HiSTEP Past Seminars

The table below contains a full list of presentations and videos of past HiSTEP seminars. You can view the presentations at your own pace. Just click on the link, register your name and company, and you can watch the video according to your schedule. We suggest you begin with these seminars:

  1. HiSTEP Kick-Off (video length: 1 hour)
  2. Export University 101 (video length: 4 hours)
  3. Scaling Up Operations in order to Export (video length: 2 hours)
  4. Using Trade Shows to Expand Overseas (video length: 2 hours)
SeminarPresentation / Video
Oahu HiSTEP Kick-Off
The HiSTEP program has three key components that you will learn about in the seminar:

1. Export Readiness Program – training and mentoring
2. Company Assistance – awards up to $10,000
3. Hawaii Pavilions – support at major trade shows
2021
2021 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2020
2020 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2019
2019 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2018
2018 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2017
2017 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar
Export University 101
Description: A comprehensive training seminar that will help you learn the nuts and bolts of exporting while developing a global strategy for your business.
2021
2021 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2020
2020 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2019
2019 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2018
2018 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar

2017
2017 HiSTEP Kick-Off Seminar
Product Development
Description: These seminars provide insights into what our Hawaii companies should consider when developing new products for sale in foreign markets.
2021
2021 Product Development for Hawaii Exporters
Cultural Topics
Description: In doing business internationally, culture is king. Learn how to understand the business culture of key markets like China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and others. Also learn the keys to understanding a country’s culture and how it relates to doing business there.
2018
N/A

2017
2017 Cultural Topics
Digital Marketing
2021 Digital Marketing
Marketing for Export
Description: Learn how to market your products effectively in international markets and how to connect with the right buyers or partners.
2018
N/A

2017
2017 Marketing for Export
Scaling Up Operations in order to Export
Description: As Hawaii companies expand into global markets, attention needs to be paid to meeting increased orders (manufacturing) and establishing procedures to service customers overseas. Learn what to do when your business receives a large order and needs to ramp up your production capabilities.
2021
2021 Scaling up Operations

2020
2020 Scaling up Operations

2019
2019 Scaling up Operations

2018
2018 Scaling up Operations

2017
2017 Scaling up Operations
Exporting of Services
Description: Service providers, such as architects, consultants, and engineering firms, have different needs when it comes to exporting their services. In this seminar, we cover the basics of selling your services in foreign countries.
2018
2018 Exporting of Services

2017
N/A
Financing for Export
Description: Learn all about export financing, including common methods of payment, export credit insurance, U.S. government financing programs, and more.
2021
2021 Financing for Export

2018
N/A

2017
2017 Financing for Export
Protecting Your Brand: Intellectual Property and Trademarks
Description: In this seminar, learn all about protecting your business’s intellectual property, and how to leverage international agreements to protect your IP around the world.
2019
2019 Protecting Your Brand When Exporting

2018
2018 Intellectual Property and Trademarks

2017
N/A
Legal Considerations
Description: Learn about key legal considerations as you engage your business with new partners or overseas markets. Topics covered may include: contracts, export documentation, export licenses, foreign corrupt practices act, protecting intellectual property, and regulations. 
2018
N/A

2017
2017 Legal Considerations
Logistics and Shipping from Hawaii to Overseas Markets
Description: Learn about how to get your product from Point A to Point B, and each of the places in between. The seminar will cover international shipping, packaging, insurance, logistics providers, dealing with customs, and more.
2019
2019 Logistics

2018
N/A

2017
2017 Logistics
E-Commerce Solutions
Leverage inexpensive technology to improve your online sales, marketing, shipping, and payments from overseas buyers.
2021
2021 E-Commerce Solutions

2019
2019 E-Commerce Solutions

2018
2018 E-Commerce Solutions

2017
N/A
Using Trade Shows to Expand Overseas
Description: Learn how to prepare for the Tokyo International Gift Show and how to convert promising new contacts into sales. Also included: proper business etiquette, understanding Japanese regulations, marketing, and building relationships. 
2020
2020 International Trade Shows

2019
2019 International Trade Shows

2018
2018 International Trade Shows

2017
2017 International Trade Shows
Virtual Trade Shows2021 Virtual Trade Shows
Marketing in Japan
Description: Learn specific marketing strategies for promoting your brand and driving sales in Hawaii’s #1 export market – Japan! The program will include how to leverage social media.
2021
2021 Exporting to Japan

2020
2020 Marketing in Japan

2018
2018 Marketing in Japan

2017
2017 Marketing in Japan
Marketing in Korea
Korea is the second largest export market in Asia for Hawaii products and is growing. Likewise, visitors to the islands from Korea increases year-on-year. In this seminar, we will introduce the fundamentals of marketing to this important export market. Producers of products and services alike will find useful information about Korea from our panel of experts, including a former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
2019
2019 Marketing in Korea
Exporting to Taiwan
Description: Taiwan has a population of 23.5 million and following a period of stable economic growth, U.S. goods and services more attractive than ever to Taiwan buyers. Learn about opportunities for Hawaii businesses in Taiwan.
2021
2021 Exporting to Taiwan

2018-2020
N/A

2017
2017 Exporting to Taiwan
Exporting to Canada
Description: Learn about the exciting prospects for Hawaii companies in the Canadian market. Hear about the best opportunities for Hawaii businesses, how to do business effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with the best partners and buyers in key sub-markets in Canada.
2021
2021 United States- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

2018
N/A

2017
2017 Exporting to Canada
China Webinar Series
Description: China Market Webinar Series will feature 10 sessions on various topics, from starting a business and building a Hawai‘i branded business in China to marketing and advertising within the Chinese market. The audience will have a chance to learn about the current business environment in China, how to establish a business or connect with businesses in China. Attendees will also learn about different resources that will help their firms to do business in the China market.
2021
Perspectives of Hawai‘i Business who Found Success in China (Apr 8, 2021)

China Travel and Tourism Industry (Feb 25, 2021)

Alibaba Business Workshop, Featuring Tmall Global (Feb 9, 2021)

Study Abroad by Chinese Students (Jan 28, 2021)

Building a Hawaii Business Brand in China (Jan 14, 2021)


2020
The Power of Promoting Business by Social Media in China (Dec 29, 2020)

E-Commerce in China (Dec 17, 2020)

Marketing and Advertising in China (Dec 3, 2020)

Steps and Procedures to Start, Establish, Connect your Business in China (Nov 19, 2020)

Opportunities and Challenges when Doing Business in China (Nov 5, 2020)

Current Business Environment with China for Hawaii Companies (Oct 22, 2020)

Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration

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