The 2026 AAPI Business Policy Forum

Important Format Notice:

This is not a networking or social legislative reception event.

VACC 2026 AAPI Business Policy Forum is a statewide, formal, state board–style policy roundtable with structured seating, moderated discussion, and documented policy input intended for the Governor’s Administration and state Policy Leadership.

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The 2026 AAPI Business Policy Forum:

A State Board–Style Policy Roundtable

Hosted by: Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce (VACC) & Statewide Trade Associations Network

Date & Time: Tuesday, February 18, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Truist Bank | 4th Floor Piedmont Conference Room
919 East Main Street, Richmond, VA

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (5:00 PM)
Register: https://Policy2026.eventbrite.com

Attire: Professional / Business
Format: Invitation-Only | Limited Seating

Formal Forum Partners: See Partners logos listed below.

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Event Overview

The 2026 Virginia AAPI Business Policy Forum is a structured, board-style policy roundtable designed to provide Virginia’s Governor, Administration, legislators, and senior agency leaders with direct, organized policy input from Asian American and minority business leaders statewide.

This is not a legislative reception or social networking event.
It is a formal policy session modeled after a state board public meeting, where invited participants engage in disciplined discussion, present recommendations, and contribute to the public policy record.

Since 2010, VACC’s annual policy forum has served as a solutions-driven platform connecting business leaders with decision-makers at moments of administrative transition and policy formation.

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Purpose & Outcomes

Participants will:

• Present priority challenges facing AAPI and minority small businesses
• Offer actionable policy recommendations aligned with the new Administration’s goals
• Share strategies to strengthen Virginia’s business climate, workforce pipeline, and global competitiveness
• Provide structured input to help attract domestic and international investment and retain talent in Virginia

Post-event, key insights and recommendations will be summarized and shared with relevant state offices.

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Meeting Format

• Board-style roundtable seating
• Moderated policy discussion
• Policymaker listening session
• Collected written questions submitted in advance
• Public-observation format consistent with state board meetings
• Light working dinner provided.
• Complimentary garage parking for members, partners, and invited guests.

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Invited Participants (Partial List)

• Office of the Governor – Leadership & Policy Team
• Attorney General of Virginia
• Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
• Cabinet Secretaries & State Agency Heads
• Members of the House of Delegates & Senate
• Statewide economic development and workforce leaders
• Minority and AAPI trade association leadership
• AAPI Business owners, sector experts, economists, educators, and global business advisors

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Policy Focus Areas

• Business climate, permitting, and cost of doing business
• Workforce development, youth talent, and education pathways
• Housing affordability, childcare access, and labor participation
• Immigrant entrepreneurship and small business growth
• Global trade, foreign direct investment, and international engagement
• Sector-specific issues (healthcare, hospitality, technology, education, energy impacting small businesses in certain sectors)

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Draft Agenda

5:00 – 6:00 PM
Arrival & Light Working Dinner

6:00 – 7:15 PM
State Board–Style Policy Roundtable

• Opening remarks - Keynote remarks
• Industry and sector discussion
• Policymaker listening session

7:15 – 8:00 PM
Moderated Community & Business Dialogue

8:00 PM
Adjournment

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Registration & Attendance

• Invitation-only; limited seating
• Complimentary registration for VACC members, partners, and invited guests
• A small number of cost-based seats may be available to the public
• Registration required for all attendees
• Priority seating for AAPI and minority business partners

Register by Wednesday, February 11 at 5:00 PM

Executive Contact
My Lan Tran
Executive Director
Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce
E: [email protected] | T: 804-502-8081
www.aabac.org

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

TRUIST BANK, 919 EAST MAIN STREET, Richmond, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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