Huge News for MJBizCon as Investment Giant Apollo Inks a $1.5 Billion Deal for Emerald Holding

The landscape of the cannabis business world is shifting again as a massive financial player moves in to take the reins of the industry’s biggest gathering. Apollo Global Management, a heavyweight in the investment world with over a trillion dollars in assets, has struck a $1.5 billion deal to purchase Emerald Holding. For those who track the scene, Emerald is the current parent company of MJBizCon and its news outlet, MJBizDaily.

This isn’t just a simple handover. Apollo is also scooping up another event organizer, Questex, with the goal of merging them into a powerhouse of business media and live events. By the end of 2026, MJBizCon will be part of a massive network of around 160 different industry shows. This move takes Emerald off the public stock market and brings it under private ownership, marking a major turning point for how the biggest week in weed is managed.

Why should the average enthusiast care about high-level corporate musical chairs? It’s all about the health of the community. MJBizCon has long been the primary hub where small brands find investors, where new tech is debuted, and where the future of accessibility is discussed. While Emerald brought the show into a corporate framework, some felt they didn’t quite catch the unique vibe and regulatory hurdles of the plant.

With Apollo’s deep pockets and experience in creating massive platforms, there’s hope for a more professionalized and stable environment for the industry to grow. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your favorite local brand go national or wondered why certain innovations take so long to reach your shelf, the networking that happens at these shows is usually the reason. A stronger, more well-funded MJBizCon means more opportunities for the businesses we love to thrive and find their footing. It’s a signal that mainstream finance finally views the cannabis sector as a mature, permanent fixture of the economy—and that’s a win for everyone.