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| Design Commune Special Setting at the 68th edition of Manila FAME |
The 68th edition of Manila FAME already wrapped up its 2018 show, but the buzz continues as the Philippines’ premiere sourcing destination for home, lifestyle and design products left an energetic and renewed vibe with its exhibitors and buyers.
The show reported that export orders booked increased by 21.79% compared to the October 2017 edition. Chanelle Dupre, a first-time buyer from the United States of America commented that the show was impressive as it featured talented Filipino designers and the trade fair was well laid out.
In addition, one exhibitor who was very happy with the turnout of the event even shared that their buyers were not only interested with their products but with their company as well. “They checked us out online before they came to us and shared that they are very interested with 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 their online presence through a well-designed website. It is also one of the first companies to be featured in Manila FAME’s Touchpoint. The company has been a part of numerous Manila FAME editions and they are optimistic that the upcoming shows will be better under the direction of its new head.
Now headed by Pauline Suaco-Juan, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is changing its course towards 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 CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.
“As we prepare for next year, 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 in 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. But, understanding our clients even more through our interactive social media pages and websites will also help us address the preferences of our clients better,” Suaco-Juan added.
Digital-strong CITEM to be expected
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| Touchpoint, a digital platform of engaging stories about Filipino design excellence. |
Manila Fame October 2018 saw the launch of two new digital platforms such as the Manila FAME app and the Touchpoint website. The app is already downloadable in Google Play (Android) and App Store (iOS) and serves as an efficient channel for business-matching and buyer-exhibitor interaction. It also supplies the latest updates to its subscribers.
Touchpoint, on the other hand, focuses on the intricate narratives behind the products, designers and companies that has been a 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 that produce export quality products.
Manila FAME continuing the tradition of design-excellence
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 with top five hailing from the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany.
This edition also exclusively developed and launched 800 new products through the Design Commune initiative. This program aims to establish a designer-manufacturer relationship to help build the capacity of local entrepreneurs.
The show also recognized eight outstanding and innovative companies through the annual Katha Awards. Everyone is invited to take part and witness how the show will continually elevate Filipino craftsmanship, the next show is slated on 25-27 April 2019.
Manila FAME is opening its doors to international exhibitors, for details and inquiries email manilafame@citem.com.ph. Interested trade buyers, on the other hand, can visit www.manilafame.com for information and registration.♦
Manila FAME is one of the longest-running trade shows in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only trade event in the Philippines approved by the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. It is held bi-annually every April and October.
Learn more about Manila FAME on manilafame.com. To receive show updates, follow Manila FAME on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ref. Ryanorlie Abeledo
Tel: 831-2201 local 253
Email: rabeledo@citem.com.ph
Twitter: @CITEMPh
Facebook: @DTI.CITEM