"I Ka Makeke - Going to Market"
REGISTER
"I Ka Makeke - Going to Market"
"I Ka Makeke - Going to Market"
May 20, 2025  ·  Hawaii Convention Center - Oahu Room 313

The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) is pleased to present the Third Annual Hawaii Made Conference - “I Ka Makeke – Going to Market”


We aim to invite Hawaii food and beverage manufacturers, supply chain partners, importers, wholesalers, retailers and other resource partners to learn best practices from industry experts. They will share their insights and best practices on how to start, how to grow, and ultimately achieve sales outside of Hawaii.


Registration is $50 for Oahu based attendees, and $25 for Neighbor island-based attendees.  Registration includes attendance to the full day of sessions and lunch.  Payment is by credit card only and subject to a 4% transaction fee.  No refunds.  If you are unable to attend you may send in a substitute.  Please contact our registrar to assist.  Registration Deadline is May 5, 2025. 

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Agenda
Tuesday, May 20
8:30 AM
8:30 AM
Event Start
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session #1: MARKETPLACE SHOWCASES
Discover growing opportunities to sell Hawaii-made products at local pop-ups and consumer shows. Learn what resonates with local shoppers, explore popular events and prepare for potential challenges.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session #2: CONTINENTAL U.S. VISITOR MARKET
Tap into the continental U.S. visitor market with insights from agencies promoting Hawaii-made products. Learn how to gain visibility and effectively market your products and stores to visitors.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Session #3: JAPAN VISITOR MARKET
Discover what Japanese visitors value in local products and how to meet their expectations. Learn to design and market items that captivate the Japanese market visitors who purchase here in Hawaii.
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Luncheon Session: THE GLOBAL POTENTIAL OF HAWAII - MADE BRANDS
Hear from Meli James of Mana Up on why they prioritize Made in Hawaii items. Gain insights into what they value and look for when sourcing from local businesses.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Session #4: COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
How can entrepreneurs realize their ideas into prototypes and early-stage products? Learn to leverage shared facilities and equipment for value-added food production at commercial kitchens and the Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Session #5: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR VALUE-ADDED FOOD PRODUCTION
State government works with resource partners to support Hawaii food, beverage and value-added manufacturers. Hear directly from legislators and a local nonprofit about their efforts to help these companies to ultimately increase economic impact.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Session #6: VALUE-ADDED FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Food remains a top choice among Hawaii-made products. Explore success stories from local makers.
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
Event End

DATE

May 20, 2025

LOCATION

Hawaii Convention Center - Oahu Room 313
Honolulu, HI
Hawaii Convention Center - Oahu Room 313, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

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