The previous edition of Manila FAME, the country’s premiere sourcing destination for home, lifestyle, and design products, left an energetic and renewed vibe on its exhibitors and buyers.
The 68th edition reported a 21.79 percent increase in export order booked compared to the October 2017 show.
One exhibitor, who was very happy with the turnout of the event, shared their buyers were not only interested in their products but in their company as well.
“They checked us out online before they came to us and shared that they were very interested in the story of our company. This is really an interesting and exciting change,” shared Christina Borromeo-Gaston, owner and creative director of Hacienda Crafts.
Hacienda Crafts strengthened its online presence through a well-designed website. It is also one of the first companies to be featured in Manila FAME’s Touchpoint.
Manila Fame October 2018 saw the launch of two new digital platforms: the Manila FAME app and the Touchpoint website.
Touchpoint focuses on the intricate narratives behind the products, designers, and companies that have been part of Manila FAME over the years. It aims to present the exhibitors in a new light by delivering the freshest content for each company.
The app, on the other hand, is already downloadable on Google Play and App Store. It serves as an efficient channel for business-matching and buyer-exhibitor interaction. It also supplies the latest updates to its subscribers.
Now headed by Pauline Suaco-Juan, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, is changing its course toward the digital sphere.
“Both the physical show and our online presence should be equally dynamic, so we can retain the interest of our buyers, and I am happy that our partner exhibitors are with me in this endeavor,” said Suaco-Juan.
The executive director added, “We want to take into consideration the needs and wants of our buyers that is why as early as now we are opening our trade buyer registration on our website. The Philippines is a melting pot of artisanal designers and we are confident that we always have something new, something bold, and something different to showcase. Understanding our clients even more through our interactive social media pages and websites will also help us address the preferences of our clients better.”
The Manila FAME October 2018 edition saw nearly 400 exhibitors from the country’s 18 regions and nine countries within Asia. It was attended by close to 7,000 local and international buyers from various countries.
This edition also exclusively developed and launched 800 new products through the Design Commune initiative. It also recognized eight outstanding and innovative companies through the annual Katha Awards.
The next show is slated on April 25-27. Go to www.manilafame.com or email [email protected] for more information.
