Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before joining us in Philadelphia.

December 11–13, 2026 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About The Conference

Who presents the conference?

The America250 Asian American Stakeholders Conference & Commemoration is presented by Declaration of Independence 250: Asian American Celebration (DOI250AA), an Asian American-led initiative and America250 Supporting Partner.

DOI250AA operates with the fiscal sponsorship of Chinese Americans for Equal Rights (CAFER), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

What is the mission of DOI250AA?

Our mission is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by celebrating Asian Americans as part of America’s story and bringing people together to strengthen belonging, participation, contribution, and stakeholdership in the future we share.

What is the purpose of this conference?

The conference commemorates America’s 250th while bringing people together to connect, exchange experiences and explore what it means to participate as stakeholders in America’s future.

Asian Americans are doing meaningful work across business, professions, community service, culture, education and family—but we are often busy within our own circles and networks. This gathering creates opportunities to connect across those circles.

Is this mainly a networking conference?

Networking is part of the experience, but it goes further. The goal is to meet, exchange, learn and participate—not simply collect contacts.

Future Builders conversations, shared experiences and informal gatherings are designed to create meaningful connections across professions, generations and communities.

What kinds of conversations will we have?

Candid, practical conversations about what we are working on, barriers we have encountered, breakthroughs that helped us move forward, how we empower people and teams, how we develop the next generation, and where opportunities exist to connect or collaborate.

Everyone comes with different experiences and something to contribute.

What are Future Builders?

Future Builders are interactive small-group experiences where participants exchange perspectives and learn from people across professions, industries and life experiences.

They are designed for participation and exchange, not simply sitting and listening to presentations.

Is this a political or advocacy event?

No. The conference is nonpartisan and non-advocacy. The focus is commemoration, participation, connection, personal and professional growth, and contribution.

Who Can Participate?

Who should attend?

Business owners, professionals, employees, community leaders, educators, parents, students, emerging leaders, organizations and others interested in connecting, contributing and participating.

Do I have to be Asian American?

No. The conference is Asian American-led and relevant, while welcoming allies and others who work with, serve, employ, support or collaborate with Asian American communities.

Can companies use this conference for employee professional development?

Yes. Employers, HR teams and organizations may send individuals or groups for professional development in intercultural communication, leadership, relationship-building, community engagement and stakeholder participation.

Participants completing qualifying programming may also receive a Certificate of Participation.

Will participants receive a Certificate of Participation?

Yes. Participants who complete qualifying conference programming may receive a Certificate of Participationrecognizing their involvement in the conference and community leadership development experience.

The experience may be referenced, where appropriate, on a résumé, LinkedIn profile, professional portfolio, school activities or community service record.

Are families welcome?

Yes. Families are welcome and can experience Philadelphia together while choosing the conference activities that best fit each family member.

Conference access is registered and paid per person. Family members do not need to participate in the same activities throughout the day.

Do family members have to attend the same programs?

No. Different ages and interests may choose different experiences. For example, while some family members participate in Future Builders discussions, others may join guided museum experiences, intergenerational conversations, social activities or other available programming.

Some activities may have age recommendations, capacity limits or separate registration requirements.

Are teens and young adults welcome?

Yes. The conference is intergenerational. Teens, college students, young professionals and emerging leaders are encouraged to participate.

Some experiences are especially relevant to the next generation of leaders.

What about children and minors?

Teens and younger family members are welcome where appropriate. Minors must remain under the supervision and responsibility of their parent, guardian or designated adult at all times.

The conference does not provide childcare or assume supervision or responsibility for minors. Parents and guardians should determine which programs and activities are appropriate for their children.

Registration & Passes

How do I register?

Registration is completed directly through our event registration system. Choose the participation option that works for you, provide your attendee information and complete payment.

Can I register more than one person?

Yes. Families, businesses, organizations and groups can register multiple attendees directly through the registration form.

What is the $50 Social Pass?

The $50 Social Pass provides a lower-cost way to participate in selected social, networking and community experiences without purchasing full conference access.

Please review the Registration page for the activities currently included with each pass.

What is included with full conference registration?

Full conference registration provides access to the designated conference programming and experiences associated with your selected registration package.

Because activities may continue to be updated, the Registration page will always show the most current inclusions.

Can I upgrade my registration later?

Upgrade opportunities may be available subject to capacity and availability. Participants upgrading to another registration level will pay the applicable difference at the time of upgrade.

Are group discounts available?

Group registration opportunities and promotional offers may be available. Current offers will be displayed directly on the Registration page.

Hotel, Meals & Travel

Where is the conference?

The conference is based at:

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
1800 Market Street · Philadelphia, PA

The hotel is centrally located in Center City, within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and many attractions.

How do I reserve the conference hotel?

Conference hotel accommodations offered through the event are reserved through us as part of the registration process, rather than booked separately with Sonesta.

Select the appropriate hotel option when registering.

Can I stay additional nights?

Additional nights at the special conference rate may be available while rooms last. Available options can be selected or requested through registration.

What amenities does the hotel offer?

Single & double occupancy · Coffee maker · Iron · Hair dryer · Fitness center · Laundry services · On-site paid parking

No in-room microwave.

Are meals included?

Full meals are not included, giving participants flexibility based on their preferences, dietary needs, budget and family size.

Light refreshments or sponsored meals may be provided during selected activities. Optional dining opportunities may also be available.

Are travel expenses included?

No. Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from Philadelphia and other personal travel expenses.

Our Travel to Philadelphia page provides information about air, Amtrak, bus, driving, local transportation and exploring the city.

Do I need a car?

No. The conference is in Center City and accessible by air, train, bus, rideshare and public transportation. Many restaurants, shops and attractions are within walking distance.

Accessibility & Assistance

Is the conference accessible for people with disabilities?

The conference hotel provides accessible facilities and accommodations. If you require specific accessibility assistance or accommodations, please indicate your needs during registration so our team can plan appropriately.

Is financial assistance available?

Limited sponsored assistance may be available based on funding and demonstrated financial need, such as public assistance or financial hardship. The same eligibility standards will apply fairly to all applicants. Volunteer opportunities may also provide additional ways to participate and contribute.

What if I have a special circumstance or need assistance registering?

Use our Contact page and select Registration or Accessibility/Special Assistance. Our team will direct your question to the appropriate person.

How can I reduce my cost?

Choose the participation level that fits your budget, register and arrange travel early, travel with friends, share eligible hotel accommodations, and plan your own meals or bring shelf-stable food.

During the Conference

What should I wear?

Business casual is appropriate for most conference activities.

Some experiences may include walking or outdoor activities, so please plan for Philadelphia weather in December.

Can I attend if I am traveling alone?

Absolutely. One purpose of the conference is to help people connect beyond their existing circles.

Future Builders, social experiences and informal gatherings provide opportunities to meet other participants naturally throughout the weekend.

Will photography and video be taken?

Yes. Photography and video may take place throughout this public conference and commemorative gathering.

Applicable photography, media and participation terms will be provided during registration.

Could the program change?

Yes. Speakers, schedules, activities and other program details may be adjusted as the conference develops. Registered participants will receive important updates.

Share Your Story

Can I submit my personal story?

Yes. Registered participants may have opportunities to share their experiences, contributions and perspectives as part of the conference and related commemorative projects.

Story submission information will be available through the event website or registration process.

What kind of stories are you looking for?

Your story can reflect your journey, family, profession, business, community involvement, lessons learned, challenges overcome, breakthroughs or how you participate and contribute.

You do not need to be famous or hold a particular title. Everyone comes with a different experience and something to contribute.

Will every submitted story be published?

Submission does not automatically guarantee publication or featured placement. Stories may be reviewed, edited or selected according to available space, project guidelines and applicable permissions.

Vendors, Sponsors, Contributors

Can I become a vendor or exhibitor?

Yes. Limited vendor and exhibitor opportunities may be available for businesses, organizations and community partners, subject to event guidelines, available space and approval.

How can my company or organization sponsor the conference?

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, organizations, foundations and supporters interested in helping expand participation and support the event.

Benefits vary by sponsorship level and may include recognition, participant access, exhibit opportunities and other event visibility.

Can I contribute products or services?

Yes. Selected in-kind contributions—including products, services, participant gifts, professional support and other event needs—may be considered.

Recognition will depend on the nature and value of the contribution.

Can I volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities may be available before and during the conference. Use our Contact page to tell us about your interests, availability and how you would like to contribute.