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Photos by Albert Evangelista

Inside the new Glorya Kaufman Community Center, guests joined an engaging panel discussion led by Jim Jiao featuring Daniel Schwarzl, Joerg Kemkes, and Bret Hamelin. Together, the speakers explored a wide range of topics highly relevant to professionals, and families with ties to both Germany and the US.

The conversation addressed key considerations including immigration status and long-term residency planning, marriage and partnership agreements across jurisdictions, estate planning, and structuring investments and finances in a cross-border context.

Daniel Schwarzl, Managing Partner at Fredricks, Schwarzl & von der Horst, provided valuable insights into cross-border legal matters.

Joerg Kemkes, Managing Partner at Rueter Partner Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH, focused on cross-border tax issues from the German perspective.

Bret Hamlin, Owner & Tax Expert at Bret Gregory Hamelin, A.P.L.C., complemented the discussion with cross-border tax insights from the US perspective, helping attendees better understand the complexity of navigating two financial and legal systems simultaneously.

The evening became especially interactive during the Q&A session, where guests engaged directly with the panelists on personal and professional questions. Conversations continued during the reception in the beautiful Wende garden, where attendees and panelists networked over appetizers and drinks. The high number of first time guests at a GABA event validated how important the topics are for the German American community.

This memorable evening was only possible through the support of our sponsors and partners. We extend our sincere thank you to Fredricks, Schwarzl & von der Horst and The Wende Museum for making this important conversation possible.

The post Living a Double Life in Germany and the US: Navigating Cross-Border Realities appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Southern California’s German-American community gathered in style for the German American Business Association’s annual White Asparagus Gala Dinner & Award, an evening that united executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. Set against the marina backdrop, the event delivered a memorable mix of networking, recognition, and culinary tradition.

Photos by Albert Evangelista

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Hosted in collaboration with Barco, the afternoon gathering transformed the historic studio space into an intimate watch party that blended industry savvy with red-carpet flair. A dynamic mix of film professionals, creatives, and devoted cinephiles filled the room, creating the kind of cross-industry buzz that awards season thrives on.

As the telecast of the Academy Awards lit up the big screen, guests settled in for an afternoon of spirited commentary and lively debate over the night’s most anticipated categories. Between acceptance speeches and surprise wins, conversations flowed freely, touching on everything from emerging filmmakers to the evolving global influence of cinema.

The venue added a layer of cinematic authenticity. Known for its legacy in Los Angeles production history, Glen Glenn Studios offered a fitting backdrop for a gathering devoted to the art and spectacle of filmmaking.

By the time the final statuettes were handed out, the afternoon had become more than a watch party. It was a reminder of the connective power of film and of the thriving cultural bridge between German and American creatives in Los Angeles.

With Barco’s generous hosting and a room full of film lovers, the celebration captured the essence of awards season: community, creativity, and the enduring magic of the movies.

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GABA Southern California hosted its annual Economic & Market Outlook on February 3, 2026, at the iconic Annenberg Community Beach House, in partnership with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. Set against a stunning Pacific sunset, the event brought together an exceptional cross-section of transatlantic leaders, including senior executives, financial and legal experts, consultants, technologists, diplomats, academics, and cultural figures. The evening reflected a rare mix of influence, intellect, and global perspective, hallmarks of GABA’s dynamic and highly engaged community.

Guests were welcomed with an open bar before Deepak Puri, Chief Investment Officer of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, took the stage for an interactive and thought-provoking conversation moderated by renowned financial journalist Frank Mottek. Following the discussion, attendees continued the exchange during a lively networking reception accompanied by curated drinks and appetizers.

The timely discussion, enriched by an active audience Q&A, addressed pressing global economic and market developments. A central theme was the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence as a key driver of market performance, innovation, and investor sentiment.

Broader macroeconomic themes included affordability challenges, global fiscal imbalances and growth disparities, and the structural, long-term implications of AI on markets worldwide. For more info, read Deutsche Bank PERSPECTIVES 2026 – Annual Outlook.

GABA Southern California extends its sincere gratitude to Deutsche Bank Wealth Management for once again partnering and sponsoring this flagship event. A special thank-you also goes to Condor for its generous contribution and support in making the evening a success.

More photos from the event on Facebook. 

Photos by Albert Evangelista

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GABA Southern California hosted its annual Economic & Market Outlook on February 3, 2026, at the iconic Annenberg Community Beach House, in partnership with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. Set against a stunning Pacific sunset, the event brought together an exceptional cross-section of transatlantic leaders, including senior executives, financial and legal experts, consultants, technologists, diplomats, academics, and cultural figures. The evening reflected a rare mix of influence, intellect, and global perspective, hallmarks of GABA’s dynamic and highly engaged community.

Guests were welcomed with an open bar before Deepak Puri, Chief Investment Officer of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, took the stage for an interactive and thought-provoking conversation moderated by renowned financial journalist Frank Mottek. Following the discussion, attendees continued the exchange during a lively networking reception accompanied by curated drinks and appetizers.

The timely discussion, enriched by an active audience Q&A, addressed pressing global economic and market developments. A central theme was the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence as a key driver of market performance, innovation, and investor sentiment.

Broader macroeconomic themes included affordability challenges, global fiscal imbalances and growth disparities, and the structural, long-term implications of AI on markets worldwide. For more info, read Deutsche Bank PERSPECTIVES 2026 – Annual Outlook.

GABA Southern California extends its sincere gratitude to Deutsche Bank Wealth Management for once again partnering and sponsoring this flagship event. A special thank-you also goes to Condor for its generous contribution and support in making the evening a success.

More photos from the event on Facebook. 

Photos by Albert Evangelista

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In the heart of Beverly Hills, GABA SoCal opened the 2026 business year with an elegant New Year’s Reception that seamlessly blended European design, senior-level networking and a distinctly Southern California sensibility. Held January 22 at the BSH showroom, the gathering felt less like a formal industry function and more like an evening spent in a beautifully appointed private residence, one outfitted with some of the most advanced kitchen appliances on the market. Photos by Albert Evangelista

Showcasing the latest innovations from Gaggenau, Thermador and Bosch, the BSH showroom provided a striking backdrop for the evening. Designed as a series of residential-style kitchen environments, the space encouraged guests to move organically from room to room, explore the appliances firsthand and gather around thoughtfully placed food and beverage stations. The result was a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere that invited conversation and discovery in equal measure.

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This year’s event took place at the elegant Lido House in Newport Beach. The terrace of the Mayor’s Table was transformed into a charming nautical-themed Christmas market, complete with festive lighting, food stands, seasonal treats, and a holiday bar that set the tone for an evening of warmth and connection.

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The guest list reflected the strength and diversity of GABA’s network. Attendees included CEOs, founders, vice presidents, scholars, analysts, attorneys, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders representing industries such as finance, technology, law, real estate, academia, and the creative sectors. The event provided a standout networking opportunity for both long-time members and new faces.

GABA extends its sincere appreciation to Currencies Direct for sponsoring the celebration, and to Amanda Dunn for attending and supporting the event. Their partnership helps make gatherings like this possible.

Sponsor

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The evening began with a networking reception, followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Roland Deiser, Chairman CFFO. The distinguished panel featured:

• Eve Psalti, Senior Director at Microsoft Artificial Intelligence
• Peter Zakin, Partner at Upfront Ventures
• Hans-Martin Will, Chief AI Officer at LegalMation

A Conversation on AI’s Transformative Power

Eve Psalti, who leads Microsoft’s AI Applied Engineering team and brings over two decades of experience to the field, opened the discussion by emphasizing the unprecedented pace of AI development. Microsoft alone, she noted, now operates with over 1,800 AI models. Her key message: “Before adopting AI, identify what you are trying to optimize – follow the pain.” She stressed the importance of understanding end users, establishing strong governance, and creating a center of excellence to guide AI implementation. Psalti also offered insight into the emerging world of AI agents – advanced systems capable of taking and remembering actions – predicting that in the near future, humans will “manage AI agents much like managing human employees.”

Hans-Martin Will brought a startup perspective to the table. With over 25 years in what he calls “the evolution of AI,” and a background at SAP, Amazon, and Microsoft, he now leads AI innovation at LegalMation, a startup founded by three lawyers using AI to assist major corporations in mediating legal cases. Will discussed how AI is reshaping workplace culture and decision-making, noting that machines can process vast amounts of information far beyond human capacity – prompting the question of how humans can best oversee these systems responsibly.

Peter Zakin, Partner at Upfront Ventures, offered the venture capital lens, sharing how most of his early-stage investments now involve AI. As both a former founder and investor, he reflected on the tension between technology and value creation, noting that while AI may disrupt traditional roles, it also democratizes innovation, lowering barriers for new entrepreneurs and enabling smaller teams to achieve more.

Deep Reflections and Bold Predictions

Moderator Roland Deiser guided the discussion toward broader implications for organizational culture, structure, and systems, raising thought-provoking questions about the responsibility that comes with AI. Participants acknowledged that AI systems never operate with purely objective data – bias and politics are always part of the equation.

The panel also touched on the future of work: Will AI eliminate entry-level positions? Deiser pointed out that major firms like PwC have already stopped hiring junior roles due to automation – prompting concerns about how future professionals will gain the experience needed to become senior leaders. Panelists agreed that while AI will continue to transform industries from the bottom up, it will also create new opportunities for startups and innovators.

Predictions for the near future ranged from human oversight of AI agents to the belief that politics will be the last domain AI replaces. As one panelist remarked, “We are living in a historic moment – the next five years will be truly transformative.”

A Night of Insight and Connection

Following the panel and Q&A, attendees continued lively discussions over refreshments, exchanging insights and business cards as new connections were made across industries. For many, it was their first GABA event – and a clear sign that the conversation around AI’s role in shaping our collective future is only just beginning.

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The event was generously sponsored by Miles & More, TriNet, and Cooley. Guests were gifted with pralines and power chargers provided by Miles & More – a thoughtful touch that complemented the lively networking atmosphere. Microsoft offered its spacious, modern venue, perfectly suited for a night dedicated to innovation and conversation.

GABA thanks its partners, sponsors, and guests for making “AI at the Edge of Innovation” an evening to remember – and a milestone in advancing the dialogue on responsible and impactful innovation.

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Over the years, GABA has welcomed German Member of the Bundestag (MdB) Peter Beyer on several occasions to share his insights on transatlantic affairs, and this year’s gathering once again delivered a timely and thought-provoking exchange.

Beyer, who has been fostering strong relationships with U.S. politicians and business representatives for over 16 years in Washington D.C. and across the U.S., shared up-to-date insights into the political processes in both Germany and the United States, following recent changes in government.

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He emphasized the critical importance of strong EU-U.S. cooperation amid global uncertainties, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Beyer highlighted the necessity of a shift toward greater strategic responsibility within the EU, and addressed Germany’s domestic political dynamics, acknowledging the challenging times the German government is facing, while also outlining the important initiatives being undertaken in collaboration with European partners.

The event continued with a lively discussion on current issues in U.S.–European relations, including whether Europe will be able to find a common position in the negotiation of imminent trade tariffs. Beyer discussed the challenges and opportunities in strengthening transatlantic business ties, and the ongoing tariff negotiations between the EU and the U.S., stressing the need to avoid escalating trade tensions and to seek constructive solutions that support mutual growth.

He also addressed key geopolitical topics, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, and the U.S. strike on Iran, offering his informed assessment of these developments. Throughout the conversation, Beyer underscored the urgency of unified democratic responses to global authoritarian pressures, and expressed optimism about transatlantic collaboration as a driver of innovation and resilience.

GABA thanks Peter Beyer for his time and his valuable insights during this thought-provoking morning event.

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GABA and members of the financial community came together for an exceptional evening at the sold-out Mid-Year Economic & Market Outlook, held at the elegant Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. The highlight of the evening was a compelling fireside chat between Deepak Puri, Chief Investment Officer – Americas at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, and renowned broadcast journalist Frank Mottek, widely known as “The Voice of Business News in Los Angeles.”

The evening offered timely and valuable insights, aligning with Chancellor Merz’s visit to Washington, D.C. – Deepak Puri addressed a wide spectrum of pressing economic topics, including the effects of tariffs on global macroeconomic trends and Deutsche Bank’s current outlook on major economies. He also explored the ongoing debate around the U.S. government deficit, its potential impact on interest rates and currency markets, and the evolving role of the Federal Reserve. Amid recent equity market volatility, Deepak provided a thoughtful analysis of market dynamics and engaged the audience in forward-looking discussions on the rising influence of AI, gold, and cryptocurrencies in today’s economic landscape.

Deepak Puri, a highly respected voice in global finance, has been featured in leading publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Barron’s, and Bloomberg, and regularly appears on networks including CNBC and Yahoo Finance. Frank Mottek, host of Mottek On Money on 790 KABC and a veteran of LA’s top news outlets, guided the conversation with his trademark clarity and depth.

The event, generously sponsored by Deutsche Bank Wealth Management and Condor, provided not only expert commentary but also a memorable experience. Guests were welcomed with drinks in the stylish presentation room before the discussion and later enjoyed a vibrant reception at the restaurant’s striking main bar, complete with curated cocktails and gourmet appetizers.

GABA extends sincere thanks to its sponsors and all who attended for making this high-caliber evening possible.

Sponsors

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