Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Asian American Expo is the largest Lunar New Year celebration in America, taking place on January 16-17, 2027 at Fairplex in Pomona, California.
This vibrant event showcases the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities through food, performances, and a marketplace featuring over 1,400 vendors.
Asian American Expo takes place in Pomona, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Asian American Expo takes place on January 16-17, 2027 at Fairplex, Pomona, CA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is the largest Lunar New Year celebration in America, featuring over 1,400 vendors and 52+ performances.
- 3Organiser: The expo has been running since 1982, showcasing Asian American culture and traditions.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attracting over 100,000 attendees, it serves families and cultural enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online and at the door, with kids under 3 admitted free.
Why visit
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities through a diverse range of performances and culinary delights. With over 1,400 vendors, visitors can shop for unique products and enjoy delicious food from various Asian cuisines. The expo offers a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Asian American Expo provides access to over 100,000 attendees, offering a unique opportunity to showcase products and services to a diverse audience. Vendors can connect with potential customers, increase brand visibility, and participate in a vibrant cultural celebration. The event's extensive marketing reach ensures that exhibitors gain significant exposure and can engage with a community eager to explore Asian American culture.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Families and multigenerational households celebrating Lunar New Year in Southern California
Food-focused visitors seeking regional Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai dishes
Asian-American community members shopping for groceries, snacks, beauty products and cultural goods
Boba tea, dessert and street-food fans comparing vendors in one venue
Shoppers looking for Lunar New Year decor, red envelopes, lanterns and traditional clothing
Small-business owners and independent grocers sourcing Asian food and lifestyle products
Cultural enthusiasts attending performances, cooking demonstrations and heritage showcases
Travelers planning Asia trips who want destination inspiration and community connections
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Restaurants and street-food stalls representing Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai cuisines
Boba tea, bakery and dessert brands sampling drinks and sweets to consumer crowds
Asian grocery, snack and beverage importers or distributors selling packaged goods
K-beauty, J-beauty and wellness brands demonstrating skincare and personal-care lines
Artisans and traders in hanfu, qipao, ao dai, jewelry and Lunar New Year decor
Homeware, stationery, toy and gift vendors with culturally themed merchandise
Travel agencies, remittance and services providers, and community organizations serving Asian-American audiences
Performance groups, cultural schools and entertainment companies booking stage time
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Regional Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai prepared foods
Dim sum, dumplings, noodles, hot pot, barbecue and street-food snacks
Boba tea, fruit teas, desserts, bakeries and packaged sweets
Asian groceries, sauces, condiments, instant noodles and frozen specialties
K-beauty, J-beauty, skincare, cosmetics and wellness products
Traditional clothing including hanfu, qipao, ao dai and festival accessories
Lunar New Year decor, red envelopes, lanterns, couplets and tabletop gifts
Housewares, ceramics, cookware and home organization goods
Jewelry, accessories, art prints and handmade crafts
Toys, stationery, collectibles and pop-culture merchandise
Travel services, financial and remittance services, and community resources
Location & Facilities
Venue
Fairplex
Pomona, United States
Facilities
Parking
Fairplex in Pomona typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Fairplex in Pomona typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Fairplex for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
the Jade Emperor in which the animals crossed a rapid river using their distinct clevernes
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Pomona, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-01-16 to 2027-01-17, Asian American Expo in Pomona covering Asian food and beverages from various regions, Cultural crafts and artisan goods, Beauty and wellness products, Traditio gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
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Automation and labour efficiency
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Regional supply-chain resilience
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Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center
4-star
Fairplex / Pomona fairgrounds1.1 km from Asian American Expo to venueUSD 175–220 / night
Closest listed full-service hotel to the Fairplex campus; rate band is approximate and should be confirmed for the exact event dates.
Travelodge by Wyndham Fairplex Pomona
2-star
Fairplex / Pomona fairgrounds1.2 km from Asian American Expo to venueUSD 175–236 / night
Budget property within walking or short rideshare distance of the venue; confirm room type and event-weekend rate.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona
3-star
Pomona4.9 km from Asian American Expo to venueUSD 115–145 / night
Midscale option with free breakfast; the rate band is approximate and excludes taxes and incidentals.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport
3-star
Ontario AirportUSD 115–145 / night
Airport-area option near ONT; Google Hotels listed a deal of about 24% less than usual at capture time. Confirm live rate and transfer time to Fairplex.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-18 (short 1.4-mile trip; app or meter)
Best forLa Verne to Fairplex
About 4 minutes and 1.4 miles via Fairplex Dr per Google Maps; confirm live app fare and pickup point.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-28 (4.6-4.8-mile trip; app or meter)
Best forPomona hotels along W Foothill Blvd to Fairplex
About 12 minutes via W Foothill Blvd or W Bonita Ave; traffic and event surges can raise the fare.
Bus / rail (LA Metro)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-6 single journey (contactless); confirm current Metro fare
Best forPomona and La Verne area to Fairplex district
Use the LA Metro trip planner or Moovit for bus and rail connections; a short walk or rideshare may be needed for the last mile.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forLa Verne to Fairplex
About 37 minutes over 1.7 miles via E St per Google Maps; not ideal with heavy bags or in rain.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-60 (estimate; confirm meter or app)
Best forOntario International Airport (ONT) to Fairplex
ONT is the closest major airport to Pomona; confirm the pickup zone and allow for traffic.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 80-130 (estimate; confirm meter or app)
Best forLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Fairplex
LAX is farther from Pomona; allow extra time and compare shared shuttle or LA Metro options.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per vehicle per day (estimate; confirm event rate)
Best forFairplex on-site parking
Use official Fairplex lots and check the event page for prepaid parking or gate changes.
Weather
January is mild and usually dry in Pomona, with daytime highs around 20 C (68 F) and nights near 7 C (45 F). Occasional winter rain is possible, so check the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use 4G and 5G; an eSIM is a convenient option for international visitors. Venue Wi-Fi may be available but public-event networks can be congested. Power is 120 V, 60 Hz with Type A or B plugs, so bring a travel adapter for non-U.S. devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Lunar New Year timing
The expo overlaps the Lunar New Year season, so expect red and gold decor, lion dances and family reunions. Greet vendors and performers warmly, and ask before photographing people or stalls.
Cash and cards
Many vendors accept cards, but small food stalls may prefer cash. Carry small bills for snacks, samples and quick purchases.
Food queues
Popular food stalls can draw long lines at lunch. Decide what you want before reaching the counter and have payment ready to keep the queue moving.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in U.S. restaurants and for table service, while counter-service and food-truck tips are optional. Check whether a service charge is already included.
Language
English is the main language for event services, and Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian languages are commonly heard among vendors and visitors.
Walking and venue scale
Fairplex is a large fairground. Wear comfortable shoes, allow walking time between halls and carry water on warm afternoons.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights capture for New York JFK to Los Angeles LAX on 16 January 2027 returned 26 results, with nonstop options around 6 hr 15 min to 6 hr 20 min and price insights flagging fares as currently high. Compare LAX with Ontario (ONT), which is closer to Fairplex. Fares shown at capture time are indicative only and include taxes and required fees for one adult; book early and confirm baggage rules.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Pomona; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Fairplex: Fairplex / Pomona fairgrounds: Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center; Fairplex / Pomona fairgrounds: Travelodge by Wyndham Fairplex Pomona; Pomona: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona.
Ride-hail: Uber, Lyft and local taxis operate across Los Angeles County. Use the designated rideshare pickup zone at Fairplex and confirm the driver's location in the app. Fares can surge during the Lunar New Year weekend, so compare options or pre-book a return trip.
Public transit: LA Metro buses and rail serve the Pomona Valley, but Fairplex is not always a direct stop. Use the LA Metro trip planner to compare bus and rail options, then plan a short rideshare or walk for the last mile. Confirm weekend and holiday schedules before relying on transit.
Parking: Fairplex has on-site parking; rates and entry gates are set by the venue and event. Prepay if the organiser offers it, arrive before midday on weekends, and note your parking lot number for the return trip. Confirm current rates on the Fairplex or Asian American Expo site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027 (Southern California winter)
Temperature: Daytime approx. 18-21 C (65-70 F); nights approx. 6-9 C (43-48 F). Confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January is one of the cooler, wetter months in the Pomona Valley, but heavy rain is not guaranteed. Expect mostly dry days with occasional showers and cool evenings.
Packing: Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for the Fairplex campus, a reusable tote for market purchases, and a power bank for mobile tickets and ride-hailing. Bring some cash for small food stalls.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Asian American Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the 2027 Asian American Expo dates, opening hours and ticket policy on asianamericanexpo.com before booking travel.
T-2
Book a refundable hotel near Fairplex or along the I-10 corridor in Pomona or La Verne.
T-3
Decide whether to fly into Ontario (ONT) or Los Angeles (LAX) based on fare, arrival time and transfer convenience.
T-4
Pre-book an airport transfer or check rideshare availability for arrival day, especially if you land after dark.
T-5
Download the LA Metro trip planner and save a backup bus or rail route to the Fairplex district.
T-6
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Pomona one week before departure.
T-7
Pack layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons, plus a light rain jacket.
T-8
Bring a reusable tote for groceries, snacks and market purchases.
T-9
Carry some cash for food stalls that may not accept cards.
T-10
Charge your phone and bring a power bank for mobile tickets and ride-hailing.
T-11
Review the exhibitor list and floor plan to prioritise food, shopping and performance zones.
T-12
Plan meal times around peak lunch crowds on weekend days.
T-13
Confirm the parking entrance and daily rate if you plan to drive to Fairplex.
T-14
Save the venue address and a screenshot of your ticket in case of poor mobile signal.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Fairplex
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Asian American Expo registration concourse
Fairplex
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Fairplex
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Asian American Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Asian American Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Asian food and beverages from various regions and Cultural crafts and artisan go solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Asian American Expo in Pomona.
Min. budget
$622.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Asian food and beverages from various regions and Cultural crafts and artisan go products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,799.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Pomona show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Asian American Expo?
The Asian American Expo is a consumer-facing event at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, built around Asian food, cultural performances, Lunar New Year shopping and community businesses. Expect restaurant stalls, grocery and snack vendors, beauty and lifestyle brands, and family-oriented entertainment.
When is the 2027 Asian American Expo?
The 2027 edition is listed for January 2027. Confirm the exact dates and opening hours on asianamericanexpo.com before booking flights or hotels, because event schedules can change by edition.
Where is the Asian American Expo held?
The event is held at the Fairplex campus in Pomona, California, in the eastern Los Angeles County area. Use the official event page for gate, hall and parking instructions before travelling.
Is the Asian American Expo a trade show or a consumer event?
It is primarily a consumer expo for families and shoppers celebrating Lunar New Year, with food, cultural goods and entertainment. Small-business owners and independent grocers also attend to source products, so it can serve as a light buying trip as well as a day out.
What food can I expect at the Asian American Expo?
Expect regional Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai dishes, plus boba tea, desserts, dim sum, noodles, snacks and packaged Asian groceries. Food is a major draw, so plan around peak lunch and afternoon queues.
Is the Asian American Expo family-friendly?
Yes, the event is positioned around Lunar New Year celebrations that appeal to families and multigenerational groups. Confirm stroller, seating and children's activity policies with the organiser if you are planning a full-day visit.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Ticket channels and door sales are set by the organiser for each edition. Check the official Asian American Expo website before travelling, and keep a screenshot of your ticket in case mobile signal is weak at the venue.
How do I get to the Fairplex from the airport?
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest major airport to Pomona; rideshare or taxi is the simplest option. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), allow much more road time and compare rideshare, shared shuttle and LA Metro connections before choosing.
Is parking available at the Fairplex?
Fairplex has on-site parking, with rates and entry gates set by the venue and event. Prepay if the organiser offers it, arrive before midday on weekend days, and note your parking lot number for the return trip.
Do vendors accept cards or cash?
Many food and market vendors accept cards, but smaller stalls may be cash-only or prefer cash for speed. Carry a little cash as backup and confirm the total before paying.
Can I buy Asian groceries, beauty products and gifts to take home?
Yes, the expo mixes prepared food with packaged groceries, snacks, beauty products, clothing, housewares and Lunar New Year gifts. Bring a reusable tote or check whether vendors offer holding or pickup for bulky items.
How can I exhibit at the Asian American Expo?
Use the exhibitor inquiry or contact route on asianamericanexpo.com. Booth pricing, availability and food-vendor rules are set by the organiser, so confirm power, cooking, sampling and move-in requirements before ordering inventory.
What language is spoken at the event?
English is the main language for signage and services, and you will commonly hear Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian languages among vendors and visitors. Keep payment and pickup instructions simple if you are managing a stall.
Glossary
- Asian American Expo
- A consumer expo at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, focused on Asian food, culture, shopping and Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Lunar New Year
- The first day of the lunar calendar, widely celebrated across East and Southeast Asian communities with family gatherings, special foods, red decorations and lion dances.
- Spring Festival
- Another common name for Lunar New Year, especially in Chinese communities; it marks the start of the traditional lunar year.
- Fairplex
- The event campus in Pomona, California, that hosts the Asian American Expo and other fairs throughout the year.
- Boba tea
- A tea drink typically served with chewy tapioca pearls; also called bubble tea. Vendors often offer fruit teas, milk teas and customizable sweetness levels.
- Dim sum
- A Cantonese meal of small steamed and fried dishes, often served with tea and shared at the table.
- Hanfu
- Traditional Han Chinese clothing with layered robes and wide sleeves, often worn for festivals, performances and cultural events.
- Qipao
- A fitted Chinese dress with a high collar and side slits, also known as cheongsam, worn for formal and festive occasions.
- Ao dai
- A Vietnamese long tunic worn over trousers, commonly seen at cultural celebrations and Lunar New Year events.
- K-beauty
- Korean skincare and cosmetics known for layered routines, essences, sheet masks and lightweight makeup.
- Red envelope
- A red paper packet containing money, given during Lunar New Year and other celebrations to wish good luck and prosperity.
- Lion dance
- A costumed dance performed at Lunar New Year and other celebrations, believed to bring good fortune and drive away bad luck.
- Night market
- An evening street-market format with food stalls, snacks and shopping, often used as a reference point for the expo's food and vendor halls.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Lunar New Year Celebration
- Pomona Expo
- Asian cultural festival
- 2027 Asian American Expo
- Asian American Expo 2027
- Asian American Expo Pomona 2027
- Pomona United States
- Cultural Festival Pomona 2027
- Cultural Events
- Arts and Crafts
3 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.