2026 "East Meets West" of Arkansas Lunar New Year Luncheon
2026 marks the Year of the Horse, symbolizing momentum, adventure, and success.
To mark the occasion, we're ringing in the Lunar New Year in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas! The "East Meets West" (EMW) of Arkansas Lunar New Year Luncheon is our largest annual in-person gathering, bringing together representatives of the business and Asian communities to enjoy festivities and showcase Arkansas-Asia ties.
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton - Hot Springs (Lake Hamilton Ballroom), 4813 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Early bird pricing is available until 5 p.m. CT on Friday, February 6. Become a member today to enjoy your membership rate!
Program
- Doors Open
- Registration & Check-in
- Networking Expo & Coffee Service
- Silent Auction Bidding (Mobile App Active)
- Welcome
- Sponsor Acknowledgments
- The "New Era Reveal" by Jayesh Ramnani, Executive Director, AAAB
- "Arkansas in the Global Market" — Keynote Address by Hugh McDonald, Secretary of Commerce of Arkansas
- "East Meets West" Trivia
- Lunch Buffet
- Remarks by Honorary Guest Longhua Xu, renowned artist and sculptor
- Chado — Japanese Tea Ceremony presented by The Tea Horse
- 2026 Business of the Year Award Ceremony
- Closing
Post-Event Program
Keep the festivities going with complimentary tours of Origami Sake or Longhua Xu's art studio. Stay tuned for more details!
Note: For visitors to Longhua Xu's studio, please be aware there are two flights of stairs to access the venue. Max capacity is 50 people.
"East Meets West" in the News
Arkadelphian.com (January 28, 2026)
Southwest Arkansas Today (January 25, 2026)
Staying in Hot Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (4813 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71913)
- Guests can reserve rooms at the discounted rate only by going to this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=HOTHSDT&arrivalDate=2026-02-20&departureDate=2026-02-22&room1NumAdults=1
- Prices shown include the discounted rate and do not include taxes. Room rates shown could change daily. Check in is 3:00 p.m. Check out is 12:00 p.m.
SunBay Resort (4810 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71913) (NO WEBSITE)
- $87.02 (includes taxes) - discounted rate
- The SunBay resort is directly across from the DoubleTree. Rooms are actually condos, which are split in half for rental.
- Sleeping rooms have two bedrooms and a bathroom. However, no coffee is available. (Coffee is available in the lobby.)
- To reserve, please call SunBay at 501-525-4691 to reserve rooms. Please tell them you are with the East Meets West event.
- Check in is 4:00 p.m. - check out is 10:00 a.m. There is a 24-hour cancellation notice required, otherwise guests will be charged for the room.