What, Who, Where, When, Why?

What is the iFOODex?
The iFOODex is Malaysia's largest consumer food exhibition since 1999. The event allows food manufacturers, distributors and retailers to reach their end-customers all under one-roof for product launch, product introduction or product promotion. Exhibitors can also organize stage activities for extended brand exposure.

Who attends the iFOODex?
The iFOODex attract food lovers mainly from Penang, Kedah and Perak. Our past shows have consistently attracts more than 50,000 food lovers with numbers exceeding 60,000 in 2005. This number is expected to increase to 70,000 in 2008.

Where is the iFOODex organized?
The iFOODex is held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) in Relau, Penang, Malaysia. PISA is the main exhibition venue in Penang and is located only 5 minutes from the Penang International Airport, Bayan Baru and Relau and only 10 minutes from Island Glades and Jelutong and only a short 20 minutes drive from Butterworth and Georgetown.

When is the iFOODex held?
The iFOODex is usually a mid-year event held either in June or July. The iFOODex 2008 will take place from June 27-29, 2008.

Why is there the iFOODex?
The iFOODex plays a very important role for the food industry. Usually companies find it hard to get new products into the hands of customers while sitting passively on hypermarket shelves. They also find that traditional media such as newspaper, radio or television do not allow consumers to experience their product with all their senses, especially taste and smell. Thus the iFOODex exist to fulfill a demand where manufacturers, distributors and retailers can interact face to face with end-customers, to introduce food products, get them to try their new items, and more importantly to get their products into the hands of consumers. They can also get feedback on their products from existing users and to generate immediate increase in their sales. Established brands usually use this event to strengthen brand awareness via various stage activities.

Visiting the Event

What is the registration fee?
The iFOODex is opened FREE for all individuals.

How do I register for this event?
Since this is a consumer show, there is no registration needed for entrance. However, if you would like to receive updates on the events, coupons or new activity listing, do feel free to register your email at www.intrenasionale.com.

Can I bring my children for the event?
The iFOODex is a family event, thus parent can bring their children to this fun event. There are also specific interactive stage events that are organized for children. Also there will be a new section focused on children and baby food.

What are the opening hours for the iFOODex?
The event will open daily from 11 am to 9 pm daily.

How do I get updates on the iFOODex?
All registered email users from our main website – www.intrenasionale.com will receive frequent updates on the event, such as the latest list of exhibitors, product highlights, and the breaking news on the event.

What can I expect by visiting the iFOODex?
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of food products. Many exhibitors will be launching new food items – thus you might be the first to actually sample these food items – even before it reaches the mass consumers. Visitors can interact with exhibitors and to learn new recipes. There will also be plenty of stage activities where great prizes are offered or given for participation. On top of that, most exhibitors will also offer special exhibition-only prices on their products, thus you might be able to get some great savings on your purchases made on site. Also look out for the organizer's Crazy Sales where prices of products will be offered at ridiculously low at specific time.

Do you have Celebrity Chef Appearances at iFOODex?
We have had great celebrity chefs at our previous iFOODex. Chefs such as Chef Wan, Chef Florence and Chef Amy Beh have graced our past events; however, please check back with us to see who will be at iFOODex 2008.

What's New for iFOODex 2008?
Although iFOODex has been a great hit among visitors for the past eight shows, we constantly look for new ideas and improvement for the event. One drastic change that can be expected for iFOODex 2008 is larger walkway to accommodate the larger crowd as well as seating areas for on-spot consumption or resting purpose. As we move towards a healthier society, we also developed a Healthy Food Section to emphasize the importance of healthy eating. There will also be a host of new “exciting” interactive stage events that will keep visitors entertained for the whole day.

Event Highlight for iFOODex 2008
The Penang Chef Challenge will return for the second time and this year, we will see 32 international and local chefs battle it out to win the coveted award that was won by Fullerton Singapore the last time around.

Exhibiting in the Event

How can my company exhibit in the iFOODex?
Those interested in exhibiting in the iFOODex can contact our marketing team at 604 6467866 or submit a request for proposal (RFP) via email at andrew@intrenasionale.com

What is the cost of participation at the iFOODex?
Standard 3m x 3m booth for the iFOODex cost RM 3,500 each or US$ 1,000 (for non-Malaysian companies). Companies can also choose a smaller space called the Entrepreneur's Space for only RM 1,400. There are also limited sponsorship opportunities available for iFOODex which ranges from RM 20,000 to RM 30,000.

What can I expect to gain by participating at the iFOODex?
We understand that getting food products into the hands of consumers can be very costly and sometimes impossible. However, by participating at iFOODex you are able to reach the consumers on a face to face basis as they come to sample and purchase your products. With an open-mind, they are open to your sales pitch, learn new recipes, adopt new brands and try new items. This is also the best time to have them take your product home for the first time, or to further enhance your brand identity within your existing users. At iFOODex, your products can also appeal to all their senses, especially smell and taste – something you cannot achieve with any other media. To top it off, all these can be done at a very much lower cost compared to traditional media. Exhibitions provide you with a “permissive-based” advertisement, thus making it much more effective compared to the usual “disruptive” advertisements. iFOODex also allows company to get into the market at a much faster speed compared to other form of media.

What is the Pre-event Promotion for iFOODex?
To achieve our high-visitorship, we deploy an assortment of pre-event promotions. Some of our pre-event promotions include television advertisements, promotional flyers, billboards, magazines, radio, road streamers, major newspapers and road-shows.

Can companies tap into your Pre-event Promotions?
Yes, exhibitors are encouraged to participate in our promotional flyers. In this flyer, we will work with exhibitors to create special retail packages only for the event and we will list them at no charge. This will allow additional exposure to product branding.

Is there other promotional avenue during the show?
Exhibitors are always encouraged to take up active participation role at our exhibition. We believe this is the foundation for exhibiting success at our exhibition as this will further enhance their brand image and brand recognition among our visitors. We work with exhibitors to sponsor stage events that give them at least 30 minutes of undivided attention among visitors that builds lasting impression. We also offer banner space around the exhibition hall that can capture visitors' interest by advertising on standing streamers at the entrances and the walkway to the exhibition hall.

What about online advertising avenue?
With the www.ifoodex.com.my getting frequent hits from buyers in the region, we have allowed exhibitors to do pre-show advertisement on our webpage. Please contact Mr Andrew CHAN at 604 6467 866 for more details.

Are there any pre-show promotional activities that exhibitors can participate in?
We will send out at least four e-pre-show previews to our database of over 20,000. There will be limited advertisement space in each of these e-pre-show previews that exhibitors can ride on. We can also do customized on-request e-mailers for individual exhibitors at minimal fee.

Are there other sponsorship opportunities at the iFOODex?
iFOODex happens because of the strong sponsorship received over the years. We offer limited cash sponsorship opportunities for companies who wants additional brand exposure – pre and during event. We also offer customized on-site sponsorship opportunities such as Entrance Arch, Goodie Bags, and Anchor Stage Events. Companies that are interested to gain additional exposure through this event can contact Mr Andrew CHAN at 604 6467866 or email at andrew@intrenasionale.com

Is there any government support to the iFOODex?
The iFOODex is fully supported by the Penang State Government and Tourism Penang. The event is also listed on the Tourism Malaysia calendar and is one of the anchor food events for Penang. iFOODex is also a recognized event of Visit Malaysia Year 2007-08. We also get support from the Chefs Association of Malaysia (Penang Chapter).

Will there be a chance for me to network with my peers?
iFOODex definitely provides you a way to meet face-to-face with your peers in the industry, and increase your value as a professional. Whether you plan to establish new relationships, or catch up with old friends, these are opportunities you can't miss and something you can expect at every Intrenasionale event.

Hotel and Travel

What is the Official Hotel of iFOODex?
The Krystal Suites is our Preferred Official Hotel for the iFOODex.

International Visitors

Do I need VISA to enter Malaysia?
Visitors from certain countries do not require VISA for entry into Malaysia. However, for an updated list please visit http://www.kln.gov.my/files/Visa_Requirement_for_Malaysian.pdf.

What is there for me to do in Penang?
Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient, famous for its beaches, heritage sites and food. For more information about Penang, please visit the TourismPenang website at http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my

What are the languages used in Penang?
Most people in Penang are fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese (Hokkien, Mandarin and Cantonese dialect)

What is the weather like in Penang?
Penang enjoys tropical climate with warm and balmy weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21C to 32C. Annual rainfall varies from 2000mm to 2500 mm. Humidity level is at an average of 80% throughout the year.