2026 AAPI Trailblazers Conference: Owning Our Stories in the Age of AI

Conversations. Culture. Cocktails.

November 4, 2026

135 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016

11:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Artificial intelligence is learning from us. The question is: whose stories will it remember?

As AI increasingly shapes how we work, communicate, create, hire, learn and understand the world around us, the stories and data used to build these systems matter more than ever.

For Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, this moment presents both an extraordinary opportunity and an urgent challenge.

Our histories and experiences have often been overlooked, simplified or absent from America's dominant narratives. Now, as AI systems learn from those same historical records and existing datasets, how do we ensure that those gaps aren't carried into the technologies shaping our future?

And just as importantly: how can AAPI leaders help shape what comes next?

The Serica Initiative's 2026 AAPI Trailblazers Conference: Owning Our Stories in the Age of AI will bring together leaders across technology, business, academia, media, arts, education and the nonprofit sector for an afternoon of provocative conversation, practical learning and meaningful connection.

Rather than simply asking what AI will do to our communities, we'll explore what becomes possible when AAPI leaders actively participate in building, governing, questioning and creatively using it.

What to Expect

The day will combine thought leadership with practical learning and plenty of opportunities to actually meet the people in the room.

Programming will include:

AAPI Leadership in the AI Era - A forward-looking conversation celebrating AAPI contributions to artificial intelligence while exploring the role Asian American leaders can play in shaping the next generation of technology.

AI and the Future of AAPI Stories - What happens when machines learn from histories in which our communities have often been underrepresented? Leaders across sectors will examine representation, bias, storytelling, governance and the responsibility we have to ensure AAPI experiences remain part of America's evolving story.

Interactive AI Workshop - Move beyond the conversation with an interactive session designed to strengthen AI literacy and give participants practical opportunities to engage with the technology.

Keynote Conversations - Hear from influential leaders working at the intersection of technology, leadership, innovation and culture.

Art + Performance - Experience how artists are using emerging technology to reconsider creativity, authorship and human expression.

Conversations, Culture & Cocktails - We'll close the conference the way some of the best ideas begin: over a drink and a conversation. Stay for cocktails, appetizers and an opportunity to connect with speakers, attendees and leaders from across Serica's network.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for curious, engaged people who want to understand—and help shape—the rapidly changing relationship between AI and society.

Whether you work in technology, finance, media, healthcare, education, government, the arts, philanthropy, entrepreneurship or another field entirely, you do not need to be an AI expert to participate.

Come ready to learn, challenge assumptions, meet people outside your usual circle and leave with a better understanding of how all of us can have a voice in the age of AI.

Schedule

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Check-In, Networking & Community Tables

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Trailblazers Lunch, Keynote & Serica Remarks

1:10 – 1:25 PM: Conference Opening Keynote

1:30 – 2:10 PM: AAPI Leadership in the AI Era panel with Shelly Xu, CEO of SXD & more speakers TBA

2:15 – 3:05 PM: Owning Your Career in the Age of AI: A BRIDGE Workshop with Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham, CUNY Associate Professor in the Dept. of Management, Marketing, & Entrepreneurship & Founder of the Bridge AI Lab & CUNY AI Literacy & Professional Readiness Series

3:10 – 3:30 PM: Networking Break

3:30 – 4:20 PM: AI and the Future of AAPI Stories panel with Xin Ying, Martha Graham Dance choreographer, interdisciplinary artist, & dancer, & Qin Gao, Professor of Social Policy and Social Work in the School of Social Work at Columbia University

4:30 – 4:45 PM: AI in ART Performance by Sasha Styles

4:45 – 5:00 PM: Closing Keynote

5:00 – 6:30 PM: Conversations, Culture & Cocktails Reception

Program and speakers are subject to change.

Choose Your Experience

VIP Experience — $350

Limited to 20 guests

Experience the full day with our highest level of access.

Your VIP ticket includes admission to the Trailblazers Lunch, the complete afternoon conference, Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception, and preferred seating for conference programming.

Ideal for supporters, executives, partners and attendees who want to experience everything the day has to offer.

Includes:

• Trailblazers Lunch

• Awards and Serica remarks

• Full conference admission

• Preferred conference seating

• Interactive workshop

• All keynote, panel and performance programming

• Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception

• Appetizers and beverages

Full Package Keynote Lunch + Conference + Cocktails — Early Bird $219

Limited quantity available through September 15 or until sold out

Make a half-day of it.

Join us beginning at 11:30 AM for networking followed by the Trailblazers Lunch, then stay for the complete conference and evening cocktail reception.

This ticket offers the best value for attendees who want the complete Trailblazers experience.

Includes:

• Trailblazers Lunch

• Awards and Serica remarks

• Full afternoon conference

• Interactive workshop

• Keynotes, panels and performance

• Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception

• Appetizers and beverages

Full Package — $250

Join us for the complete AAPI Trailblazers experience, beginning with lunch and continuing through an afternoon of conversations, workshops and performances before ending with cocktails and networking.

Includes:

• Trailblazers Lunch

• Awards and Serica remarks

• Full afternoon conference

• Interactive workshop

• Keynotes, panels and performance

• Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception

• Appetizers and beverages

Trailblazers Keynote Lunch Only — $110

Limited to 20 tickets

Can't spend the full afternoon with us? Join Serica's community of leaders and supporters for an intimate luncheon featuring networking, awards and remarks from The Serica Initiative.

Lunch guests are invited to arrive at 11:30 AM for networking. Lunch programming concludes at 1:00 PM.

Includes:

• Pre-lunch networking

• Seated Trailblazers Lunch

• StarKeynote

• Serica remarks

Does not include admission to the afternoon conference or cocktail reception.

Conference + Cocktails — $150

Limited quantity available through September 15 or until sold out

Curious about AI but not interested in the Lunch networking? Join us for the heart of the conference.

Beginning at 1:00 PM, you'll have access to the complete afternoon program—including keynotes, panels, an interactive workshop and performance—followed by our Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception.

Includes:

• Full afternoon conference

• Interactive AI workshop

• Keynotes and panel discussions

• Performance

• Conversations, Culture & Cocktails reception

• Appetizers and beverages

Why This Conversation Matters

America is knee deep in its 250th anniversary at the same moment that artificial intelligence is transforming how information is created, discovered and remembered.

The decisions being made today may influence how future generations understand our communities—and our country.

AAPI communities shouldn't simply be represented in that future.

We should help build it.

Join us in New York City on November 4.