OC Business Expo coming to Newport Beach with 1,500 attendees expected

By AI, Created 9:44 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce will host the OC Business Expo on May 7 at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, drawing entrepreneurs, investors, executives and community leaders. The event is built around exhibitor access, investor networking and a startup pitch session aimed at turning attendance into business deals and capital connections.

Why it matters: - The OC Business Expo is designed to connect founders, investors and regional leaders in one place, with the goal of driving capital access, collaboration and business growth. - OCIACC is also using the event to extend resources to underserved entrepreneurs through its TAVAN Village program.

What happened: - The Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce will host the OC Business Expo on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel. - OCIACC expects more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, executives, investors and community leaders to attend. - The expo will include more than 100 exhibitors, speakers and government leaders. - Tickets are open to business owners, startups, investors, professionals and community members. - Event details and updates are available at more information.

The details: - Founders Hall will serve as the main stage for opening remarks from regional and state leaders. - Speakers will address innovation, access to capital and business growth. - Featured speakers include Jeffrey Ball, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council; Shirin Behzadi, national bestselling author and private equity leader; and Susan Akbarpour, entrepreneur, investor and board director. - Distinguished guests include Rep. Dave Min, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Irvine councilwoman Melinda Liu and Artesia city councilmember Ali Sajjad. - The Investors Lounge will host an Open Mic One-Minute Pitch Session for startups to present live to active investors. - The Bamboo Garden networking reception runs from 4:00 to 5:00 PM and includes outdoor networking and Persian kabob BBQ. - TAVAN Village will offer free and low-cost business advisory services, financial literacy, workforce development support and sustainability programs. - Complimentary self-parking will be available at the hotel. - OCIACC identified Shani Moslehi as the organization’s founder and CEO.

Between the lines: - The expo is structured less like a trade show and more like a deal-making forum, with investor access, pitching and curated networking built into the agenda. - The startup pitch format suggests OCIACC wants to attract early-stage companies that need introductions, not just visibility. - The inclusion of public officials and community programs points to an event that blends business networking with regional economic development goals.

What’s next: - OCIACC will hold the expo on May 7 in Newport Beach. - Startups and attendees can use the event to make investor and partner connections in person. - The organization says the format is intended to generate long-term growth, suggesting similar outcome-focused events could follow if attendance and participation are strong.

The bottom line: - OCIACC is positioning the OC Business Expo as a high-density business event built to produce meetings, pitches and concrete opportunities, not just foot traffic.