Halal Expo 2020

 In the beginning, the halal expo was aimed equally at businesses and consumers. As time progressed, their focus has shifted and the event is predominantly centered around B2B engagements.

Marwan speaks passionately and effortlessly about the expo and its purpose, citing that the main goal is to bridge the gaps in the industry, and make information around the concept of ‘halal’ more accessible and widespread. A big issue, as identified by Marwan, is that many consumers do not necessarily realize or know how meticulous and thorough the halal certification is - or ought to be. The typical halal-conscious consumer may presume that all items issued with a halal label have endured the same rigorous process, abiding by all the same standards. Industry experts can confirm that this is untrue.

This brings to the fore another core objective for these expos: the establishment, inclusive conversation and evolution surrounding the standardization of halal certification.

For this reason, Marwan and his team have brought together experts in a myriad of fields relating to ‘halal’, to share their knowledge of industry trends and developments in the form of a summit. Newcomers to the industry are invited to pitch their ideas to potential investors, as well as indulge in other networking opportunities.

Experts in attendance include – but are not limited to - academics, government officials, and business executives. Marwan believes that these conversations need to happen out in the open; people should know who certifies halal products, what expertise gives them the authority to do so and what their relevant processes are. He champions the right consumers have to transparency with respect to these practices.

The event was Initially in-person, however, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the halal expo has shifted online via a virtual medium. Although Marwan expresses that this presented a challenge in terms of finding the right platform to host an event of this scale, he also acknowledges that this has come with many advantages too.

Now that the expo is entirely virtual, there are no real constraints on the attendees; no matter where you are in the world, you can pull up a chair, and check in to the event. People may lose the connectedness of physical presence, but the essence, quality and objectives remain.

Seeing the goal of the flourishing global halal market come to fruition, really is a team project. Marwan reiterates this, stating that he asserts the expo will be a consistent annual event, where people gather – whether virtually or in person – to keep abreast of the developments in the industry. This ultimately benefits businesses and consumers.

“This event will be disruptive. Some people may not like what we will present because we’re digging deep into ‘what is halal?’ and we’re bringing [in] important players and including academics and government agencies.”

Marwan is hopeful that at some point in the future halal standards will be enforced on a government level. The work of halal standardization is extremely collaborative, the progress of which hinges on all elements of the concerned industries working together to produce halal standards and transparency that can be looked to and depended upon globally.

In addition to the collaborative work on halal standards, participants can also expect a halal business start-up session, an awards ceremony for the top three US halal businesses, and a live cooking show by Yvonne Maffei of the website My Halal Kitchen.

As a sponsor of the 2020 Virtual Halal Expo, Halal Watch World endorses its cause and mission, believing wholeheartedly that it will benefit the Muslim ummah in totality.

To book tickets to this year’s Halal Expo visit halalexpousa.com.