The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is hosting a workshop next week that aims to help Hawaii-based businesses grow beyond the Islands.
The first-ever Made in Hawaii Branding Workshop will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at the Hawaii Convention Center and will feature talks by branding experts, along with breakout sessions and panel discussions.
DBEDT administrator Dennis Ling told PBN that the event is geared toward “Hawaii-based companies that are looking to grow their brand and products from a local market to reach global customers.” This can include manufacturers, business owners, entrepreneurs, buyers, retailers, distributors, and resource partners, he noted.
“The Made in Hawaii brand and program supports Hawaii companies that represent the best that Hawaii has to offer to consumers throughout the world, including packaged food and beverage; skincare and aromatherapy; apparel and accessories; art; and stationery and gift items,” Ling said. “The Branding Workshop is a launching point to engage with these companies to help them grow.”
Slated to speak at the event are local government officials and entrepreneurs, along with experts who represent internationally known brands, including Harold Koda, co-founder of the Met Gala; Shep Gordon, a talent manager and promoter who helped launch Hawaii Regional Cuisine; Laurie Lang, founder of Disney’s global brand management; Dane Ambler, leader of the Buy New Zealand program; and Chris Schmicker, Shopify’s branding director.
The event will cover topics that include brand communication, e-commerce strategies, taking projects to market, growing and managing a global brand, product marketing and more.
“We hope that attendees walk away with best practices and tips from experts, many born and raised here in Hawaii, who have successfully built brands that are recognized all over the world. Attendees will gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their brands to in turn reach and sell to more customers,” Ling said.
DBEDT encourages attendees to register online by Monday, March 27, but walk-in registration will be accepted on the day of the event. For more information, click here.
