Event Schedule
8:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Sylvia Luke, Lieutenant Governor
James Kunane Tokioka, DBEDT Director
9:00 AM
Session #1: MARKETPLACE SHOWCASES
Discover growing opportunities to sell Hawaiʻi-made products at local pop-ups and consumer shows. Learn what resonates with local shoppers, explore popular events and prepare for potential challenges.
Moderator:
Lauren Zirbel, Made In Hawaiʻi Festival
Panelists:
- Max Mukai, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, The Mākeke
- Danielle Scherman, Aloha Home Market
- Pamela Tumpap, Made In Maui County Festival
10:00 AM
Session #2: CONTINENTAL U.S. VISITOR MARKET
Tap into the continental U.S. visitor market with insights from agencies promoting Hawaiʻi-made products. Learn how to gain visibility and effectively market your products and stores to visitors.
Moderator:
Caroline Anderson, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Panelists:
- Brittany Heyd, Mana Up
- Kara Imai, Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau
- Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi
11:00 AM
Coffee break for networking
11:15 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.
Moderator:
Neal Arakaki, Hawaiʻi Food Manufacturers Association
Panelists:
- Sue Fujimoto, Hawaiian King Candies
- Reiko Rogers, Studio Rim Hawaiʻi
- Yohei Takahashi, Dean & Deluca Hawaiʻi
12:15 PM
Luncheon Speaker: THE GLOBAL POTENTIAL OF HAWAIʻI-MADE BRANDS
Hear from Meli James of Mana UP on why they prioritize Made in Hawaiʻi items. Gain insights into what they value and look for when sourcing from local businesses.
Keynote Speaker:
Meli James, Mana Up
1:30 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.
Moderator:
Chris Bailey, Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center
Panelists:
- Megan Brady, Hilo Food Hub
- Karen Hanada, Maui Food Innovation Center
2:30 PM
Coffee Break for Networking
2:45 PM
Session #5: VALUE-ADDED FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Food remains a top choice among Hawaiʻi-made products. Explore success stories from local makers.
Moderator:
Hailey Zhou, Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center
Panelists:
- Jimmy Chan, Hawaiian Chip Company
- Kit Furukawa, Maui Chili Chili Oil
- Aline Steiner, Koko Kai Yogurt
3:45 PM
Session #6: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR VALUE-ADDED FOOD PRODUCTION
State government works with resource partners to support Hawaiʻi 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.
Moderator:
Dane Wicker, Deputy Director, DBEDT
Panelists:
- Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, State Senate
- Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, State House
- Denise Yamaguchi, Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance
4:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker:
Dane Wicker, Deputy Director, DBEDT
