Overview 

This commemorative event, 50 Years of Little Saigon, was presented by the OCIE SBDC Network and the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), in partnership with the cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Westminster, and local chambers of commerce. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with policymakers, business trailblazers, chamber executives, and key resource providers—fostering connections that inspire collaboration and drive lasting impact.

The event program featured two defining themes:

From Refugee to Legacy

Paying tribute to the first-generation Vietnamese refugees who transformed adversity into opportunity. Their resilience and entrepreneurial drive laid the foundation for what would become a thriving economic hub. From humble storefronts to multi-generational enterprises, this segment will reflect on the past 50 years of perseverance, growth, and cultural pride that continue to define the heart of Little Saigon.

Legacy and Beyond

The next chapter of Little Saigon’s story will be shaped by the voices of those who built it. Community and business leaders will come together to share generational journeys—celebrating milestones while paving the way for a new era of Vietnamese American leadership. Through open dialogue and shared experience, they will outline ways to support young entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to thrive. This discussion will reinforce the power of unity, tradition, and vision in building a vibrant and inclusive future.

Approach

ArrowGTP provided comprehensive event planning, management, and coordination services for the full-day program at Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove. Pre-event services included: planning, branding, PR, marketing, creative design, website creation, registration, etc.  End-to-end logistics management performed for most aspects of the event on the day of. Our team was responsible for overseeing most tasks from vendor management and on-site setup to ensuring the smooth flow of the schedule, which featured a business resource expo, breakout workshops, multiple panel discussions, and a food tasting event.  We ensured a seamless experience for all participants and stakeholders.

Results

A Cultural Oasis Transformed

Our efforts transformed the entire venue into a vibrant cultural oasis, celebrating Vietnamese American heritage. We successfully brought together six collaborating entities, resulting in an attendance of over 800 guests.

Event Highlights & Results

This large-scale event featured a diverse range of attractions, including a “Flavors of Little Saigon” food tasting with 16 local restaurants, a business resource expo with 24 sponsor and partner tables, and captivating performances from three cultural performing groups. Additionally, attendees could explore over 20 historical exhibits, creating a rich and immersive experience for all.

Event Highlights

★ Free Admission with Registration & $5 Parking

★ Complimentary Vietnamese Cuisine & Cash Bar

★ Light Refreshments by Great Wolf Lodge

★ Cultural Performances

★ Business Workshops & Resource Fair

★ Discussion & Story-Telling Panels