Ascend, a non-profit professional organization, and its corporate partners welcome professionals and students from across the country in the fields of finance, accounting, and other related areas to New York City’s Grand Hyatt Hotel (109 East 42nd Street) from August 17-19, 2008

The National Convention is organized to promote Ascend’s mission “to create a collaborative environment to foster growth in professionals of all levels.” This gathering will create the bridge to lead its members towards their professional goals. It provides a forum for networking, leadership development, and inspiration. Participants at the convention will interact with peers and industry experts in several dynamic professional and education sessions ranging form macroeconomic viewpoints of current financial market conditions to leadership and professional growth presentations and discussions.

Examples of the wealth of information the event provides include:

• Global Mobility
• Trends in Corporate Governance & Accountability
• American’s Secret Weapon: Leveraging the Pan-Asian Workforce
• Corporate Dynamics: Navigating to Success and Branding & Marketing Yourself

The convention will also debut Ascend’s Signature Professional Development Series with its first workshop, “Beyond Words: Mastering the Nuances of Effective Communication.”

At the Women of Ascend session on Sunday, high profile female executives will discuss how one can successfully navigate their careers and thrive.

At Tuesday’s Career Fair, participants will have access and the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from a variety of corporations, firms, and organizations. There will be a plethora of events planned during the convention for any business person regardless of age and rank.

Guest speakers for the convention include the following highly regarded industry experts:

• Jim Turley—Global Chairman & CEO, Ernst & Young LLP
• Richard Goodman—CFO, PepsiCo, Inc.
• Barry Salzberg—US CEO, Deloitte LLP
• Subha Barry—Global Diversity Leader, Merrill Lynch
• Michael Fung—SVP Finance, Wal-Mart Stores U.S.A.
• Jane Hyun—Executive Coach/Multicultural Leadership Strategist and Author

The National Convention is committed to creating an enjoyable atmosphere where participants can develop and strengthen professional relationships. As such, social and networking events are planned for throughout the convention to allow participants to interact, network, and create relationships. The convention will close with the Gala Dinner, a celebration and recognition of the many successes of Ascend and its people.

For additional information on the National Convention and how to attend, please contact Catherine Law at Catherine.Law@naasa.org or visit www.ascendleadership.org

About Ascend—Ascend (formerly known as NAASA) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization established in 2005. Within a short period since its inception, Ascend has grown to 10 professional chapters, including New York, San Francisco, Houston, Midwest, North Texas, D.C., Philadelphia, New England, Los Angeles, and Atlanta; 12 student chapters throughout the country, and over 3,500 members. Ascend aims to be the premier professional association for enhancing the presence and influence of Asian Americans in the finance, accounting, and other business related professions. Individuals who share in Ascend’s mission from all professional or ethnic backgrounds are welcomed to become members.

Ascend was founded as a resource for Asian American finance, accounting, and business professionals and students to cultivate the growth of business and management knowledge, and to advance business development opportunities. Ascend will also serve the public and our communities by disseminating information on accountancy and finance, by fostering the study of accountancy and finance in universities, and by promoting the highest standards of professional ethics.