Meet Tommy Ha | Chief Event Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommy Ha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has always been at the core of my career, and launching IAM America 2024 was one of the biggest risks we’ve ever taken. Bringing a brand-new automotive event concept to the U.S.—especially in a market saturated with established shows—meant breaking industry norms, proving our vision, and gaining the trust of competitors, vendors, and attendees from the ground up.

For me, risk isn’t about recklessness—it’s about calculated belief in something greater. I knew that if we wanted to create a truly unique experience that reignited the passion and excitement in the car show industry, we had to take bold steps. That meant investing resources, securing partnerships, and pushing through challenges—without any guarantee of success.

Every major milestone in my career—from running Go Tuning Unlimited to working in the automotive industry since 2009—has been built on taking chances, adapting, and staying true to my vision. The risk of debuting IAM America 2024 paid off in ways I never imagined. Seeing the diverse car community unite, the overwhelming support from our partners / sponsors, vendors and the success of our new show format proved that taking the leap was worth it.

Now, as we prepare for our final IAM America show in Southern California on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at the Anaheim Convention Center, I carry that same mindset and we’ll be making our journey to share IAM with many enthusiast out east in 2026. Risk is necessary for growth, innovation, and creating something unforgettable. I know this might sound cliche, but without risk, there’s no reward—and IAM America is living proof of that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Before launching Go Tuning Unlimited, I worked for various companies in the automotive industry, gaining hands-on experience in sales, product distribution, and event coordination. One of my early experiences was working with Hot Import Nights (HIN), which introduced me to the world of car shows on a larger scale. Over time, I transitioned into a car show consultant, traveling internationally to judge and help organize events. These experiences ultimately paved the way for me to launch IAM America, an event that embodies everything I love about automotive culture—passion, diversity, and community.

Was the journey easy? Absolutely not. The transition from employee to running operations required risk-taking, persistence, and a deep understanding of both the business and enthusiast sides of the industry. Building IAM America wasn’t just about organizing a car show—it was about creating a brand that brings people together, celebrates individuality, and revitalizes the excitement that has been missing from automotive events for years.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from staying true to your passion while adapting to change. The car scene has evolved dramatically since my early days, but the core values remain the same—innovation, dedication, and a strong community. What sets us apart is our ability to balance professionalism with genuine enthusiasm, ensuring that every event We run delivers an experience that resonates with enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

What do I want the world to know about me and my brand? IAM America isn’t just a car show—it’s a movement. It’s proof that a dream can become reality with hard work, vision, and an unwavering belief in what you love. As we gear up for our final California show in 2025, I want to remind everyone that this isn’t just another event; it’s a celebration of the journey, the culture, and the people who make the automotive world what it is today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had to take my best friend on the ultimate trip, I’d take them to Indonesia—a place I’ve had the privilege of working in for over a decade through various car shows. It’s a destination that surprises many, but once you experience it firsthand, you’ll understand why it’s truly special.

The Ultimate Indonesia Adventure – A Week of Culture, Cars & Paradise

We’d start in Jakarta, the capital city, where the automotive culture is next level. From insane builds to underground street scenes, there’s so much to take in. We’d hit up some of the best car garages and tuning shops like Engine Plus, then explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Must-visit spots: SCBD district for high-energy nightlife such as the H Club, trendy rooftop bars like Henshin, and local street food markets.
Food stops: Authentic Indonesian dishes at Plataran Menteng and late-night street eats like Nasi Goreng Tek-Tek.

Next stop: Bali, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Whether you’re into adventure or relaxation, Bali has it all.

Beaches & Activities: Relax at Nusa Dua Beach, surf in Canggu, and snorkel in Blue Lagoon.
Cultural Exploration: Visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple for sunset views and catch a traditional Kecak Fire Dance.
Nightlife: Hit up Potato Head Beach Club, Savaya, Finns Beach club, or Atlas Beach Club for some of the best beachside parties in the world.

Ubud – The Lush Green Escape
To wind down, we’d head to Ubud, known for its lush rainforests, rice terraces, and tranquil vibe.

Must-do experiences: Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, and take a dip in Tegenungan Waterfall.

Food & Drink: Enjoy a meal at Locavore, one of Asia’s best restaurants, and try traditional Babi Guling (suckling pig).

Why Indonesia?

Most people don’t expect Indonesia to be this diverse, but those who visit are blown away. Come to think of it, we recently took our IAM America 2024 grand prize winner and Miss IAM America on an all-expense-paid trip to IAM Indonesia this past December—and they had the time of their lives. Seeing their reactions reminded me why we love sharing this experience with others.

As we gear up for IAM America 2025, we can’t wait to see who the next lucky winners will be. One attendee, the next Miss IAM America, and the Best of Show winner will be joining us for another unforgettable Road2IAM adventure! Purchase your tickets now and save at IAM-America.com !

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to take a moment to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made our debut IAM America event in 2024 an unforgettable experience!

To our incredible Partners:
Jada Toys, Newport Drip, World of Racing – Your support helped bring our vision to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined!

To our Main Sponsors:
BBS USA, Gtechniq, Cotocoatings, Sparco USA, ST Suspensions – Your belief in IAM America helped set the stage for an event unlike any other!

To our Co-Sponsors:
Auto Image OC, Leen Customs, Super Street, Toyo Tires, Titan-7 Wheels – Your contributions played a major role in making IAM America a success!

And of course, a massive thank you to all our vendors for being part of the movement:
Ballade Sports, Brekkie Car Club, CaliCreaming, Cool Amazing Collections, Diecast Talk, Discount Tire, Fujiwara Tofu Cafe, Genesis 1 Auto Concepts, HNRS, I Love Racing, Liqui Moly, Milliotone, R1 Concepts, Samurai Streets, Street Motivation Magazine, Voodoo Design LLC., & West Coast Customs.

To the IAM TEAM – Tina, Mickey, Abby, Aditya, Darianne, Reza, Yanto, OMGbuilds, Big Mike, RJ Devera and to all of our family and friends that have assisted us along the way! We couldn’t have done this without you!

Last but definitely not least—to all of YOU who supported us throughout our campaign, attended, competed, and spread the word—we are beyond grateful for your involvement. IAM America was built on a dream, and you all helped make it a reality!

Website: www.iam-america.com www.gotuning.com www.spoonusa.com

Instagram: iam.america, gotuningunlimited, spoonsportsusa

Image Credits
photos 1-2 @photos.by.thinh
photos 3-7 @visionproject.89
photo 8 @renz.jpg