2025 ASIA x AUSTIN - International Market Summit
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (12:00 PM - 9:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
Explore exciting business opportunities between Central Texas and some of Asia's most dynamic and innovative markets!
Learn what's next in Artificial Intelligence - A.I. for Humanity, and A.I. when East meets West.
Plug into the Central Texas startup landscape and learn from experts how to craft your winning pitch.
Experience the two-way highway of opportunity between Asia and the Greater Austin region.
Connect with the leaders forging new, bilateral business ecosystems.
Enjoy an Asian pop-culture extravaganza at the Asia x Austin After Dark networking afterparty.
And more!
FREE RSVP HERE
Please note: By registering for this event, you will receive a complimentary Associate Level membership to the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), and you will receive email communications from GAACC. Thanks to our sponsors, this event is free of charge. Limited registration information may be shared with GAACC Asia x Austin: International Markets Summit partners.
Event Details
WHEN: Tuesday March 11, 2025; 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WHERE: Austin Public Library, Central Branch
710 W. César Chávez St., Austin, TX 78701
Agenda
Schedule and details are subject to change.
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Registration, Networking, and Refreshments |
| 12:30 - 2:30 pm [session info] | Welcome to Austin!: Central Texas Market Opportunities Asian Market Opportunities |
| 2:30 - 3:00 pm | Networking Break |
| 3:00 - 5:00 pm [session info] | Startups @ Asia x Austin: Pitch to Success |
| 3:00 - 5:00 pm [session info] | Workforce @ Asia x Austin: Workforce & Skill Development Ecosystem |
| 5:00 - 5:15 pm | Networking Break |
| 5:15 - 6:45 pm [session info] | (SOLD OUT) A.I. @ Asia x Austin: Current Trends & Applications |
| 6:30 - 9:00 pm [session info] | Asia x Austin After Dark: An Asian Pop-Culture Extravaganza and Networking Afterparty! |
Know Before You Go
From parking to food, here's everything you need to know to make your Asia x Austin experience smooth and memorable.
Getting There
Downtown Austin gets very busy in March. Plan ahead.
- Parking: The Austin Central Library features two levels of underground parking with 140 public parking spaces. We cannot validate parking.
- If the Library lot is full, nearby parking may be found at City Hall.
- There is metered street parking on nearby streets. City pay stations accept credit cards, debit cards, and change. See the City of Austin's parking page for more information.
- Numerous downtown parking garages can be found with this PDF map.
- Street parking may also be located with apps such as SpotHero or Park ATX.
- Public Transit: Call CapMetro at (512) 474-1200 or visit capmetro.org to find the most direct route.
Getting In
Entry to Asia x Austin is first-come-first-served.
- Asia x Austin is not affiliated with SXSW - badge holders do not receive special access considerations. Even if you RSVPed, please arrive early to help ensure your spot.
- Asia x Austin will occur in three spaces in the Austin Central Library.
- The Special Event Center (hosting "Welcome To Austin," "Startups @ Asia x Austin," and "Asia x Austin After Dark") is located on the Library's ground floor. The preferred entrance is from César Chávez Street.
- The Art Gallery (hosting "Workforce @ Asia x Austin") is located on the Library's 2nd Floor.
- The Demonstration Area (hosting "A.I. @ Asia x Austin") is located on the Library's 1st floor near the Shoal Creek entrance.
Getting Refreshed
Hungry? Thirsty? We got you.
- Snacks and light refreshments, including drinks from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and Feliciano Coffee, will be available during the afternoon sessions.
- During Asia x Austin After Dark (starting at 6:30 pm), enjoy free bites from The Cultured Chefs along with free beverages from Tito's Handmade Vodka, expertly served by Jerri's Lounge.
Presenting Sponsor
Program Sponsors
Program Sponsors support the development and presentation of one Asia x Austin session.
"Asian Market Opportunities"
powered by:
"Startups @ Asia x Austin: Pitch to Success"
powered by:
International Partners
Consulate General of India, Houston
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Opportunity Partners
Showcase Partners
Food & Beverage Sponsors
Event Production Partners
2025 Asia x Austin Organizational Partners
These innovative companies and organizations help us to cultivate the summit's robust programming and expose this exciting event among our regional and international communities. THANK YOU!
FREE RSVP HERE
Session Descriptions
Details subject to change.
Connect with @GAACCAustin:
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Welcome to Austin!:
12 pm-2:30 pm - Special Event Center
Part 1: Central Texas Market Opportunities
Featuring a welcome message from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, we'll launch the 2025 Summit by learning from regional economic development offices, civic leaders, and other experts about the rich opportunities for international business and investment in Central Texas.
"Central Texas Market Opportunities" Speakers
Kirk Watson
Mayor, City of Austin
Dr. Christopher Harvey
Mayor, City of Manor
Jim Penniman-Morin
Mayor, City of Cedar Park
Jeremy Martin
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Cameron Goodman
City of Georgetown
Minh Tran
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
Part 2: Asian Market Opportunities
"Asian Market Opportunities" is powered by Acclime.
In "Asian Market Opportunities," we'll hear from international trade experts about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets, including Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and India.
Curtis Louie
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Anupam Govil
US India Chamber of Commerce Austin
D.C. Manjunath
Consul General of India, Houston
Nadirah Nazri
Malaysian Investment Development Authority
CLICK TO RSVP
Startups @ Asia x Austin:
Pitch to Success
3 pm-5 pm - Special Event Center
Startups @ Asia x Austin is powered by INNW Institute.
Part 1: Austin Startup VC Roundtable (30 minutes)
Startup Insights & Trends
Go deep with an exciting dive into Austin's vibrant startup ecosystem! This 30-minute panel discussion features seasoned investors sharing invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape, funding opportunities, and the trends shaping the future of innovation in Austin.
Roundtable Panelists
Nikos Iatropoulos
IA Global Ventures
Erena Estellés Tatay
Plug and Play Austin
Part 2: Founders Workshop: Pitch to Success (75 minutes).
Crafting Pitches, Building Connections, and Getting to Yes
Get ready to shine in Pitch to Success! This session is all about equipping you with the tools and confidence to deliver a winning pitch. Learn expert tips, master storytelling techniques, and gain valuable feedback to help you present your ideas with clarity and impact. Discover how to craft stories that resonate emotionally, connect authentically with your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Understand why people buy—by solving their problems, inspiring their desires, and building trust—and use these insights to make your pitch unforgettable. Whether you're pitching to investors, partners, or clients, this is your moment to refine your message and create meaningful connections that drive results!
Workshop Host
- Create Impactful Pitches: Learn how to craft compelling, story-driven pitches that captivate your audience and clearly convey the value of your business.
- Build Powerful Connections: Master strategies to establish authentic relationships and leave a memorable impression that drives opportunities.
- Achieve Winning Results: Gain actionable techniques to confidently present your ideas and secure investor buy-in, client agreements, and strategic partnerships.
Connect with INNW Institute's Wen Zhang.
CLICK TO RSVP
Workforce @ Asia x Austin:
Workforce & Skill Development Ecosystem
3 pm-5 pm - Art Gallery
The future of the Central Texas economy rests on our regional workforce, and the Austin area boasts a robust ecosystem of institutions, workforce partners, and young eager talent ready to take the future by storm.
Central Texas Workforce Advantage
This session begins with speakers from The University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, and Austin Community College who will outline a wealth of opportunities to meet the needs of our growing future economy.
Speakers
Amber Warne
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Julie Lessiter
Texas State University - Round Rock
Brandon Whatley
Austin Community College
Daniel Liu
The University of Texas at Austin
Katherine Sobel
City of Austin Economic Development Department
Powering Central Texas
The panel session will address practical applications and how your business can access critical workforce development resources. Panelists include representatives from Austin Regional Manufacturing Association (ARMA), Opportunity Austin, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area who will share informative case studies while showcasing Austin’s dynamic skill development ecosystem.
Panelists
Gilbert Zavala
Opportunity Austin
Kevin Fincher
Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA)
Laura Sauceda Lucas
Austin Community College
City & Community Resources
Following a brief presentation, showcase tables and activation booths from a range of organizations and companies will provide individualized conversations and information to answer questions and get you in touch with the right point of contact. Attendees will leave this session well-equipped to take advantage of workforce development opportunities for their businesses.
Workforce @ Asia x Austin Partners
CLICK TO RSVP
A.I. @ Asia x Austin:
Current Trends & Applications
5:15 pm-6:45 pm - Demonstration Area
Will the U.S. take the lead vs. Asian markets in A.I.? What impacts will A.I. have on the geopolitical scene? Explore these questions and more with this session focused on the impacts, trends, and applications of Artificial Intelligence.
Join a robust panel of experts addressing current and pressing issues surrounding A.I., including practical applications for businesses and organizations looking for an innovative edge in their technological understandings.
Speakers and panelists include James Ong, co-author of AI for Humanity, Thom Singer, Storyteller and CEO of Austin Technology Council, and Andy Truscott, Global Health Technology Lead for Accenture.
This session is presented in partnership with Austin AI Lab, an initiative by International Accelerator, and the US India Chamber of Commerce Austin.
Panelists
James Ong
Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII)
Co-Author - AI For Humanity
Thom Singer
Austin Technology Council
THIS SESSION IS SOLD OUT
Asia x Austin After Dark:
An Asian Pop-Culture Extravaganza
6:30 pm-9 pm - Special Event Center
Immerse yourself in an Asian pop-culture experience at the Asia x Austin After Dark networking party!
What is Asian pop culture? What is the latest craze and who are the stars dazzling this universe?
Join us and feel the energy as writer and journalist Jeff Yang hosts a game show along with Greater Austin Comic Con with prizes, comic heroes, and fan-mania!
This session includes:
- Performances by ATX Korean Dance Crew (@atxkdc)
- Cool cosplayers from the Austin community – a fangirl/fanboy extravaganza
- Asian Pop Culture Game Show with Jeff Yang and Greater Austin Comic Con
- DJ sets with virtual idols Pixie and AR from I4L Creative Studio bringing the beats and setting the social vibe
- Interactive exhibits and booths
- A taste of Asia with some of Austin's local cultural organizations – see what you look like in an ao dai from Vietnam, transport yourself to the Philippines, stop by Little Seoul, and more!
- Networking opportunities to grow your business
- Free food and drinks from Coca-Cola and Tito’s Handmade Vodka while you enjoy the party!
Presenters, Performers & Partners
Jeff Yang
Author - The Golden Screen and RISE
Vo Nguyen
Greater Austin Comic Con
Pixie & AR
I4L Creative Studio
CLICK TO RSVP
GAACC Corporate Sponsors & Partners
The generous support of these sponsors and partners allows GAACC to continue delivering programs to members and to the public with the mission of Serving Local, Thinking Global, and Being Heard - and to support our members through advocacy, education, and connections.
THANK YOU!
710 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701 United States