Vietcetera is dedicated to creating connections between Overseas Vietnamese communities worldwide. Our recent participation in the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Annual Leadership Convention in Houston, Texas, showcased this commitment.
From July 24-28, 2024, Vietcetera hosted the "Have A Sip Lounge," a space for attendees to relax, connect, and engage in meaningful conversations. Over four days, the lounge became a hub for networking and exchanging ideas, attracting a wide range of professionals, thought leaders, and influencers.
On the last day, we hosted our first ever Overseas Vietnamese Meetup, welcoming more than 100 participants from the local Houston area. Some even came as far as Florida for the event.
Creating a Space for Dialogue
The "Have A Sip Lounge" was more than just a place to unwind—it was a platform for real conversations. Staying true to the core theme of "Have A Sip," which is showcasing book authors and content creators, the space played host to several book talks.
Notable authors, including Chris Do with his book Pocket Full of Do, Farzana Nayani, Jane Hyun, Jessica Woo, and Jeanie Y. Chang, shared their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives to attendees.
Throughout the convention, the lounge hosted several informal discussions and mini-sessions, where participants could share their stories, challenges, and aspirations. The relaxed atmosphere made it easier for attendees to connect on a deeper level.
Overseas Vietnamese Meet-Up: A Gathering of Minds
The highlight of Vietcetera's presence at the convention was the Overseas Vietnamese meet-up on the final day. Our readers came together to engage with some of the most influential voices in the Vietnamese community.
Chris Do, a creative strategist; Bao Nguyen, an award-winning filmmaker; Thuy Minh, the host of the podcast’s namesake; and our own Hao Tran, CEO of Vietcetera, shared their journeys, challenges, and successes with the audience.
Each speaker offered valuable insights into the evolving role of Overseas Vietnamese in the global landscape.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Global Footprint
The success of our Houston event is just the beginning. As part of our ongoing effort to connect with the global Vietnamese community, we’re excited to continue the "Vietcetera Goes Abroad" series into late 2024 and 2025.
Next up is Tokyo, Japan, where we’ll be hosting a special event on September 14. This will be followed by activities in Australia from November 19-23. These events aim to replicate the success of our Houston meet-up, bringing together members of the Vietnamese diaspora in new locations.
Our goal is to keep building bridges between communities, fostering connections that span across continents. We believe that by creating spaces for dialogue and sharing stories, we can contribute to a stronger, more connected global Vietnamese community.
Conclusion
The NAAAP Leadership Convention in Houston was an important milestone for Vietcetera, marking our first major event in the United States as part of the "Vietcetera Goes Abroad" series. The positive response we received reaffirms our belief in the power of community and the importance of staying connected to our roots, no matter where we are in the world.
As we look forward to our upcoming events in Tokyo and Australia, we remain committed to our mission of bringing Overseas Vietnamese together, sharing their stories, and celebrating their contributions to the global community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey abroad.
We’re also on the lookout for 2025 and the roadshow we plan to roll out. Stay tuned - we’d love to hear from you if you’d like us to stop by your city.