The event connects US founders, investors, and tech leaders with European expansion opportunities in NRW – one of Europe’s largest tech and innovation hubs, home to 18,000+ companies and a $750B economy with direct access to the EU single market.

Event details:

📅 April 10, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

📍 Heard Building, 112 N Central Ave, Downtown Phoenix

🔗 RSVP

The post NRW.Global Business is hosting “Next Stop Europe: International Tech Luncheon” appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Your Responsibilities:

• Identify and secure suitable venues (restaurants, bars, or hotels) that align with our community and event style
• Coordinate key event details, including parking information, happy hour offerings, and venue highlights
• Support the planning and execution of engaging and well-organized networking events

What We’re Looking For:

• A proactive and outgoing personality with a passion for connecting people
• Enjoyment in working collaboratively within a diverse German-American team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

What You’ll Gain:
As a GABA volunteer, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including:

• Complimentary GABA membership
• Free or reduced admission to GABA events
• Featured profile on the GABA team page
• Direct access to GABA board members and industry professionals
• Valuable networking opportunities within the German-American business community

Join us and play an active role in bringing professionals together while building meaningful connections of your own. For more information on volunteering for GABA, visit here.

Submit volunteer request

The post Volunteer Opportunity: Business Mixer Team – Los Angeles appeared first on GABA Southern California.

More photos on Facebook
All photos by Albert Evangelista Photography

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.

The post Oscar Night, Hollywood Style: German-American Creatives Gather for Starry Viewing Party at Glen Glenn Studios appeared first on GABA Southern California.

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

The post GABA Southern California Hosts Annual Economic & Market Outlook 2026 with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I lived and worked for various international companies in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. Throughout my career, I have utilized my interpersonal and organisational skills to provide guidance through decision-making processes with patience and compassion. I work now for a luxury wig manufacturer in Sales and Marketing as the Head of Wholesale.

What’s a fun fact about you?
Fun fact about me: despite my best efforts, I seem to have a hidden talent for scuffing the wheels on our cars. Parallel parking keeps life exciting.

What’s been your most memorable experience with GABA so far?
So many events, meaningful interactions, and lasting memories. It was a pleasure to be part of the OC team and contribute to organizing an event at SAP Hanahaus in Newport Beach, overseeing everything from speaker coordination and logistics to sponsorship and invitations.

What are you passionate about?
One of my key passions is connecting ideas and people to create meaningful impact. I enjoy turning complex challenges into clear, actionable solutions and helping teams work more effectively together. GABA excites me because it brings together diverse professionals who share a drive for growth, collaboration, and innovation—an environment where I feel motivated to contribute, learn, and help build strong, lasting connections.  

Connect with Rike on LinkedIn

The post GABA Team Interview: Rike Hellermann appeared first on GABA Southern California.

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.

The post GABA Opens 2026 With Elegant New Year’s Reception at BSH Beverly Hills Showroom appeared first on GABA Southern California.

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.

More photos on Facebook

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

The post GABA’s Year End & Holiday Celebration Unites the German-American Community at Lido House appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I’ve spent most of my career as an in-house counsel (company lawyer) at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., where I am Assistant General Counsel. I love being in house because you support and learn from diverse business teams, from Sales and Marketing to IT and Finance. We each have our own pressures, which shape our priorities. That dynamic gets us to the right place.

What’s a fun fact about you?
Long ago, I visited Ireland on my own. I loved the country and experiences, but the highlight was meeting someone from Hamburg who is now a close friend in the rental car line. The lowlight was damaging a wheel on my first day, a hard way to learn that curbs are much higher in Ireland.

What’s been your most memorable experience with GABA so far?
I could write pages about the many amazing events I’ve been to, but the most memorable is still my first, attending a Stammtisch. On top of being nervous about going to an event where I knew no one, I was embarrassed that I didn’t speak German.  I thought people would wonder why I was there. I could not have been more wrong: it was a welcoming crowd where people graciously pivoted to English.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about other cultures, which is why a friend recommended GABA years ago. There’s a reason I have volunteered here for so long: it attracts diverse professionals from virtually all corners of the economy. I am constantly amazed at what people have accomplished, especially those moving here from other countries, and they are generous in sharing their experiences. You make valuable contacts, but more than anything, it’s a great deal of fun.  You don’t have to be from Germany or speak German; just have an interest and show up!  

The post GABA Team Interview: Rebecca Engola appeared first on GABA Southern California.

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.

More photos on Facebook – photos by Albert Evangelista Photography

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.

The post AI at the Edge of Innovation: A Sold-Out Evening Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence appeared first on GABA Southern California.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!
I moved to Los Angeles in 1989 after earning my Diplom-Kauffrau (MBA equivalent) from the University of Cologne. Following a successful career in the fashion industry, where I served as Director of Production and Controlling, I transitioned into the insurance field. In 2008, I founded Solid Health Insurance Services, an independent agency specializing in health coverage for individuals, small businesses, and seniors across California.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I love celebrating Karneval in Cologne, and every year my husband and I travel there to enjoy five days of fun and reconnect with old school and university friends.

In my daily life, I enjoy hiking and staying active. One of my most memorable experiences was hiking the Grand Canyon in a single day. While it was an incredible adventure, next time I plan to camp there to fully take in the beauty of the canyon.

What’s been your most memorable experience with GABA so far?
Over the years, I’ve been part of many wonderful GABA experiences, like attending the annual business outlook with El-Erian, helping the network adapt during Covid, organizing our first white asparagus dinner, and building a close friendship with my Co-Chair, Elke Miller, and the GABA team.

This year, GABA’s support means even more to me, as I lost everything I had built over the past 36 years in the Palisades fire.

What are you passionate about?
I see myself as both a connector and a guide. My insurance profession gives me the privilege of helping clients navigate the often complex health insurance system, ensuring they feel supported and informed in their decisions. Equally important to me is building meaningful connections.

As GABA Women Co-Chair, I’ve had the honor of opening doors for women—introducing them to new ideas, expanding their professional networks, creating business opportunities, and fostering genuine friendships. For me, helping and connecting people is not just part of what I do; it is what inspires me every day

Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn

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