WELCOME TO THE LEADERSHIP CONVENTION 2025 SPACE MAKER COMMUNITY
Together, we will create purposeful connections through extraordinary experiences
Imagine a world where every space we inhabit reflects our shared values, dreams, and identities. We invite you to join us as a Space Maker for the 2025 Leadership Convention in Kansas City, where we will come together to build environments that inspire and empower. This is your chance to be inspired by and collaborate with like-minded visionaries, to co-create spaces that resonate with authenticity and purpose. Let’s transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, crafting places where everyone can thrive and belong. Your voice, your ideas, and your passion are essential in this journey. Together, let’s redefine what it means to lead and shape the world around us. Join us, and let’s build these spaces—by us, for us, and with us.
“This was my first experience with NAAAP and I’m truly at a loss for words to describe the weekend. I had no idea what to expect, but I promise you this experience transcended anything I could have possibly imagined.” – 2019 Convention Attendee
We Will Empower. The LC25 Manifesto emblem design powerfully captures the bold and dynamic spirit of our event materials. Featuring a vibrant color palette with bright hues like saffron, teal, chartreuse, coral, and turmeric, this striking visual language uses color blocking and geometric shapes to embody community, empowerment, and diversity. Its vertical design symbolizes generational growth, boldly illustrating the creation and ownership of spaces by Asian professionals. This emblem is not just a design; it represents a commitment to breaking boundaries and fostering inclusive environments for all.
From the Heart
“What you might not know about Kansas City is just how cool it really is!” – Conde Nast Traveler
Kansas City, with its blend of accessibility, vibrant culture, and state-of-the-art facilities, is the perfect location for the 2025 Leadership Convention by NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals). Centrally located, it offers easy access for attendees nationwide, with Kansas City International Airport providing numerous direct flights. The city’s rich history of innovation and community spirit aligns seamlessly with our convention’s theme of creating inclusive and transformative spaces. Kansas City’s renowned hospitality, diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of cuisines to tantalize your taste buds, and dynamic arts and entertainment options ensure a memorable experience. From its world-class performing arts center to its welcoming atmosphere, Kansas City is the ideal backdrop for our journey of inspiration and empowerment.
Kansas City Awaits:
Save the Date: 2025 Leadership Convention
It’s official! The 2025 NAAAP Leadership Convention will be held August 14-16, 2025, at the magnificent Loews Hotel Kansas City.
This year’s theme, “Spaces: By Us, For Us, With Us,” is a celebration of our collective strength and unity. There’s no better place to experience this than in Kansas City, a city known for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and warm Midwest hospitality.
Our venue, Loews Hotel Kansas City, is a beacon of luxury and accessibility located in the heart of the city. Attendees will enjoy:
• Contemporary luxury paired with Midwest charm
• Prime location steps from Kansas City’s Power & Light District
• State-of-the-art conference spaces designed for innovation
• Exceptional dining and relaxation amenities
Registration opens in Spring 2025—stay tuned for updates. Together, we’ll create spaces that empower and uplift. Save the date and get ready for a convention you won’t want to miss!
Now Accepting Speaker Submissions for LC25
We seek speakers who will inspire our audience to become way finders, trailblazers, and mapmakers for generations to come. Open opportunities include keynote presentations, panel participants and moderators, workshop facilitators, performing artists, masterclass educators, and intersectional strategists for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Although this Leadership Convention is hosted by an org for API, we are proud that our audience is comprised of non-API attendees and allies.
Esteemed Speakers
George Takei at LC 2023 in Boston
Mayor Michelle Wu at LC 2023 in Boston
Simon Tam at LC 2019 in Kansas City
Throughout the gathering, we’ll have the privilege of hearing from esteemed speakers who have not only traversed their paths but have also been instrumental in shaping transformative spaces for others.
Their insights will serve as beacons, guiding us in our quest to redefine leadership and carve out spaces that resonate with authenticity and purpose.
- Corporate Leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Storytellers
- ERG/BRG Leaders
- DEI Leaders & Practitioners
- Inspirational Speakers
- Sports Champions
- Fashion & Beauty
- Technology
- Engineering
- Science & Medicine
- Design & Architecture
- Academia & Education
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Military & Veterans Services
- Finance
- Non-Profit & Community Leaders
- Government & Civic Leadership
- Health & Wellness
- Equity & Social Justice
Speaker submissions for LC25 are now open!
“When we take up space in the world, we occupy a physical and psychological territory. Our bodies fill the area, and our presence is felt.” – Imi Lo, Eggshell Therapy & Coaching
Sponsor Collaborations
LC25 PODCAST
12 Episode Series
- Topics/Themes featured at LC25
- Guests to include confirmed speakers
- Sponsor panel discussion around LC25 topic
- Early sponsors invited to co-create series
- Series sponsorship available as an add-on
- Series sponsorship includes brand recognition
ERG 4+1 VIRTUAL WEBINAR SERIES
4 ERG/BRG Focused Webinars – 1 In-Person
- Topics/Themes featured at LC25
- Guests to include confirmed speakers
- Guests to include early sponsors
- Sponsors panel discussion around LC25 topic
- Early sponsors invited to co-create series
- Series sponsorship available as an add-on
- Series sponsorship includes brand recognition
SITE-SPECIFIC LC25 TRACKS/SESSIONS
Exclusive Off-Site Immersive Experiences
- VIP Experiences with Local Flavor
- Exclusive Limited Seating Available to LC25
- Space Maker Sponsors get first opportunity
- Space Maker general attendee second opp.
- Event/Series sponsorship available as add-on
- Sponsorship includes brand recognition
We are happy to set up a discovery meeting with your company to discuss sponsorship levels and programs that fit your interests.
NAAAP Awards
NAAAP100
In 2008, NAAAP established the NAAAP100 Awards to recognize exemplary leaders in the Asian community who have made significant contributions to their profession and the Asian community.
NAAAP INSPIRE
In 2016, NAAAP established a parallel program to recognize promising up-and-coming leaders in the Asian community. Like NAAAP100 honorees, NAAAP Inspire honorees have created significant impact through their roles in various sectors such as business, government, or nonprofit.
NAAAP PRIDE
In 2019, the NAAAP Pride award was created to honor influential leaders in the Asian American LGBTQ+ community who have made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ leadership, equality, and visibility.
NAAAP ERG VANGUARD
In 2025, NAAAP is introducing the ERG Vanguard Award to honor influential and innovative ERG/BRG leaders in the API community.
Nominations for all awards open September of 2024
Transformative Journey
Embark on a transformative journey with SPACES—a vibrant tapestry of ideas, cultures, and visions that converge to shape the future of inclusivity and leadership. This is more than an event; it’s a movement towards a world where every professional, regardless of their background, has the space to thrive and lead with authenticity.
Join us at the 2025 Leadership Convention, presented by The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). From August 14-16, 2025, Kansas City will become a hub of innovation, inspiration, and connection.
What to expect at LC25
Dynamic Keynotes & Workshops:
Dive into sessions that challenge the status quo, foster ERG inclusion, and empower you with actionable insights.
Diversity & Inclusion Career Fair:
Discover a realm of opportunities where your unique skills are celebrated and sought after.
Networking & Cultural Receptions:
Engage with a diverse communityof thought leaders, change-makers,and peers who share your passionfor progress.
Off-Site Adventures & Socials:
Experience the heart of Kansas City through curated sessions that blend fun, culture, and camaraderie.
Gala & Awards Celebration:
Cap off the convention with a night of recognition, celebration, and unforgettable memories.
Architects of Hope
In 2025, we will issue a clarion call to action to reclaim our spaces,
hold them sacred, and build anew. This will be a moment of reckoning
to recognize our inherent worthiness and seize the reins of our own destiny.
Embark with us on self-discovery, empowerment, and collective transformation.
Together, let us redefine what it means to lead, inspire, and shape the world.
The space is ready. The table has been set.
Who are you bringing to the table?
How many seats are you able to hold for others?
The time for transformation is now.
By Us, For Us, With Us
Don’t miss this chance to be
part of a collective renaissance
that’s redefining leadership.
Secure your spot at the
2025 Leadership Convention—
where your presence is the
catalyst for change.
By joining us as a space maker, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits:
- Sponsorship opportunities to co-create sessions
- Opportunities to join the LC25 team and build with us
- First to know about new developments in the LC25 experience
- Early access to special pricing & hotel availability
- Early access to Gala & Awards Ceremony (seating will be limited)
- Early access to limited seating site-specific events
- First to know about Track/Session announcements
- Early announcement of Keynote Speakers
- Prizes and discounts for engagement and support of LC25
Leadership Convention Resources
