Taste & See is a staff-curated guide to Asian American and Pacific Islander–owned spots to eat and explore across Southern California. Whenever you have free time around the summit, use it to discover great local places — and support AAPI-owned businesses while you’re in town. Each area also highlights the AAPI elected officials who represent it.

Packed with Care is a hands-on community service activation presented in partnership with PepsiCo. Stop by the PepsiCo Lounge during the activation to help assemble care packages of shelf-stable, nutritious food, which will be donated to a local nonprofit working to relieve food insecurity in Los Angeles. It’s a come-as-you-are, conference-wide volunteer opportunity — drop in for a few minutes or stay longer; every pack helps.

In politics, power and scrutiny are inseparable — every statement, vote, and misstep is amplified and dissected in real time. This panel explores what it means to lead under constant visibility, where influence is amplified by social media, press, and public opinion alike. Panelists will discuss the opportunities and pressures of leading in the spotlight, valuable lessons learned along the way, and what impactful leadership looks like when every move is on display.

Packed with Care is a hands-on community service activation presented in partnership with PepsiCo. Stop by the PepsiCo Lounge during the activation to help assemble care packages of shelf-stable, nutritious food, which will be donated to a local nonprofit working to relieve food insecurity in Los Angeles. It’s a come-as-you-are, conference-wide volunteer opportunity — drop in for a few minutes or stay longer; every pack helps.

The AAPI electorate is growing — and elected officials can't afford to ignore it. This presentation breaks down voter registration trends, turnout data, electoral performance, and shifting political priorities across AAPI communities, equipping officials with the insights needed to better understand, engage, and represent one of the country's most dynamic voting blocs.

New to the room and ready to speak! This interactive session puts first-time attendees and newly-elected officials in the hot seat, challenging them to think on their feet and respond to rapid-fire prompts with minimal prep and no filters. Expect candid perspectives, unexpected answers, and maybe a few surprises. It's part icebreaker, part panel — and entirely unscripted.

In a political landscape full of noise, competing priorities, and pressure to fit a mold, how do leaders stay true to who they are while making themselves heard? This fireside will bring together accomplished leaders and expert storytellers to discuss ways you can ensure your message lands with impact. Panelists will share personal experiences, and strategies for standing out, building trust, and showing up as your full self.

This presentation spotlights the work of the bipartisan National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission, established by Congress to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Hear about the Commission's national listening tour, its community-driven approach to shaping a future institution, and why officials have a critical role to play in ensuring this museum becomes a reality.

Join a dynamic conversation featuring prominent executives from various industries as they share their personal journeys, discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping their fields, and reflect on what representation and leadership look like today. This panel brings together diverse perspectives to explore themes of identity, resilience, and the evolving AAPI experience in professional spaces.