marked a strong and confident start to the year for the hemp and counterculture industries at CHAMPS Austin 2026, and the company was proud to be part of it.

Held January 19–21 at the Palmer Events Center, CHAMPS Austin 2026 featured hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of buyer interactions, reinforcing its role as one of the industry’s most important B2B trade events. The official CHAMPS Austin 2026 event page reflected strong national buyer presence alongside meaningful local turnout. A review of the publicly available exhibitor floorplan shows participation from more than 280 exhibiting companies, reflecting a dense and commercially active show floor.

Following a large-format CHAMPS event in Las Vegas, the Austin show delivered notably robust attendance compared with CHAMPS Austin 2025. The atmosphere reflected renewed confidence across the hemp ecosystem and a clear shift toward more informed, intentional purchasing behavior.

Go North Hemp team group photo at CHAMPS Austin 2026 trade show.

Strong Booth Engagement and Product Interest

Throughout the event, Go North Hemp experienced consistent engagement at its booth. The strongest interest centered on hemp-derived THC-infused formats, including:

Infused beverages such as wine, cocktail mixers, and canned drinks
Infused pre-roll concepts, including bait and SwiTHC formats
CBDa-based live rosins and resins

The team was especially grateful to customers who placed large pre-roll and canned beverage orders during the show, reinforcing demand for scalable, compliant product solutions heading into 2026.

“We were excited to see such strong interest across our infused beverage and pre-roll offerings. What stood out most was the quality of the conversations—buyers were informed, intentional, and focused on long-term partnerships.”
— Greg Anthony, Owner, Go North Hemp

A Maturing Market Focused on Compliance

One of the most consistent themes across CHAMPS Austin was market maturity. Conversations increasingly centered on compliance, sustainability, and long-term viability, rather than short-term trends.

This emphasis aligns closely with Go North Hemp’s compliance-first operating model, including its commitment to third-party testing, transparent documentation, and regulatory readiness through its Certificate of Analysis (COA) program.

“The atmosphere was electric yet grounded. Even amid regulatory uncertainty, retailers and operators weren’t pulling back—they were actively seeking compliant products, reliable testing, and partners who can help them navigate a regulated future.”
— Nick Jones, Senior Business Development Manager

The Value of Face-to-Face Relationships

In-person engagement remained a cornerstone of success at CHAMPS Austin. Jarred Phillips, President of Operations, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong on-the-ground presence.

“Those face-to-face conversations are essential to strengthening relationships and building successful long-term collaborations. We’re optimistic about the hemp market’s direction and confident in our ability to grow while remaining fully compliant.”
— Jarred Phillips,

For the Go North Hemp team, the show also provided valuable opportunities for internal growth and collaboration.

“Meeting new people and discussing product ideas showed how limitless this category has become.”
— Jess Davis

Retail Relationships Still Matter

Retail engagement was another highlight of the event. Jacob Desrochers, Retail Sales Specialist, underscored the importance of relationship-driven sales, particularly with independent operators.

“Small dispensary and smoke shop owners may not buy in bulk, but they make up for it in heart and hard work. When you treat people right, the business follows.”
— Jacob Desrochers, Retail Sales Specialist

Tangible Results and New Partnerships

From a results standpoint, CHAMPS Austin delivered measurable outcomes for Go North Hemp’s white-label and private-label initiatives. Brands exploring scalable product development engaged directly with Go North Hemp and were encouraged to connect with the team to discuss formulation, sourcing, and partnership opportunities.

“CHAMPS Austin was a major success for our white-label and private-label programs. We secured three new beverage clients and scheduled multiple follow-ups across gummies, beverages, tinctures, flower, pre-rolls, and salves.”
— Bret Morfin, Chief Operating Officer

Looking Ahead to 2026

With strong attendance, thoughtful dialogue, and new partnerships forming, Go North Hemp exits CHAMPS Austin with clear momentum heading into 2026. The event reinforced a broader industry shift toward compliance, quality, and collaboration—and validated the importance of building with partners who are prepared for a regulated future.

As the hemp market continues to evolve, Go North Hemp remains committed to supporting brands and retailers with compliant formulations, reliable testing, and long-term partnership strategies designed for sustainable growth.

FAQ: CHAMPS Austin 2026 and Go North Hemp

What is CHAMPS Austin?

CHAMPS Austin is a B2B trade show focused on the counterculture, smoke shop, and hemp industries, bringing together brands, retailers, and manufacturers.

How can I verify CHAMPS Austin 2026 details?

Event information is available on the official CHAMPS Austin 2026 page, with exhibitor participation reflected in the publicly available exhibitor floorplan.