24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Mana Up cofounder Meli James to talk about what makes Hawaii brands successful at Hawaii-Made Conference
Story Highlights Hawaii-Made Conference returns May 20 at Hawaii Convention Center.
Mana Up co-founder Meli James to deliver keynote speech.
Conference features industry discussions, networking.
A conference centered around manufacturing and producing in the Islands is returning for its third annual event on May 20 at the Hawaii Convention Center with a keynote speech by Meli James, co-founder of local product business accelerator Mana Up.
The Hawaii-Made Conference, hosted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's Business Development and Support Division, is for local food and beverage manufacturers, supply chain operators, policymakers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and other stakeholders. James will speak in her keynote about what makes Hawaii-made brands successful, consumer trends, and how local companies can scale.
'This conference underscores our commitment to strengthening Hawaii'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 Ling, administrator of DBEDT's Business Development and Support Division, in a statement. 'It's also an opportunity for business owners to connect with experts and each other to find practical solutions and new opportunities for growth.'
DBEDT said that the conference will feature industry leaders discussing 'key issues related to product development, commercialization and market expansion.' Topics covered will include sales strategies at consumer events, marketing to visitor markets, early-stage food product development and more. The event also will include networking opportunities.
