Asia at Work and Play – the theme of NYCAS 2011 – calls attention to the ways in which the labor and creativity of people in and from Asia have transformed the world. The conference will feature an address by the president of the Association for Asian Studies, the noted historian of Chinese gender and labor Gail Hershatter, as well as a wide range of presentations and performances. We encourage scholars from the state of New York, neighboring states and provinces, and beyond to share their research at the meeting as we work playfully and seriously to expand our understanding of Asia in the world.