Hawaiʻi-Made Conference returns May 20 to support local product growth

The third annual Hawaiʻi-Made Conference will be held Tuesday, May 20, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

The conference aims to bring together food and beverage manufacturers and supply chain partners to learn from industry experts about who to sell to, which Hawaiʻi-made products perform best and effective strategies for promotion and sales—with the ultimate goal of expanding their businesses beyond Hawaiʻi.

Hosted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Business Development and Support Division, the full-day event will follow the theme “I Ka Mākeke – Going to Market.”

“This conference underscores our commitment to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s manufacturing sector and creating an environment where locally made products can succeed here at home as well as in national and international markets,” said Dennis T. Ling, administrator of DBEDT’s Business Development and Support Division.

The full-day conference will include industry leaders and stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, elected officials and resource partners, to discuss key issues related to product development, commercialization and market expansion.

The luncheon keynote will be delivered by Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up, a local accelerator program designed to diversify the local economy and build the state’s next generation of consumer brands. James will present what makes Hawai‘i-made brands successful, what the trade and consumers look for and how local companies can better position themselves to scale.

In addition to the keynote, the agenda includes:

• Marketplace showcases, highlighting strategies for successful sales at local consumer events;
• Marketing to the continental US and Japan visitor markets, with insights from tourism and retail leaders;
• Commercial kitchen and innovation facility use, focused on early-stage food product development;
• Value-added success stories, from local food and beverage entrepreneurs; and
• Public sector support, featuring legislators and nonprofit leaders advancing industry policy and resources.

The conference will also offer structured networking and facilitated opportunities for attendees to engage with speakers, collaborate with peers and explore partnerships that strengthen Hawai‘i’s local economy.

The registration fee is $50. To learn more and sign up, visit invest.hawaii.gov/hawaii-made/conferences/hawaii-made-conference-2025