PHILADELPHIA • DECEMBER 11–13, 2026
America250 Asian American Stakeholders Conference & Commemoration
Asian American-Led • With Allies • Open to All
Celebrate America’s 250th in Philadelphia.
Connect, exchange, experience and build what comes next.
Conference & Hotel: Sonesta, 1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Asian American stakeholders come from many professions, communities and backgrounds—each bringing something to contribute, share and build together.
DOI250AA is an America250 Supporting Partner, independently organizing this nonpartisan, non-advocacy, Asian American-led celebration and conference, open to all. DOI250AA is fiscally sponsored by Chinese Americans for Equal Rights (CAFER), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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We Were Here. We Are Here. And We Are Still Building.
Asian Americans have built railroads and businesses, advanced medicine and technology, served in uniform and public office, raised families and strengthened communities.
We don’t need to be shy about recognizing that.
Our stories are part of the American story—not because someone gives us permission to belong, but because generations of participation have already made us stakeholders.
Now imagine what more we can do when we know each other.
AMERICA250 COMMEMORATION
Remember Where America Began
Come together during America’s 250th to commemorate the founding of the nation—and recognize the many generations of Americans who have carried its story forward.
Hear remarkable American journeys from people whose lives span medicine, military service, business, civic leadership, immigration, civil rights and community building.
DR. DAVID S. YEE
Six generations of contribution—from the Transcontinental Railroad to medicine, public service and AANHPI Heritage Month.
Jan DuPlain
From family ties to George Washington to decades of cultural diplomacy connecting America’s past and future.
Hon. Mayor Johnny Ford
Civil-rights leader, Tuskegee’s first Black mayor and founder of the World Conference of Mayors—turning rights into participation and leadership.
Jayme Hansen
From neglected Korean adoptee to 36 years of Army service, now helping adoptees reconnect with family and identity.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
From an immigrant family in public housing to Princeton, Harvard Law and the U.S. Congress—a journey of education and public service.
Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang
Entrepreneur, sociologist and civic innovator helping Asian Americans move from observers to participants and stakeholders.
FUTURE BUILDERS
Then It’s Your Turn to Join the Conversation
The commemoration looks at the journey that brought us here. Future Builders asks what we do next.
Sit in small groups with people from different generations, professions and experiences. Ask questions. Exchange what has worked. Share what you know. Make connections that can continue after Philadelphia.
Law, Justice & Civic Life
Technology, Innovation & Business
Health, Wellbeing & Human Potential
Leadership, Service & Impact
Belonging, Identity & Asian American Experience
From Conversation To Charter
What we learn together becomes part of what we build together.
Ideas and perspectives from the Future Builders conversations will help shape the Future Builders Charter—a shared statement of principles and commitments for how we participate, contribute and move forward as stakeholders.
The Charter will be presented and signed during Sunday’s closing.
Your Philadelphia Weekend
FRIDAY • DEC 11
6 PM–9 PM
ARRIVE
Arrival • Registration • Meet People
SATURDAY • DEC 12
9 AM–9 PM
EXPERIENCE
Opening • Featured Voices • Future Builders • Philadelphia • Commemoration • Evening Connections
SUNDAY • DEC 13
9 AM–2 PM
BUILD
Future Builders • Exchange • Closing • Next Steps
Come As You Are
You don’t need a title, an award or a large organization behind you.
You may be a student finding your direction, a professional with experience to share, a business owner looking for relationships, a parent raising the next generation, or someone new to America building a life here.
You already have something to bring—and someone here may have something that helps you.
I'm A Student
Talk with people working in careers you’re considering.
I'm a Professional
Meet people outside your company and industry.
I Own a Business
Meet potential customers, partners and professionals.
I'm Active in My Community
Find people and organizations working on things you care about.
I'm New to America
Meet people who can share how they built careers, businesses and community connections here.
Make a Weekend of It
Come for the commemoration. Stay for the people, conversations and Philadelphia.
Historic group photo • Museums • Chinatown • Shared meals • Social gatherings • New friendships
THIS DECEMBER, BE IN THE PICTURE.
We Are Part of the American Story
We have every reason to be proud of the generations who came before us—and of what Asian Americans are building today.
America’s 250th is our moment to come together, recognize one another, and imagine what more we can do.
Be there. Be counted. Be part of the picture.
Organizations Already Building With Us
Organizations contributing expertise and resources to help shape the conversations, learning and participant experience in Philadelphia.
Asian American Unity Coalition
Cross-community connection & participation
BeAwaken
Identity, reflection & human development
Busi-Boost
Empowering ideas into action
Jack Miller Center
American founding principles & civic education
Xelkom Institute
Leadership & professional development
World Conference of Mayors
Civic leadership & community connections
Bring Your Business or Organization
Your organization can meet participants, share what you do, support the event and build new relationships.
Help make the gathering possible and be recognized for your support.
Show participants your products, services or organization.
Attend together and introduce your work to the community.
A Declaration of Independence 250: Asian American Celebration initiative
THIS LAND WAS MADE FOR
You • Me • Us
Created Equal. Free to Pursue. Ready to Contribute.
December 11–13, 2026