Brian Applegarth specializes in developing and implementing destination stewardship strategies for emerging travel trends. He and his teams deliver knowledge, depth, and expertise to destinations that seek strategic support for destination stewardship. Consulting services include destination readiness, stakeholder education, and program development. Applegarth is the leading expert in cannabis and hemp tourism. He pioneered initiatives such as the Cannabis Travel Association International and the Cannabis & Hemp Hospitality Training Course, and co-authored the first national study on the Cannabis Travel Audience in the United States. He is a recognized global leader in cannabis and hemp tourism, developing and implementing destination customized stewardship strategies, preparing destinations and unlocking opportunities for growth and economic impact. Applegarth speaks on cannabis and hemp tourism at conferences around the world, including those hosted by the UNWTO, Destinations International, CalTravel, TTRA, AHLA, CHLA, ICBC, and MJ Biz Con. He is a founding member of the International Federation of Cannabis & Hemp Associations and leads the Cannabis & Hemp Task Force for Destinations International and the Cannabis & Hemp Council for the California Travel Association. Destinations International is the world's largest association of destination organizations with over 700 member orgs and more than 7,500 destination professionals from 26 countries and territories around the world, and the California Travel Association serves 240 travel member organizations throughout California. Applegarth created and launched the California State Fair Cannabis Awards & Exhibit, the first-ever state sanctioned cannabis exhibit and awards program, and curated 'Grassroots: From Prohibition to Prescription' exhibit for the Sonoma County Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, and 'Outlaws of the 20th Century: Rum Runners and Pot Farmers' exhibit for the Kelley House Museum in Mendocino County. He is a Certified Ganjier cannabis sommelier and a certified Cannabis Therapy Consultant from the California Healing Institute. Applegarth's work has been recognized by the Clio Awards, the Visit California Poppy Awards, US Travel ESTO Awards, Conde Naste, and the International Federation of Fairs and Expos Awards.