In September 2025, the SECC Exhibition Center in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City became an international meeting point with two major events: Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025 – a trade exhibition gathering more than 500 booths in handicrafts, textiles, furniture, packaging, and green products; and ITE HCMC 2025 – Vietnam’s leading international tourism fair under the theme “Sustainable Travel, Vibrant Experience”, attracting hundreds of travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and tourism promotion organizations from around the world.
Amid this dynamic scene, Maries proudly presented handcrafted products from Lepironia grass of Hue – rustic yet refined – as a representative of sustainability and Vietnam’s cultural identity. For Maries, this was not only a chance for commercial connections, but also a special journey to share the values of Hue’s handicraft heritage with international friends.
Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025 – A Breakthrough Opportunity for Vietnamese Handicrafts
Vietnam Sourcing Expo is known as one of the most important platforms for businesses aiming to export, with over 500 booths and hundreds of international buyers in attendance.
In that vibrant setting, Maries – Lepironia Grass from Hue appeared with a modest booth yet carrying a very unique story. Each conical hat, each bag made from Lepironia grass attracted attention, sparking curiosity and appreciation from those encountering them for the first time.
Achievements at the Event
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Brand awareness: Compared to familiar materials like sedge or bamboo, visitors were intrigued by the unfamiliar Lepironia grass. This difference sparked curiosity, leading them to stay longer, listen to the story of Phò Trạch craft village, and appreciate the unique handmade values that Maries delivers.
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Real connections: Numerous contacts were exchanged, opening opportunities for wholesale, distribution, and export partnerships.
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Sales beyond expectation: Despite not having a large display, customers still chose to purchase directly, proving the genuine appeal of Hue handicrafts.
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Special impression: The visits and compliments from diplomatic representatives served as a positive sign, affirming the potential of these products in international markets.
Vietnam Sourcing Expo gave Maries the confidence that Vietnamese handicrafts truly have a place on the global export map. After the event, Maries aspires to expand its partner network, turning brief booth conversations into long-term contracts, so that Hue’s products may reach many more countries.
ITE HCMC 2025 – Spreading the Image of Sustainable Tourism
Unlike Vietnam Sourcing, ITE HCMC 2025 is Vietnam’s premier international tourism event, bringing together travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and tourism boards. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Travel, Vibrant Experience”, is also the very spirit Maries pursues.
Achievements at the Event
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Presence in tourism: Maries contributed to enriching the image of Vietnamese tourism with handicrafts deeply tied to culture and everyday life.
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Captivating visitors: Attendees stopped by the Maries booth not only for the eye-catching handmade designs but also for the novelty of Hue’s Lepironia grass. For many, it was their very first time touching this material, and that tactile experience sparked both curiosity and affection for the brand.
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Message shared: Maries’ presence at ITE was not for immediate trade, but to emphasize that traditional handicrafts are also part of sustainable tourism experiences.
From ITE, Maries envisions that in the near future, Hue’s handcrafted products will be found in hotels, resorts, and luxury accommodations – not only as souvenirs, but as cultural stories woven into the visitor experience, helping travelers connect more deeply with Vietnam.
Connecting Today, Reaching Further Tomorrow
Both events at SECC have closed, yet the values they brought remain. At Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025, Maries found opportunities to expand collaborations, connect with wholesale partners, and affirm the position of Vietnamese handicrafts on the export map. At ITE HCMC 2025, Maries blended into the vibrant picture of sustainable tourism, sharing Hue’s craft heritage with the international community.
The common ground of both events lies in genuine presence: Maries was heard, recognized, and connected. Every curious glance, every handshake, every shared word has become motivation for us to continue the journey of bringing Hue’s Lepironia grass – from a traditional craft village – to the world.
🌿 This journey has only just begun. Maries looks forward to walking alongside friends, partners, and customers everywhere to spread the value of Vietnamese handicrafts and to write new stories – from Hue to the world.
📩 Email: madebymaries@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.madebymaries.com
📞 Hotline/Zalo: +84 935 115 215
🏠 Showroom: 54A Chu Văn An, Hue City
👉 Join Maries in spreading the values of Handicraft – Tradition – Sustainability to more customers in Vietnam and worldwide.