More than 260 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders, creatives, executives, and community builders gathered at Rideback Ranch in Historic Filipinotown on May 31 for the inaugural Across the Industry event. Hosted by Augie Max Vargas and Narumi Inatsugu, the gathering was designed to strengthen connections across the AANHPI entertainment community and broader creative industries during AANHPI Heritage Month.
According to the organizers, the event brought together professionals from film, television, streaming, technology, music, business, culture, philanthropy, and public service. Members and leadership from major entertainment guilds, academies, unions, cultural organizations, and civic groups attended, creating a rare opportunity for AANHPI professionals to connect in an environment focused on conversation, collaboration, and relationship-building.
Unlike traditional industry events, Across the Industry was intentionally designed without panels, awards, fundraising, red carpets, or extensive programming. Instead, the gathering emphasized authentic connection among professionals whose paths often do not intersect despite working within the same entertainment ecosystem. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the industry, including those connected to major guilds, production companies, studios, networks, cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
"The idea was to bring together the absolute best Above-The-Line and Below-The-Line AANHPI entertainment professionals working across television and film," said Augie Max Vargas, founder of The Vargas Company and co-host of the event. "A common thread I heard all night was a feeling of joyful emotion where attendees felt inspired and, more importantly, part of a community that is larger and stronger than many people realize."
Narumi Inatsugu, CEO of Rumiville Inc. and co-host, added, "What happened in that room was bigger than networking. It was a reminder that community is one of the most powerful forces in our industry. When people from different generations, disciplines, and backgrounds come together with a shared sense of purpose, new ideas emerge, new relationships are formed, and the future becomes a little more connected. That's what we hope this gathering continues to foster."
The event also featured professional headshot activations, curated brand participation, and community experiences designed to help attendees build new relationships across industries. The success of the inaugural gathering has sparked discussions about future editions of Across the Industry and the continued development of the platform as an annual opportunity to strengthen community, collaboration, and connection across the AANHPI entertainment community and beyond.
