Dr. Sailesh Chittipeddi and Dr. Karen Eng discuss the latest advancements in AI technology, ethical considerations, and the impact of AI on various industries at the AI Fireside Chat. (Photos: National ACE)

The 2024 AAPISTRONG Annual Conference celebrated AAPI entrepreneurship with 800 attendees, 70 speakers, and breakout sessions on AI, supplier diversity, and mental health. It highlighted National ACE’s Accelerator Program success and honored AAPI leaders like Congresswoman Judy Chu.

The 2024 AAPISTRONG Annual Conference, hosted by the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce (National ACE), took place from September 3-4 in Silicon Valley’s vibrant city of Santa Clara, California. The event welcomed nearly 800 attendees, over 70 speakers, 9 breakout sessions, and a bustling marketplace expo that showcased the thriving nature of AAPI entrepreneurship.

The conference featured a wide range of breakout sessions, workshops, and panel discussions that focused on critical topics such as supplier diversity, workforce transformation through AI, and mental health. These sessions provided attendees with profound insights from industry experts and influential speakers, sparking impactful conversations.

National ACE’s and ACE NextGen’s Accelerator Program was another significant focus. The program, which surpassed its first-year goals by 134%, has helped entrepreneurs raise $38 million in capital and hosted 27 economic roundtables nationwide. This initiative, the largest federal investment in AANHPI small businesses, has helped entrepreneurs overcome barriers to capital and scale their ventures.

IW Group Founder, Chairman, and Chief Connectivity Officer Bill Imada, at the National ACE Conference.

The event also celebrated influential figures with prestigious awards. The conference’s Awards Dinner honored AAPI leaders such as Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), who delivered a powerful keynote during the Morning Plenary, and the Trailblazer Award recipients, Lawrence Chu and Jon M. Chu.

From AI fireside chats to memorable awards ceremonies, the 2024 AAPISTRONG Annual Conference truly exemplified the strength and resilience of AANHPI entrepreneurship and leadership.