Latest news with #MeliJames
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Secrets to selling local Hawaiʻi-made products revealed
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) will host its third annual Hawaiʻi-Made Conference on Tuesday, May 20. This year's theme is I Ka Mākeke! Going to Market! The event will bring together entrepreneurs, retailers, lawmakers and industry leaders from across the state for a full day of learning and connection. Hard times made tougher as small businesses deal with theft, vandalism Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, the conference highlights the rising strength of local manufacturing. Here's what you need to know. Not all products fit every market. The first two sessions break down how local goods perform in different spaces. You'll hear directly from event leaders like Lauren Zirbel from the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival and panelists with insights on local consumer shows and visitor-focused markets. Selling locally through pop-ups or events like the Made in Maui County Festival offers direct access to community feedback. Meanwhile, marketing to tourists, whether from the continental U.S. or Japan, requires cultural awareness and clear branding. Knowing the audience helps small producers make informed decisions before launching a product. The conference is much more than panels and presentations. It's a space to meet buyers, mentors and policymakers face-to-face. From the coffee networking breaks to the keynote luncheon, attendees will get to build relationships that can open doors. Meli James of Mana Up, who will give the keynote, will share what buyers actually look for when scouting local brands. If you're building a business, these are the kinds of conversations that make a Five outlines the many ways Hawaiʻi's government is backing food and beverage producers. You'll hear from Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa and Denise Yamaguchi of the Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance. They'll share programs, grants and collaborations that help local makers expand without going it alone. This is your chance to understand where policy meets production and how to plug into it. If your business is ready to grow but not ready for a full facility, commercial kitchens are key. Experts from the Hilo Food Hub and Maui Food Innovation Center will explain how shared spaces help reduce costs and turn good ideas into sellable products. Chris Bailey of the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center will guide the discussion on how these kitchens can spark innovation and collaboration between businesses. Third annual Hawaii-made Conference addresses issues small businesses face Japanese visitors shop differently than American tourists. They often look for presentation, quality and brand story. Session 3 focuses on what makes products stand out in this specific market. Panelists include leaders from Hawaiian King Candies, Studio Rim Hawaiʻi and Dean & Deluca Hawaiʻi. They'll break down how to adjust packaging, ingredients or messaging to match what Japanese visitors value most. DBEDT's Hawaiʻi Made directory is a free platform for companies that manufacture most of their products in the islands. This online hub makes it easier for shoppers to find local businesses and helps companies reach new audiences. Businesses can apply to be listed, and resources like INNOVATE Hawaiʻi offer tools to improve operations, add e-commerce functions and grow sustainably. Click for more information on the event as well as the full listing of panels, events, dates and times. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 For those who want to be part of Hawaiʻi's future economy, the conference offers a clear path forward that's grounded in local values and open to the world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Third annual Hawaii-made Conference addresses issues small businesses face
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's an important event for Hawaii's small businesses. The third annual Hawaii-Made Conference will take place May 20 at the Hawaii Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hard times made tougher as small businesses deal with theft, vandalism According to DBEDT Deputy Director Dane Wicker, DBEDT's mission is to support a diverse and globally competitive economy for Hawai'i. The Hawai'i-Made Conference brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, retailers and policymakers to strengthen our product-based designed to give local business owners access to the tools, insights, and connections they need to scale — whether that means breaking into visitor markets, expanding retail opportunities or overcoming production challenges. Wicker noted that when our entrepreneurs thrive, so does the economy. Meli James, who is the co-founder of Mana Up, is the keynote speaker this year. She told KHON2 she wants to help founders understand what makes Hawai'i-made brands truly stand out — not just to consumers, but also to retail buyers. James added that it starts with a great product, but also includes the story behind it, the ability to scale and the openness to evolve. Her goal is to inspire people to think big while giving them practical strategies they can apply right away. Check out more news from around Hawaii Registration is open now at The $50 fee includes access to all sessions, networking opportunities, and the keynote luncheon with Meli James. It's a full day packed with valuable insights, tools, and networking for anyone looking to grow their Hawai'i-based product business. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Journals
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.
