The 2026 AAPI Business Policy Forum
Schedule
Wed Feb 18 2026 at 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
TRUIST BANK | Richmond, VA
About this Event
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
Invited SPEAKERS:
GOVERNOR ABIGAIL SPANBERGER
LT GOVERNOR GHAZALA HASHMI
SENATE LEADERS-MEMBERS
HOUSE OF DELEGATES LEADERS -MEMBERS
Presenting Sponsors:
Where is it happening?
TRUIST BANK, 919 EAST MAIN STREET, Richmond, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 39.19
