Cultural Perspective as a Superpower: Teri Orton Champions AAPI Voices in the Trade Show IndustryCultural Perspective as a Superpower: Teri Orton Champions AAPI Voices in the Trade Show Industry
In this AAPI Heritage Month interview, Hawai'i Convention Center General Manager Teri Orton shares her journey in the events industry, emphasizing how cultural heritage serves as a "superpower" for AAPI professionals while offering advice on advocacy and leadership during challenging political times for DEI initiatives.
May 23, 2025
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S., offering us a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders play in the country’s shared history, as well as the exhibitions and events industry.
To help us celebrate, we asked Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, an ASM Global-managed facility, to share her experiences within the events space, her advice for the next generation of AAPI event industry professionals, and how fellow event pros can advocate from the community in light of President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
What inspired you to join the events industry, and what keeps you in it?
I was born and raised in Hawai‘i to parents who worked in the hospitality industry. This culture and industry have always been a big part of my life, and it was a natural choice for me to pursue this path. What drew me into events was the energy and diversity of each gathering. No two events are the same.
Today the Hawai‘i Convention Center has such an incredible team of AAPI leaders across our departments, and they push me to be my best. I like to use the analogy of the outrigger canoe when describing our team—each person has a seat in our canoe, and we are all paddling together to achieve our goals. From global conferences to local festivals, every event is a chance to showcase our culture and aloha spirit.
What’s a piece of advice you'd give to the next generation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the events industry?
Own your cultural perspective—it’s your superpower. Our stories, values, and sense of hospitality are unique assets that set us apart. Use them to shape authentic, meaningful experiences. At the same time, never stop advocating for yourself. Seek mentorship, speak up in rooms where decisions are made, and support others coming up behind you.
Considering the Trump Administration’s efforts to crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, how can Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders advocate for themselves within the industry?
Even when DEI programs are challenged politically, our work continues. AAPI professionals must continue to build community, support each other, and take up space in leadership roles. We need to tell our stories, ensure our perspectives are represented in policy and programming, and align ourselves with organizations that prioritize inclusion, even if the federal spotlight shifts. Advocacy is ongoing—it’s in how we hire, how we design events, how we engage with our communities, and how we lead by example.
