MITA and ADA launch cannabis executive golf invitational in Phoenix

MITA and the Arizona Dispensaries Association are launching a bi-annual Arizona Cannabis Industry Executive Invitational on Nov. 20 at The Lakes Ahwatukee Club in Phoenix. The event is designed to connect more than 100 vetted cannabis leaders while raising support for Arizona’s licensed operators.

Why it matters: - The event is built to pair high-level networking with fundraising for Arizona’s licensed cannabis industry. - A percentage of proceeds will support the Arizona Dispensaries Association’s work on behalf of licensed operators. - Organizers say the format is meant to create direct business connections across the cannabis supply chain.

What happened: - The Marijuana Industry Trade Association and the Arizona Dispensaries Association announced the Arizona Cannabis Industry Executive Invitational. - The inaugural tournament is set for Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at The Lakes Ahwatukee Club in Phoenix. - The tournament will return as a bi-annual event. - The event will bring together C-suite executives, brand founders and industry partners. - MITA and ADA are positioning the invitational as an elevated alternative to standard networking events.

The details: - The event uses a sponsor-supported model. - More than 100 vetted cannabis leaders will receive complimentary golf. - Sponsors will get engagement across 18 activated holes. - The field is listed at 144 vetted C-suite leaders, founders and senior decision-makers. - Programming includes breakfast, driving range warm-ups, live entertainment, photo booths, raffles, a silent auction and a post-tournament lunch reception. - The day will include professional scoring and awards. - The course sits against the backdrop of South Mountain and is described as one of Phoenix’s most scenic and player-friendly layouts. - Tournament highlights include four to six hours of face-time, brand activations, contest holes and VIP gift bags. - Complimentary invitations are curated and sponsor-supported. - Limited paid player packages, foursomes and sponsorship opportunities remain available. - Contact Danielle Sedgwick at arizonagolf@mita.us or (602) 451-2647 for sponsorship inquiries and hole activations. - Contact Demitri Downing at demitridowning@gmail.com or (520) 909-4334 for general inquiries and services. - More information is available at MITA and ADA.

Between the lines: - MITA and ADA are using a golf format to concentrate attention, access and relationship-building in one day. - The fundraising element gives the event a policy and industry-development angle, not just a social one. - ADA’s quoted sales figure signals the scale of Arizona’s cannabis market and explains why executive access in the state has commercial value.

What's next: - Organizers will host the first invitational on Nov. 20. - Additional sponsorships, player packages and foursomes are still open. - If the inaugural event draws the expected executive turnout, the bi-annual format could become a recurring networking fixture for Arizona cannabis operators.