The Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo (PHARE) kicked off on Wednesday bringing over 40 vendors under one roof to showcase their products, services, technology, equipment and innovation over the course of two-days.

Mary Rhodes, president of Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, called the expo a "unique opportunity," telling Guam News Network the event features wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, government agencies and organizations.

"Just bringing everybody together to showcase different products and trends of what's happening not just on Guam but also the United States and throughout Asia," she said.

According to Rhodes, the event also features off-island exhibitors who have partnered with hoteliers to offer and introduce new products to hotels, restaurants and retail outlets in Guam.

"And so, really, for our industry ... tourism, and all of our network of professionals that really are in the hospitality industry it's really important that we continue to bring events like this, so that we can introduce new content, and even some introducing new products that guests might be looking for in their future," Rhodes said.

Edson Lai, vice president of sales and marketing of Quality Distributors was there with his team showcasing a wide range of products as part of its "Products Around the World" campaign.

"We bring in products from Europe, parts of Asia ... the U.S., South America ... we want to be able to showcase all of those products," Lai said.

Lai said through years of service in Guam, they have forged partnerships with their customers to be able to maintain affordable prices for their products.

"Understanding the new trends, new products, and working with them ... to bring in different types of products that they might be seeking. Obviously, we're from Guam, so that makes it a little harder. But working with us we're able to utilize the connections that we have to be able to bring all these different unique products to the island.

Quality Distributors showcased a wide range of products from frozen meats, seafood to eggs from Japan. Lai told Guam News Network there's "a lot of emphasis on protein types of food right now, high-protein, low-calorie types of things."

The hope is to use the PHARE to introduce these products to the community.

Though the expo featured products, services, and innovation, building connections was a big reason One Pacific Group made sure they participated.

"It's very important for us to be here today, too, not only showcase the product that we have, but to also network with other companies, and to show them that not only we have the products, but we're also people that you can reach out to and help provide what you need. At the same time that you can also help us in a way as well," Sales Associate Brian Calibuso said.

One Pacific showcased their selection of wines, hotel amenities, and toiletries among other products and services.

"We're pretty much a one-stop shop," he said. "Pretty much anything that a business may need we would love to provide it for them."

Delilah Charfauros an attendee said, she was glad she decided to stop by.

"There's a lot of businesses here that are new, as well as the old ones. So, it's a good camaraderie that they're coming out here for the people of Guam. And also, it's a good experience for everybody to actually socialize and meet each other," Charfauros said.

Charfauros encouraged others to attend.

"I think this is a wonderful event. It's just the first time in many years, they had so much selection of different local foods and drinks, and it's wonderful. I see all the smiles and even ice cream giveaways. So, I encourage everybody that's not doing anything to come over here or just swing by for lunch," Charfauros said.

Day two of the PHARE event continues Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Guam.