Vendors Sought for 2nd Annual Maui Supply and Service Expo

In February 2014, MRTC’s inaugural Supply and Service Expo attracted 50 exhibitors and nearly 500 attendees. Event organizers plan on a similar format for the 2015 event.

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Food Technology Center is now accepting online applications for exhibitors interested in participating in their 2nd Annual Supply and Service Expo.

The annual tradeshow for manufacturers and entrepreneurs will from from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

Organizers encourage participation from: manufacturers and distributors of food, ingredients, equipment and packaging supplies; dealers, brokers and traders; and business services and educational groups that work with the food and hospitality industries.

During the event, the public will participate in educational sessions featuring experts in their field, a tradeshow comprised of national, state and local vendors, and networking opportunities ideal for entrepreneurs and existing businesses interested in expanding or re-branding their products.

Mike Abrams, MFTC Founder and Owner of Flavor Waves (pictured with mom Gloria Over) will be among the 2015 MFTC Supply and Service Expo exhibitors. Applications are now being accepted for vendors wanting to participate.

Event organizers say that among those expected to attend will be: food processors and manufacturers, restaurants, delis and bakeries, caterers, independent markets and stores, specialty stores, gourmet product distributors and agricultural businesses.

“This Expo was a perfect forum for Maui’s food production industry’s various shareholders to come together under one roof to share ideas and concerns,” said Tai Kahn, Lab Director of FQLabs who attended the inaugural 2014 event.

In an event announcement, Kahn said, “It gave everyone an opportunity to meet the regulators, growers, processors, technical experts, and various vendors that provide services and supplies to the food industry. It was a terrific ‘one stop’ shop for getting help, sharing ideas and getting answers.”

The exhibitor fee is $100 for vendors for early registration (prior to Jan. 18, 2015) or $150 for late registration. The fee may be waived for qualified non-profit organizations. Public admission is free for qualified attendees.  Event sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information and an exhibitor application, visit the Maui Food Technology website or call 888-948-6382.