How We Work
A structured, documented six-phase engagement model — from initial discovery through post-event reporting. Every engagement is governed by a formal service agreement with defined scope, deliverables, and payment terms.
CannaGroup 180 LLC operates on a repeatable, institutionally structured engagement model. Every client engagement follows the same six-phase framework — ensuring consistent quality, regulatory alignment, and documented accountability from contract execution to post-event close-out. This model is designed to satisfy the documentation and process-transparency requirements of commercial lenders, institutional procurement officers, merchant account underwriters, and insurance carriers.
From Inquiry to Close-Out
Every engagement follows this framework — no exceptions. Each phase produces documented deliverables and requires client sign-off before advancing.
Discovery & Scope Assessment
We begin with a structured intake consultation — typically 60–90 minutes — to assess event size, timeline, venue type, vendor count, compliance requirements, regulatory environment, and target audience profile.
- Needs assessment & event brief
- Regulatory environment review
- Preliminary budget benchmarking
- Initial scope & feasibility memo
Scope Assessment Memo — signed by both parties
Proposal & Service Agreement
We deliver a custom written proposal outlining scope, pricing structure, payment schedule, and performance deliverables within 5–7 business days of the discovery call. No engagement begins without an executed service agreement.
- Line-item scope of work
- Pricing & payment milestone schedule
- Liability, IP, and IP disclosure terms
- Retainer collection & contract execution
Executed Service Agreement & Retainer Invoice
Vendor & Compliance Credentialing
All participating vendors, exhibitors, and contractors are vetted through our compliance credentialing process prior to event approval. Documentation is collected, reviewed, and archived. This step protects clients, their insurers, and their financial institutions.
- State license verification (all vendors)
- COI collection & review
- AML & banking-protocol alignment
- Vendor agreement execution
Credentialed Vendor Registry & Compliance File
Operational Planning & Coordination
With agreements and credentialing complete, our operations team develops the full event execution plan — floor plan design, load-in/load-out scheduling, permitting coordination, staffing schedules, vendor assignments, and contingency protocols.
- Floor plan & booth layout design
- Permitting & municipal coordination
- Load-in/out & logistics master schedule
- Staffing plans & contractor briefings
Master Operations Plan & Run-of-Show Document
Event Execution & On-Site Management
Our team leads on-site operations from pre-event build through teardown — coordinating vendors, managing exhibitor logistics, directing staff, overseeing VIP and hospitality protocols, and ensuring compliance is maintained throughout the event lifecycle.
- On-site operations command
- Exhibitor & vendor direction
- VIP & hospitality management
- Incident documentation & escalation
On-Site Operations Log & Incident Report
Post-Event Reporting & Analysis
Within 10 business days of event close, we deliver a structured post-event report covering attendance metrics, vendor performance, budget reconciliation, compliance summary, and strategic recommendations for future engagements.
- Attendance & engagement metrics
- Budget reconciliation & actuals
- Vendor & exhibitor performance review
- Strategic recommendations & next-event brief
Post-Event Report & Reconciled Budget Statement
Our Engagement Model
How agreements, payments, and deliverables are structured across every engagement type.
Retainer-Based Engagements
Ongoing strategic consulting and event program management billed on a monthly or quarterly retainer. Ideal for organizations running recurring events or annual trade show programs.
- Monthly or quarterly billing cycle
- Defined monthly hours and deliverables
- 30-day written notice for termination
Project-Based Engagements
Fixed-scope, fixed-fee engagements tied to a single event, trade show, or campaign. Revenue is recognized across defined milestones — contract signing, event completion, and final reporting.
- Milestone-based payment schedule
- 30–50% retainer at contract execution
- Balance billed upon event delivery
Management Fee Model
Full-spectrum event management priced as a percentage of total event budget — our preferred structure for large-scale trade shows. Fee ranges from 18% to 22% depending on event scope and complexity.
- 18%–22% of total event budget
- Benchmarked against Freeman / GES / MJBizCon
- Pass-through vendor costs billed separately
All engagements are governed by a written service agreement compliant with Massachusetts commercial law. Payment terms are net-30 from invoice date unless otherwise negotiated. CannaGroup 180 LLC does not accept payment directly from cannabis licensees for regulated sales activity. All revenues are derived exclusively from B2B service agreements, consulting retainers, event management fees, space leasing, and marketing services.
What to Expect Working With Us
We set clear expectations before the contract is signed. No surprises on scope, pricing, or deliverables.
Response Time
All consultation requests receive an initial response within 1 business day. Proposals are delivered within 5–7 business days of discovery call.
Dedicated Team
Each engagement is assigned a named project lead and an operations coordinator. You always know who is responsible for your event.
Full Documentation
Every phase produces written deliverables. All vendor credentials, compliance documents, contracts, and post-event reports are archived and available upon request.
Selective Roster
We maintain a selective client roster to ensure institutional-grade attention on every engagement. We do not overextend capacity. Availability is limited each quarter.
Questions About Working With Us
Does CannaGroup 180 LLC touch, handle, or sell cannabis?
No. CannaGroup 180 LLC is a strictly ancillary service firm. We do not cultivate, process, handle, transport, store, sell, or distribute cannabis or cannabis-derived products in any form. All revenues are derived from B2B service agreements: consulting retainers, event management fees, space coordination, marketing services, and logistics planning. Our SIC classification is 8742 (Management Consulting Services) and 7389-87 (Trade Fairs and Shows).
What is the minimum engagement size?
Our Launchpad package starts at $15,000 for foundational event strategy and consulting services. Full-spectrum event management engagements for large-scale trade shows typically range from $50,000 to $150,000+, depending on event scope, attendee count, vendor volume, and complexity. We also offer project-scoped consulting on an à la carte basis for organizations not yet ready for a full management engagement.
How far in advance should we engage CannaGroup 180?
We recommend initiating engagement 6–12 months prior to an event for full-spectrum management. For Launchpad-tier consulting or standalone advisory services, 90 days is typically sufficient. Vendor credentialing and permitting coordination require a minimum of 60 days prior to event date — we do not accept engagements with inadequate lead time to perform compliance review.
What documentation can we provide to lenders, insurers, or procurement officers?
CannaGroup 180 LLC can provide: W-9, Certificate of Insurance (COI), executed service agreements (redacted as needed), post-event performance reports, vendor credentialing documentation, and a Vendor Qualification Package upon request. Our corporate credentials are maintained and current with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, IRS, and the Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS: 135417506) registry. For inquiries requiring financial documentation, please contact us directly.
Are your services available outside Massachusetts?
Yes. CannaGroup 180 LLC is headquartered in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, and operates nationwide. We have experience coordinating events across multiple jurisdictions and managing the regulatory differences that apply to ancillary trade show operations in each state. Multi-state engagements may require additional lead time for local permitting coordination.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellation terms are outlined in each engagement's service agreement. In general, retainers collected at contract execution are non-refundable if cancellation occurs within 30 days of the scheduled event. For cancellations with more than 60 days' notice, a pro-rated refund of unused services may be negotiated. All cancellation terms are subject to the executed service agreement governing that engagement. A summary refund policy is included in our Terms of Service.
Ready to Start the Process?
Submit an inquiry and we will schedule your Discovery & Scope Assessment call within 1 business day. No obligation — just a conversation about your event.