IgniteIt, a media and events platform focused on emerging and regulated markets, announced that Whoopi Goldberg will headline its upcoming Market Spotlight: New Jersey conference on February 10, 2026, at The Westin Jersey City Newport. Goldberg, along with business associates Davina Kaonohi and Melissa Jochim, Founding Partners of Beauty Evolution, will participate in a 30-minute moderated conversation exploring the intersection of culture, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
The session will cover Goldberg's personal wellness journey, the evolution and strategy behind WhoopFam's new wellness line, and how cannabis is increasingly shaping mainstream consumer conversations. The discussion will be moderated by New Jersey attorney and longtime IgniteIt collaborator Lou Magazzu. Goldberg has been an outspoken advocate for accessible, responsibly produced cannabis, and through WhoopFam's new wellness line, she continues to push for education, normalization, and thoughtful product innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
"Having spoken with Whoopi about cannabis extensively a few years ago, what stayed with me is how genuine it is for her," said Javier Hasse, co-founder of IgniteIt. "This isn't a trend or a talking point. She's been thinking about this plant, and talking about it, long before it was widely accepted." Elliot Lane, President of IgniteIt, added, "Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most influential cultural voices of our time. Her perspective on wellness, business, and the evolution of cannabis resonates far beyond this industry."
Market Spotlight: New Jersey will convene leading multi-state operators, New Jersey license holders, investors, and industry stakeholders for a full day of deal-making, market intelligence, and strategic networking. The event represents a significant moment for business leaders and investors monitoring the cannabis sector's maturation and integration into mainstream commerce. For industry professionals, this conference provides critical networking opportunities and market insights specific to the New Jersey region, which has emerged as a key regulated market on the East Coast.
The inclusion of a high-profile cultural figure like Goldberg signals the cannabis industry's continued shift from niche market to mainstream business sector. Her participation underscores how cannabis entrepreneurship now intersects with broader wellness and consumer trends, creating new opportunities for product development and brand building. Business leaders attending can gain perspective on how to navigate the complex regulatory landscape while building consumer trust through education and responsible practices.
More information and tickets are available at https://www.cannabismarketspotlight.com/new-jersey-2026/home. The conference reflects the growing importance of regional market intelligence as the cannabis industry expands across state lines, with events like this serving as crucial hubs for partnership formation and strategic planning among operators, investors, and policymakers.
