2026 Program & Registration

Three days of programming in Los Angeles, October 22–24. Choose a day below to see the full schedule, speakers, and locations.

Each program has its own registration, so look for the registration button within each event.

Jump to all registration links ↓

2026 Gala & Summit at a glance

Thursday, Oct 22Women's Affinity Group Summit
WAG & CKA Member Reception
NetKAL 20 Year Reunion

Friday, Oct 23CKA Summit
NextGen Summit
CKA x ELOREA Reception

Saturday, Oct 24Community Run
Member Breakfast & Salon
KYCC Day of Service
2026 CKA Envision Gala

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Lunch

Gather with Women’s Affinity Group members for lunch and connection before the afternoon program.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Event

An afternoon of conversations, community building, and programming for members of the Women’s Affinity Group.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group & CKA Member Reception

Women’s Affinity Group participants and CKA members come together for an early evening reception.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

NetKAL 20 Year Reunion

Celebrate 20 years of NetKAL with an evening of reunion, reflection, and connection.

Locations, participation details, and additional information will be announced soon.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

FRIDAY PROGRAM OCTOBER 23

The morning and the closing reception are shared by all participants. From 10:45 AM to 5:00 PM, the CKA Summit and the NextGen Summit run separate programs. Each requires its own registration.

Shared program CKA Summit and NextGen Summit

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration & Networking BreakfastFairmont Century Plaza — Foyer

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Opening RemarksSummit Chairs: Michelle Rhyu, Jinhee Ahn Kim, Gloria Lee, and Lisa Yang

9:15 – 9:55 AM

LA Since 4.29: Memory & EvolutionModerator: Lisa Yang
Speakers: Angela Oh, Steve Kang, Rachel Kim

10:00 – 10:30 AM

Fireside Chat: Leadership in Higher EducationSpeaker: Beong-Soo Kim, President, University of Southern California
Moderator: Jaime Lee

10:30 – 10:45 AM

Networking BreakParticipants move to their Summit or NextGen program.

CKA Summit

10:45 AM – 5:00 PM · Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

$1,000 per person, or included with a sponsorship package.

Get Summit Tickets

10:45 – 11:25 AM

ElevAAte: Leadership in BiotechModerator: June Lee
Speakers: Julie Kim, Angie You

11:25 AM – 12:05 PM

Civic Engagement for EveryoneModerator: Yul Kwon
Speakers: Jihee Huh, Mark Keam

12:05 – 12:35 PM

Fireside Chat: Wellness & the C-SuiteSpeaker: David Ko

12:35 – 1:35 PM

Lunch & Networking

1:35 – 2:15 PM

AI: Future of WorkSpeakers: Christine Moon (BlueSpace.ai), Inhi Suh (Niantic Spatial), Ned Koh (Aaru), Kristie Chon-Flynn (Google)

2:15 – 2:55 PM

Entertainment & MediaSpeakers: Coming Soon

2:55 – 3:10 PM

Networking Break

3:10 – 3:50 PM

The Virtuous Cycle: AAPIs Investing in AAPIsSpeakers: Ho Nam, and more to be announced

3:50 – 4:30 PM

Generational ReflectionsModerator: Suzan Song
Speakers: Sue Song, Dr. Abraham Kim, Drake Roth

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Fireside Chat: Korean Americans in Sports & MediaSpeaker: Mina Kimes
Moderator: Gloria Lee

NextGen Summit

10:45 AM – 5:00 PM · Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

$50 per person. For students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Limited scholarships available through the Naeil Foundation.

10:45 – 10:50 AM

NextGen WelcomeMonica H. Kang

10:50 – 11:10 AM

Fireside Chat: L. Song RichardsonSpeaker: L. Song Richardson
Moderator: Collin Byun

11:10 – 11:45 AM

Roundtable Session 1Small-group discussions led by mentors. See roundtable tracks

11:45 AM – 12:10 PM

Fireside Chat: Ned KohSpeaker: Ned Koh
Moderator: Sandra Schubert

12:10 – 1:30 PM

NextGen Summit LunchLunch is at a nearby location. We'll walk over together.

1:35 – 2:15 PM

Entrepreneurship Panel: Rethinking FailureModerator: Michelle Kim
Speakers: David Choi, Senator Rocket, Jinhee Ahn Kim, Bryan Do

2:15 – 2:30 PM

Networking & Transition Break

2:30 – 3:30 PM

Roundtable Session 2A second round of mentor-led discussions. See roundtable tracks

3:30 – 4:30 PM

Interactive Skill-Building WorkshopDetails coming soon.

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Closing Fireside Chat: Julie KimSpeaker: Julie Kim, CEO, Takeda
Moderator: Monica H. Kang

Roundtable tracks and mentors

Careers in Law: Jennifer Chung, Jen Kim
Careers in Entrepreneurship: David Choi, Senator Rocket
Careers in Technology: Howard Ro
Global Careers & Working in Korea: Joo Seuk Maing
Mental Health & Wellness: KYCC (Koreatown Youth & Community Center)
Relationship Building & Networking: Michelle Kim
Civic Mindset and Public Leadership without Working in Government: Kenneth Kim
Pathways in National Security and Public Service: Rachel Kim
Careers in Healthcare: Isabella Park
Identity & Adoptee Experiences: Dan Matthews
Careers in Education: Jeff Kim
Careers in Innovation & Product Management: Sam Ha
How to Build Movements: Taeju Ko
Leadership & Career Strategy: Monica Kang

1:1 mentoring office hours

Book a 30-minute one-on-one session with a CKA member or Korean American leader for feedback on your career path. Slots are limited and first come, first served. Indicate your interest when you register.

Shared program CKA Summit and NextGen Summit

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Closing ReceptionFairmont Century Plaza. Summit and NextGen participants come together to close the day.

6:30 PM

Dinner On Your OwnWe encourage attendees to connect and make their own dinner plans this evening. No additional dinner options will be provided, so that everyone is free to choose where and with whom they'd like to spend the evening.

7:00 – 9:00 PM

CKA x ELOREA ReceptionELOREA Los Angeles, 3511 W 6th St, Tower (3rd Floor), KoreatownKeep the conversation and connections going at the CKA x ELOREA Reception at ELOREA Los Angeles in Koreatown! We will head over together directly following the program.Look forward to music, delicious bites provided by CKA, and bespoke beverages crafted after ELOREA’s signature scents. Plus, hear inspiring, brief remarks from Wonny Lee, Founder and CEO of ELOREA, and Mike Kim, CEO of ARIH.Come raise a glass with us as we celebrate our community.

Session descriptions and additional speakers will be announced soon.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

SATURDAY PROGRAM
OCTOBER 24

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

CKA × NoWhere Running Club Community Run
Meeting location to be announced

Start the day with a community run through Los Angeles. Open to all members of the CKA community.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

CKA Member Breakfast
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members are invited to gather for breakfast before the annual member programming begins.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

CKA Member Meeting
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members come together for organizational updates and a look ahead at the future of the community.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

CKA Member Salon — Round 1
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A member-focused conversation designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CKA Member Salon — Round 2
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A second round of facilitated conversations for CKA members.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

CKA Donor and Honorees Luncheon
The CKA Donor and Honorees Luncheon brings together our 2026 honorees and CKA’s most generous supporters for an intimate afternoon of connection and celebration ahead of the Envision Gala.

This event is by invitation only, extended to sponsors at the 2026 Platinum Level and above.

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

CKA × KYCC Community Day of Service: Clean Streets K-Town
Koreatown — Location to be announced

Join CKA and KYCC for a community volunteer event supporting the cleanup of Koreatown.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Gala Registration & Opening Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Check in and connect with fellow guests before the evening’s Gala program.

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

2026 CKA Envision Gala
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Ballroom

An evening celebrating Korean American leadership, community, and the stories shaping our collective future.

Get Gala Tickets

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Gala Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Continue the celebration with fellow guests following the Gala program.

9:45 PM – 1:00 AM

After Party
Location to be announced

Close out the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit with an evening of continued celebration and connection.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

PRE-PROGRAM
OCTOBER 22

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Lunch

Gather with Women’s Affinity Group members for lunch and connection before the afternoon program.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Event

An afternoon of conversations, community building, and programming for members of the Women’s Affinity Group.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group & CKA Member Reception

Women’s Affinity Group participants and CKA members come together for an early evening reception.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

NetKAL 20 Reunion Event

Celebrate 20 years of NetKAL with an evening of reunion, reflection, and connection.

Locations, participation details, and additional information will be announced soon.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

FRIDAY PROGRAM
OCTOBER 23

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Registration
Fairmont Century Plaza — Foyer

Check in, enjoy breakfast, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s programming begins.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Summit & NextGen Opening Sessions
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

A series of sessions bringing Summit and NextGen participants together for conversations, learning, and connection.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

NextGen participants will have lunch at another location nearby.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

CKA Summit
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

An afternoon of conversations, workshops, and programming featuring leaders from across the Korean American community.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

NextGen Summit
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

Programming for emerging leaders, including workshops, coaching sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Summit & NextGen Closing Session
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

Summit and NextGen participants reconvene for a shared closing session.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

CKA Summit Reception

Join fellow attendees for a reception at the hotel.

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

ELOREA Event

Open to those who would like to attend. In collaboration with ELOREA.

6:30 PM

Dinner On Your Own

We encourage attendees to connect and make their own dinner plans this evening. No additional dinner options will be provided, so that everyone is free to choose where and with whom they’d like to spend the evening.

Locations and additional details will be announced soon.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

SATURDAY PROGRAM
OCTOBER 24

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

CKA × NoWhere Running Club Community Run
Meeting location to be announced

Start the day with a community run through Los Angeles. Open to all members of the CKA community.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

CKA Member Breakfast
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members are invited to gather for breakfast before the annual member programming begins.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

CKA Member Meeting
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members come together for organizational updates and a look ahead at the future of the community.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

CKA Member Salon — Round 1
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A member-focused conversation designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CKA Member Salon — Round 2
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A second round of facilitated conversations for CKA members.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

This event is by invitation only, extended to sponsors at the 2026 Platinum Level and above.

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

CKA × KYCC Community Volunteer Event
Koreatown — Location to be announced

Join CKA and KYCC for a community volunteer event supporting the cleanup of Koreatown.

This event is being planned. Participation and registration details will be announced soon.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Gala Registration & Opening Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Check in and connect with fellow guests before the evening’s Gala program.

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

2026 CKA Envision Gala
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Ballroom

An evening celebrating Korean American leadership, community, and the stories shaping our collective future.

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Gala Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Continue the celebration with fellow guests following the Gala program.

9:45 PM – 1:00 AM

After Party
Location to be announced

Close out the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit with an evening of continued celebration and connection.

Explore Gala & Summit Events

Make the most of your 2026 Envision Gala & Summit experience. Explore related events and gatherings on CKA’s Luma calendar for event details, schedules, and registration.

View Events & Register

Register for Gala & Summit Events

Each event has its own registration. Choose the events you'd like to attend and register for each one below.

Thursday, Oct 22

2026 CKA Women's Affinity Group Summit

12:00 – 6:00 PM PDT

An afternoon of conversation and community building for Women's Affinity Group members.

NetKAL 20 Year Reunion

6:00 – 9:00 PM PDT

Celebrate 20 years of NetKAL with an evening of reunion, reflection, and connection.

Friday, Oct 23

2026 CKA Summit

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PDT · $1,000

A full day of panels and fireside chats with Korean American leaders. Included with sponsorship packages. Attending the Gala too? Choose the Summit & Gala Full Access ticket ($2,000).

Get Tickets

2026 CKA NextGen Summit

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PDT · $50

For students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Includes roundtables, 1:1 office hours, and the CKA x ELOREA Reception.

Saturday, Oct 24

CKA x NoWhere Running Club Community Run

6:30 – 7:30 AM PDT · Open to all

Start the day with a community run through Los Angeles.

2026 CKA Member Breakfast Meeting & Salon

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT · CKA members

Breakfast, the annual member meeting, and two rounds of member salon conversations.

CKA x KYCC Community Day of Service: Clean Streets K-Town

12:00 – 3:00 PM PDT · Koreatown

Join CKA and KYCC for a community cleanup in Koreatown.

2026 CKA Envision Gala

5:00 – 10:00 PM PDT · Fairmont Century Plaza · $1,500

Celebrate CKA's 15th anniversary and honor this year's Envision Award recipients. Summit & Gala Full Access is $2,000.

Get Tickets

All upcoming CKA activities

Have questions about the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit? Our team is here to help.