This is the first time the EXPO has a powerhouse Latino hosting with Yomico Moreno (Founder of the 1983 Art Studio in Brooklyn, New York) and Stefano Alcantara (Founder of Stefano Tattoo Studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). 

Moreno was born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, and has been a tattoo artist since 2005. He lives in New York City and owns a private tattoo studio. He has worked in some of the most prestigious tattoo studios in various countries and continents, such as Venezuela, Switzerland, Europe, Central America, and South America.

In 2021, he collaborated with The Rock on the "Evolution of the Bull" tattoo and a short documentary about the process. In 2019 he opened his private studio, Yomico Art Studio, in New York.

“Being named host of The New York Empire State Tattoo Expo this year is an honor and a privilege. As an industry leader and a proud Latino, inclusion and representation are critical to driving tattoo culture forward,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Alcántara was born and raised in Lima, Perú. He earned a degree in Graphic Design at the Peruvian Institute of Advertising. In addition to his graphic design background, Stefano has taken numerous painting classes and was influenced by comic books as a child. His fascination with art turned into a career, and he opened his shop, Stefano ́s Tattoo Studio, in 1999, which remains thriving today. He now leads the biggest Tattoo Convention in the world, New York Empire State Tattoo Expo, which he plans to expand into different cities. 

The Expo will include curated programming, workshops, live tattooing, and exhibitor's meet and greet of world-famous tattoo artists, including Inkmaster artists as seen on television. Confirmed speakers at the New York Empires State Expo include Carlos Torres, Dave Paulo, Jess Yen and Tatu Baby. 

The EXPO, which brings together hundreds of tattoo artists, collectors, and spectators for three days to celebrate the tattoo culture, will be held in New York from May 12 - May 14, 2023.

The New York Empire State Tattoo  is the largest gathering of the tattoo community in New York. The event brings together more than 7,000 attendees during the three-day event.