The Constellation Gala

Virginia Asian Foundation proudly presents an iconic event celebrating businesses, communities, and policy making leaders:

VIRGINIA ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 'S 17TH ANNUAL

LEADERSHIP AWARDS CELEBRATION 2026

THE CONSTELLATION GALA

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When? Wedsnesday December 9, 2026

From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Where? The Delta Marriott Hotel

555 E Canal Street, 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA.

Register at: https://constellation2026.eventbrite.com

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• Limited room size and seats. Each year seats are sold out early, so pleae reserve your seats now.
• VACC iconic Constellation Gala Ticket covers Banquet, business and student awards, cultural performances, VIP Networking Reception, and full complementary indoor hotel garage parking.
• Virginia Asian Foundation is an IRS C 3 charitable non profit education foundation. All donations are 100 % tax-deductible.
• Dress code: Black Tie Optional | International & Cultural Attire Encouraged. Elegant formal evening attire is requested. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear tuxedos or dark suits; ladies, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or other dressy formal attire.
• All valued Constellation Gala guests are also warmly encouraged to celebrate the Constellation Gala’s international spirit by wearing traditional, national, international, or cultural formal attire.

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Background:

Join us at the Virginia Asian Chamber of Comemrce's 17th Annual CONSTELLATION GALA.

VACC’s 17th Annual Asian Chamber Gala celebrates the constellation of business, community, and legislative leaders whose vision, service, and partnerships help illuminate Virginia’s future.

Join Richmond's icomic event to meet corporate major buyers, change makers, VIP business executives, industry leaders, Asian and Pan Asian community leaders, trade association leaders, and policy makers as Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce continues to celebrate top leaders , entrepreneurs, and student talents at the Asian Chamber’s iconic event of the year, benefiting our charitable education Virginia Asian Foundation.

The Constellation Gala supports entrepreneurship development, education, student success, leadership excellence, community sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Honorary Guests in past years have included statewide and local AAPI communities, global dignitaries, educators, industry leaders, Asian country diplomats, regional economic development leaders, academia, non-profit community leaders - AAPI employee resource group leaders, and the state legislature.

Since 2009, our Asian VIP Gala speaker diplomats came from 8 nations: Korea- China-The Philippines -India-Pakistan-Mongolia-Japan- and The Kingdom of Thailand.

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2026 Awards Program at the Constellation Gala:

1.STUDENT INTERNSHIP RECOGNITION PROGRAM * 3 AWARDS

This year, we will again promote talent development by recognizing our signature student internship program.

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2.SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS - 3 AWARDS

Award Categories - Winners To be announced at the Gala

🕊️ Timeless Impact Award

Honors a leader or enterprise whose long-standing contributions have created lasting, measurable impact in advancing business and community

🏮 Distinguished Heritage Award

Recognizes a business or leader who preserves and celebrates Asian cultural heritage while driving growth

🛍️ Retail & Hospitality Growth Award

Celebrates outstanding Asian-owned retail, restaurant, or hospitality enterprises demonstrating excellence.

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3.ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS * 2 AWARDS

We will bestow several distinguished leadership awards to top innovators and economic champions to include:

• Champion of Economic Visionary Award - Last year winner was Mayor “Bobby” Dyer, the Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach

• Champion of Community Stewardship Award - Last year winner was Rita McClenney, President of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

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4.LEGISLATORS RECOGNITION * 2 AWARDS

We will honor state policy makers for their active engagement with the AAPI community and making lasting positive changes for the economy and Virginians.

• Legislator 1 - TBD
• Legislator 2- TBD

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Agenda: Draft

5:00 pm to 6:15 pm: VIP Networking Reception with cultural expressions.

6: 15 pm to 6:35 pm: Transition to Banquet Program with Asian Chamber's Gala signature annual cultural walk.

6:35 pm: Guests being seated at the Grand Ball Room.

AT THE GRAND BALL ROOM:

6: 35 pm - 6:45 pm: Recognition – Announcement

6:45 PM to 6:50 pm: First cultural performance

6:50 pm to 6:55 PM: Honorary Speaker: TBD

6:55 PM to 7: 05 PM: Keynote Speaker: TBD

7:05 PM to 7:10 PM: Second cultural performance

7: 10 PM to 7:20 PM- Talent Awards Recognition

7: 20 PM to 7:35 PM: Business Awards and Recognition

7: 35 pm to 7: 45 PM: Economic Awards and Recognition

7: 45 PM to7: 55 PM: Legislators Awards and Recognition

7: 55 PM to 8:00 PM: Last cultural performance

8:00 pm: Event adjournments.

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SUPPORT OUR MISSION! BE A GALA SPONSOR!

Thank you for considering an event sponsorship as a donation to support the work and mission of the Virginia Asian Foundation and Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce.

All donation is 100%Tax deductible .

Contact us for our many outstanding sponsorship packages and program details at: mylantran@aabac.org

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW!

Event Link:https://constellation2026.eventbrite.com

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Should you have any questions: please contact event manager: E: AABAC@AABAC.ORG

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Invited & Confirmed Special Guests: Coming Soon!

Presenting Sponsors

Special Honorary Guests: Coming soon!