GABA Southern California

German Immersion Camp Summer 2026 Brings Language, Culture, and Adventure to Life

kh2020 — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:27:01 +0000

The German American School Association invites students to an immersive summer experience designed to strengthen language skills, deepen cultural understanding, and create unforgettable memories through engaging activities and community learning.

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to offer several wonderful opportunities for your child to continue learning German while having fun along the way!

Online German Classes (A1–C1)
June 22 – July 10, 2026
Keep language skills fresh with engaging and interactive virtual sessions.
3-week program · Classes meet twice per week

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/online-weekdays/

1-Week Sleepaway Camp in Frazier Park
June 14 – June 20, 2026
An immersive experience filled with German language practice, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable memories!

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/camp/

1-Week Day Camps – Ventura School
June 8 – June 12, 2026
August 3 – August 7, 2026
A fun mix of German learning, creative activities, and outdoor play in a relaxed environment.

More details at: https://germanschool4kids.org/summer-day-camps-ventura/

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!
We look forward to a fun and enriching summer with your children!

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A Night of Prestige and Connection at GABA’s Annual White Asparagus Gala

kh2020 — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:31:47 +0000

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.

From entertainment heavyweights and venture capital investors to innovators, founders and longtime community leaders, the guest list reflected a dynamic cross-section of industries, all under one roof. The result was a colorful and sophisticated mix of guests, with conversations flowing as easily as the champagne.

The evening began with a waterfront reception overlooking the marina, where guests mingled against a backdrop of sailboats and sunset skies. It was the kind of Southern California setting that effortlessly sets the tone for a memorable night.

A standout moment came during the award ceremony, when Andrea Sasse honored Markus Gross with the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry as well as his lasting impact on the German-American community.

That tribute was followed by a fireside conversation led by acclaimed filmmaker and cinematography authority Jay Holben. In a thoughtful and forward-looking exchange, Gross shared his perspectives on emerging technologies, innovation, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the future of storytelling.

Yet for many attendees, the true star of the night was once again the white asparagus itself. Served across three elegant courses, the seasonal delicacy managed to briefly quiet a room otherwise buzzing with laughter, networking and animated conversation. Each course was beautifully complemented by Hestan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, generously sponsored by Hestan Commercial Corporation, which added a crisp and elegant pairing to the evening’s signature dining experience.

The culinary finale delivered another memorable moment: an interactive dessert buffet featuring Bosch Home Appliances espresso machines, where guests crafted everything from espresso drinks to affogatos, paired with an indulgent selection of German and American cheesecakes.

As the evening came to a close, Banc of California added a final touch of style by providing curated gift bags for guests to take home.

With support from sponsors Banc of California, Bosch Home Appliances, and Hestan Commercial Corporation, the annual gala once again proved why it remains one of the standout gatherings on the German-American social and business calendar—where influence meets community, and tradition meets the future.

Photos by Albert Evangelista

More photos on Facebook

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NRW.Global Business is hosting “Next Stop Europe: International Tech Luncheon”

kh2020 — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:46:08 +0000

NRW.Global Business – the official economic development agency of North Rhine-Westphalia – is hosting “Next Stop Europe: International Tech Luncheon” on April 10 during Arizona Tech Week (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Heard Building, Downtown Phoenix).

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

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Volunteer Opportunity: Business Mixer Team – Los Angeles

kh2020 — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:49:44 +0000

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding way to expand your network while getting involved in the German-American business community? Join our growing Business Mixer Team in the vibrant Los Angeles area – we’d love to hear from you!

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

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Oscar Night, Hollywood Style: German-American Creatives Gather for Starry Viewing Party at Glen Glenn Studios

kh2020 — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:02:00 +0000

In a city where awards season is practically a civic holiday, the German-American community carved out its own stylish corner of Hollywood glamour on March 15 with a lively Oscar Viewing celebration at Glen Glenn Studios.

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.

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GABA Southern California Hosts Annual Economic & Market Outlook 2026 with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management

kh2020 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:38:42 +0000

GABA Southern California Hosts Annual Economic & Market Outlook 2026 with Deutsche Bank Wealth Management

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 Team Interview: Rike Hellermann

lt202412 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:05:27 +0000

Meet Rike Hellermann, who has been part of the GABA community for over ten years. She began her journey as Stammtisch Director in Orange County and now supports the Women in Business Group while helping with event planning and execution for the GABA Southern California Chapter. In this interview, Rike shares her long-standing connection to GABA, her role behind the scenes, and what keeps her engaged in the community.

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

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GABA Opens 2026 With Elegant New Year’s Reception at BSH Beverly Hills Showroom

kh2020 — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:27:55 +0000

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 reception drew a highly senior and diverse audience, underscoring GABA’s role as a key platform for international business and Southern California’s professional ecosystem. Government and trade officials attended alongside representatives from German and European economic development organizations, joined by leaders from academia and media. Senior executives, managing partners, founders and C-suite leaders from finance, legal, consulting, technology and real estate mingled with representatives from multinational corporations and respected professional services firms, creating a setting well suited for substantive dialogue and cross-border exchange.

German Consul General Andrea Sasse welcomed the guests and offered a forward-looking perspective on the continued strength and visibility of German brands in the Southern California market. Her remarks emphasized the importance of innovation, quality and long-standing transatlantic partnerships, reinforcing the broader significance of the evening within the regional and international business community.

Management from BSH highlighted the company’s latest design-driven and technology-forward products, encouraging guests to engage freely with the appliances throughout the showroom. Attendees readily embraced the invitation, exploring the various kitchen spaces while enjoying curated bites and well selected drinks, lending the evening the feel of a sophisticated home gathering rather than a traditional corporate reception.

The event was attended primarily by GABA members, many of whom were familiar faces from previous programs. Warm greetings at the entrance and animated conversations throughout the night reflected the organization’s distinctive approach to networking, one rooted in personal connection, continuity and trust. New members and first-time guests were seamlessly welcomed into the mix, reinforcing GABA’s reputation for fostering both strong business ties and lasting personal relationships.

The evening concluded with expressions of appreciation for BSH as host, recognized for its hospitality, exceptional catering and bar, as well as for longtime partner Miles & More, whose continued support included exclusive perks tied to its mileage credit card and an elegant selection of chocolates that added a refined note to the dessert offerings.

As a whole, the New Year’s Reception served not only as a stylish start to 2026, but as a clear reflection of GABA’s standing as a high-caliber convener for leaders engaged in innovation, collaboration and transatlantic exchange.

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GABA’s Year End & Holiday Celebration Unites the German-American Community at Lido House

kh2020 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:04:21 +0000

GABA proudly hosted its annual Year End & Holiday Celebration, bringing together members, partners, and friends from across Southern California. Guests traveled from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego to celebrate another successful year of community building and cross-border collaboration.

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

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GABA Team Interview: Rebecca Engola

lt202412 — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:47:05 +0000

Meet Rebecca Engola, Assistant General Counsel at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and a long-time member of the GABA community. With a career spent supporting diverse business teams, she brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her work. In this interview, Rebecca talks about her path into law, her love for cross-cultural experiences, and the welcoming moment that made her feel at home at GABA.

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!

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