News & Announcements
Visit the VASCON4 blog for conference details, updates and tips!
April 2, 2008
April 2, 2008
March 27, 2008
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VASCON4 News & Announcements
Visit the VASCON4 blog for conference details, updates and tips!
- VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #4
- VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #3
- VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #2
- VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #1
- PRESS RELEASE: Vietnamese American Student Conference Plants Seeds in D.C.
- VASCON4 Registration Announcement
VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #4
April 2, 2008
GREETINGS!
We are approaching 2 DAYS until the start of VASCON4! This inaugural year in the nation’s capitol is exciting for us and we are eager to show you what we have in store! Read on for new updates and tidbits on what you need to know to maximize your VASCON experience. :)
VASCON BLOG
http://vasconlove.blogspot.com
Read all about it! Don’t miss out our spankin’ new blog. It’s packed with the latest updates and news on our programming such as trailers from the Viet Wave Film Festival and details on crazy DC weather (so please bring your umbrellas!). The best part about it, is that its driven by YOU. So go on, join in on the VASCON Love bug, er, blog! ;)
$5 FRIDAY LATE NIGHT GRUB
DINNER APRIL 5 | 9:30-MIDNIGHT (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING VASCON MIC)
VASCON4 and Georgetown's International Party (I-Party) are joining forces to provide with you a special $5 meal ticket. Gain access to get a taste of cuisines from all over the world! Make sure to mention this $5 deal at check-in/registration to secure your spot to grub with us!
YOUR SCHOOL AT VASCON4
East. West. North. South. Midwest. All united this weekend in ONE place. Yes, that’s right. We have bright and enthusiastic students coming nationally from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, to UNC, Duke, UCLA, University of Minnesota, and UT Austin - traversing thousands of miles to join together, dialogue, and take part in finding solutions to our community’s issues. If you haven’t already, register NOW for our only pass left, the VASCON4 "Fun Pass".
THE EXHIBITION
READY FOR NETWORKING APRIL 5 | 3-3:45PM
From Vietnamese American Television (VATV) to the Vietnamese Culture & Science Association (VCSA), we got it all in ONE place. Grab your resumes and business cards and join us for the ultimate networking experience to learn how you can get that job or internship you’ve been waiting for!
VOTING RIGHTS PROGRAM
THE EXHIBITION APRIL 5 | 3-3:45PM
Want to learn how you can work for America to prevent state and political subdivisions from denying a U.S. citizen’s right to vote? We shouldn’t let race, color, or limited English proficiency from exercising their right as a voter. Come learn about how you can serve your country and serve as a Federal Voting Right Observer.
SPONSORS
VASCON4 would not be a reality without the continued support from reliable community businesses, organizations, and kind individuals! Please click here to see our complete sponsor list.
VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #3
March 27, 2008
VASCON4 FINAL PROGRAM LINEUP
The program lineup is set. VASCON4 is proud to announce that we have well over twenty workshop speakers nation-wide, two world-renowned keynote speakers, an award-winning film festival, and an incredible entertainment lineup in addition to so much more! So what are you waiting for? REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 28TH. Get yours NOW at http://www.vasconlove.org/register/.
FEATURED SPEAKER: DUY LOAN LE, SENIOR FELLOW at TI
SPEAKING APRIL 4 | 7-8:30PM
Co Duy-Loan made TI's history by becoming the first woman and the first Asian American to get elected to the rank of TI Senior Fellow, a title held by only 4 other people at Texas Instruments. Co Duy-Loan holds 20 patents and 8 pending applications. She is also founder and on the Board of Directors for Sunflower Mission, a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of the people in Vietnam through educational assistance programs. It is an honor and pleasure to have such an inspirational, compassionate and recognized figure as co Duy Loan as our Keynote Speaker this year. Watch a touching clip of co Duy Loan accepting the “Women of Vision” Award.
CENTERPIECE FILM: “OWL AND THE SPARROW”
SCREENING APRIL 5 | 9-11AM
Directed by Stephane Gauger
A beautiful flight attendant looking for love. A lonely zookeeper hiding within his animal kingdom from a changing society. A little orphan girl selling roses on the streets who relies on the kindness of strangers to survive. It’s modern-day Saigon, where 8 million people are just trying to keep up the pace. The young runaway will play matchmaker to these lonely hearts in the hopes of forming a family of her own. Released in March 2007 at the San Francisco Asian American International Film Festival, it won the "Best Narrative Feature." We are proud to announce that award-winning Director Stephane Gauger will be in attendance at the screening and the “Viet Film Wave” Panel. See the beautiful trailer here.
BEACON OF LIGHT AWARD:
DR. NGUYEN NGOC BICH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF VIETNAMESE AMERICANS
SPEAKING APRIL 5 | 7-8:00PM
At the heart of a viable community lie dedicated individuals who commit their entire lives to fostering growth and setting a solid foundation for the leaders of tomorrow. We call them a “Beacon of Light”. This year, VASCON is recognizing Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich as the Beacon of Light Award recipient for his contributions towards advancing education on Vietnamese American history, culture, and civilization. We encourage you to attend the VASCON Closing Night Gala to hear Dr. Bich’s message to you, the future of Vietnamese America.
VUDOO SOUL & KRISTINE SA
HEADLINING VASCON MIC
PERFORMING APRIL 4 | 8:30-9:30PM
Join VASCON in cheering on your peers as they take the stage and show off their skills, headlined by highly acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter, VUDOO SOUL, and Pop/Indie sensation, KRISTINE SA. All proceeds will be going to the Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscious Empowerment (VOICE) to promote their campaign to set up a resource center in Cambodia to empower and equip women and children victimized through human trafficking and sex slavery.
THE EXHIBITION
READY FOR NETWORKING APRIL 5 | 3-3:45PM
Looking for opportunities with non-profit organizations, activist groups, student and professional alliances, media networks, scholarship funds? Look no further. An wide array of organizations and community leaders will be present to not only share their core mission and values, but to also network and create opportunities for the student attendees of the conference. Get your resumes and business cards ready!
ROOMMATE, LODGING, AND TRAVEL ACCOMODATIONS
CONTACT: JOHN TING, REGISTRATION DIRECTOR, vascon.reg@gmail.com
VASCON is committed to ensuring that you have everything you need to know prior to and during your stay in Washington, DC. Since we’re taking care of your hotel bookings from April 3-5th at the Georgetown University Marriott Hotel, we want to ensure that every aspect of your trip to VASCON is enjoyable. Let us take care of you—contact our Registration Director, John Ting at vascon.reg@gmail.com to verify your roommates and the exact nights you are staying.
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE
Spring has arrived in Washington, D.C.! We recommend that VASCON attendees wear business casual attire throughout the conference, and semi-formal attire Saturday evening. That’s right, folks-- dress to impress. But avoid the black, and let there be color! Spring colors, please. :)
VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #2
MARCH 19, 2008
GREETINGS!
In efforts to benefit and fundraise for the Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscious Empowerment (VOICE) , a 501(c)3 human rights non-profit organization, VASCON has decided to add an ALL-NEW segment to our program lineup.
Introducing...
Raise Your VOICE with VASCON MIC!
APPLY FOR VASCON MIC
This hour-long segment on Friday, April 4, 2008 from 8:30 to 9:30PM will feature talent from YOU. Yes, that's right, we're inviting you to apply to perform to over 200 conference attendees. If you've been looking for a platform to showcase your talent and skills, VASCON MIC is the place for you!
LODGING
The VASCON4 Board is here to ensure that your trip to Washington, DC goes smoothly. As a reminder, hotel rates at the Georgetown University Marriott Conference and Hotel is $139/night for a single and double room ONLY from Thusrday, April 3, 2008 to Saturday, April 5, 2008. After Sunday, these special rates will no longer be valid. We do have alternative lodging options for those of you who choose to extend your stay in the nation's capitol.
Please contact our Registration Director, John Ting at vascon.reg@gmail.com and he'd be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.
VASCON4 NEWSLETTER #1
March 11, 2008
GREETINGS!
We are approaching less than one month until the launch of VASCON4 on the historic campus grounds of Georgetown University. With our inaugural year in the nation's capitol, the VASCON4 board is excited about all-new additions exclusive to this year's program line-up. Read on for further details about conference highlights!
PLANTING SEEDS
With this year's theme, "Planting Seeds" we believe that change must start with the individual. By starting with one person, we can then take strides to make change in our communities, at home and abroad. Our workshops will not only educate and increase awareness about the most pertinent domestic and international issues, but will also equip participants with the necessary tools to nurture the growth of their own seeds of change once they return to their local communities.
ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN
You voted. We listened. The results are in and we are proud to announce that the issue for the Advocacy Campaign unique to this year's conference will center around gangs and youth violence in the Vietnamese American community. Join us at VASCON4 to learn how you can become an advocate on an issue that calls for our attention and help.
BEACON OF LIGHT AWARD
The Beacon of Light Award recognizes individuals who share the VASCON mission of advancing the Vietnamese American community. This year's recipient, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich has dedicated his life to educating college undergraduates on Vietnamese literature, culture and civilization. He was the former Director of the Vietnamese Service at Radio Free Asia (RFA) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA).
FILM FESTIVAL
The Viet Film Wave is here. And it's taking over VASCON4. VASCON will be the first student conference to showcase such award-winning films as "Dust of Life" (Bui Doi), "Oh Saigon" and "Owl and the Sparrow", all set to be released later this year in theater/television. The filmmakers, including Ham Tran of "Journey from the Fall" fame, will be in attendance for the Viet Film Wave Panel. While Film Festival passes generally cost hundreds of dollars, VASCON4 attendees will be able to enjoy the festivities for FREE.
Khong co chi. ;)
SERIOUSLY "HEART" TOUR KICKS OFF AT VASCON LIVE
Another all time first. VASCON4 is proud to present, under one roof, amazing powerhouses such as LA-based KOLLABORATION winner "Seriously" who will be using VASCON LIVE to kick off its nationwide "HEART" Tour, in search of potential marrow donors via the Cammie Lee Foundation. Other performers include New York transplants Magnetic North, Applesauce and Nam Ninja from Orange County, local favorite Carol Bui, and Youtube sensation Cathy Ho.
VASCON MIC
What about the aspiring artists who don't yet have managers and tours under their belt? Well, VASCON4 thought of you too. VASCON4 will hold an open mic night on Friday, coffee-shop style, and it's all yours. Watch or participate as first-timers and old-timers get together and make good music, beats, sounds. The world is a stage, and you are the player we're looking for. Inquire with Pha-Le at vascon.comm@gmail.com to claim a spot.
CONTACT:
Pha-Le Le
Communications Director
301.905.2380
vascon.comm@gmail.com
www.vasconlove.org
Vietnamese American Student Conference Plants Seeds in D.C.
Fourth Annual Vietnamese American Student Conference (VASCON) Launches in East Coast and Unveils Strongest Program Lineup since Inception
WASHINGTON, DC (March 8, 2008) – The national Vietnamese American Student Conference (VASCON) has unleashed its astounding lineup of keynote speakers, workshop topics, and performers to take place on the historic grounds of Georgetown University in Washington, DC from April 4-6th, 2008. As stated on its official website, VASCON seeks to share and showcase the “beating heart and soul” of Vietnamese America.
With a selection of over twenty workshop topics tied to the theme of “Planting Seeds”, attendees consisting of college undergraduates and young professionals from around the nation will have the chance to engage in dialogue about domestic issues such as the recent murder of four children by their desperate father in Alabama, the US and Vietnam repatriation act that could potentially result in the deportation of over 1,500 undocumented persons, to international issues such as the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa island dispute with China in Vietnam (Spratly Islands) and understanding the causes of labor exploitation and human trafficking conditions of Vietnamese migrant workers.
“This looks to be a very impressive conference” says Newton Hoang, a community worker from the Broadway Youth Resource Center in Vancouver. “I don’t think I’ve seen a better lineup of workshops.”
This year, Duy-Loan Le from Texas instruments (TI) will be one of two renowned keynote speakers. Mrs. Le is the first woman and Asian American to hold the Senior Fellow rank at TI and has overcome and traversed many adversities since her arrival to America in 1975. Adrian Hong, the other keynote speaker, is the Executive Director of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), a non-profit organization founded at KASCON (Korean American Student Conference). Mr. Hong served as Executive Director of KASCON18 and helped found VASCON while a student at Yale University.
In addition to shedding light onto pertinent issues of the Vietnamese American community, VASCON will host the highly-anticipated VASCON LIVE, a concert that brings together a multitude of feature artists from across the nation. There will also be an “open mic” the night before to serve as a platform for aspiring artists to perform in front of a national audience.
Bao Phi, a frequent VASCON performer, recalls his past performance at VASCON LIVE. “[VASCON LIVE] was truly amazing, in terms of the audience and the fellow artists who hit the stage, you could not believe the energy and love in that room,” he writes in the liner notes of his album Refugeography. “So many raucous Asians, most of them Vietnamese, full of spirit and pride and laughter and love - it was one of those nights that made everything seem perfect.”
Seriously, an emerging pop band from Orange County, CA will be kicking off the start of their “HEART” tour at VASCON. Local favorite Carol Bui Band is also expected to blow crowds away with her eccentric flavor with such influences as Madonna, Stevie Nicks and Khanh Ly. Other acts include Applesauce Tran, Nam Ninja, and Magnetic North, among other local talents.
VASCON pushes the envelope this year to include the emergence of the Vietnamese film wave, aka “Viet Film Wave”, catching like wildfire across the globe. While offering exclusive screenings such as “Owl and the Sparrow”, “Dust of Life”, and “Oh, Saigon”, VASCON will also host a panel with the films’ very own globe-trotting filmmakers, including Stephane Gauger, Jenni Trang Le, and Ham Tran, to personally dialogue with attendees about the past, present and future of film within the Vietnamese American community.
Sponsors of VASCON4 include: Beyond Bouquets, Boat People SOS, Catholic University of America, Chaos Theory Music, Lee’s Sandwiches, National Congress of Vietnamese Americans, SBTN, Storyline Designs | Events by Kym Pham, VATV, and the Vietnamese Professional Society, Wells Fargo, alongside other small businesses, private donors, and community organizations. VASCON would not be possible without the help of such generous sponsors and friends.
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VASCON is an annual conference co-founded in 2004 by students at UT Austin and Yale University, which has since gathered over 1,000 students and young professionals to engage in open dialogue about the state of Vietnamese America with distinguished guests from a spectrum of disciplines.
# # #
For further information, or to schedule an interview, please contact VASCON4 Communications Director Pha-Le Le via phone at 301.905.2380 or via email at vascon.comm@gmail.com. Visit the website at: www.vasconlove.org for conference information. Online registration ends March 28th.
VASCON4 Registration Announcement
March 2, 2008
LATE REGISTRATION FEE WAIVED
Great news everyone! Thanks to a few very kind sponsors, the late registration fee is now WAIVED! That means you can still purchase your All-Access Pass (our most popular one) at $80 until online registration ends! Please click here for more info on the other passes.
LODGING
For current registrants who need roommates or have questions, please visit "VASCON Lodging" at: http://utexas.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8996656863
HEAR FROM US
Don't forget to bookmark our newly launched website: www.vasconlove.org. And make sure to sign up at vascon_updates@googlegroups.com to receive the exciting VASCON4 Newsletters!
AND THE WINNER IS...
Finally, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Alex Le from Washington, DC for being selected as the winner of the Survey raffle and receiving a complimentary All-Access Pass from the VASCON4 Board! Thanks to everyone's votes, the VASCON4 Advocacy Campaign will center around gangs and youth violence in the Vietnamese American community.
VASCON LOVE,
John Ting
VASCON4
Registration Director
(972) 877-2143
vascon.reg@gmail.com