About VASCON4

THEME: “PLANTING SEEDS”

The 4th annual VASCON (the national Vietnamese American Student Conference) hopes to plant seeds in D.C. and the community at large, by urging its participants to take their new-found knowledge and rejuvenated spirits back to their local communities and plant their own seeds of change. Planting seeds at home or abroad, the issues will take on new life as they become exposed to the energy of our community, and together we hope to contribute to and continue the cycle of a quickly blossoming student activist movement.

ALWAYS: “VASCON LOVE”

Since our inception in 2004, VASCON (the national annual Vietnamese American Student Conference) has introduced over 1,000 students and young professionals to a plethora of pressing issues, distinguished speakers, and talented artists within the Vietnamese American community. In partnership with community organizations and other ethnic student conferences nationwide, VASCON has become an exciting and inspirational annual event showcasing the beating heart and soul of the future of Vietnamese America, while maintaining an intimacy unique to VASCON. Lots of love packed in those 3 days. That is, VASCON love.

MISSION & VISION

VASCON provides you with the chance to dialogue with prominent speakers and explore pressing issues confronting the Vietnamese American community, to take part in the solution, to discover talent and passion across numerous fields, from human rights activism to the film industry, all the while celebrating the accomplishments and ambition of our beautiful, resilient community.

But the best part of the conference… is you.

A QUICK LOOK…

At Recent Distinguished Guests

• Highly-acclaimed speakers such as filmmaker Ham Tran (Journey from the Fall), writer Anh Dao Le Do (Nha Magazine), activist Tammy Tran (VietACT), entrepreneur Ryan Hubris (The Vietnamese American National Gala), and Duy Hoang (World Bank)
• Established community organizations such as Boat People SOS, UVSA SoCal, Hope Initiative, ImaginAsian, and the Blind Project
• Performers like American Idol sensation Vudoo Soul, poet Bao Phi, hip hop duo Magnetic North, the Silk Mangos comedy troupe, and martial artists Flying Monkey
• Among many, many other inspirational guests…

At Past and Current Participating Schools

American University Angelo State University Baylor University Columbia University De Anza College Dickinson College Duke University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Harvard University Loyola University New Orleans MIT Northwestern University Oklahoma State University Rice University San Jose State University Stanford University Texas A&M University Tulane University University of Maryland CP

UC Berkeley UC Irvine UC Los Angeles UC San Diego University of Central Florida University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Houston University of Missouri University of New Orleans University of North Carolina University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Pennsylvania University of Virginia UT Arlington UT Austin UT Dallas Virginia Commonwealth University Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University Wichita State University Among a long list of others…!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About VASCON

What is VASCON?

VASCON provides you with the chance to dialogue with prominent speakers and explore pressing issues confronting the Vietnamese American community, to take part in the solution, to discover talent and passion across numerous fields, from human rights activism to the film industry, all the while celebrating the accomplishments and ambition of our beautiful, resilient community. But the best part of the conference… is you.

About YOU

Who participates?

Though the conference is primarily targeted at undergraduate and graduate students, we welcome anyone with an interest in the Vietnamese American community. High school students and young professionals are fully encouraged to attend.

Do I have to be Vietnamese to attend?

Absolutely not. We welcome everyone with open arms!

How can I help?

Write to us at ask.vascon@gmail.com and we will surely find something for you to help us with!

About Registration

When should I register?

The earlier you register, the more money you save. Please see Registration for specific deadlines.

Can I register on site?

Not at this time. However, if that is the only method that works for you, feel free to inquire at vascon.reg@gmail.com to see how we can best accommodate you.

What do I get for registering?

Depending on the package you select (“All-Access” or “Workshop”/”HS” pass), you will receive as much as admission to all General Sessions, Keynote Address, Advocacy Campaign, Workshop, Film Festival, Closing Night Gala, VASCON LIVE Concert, After-Hours, and a VASCON4 goodie bag.

About the Day Of

When should I arrive and depart?

For an optimal experience, plan to arrive Thursday night and leave Sunday evening. If your schedule is tight, we will welcome you anytime you can be present. If you need a letter to show that you were at VASCON4, please inquire at vascon.executive@gmail.com for one.

How should I get there?

We highly recommend that all attendees fly into Reagan International (DCA) Airport. We suggest taking taxis or a shuttle bus to arrive at the Marriott safely. Once you arrive at the hotel, there will be volunteers ready to help and direct you. If you have further questions or requests about transportation, please inquire at vascon.reg@gmail.com.

What meals will be provided?

Only the “All-Access” Pass includes the beautiful VASCON4 Closing Night Gala dinner.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring sufficient change of clothes, toiletries, ID, enough business cards to exchange with our distinguished guests and participants, camera, mobile phone, chargers, note-taking material, money for meals and souvenirs, and, of course, an open mind and positive attitude!

How should I dress?

Please bring business casual attire for the Sessions & Workshops, semi-formal wear for the Closing Night Gala, and active/dance wear for After-Hours events. Also, if you plan on exploring DC with us, bring some comfortable clothes and shoes to walk around in!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTACT US

Ask.vascon@gmail.com