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Dear Members and Friends,
March was an important month for us at the GACC NY as we celebrated a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the GACC NY's J-1 visa designation. Marking three decades of fostering transatlantic exchange and talent development, we are especially proud to have launched our new Go J-1 website in honor of this occasion.
At the end of March, we were also pleased to host our first ever Defense Symposium, "Capital, Capacity, and Capability: Building a Transatlantic Defense Economy," in collaboration with the American Council on Germany (ACG) and hosted by our member Deutsche Bank.
Following the insightful discussion at our German American Business Outlook (GABO) presentation in mid-March at TRUMPF in Connecticut, we continued the conversation on April 13th in Boston at our member Forvis Mazars. This event marked the first flagship event of our newly established Boston Chapter. In April, we were also excited to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the Boston Chapter together with representatives from the City of Boston. This milestone marks an important step in strengthening transatlantic business ties in the New England region. We are especially grateful for the City's warm welcome and honored to have received a Certificate of Recognition - a meaningful symbol of the strong partnership we are building.
Back in the New York area, we gathered at our member Kühne + Nagel Inc. in Jersey City for our event "Supply Chains Under Pressure: Tariffs, Trade, and Logistics in Transformation," where industry experts shared valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of global supply chains.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming events, including our Automotive and Mobility Forum, "Driving Future Growth: Scaling Innovation in Automotive, Mobility & Industry" at our member KPMG on April 29th. As well as our White Asparagus Gala Dinner at Tribeca Rooftop on May 20th, where we are honored to welcome Joe Kaeser, Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG, as our keynote speaker.
We look forward to welcoming you soon at our upcoming events!
Warm regards,
Your GACC NY Team
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We are excited to announce the launch of our new Go J-1 visa website! The new platform offers an enhanced user experience and reflects our continued commitment to supporting international talent and fostering transatlantic exchange.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of our J-1 visa sponsorship program, we are proud to build on three decades of enabling early-career professionals to gain valuable international experience.
| | Upcoming Events & Programs | |
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Driving Future Growth: Scaling Innovation in Automotive, Mobility & Industry
New York City | April 29th, 2026
Join us for this year’s Automotive & Mobility Forum - one of our long-standing signature events - now taking place in the brand-new office space of our host KPMG at Hudson Yards. The program will feature a keynote on “Driving Future Growth: Scaling Innovation in Automotive, Mobility, and Manufacturing,” followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders.
Speakers will explore how AI, autonomy, and software-defined systems are moving from pilot phases to large-scale deployment, and how electrification and smart manufacturing are transforming supply chains and production models.
The discussion will also highlight the power of transatlantic collaboration in driving next-generation mobility solutions.
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German American Furniture Industry Forum
New York City | May 14th, 2026
Join us for a half-day conference showcasing eight selected German companies from German furniture industry as they explore opportunities in the U.S. market. The program features keynote presentations, company pitches, and a panel discussion with leading U.S. industry experts, concluding with a networking session.
The delegation is part of the Market Entry Program, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, which aims to strengthen international experience transfer and collaboration.
The forum provides the German delegation with the opportunity to connect with local industry leaders and potential business partners. Attendees of the conference will gain insights into the latest developments of the German furniture industry and learn about innovative furniture solutions out of Germany.
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GACC Annual Meeting (Members Only)
New York City | May 20th, 2026
The GACC New York's Annual Meeting brings together members of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. to reflect on the past year, share updates, and look ahead to upcoming initiatives.
The meeting will include welcome remarks, a review of activities and achievements of the Chamber. It also offers an opportunity to connect with fellow members and engage in meaningful exchange within the network.
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White Asparagus Gala Dinner
New York City | May 20th, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening at our White Asparagus Gala Dinner on May 20th, 2026!
As our most anticipated event of the year, this gala brings together approximately 350 distinguished leaders from the German-American business community for an evening of exceptional networking opportunities. Enjoy the breathtaking Manhattan skyline from Tribeca Rooftop during our cocktail reception, followed by a seated three-course dinner featuring freshly imported German white asparagus.
We are honored to welcome Joe Kaeser, Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG and former President and CEO of Siemens AG, as our keynote speaker at this year's Gala.
Reserve your seat today!
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BBQ & Connect 4.0
White Plains, NY | June 1st, 2026
Join us for our fourth BBQ & Connect event in White Plains, NY. Enjoy some delicious Bratwurst, potato salad, and a refreshing beverage while connecting with business executives from the region. This is a great opportunity for networking and creating lasting business relationships in the German American Business Community.
This event is located at and supported by our longstanding member German International School New York in White Plains, NY.
Don't miss this chance to expand your professional circle and form valuable new connections!
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GITEX AI EUROPE
Messe Berlin | June 30th - July 1st, 2026
GITEX AI EUROPE, the most international technology and digital investment cross-industry event in Europe, is back in Germany from June 30 to July 1, 2026 at Messe Berlin.
As Europe’s definitive platform for sovereign digital transformation, GITEX AI EUROPE unites enterprises, SMEs and startups with investors, policymakers and researchers to accelerate new business, new capital and new partnerships.
A bolder digital Europe is open at GITEX AI EUROPE. The 2-day event features four co-located events, curated programs and workshops.
GITEX AI EUROPE is where Europe’s digital future is built at scale, turning innovation into real-world impact. 1400 exhibitors, 750 startups and 600 investors from over 100 countries will be under the same roof.
Registration is now live. Discounted passes are available for GACC New York members for a limited time.
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Fly-In on Tariff Policy
Washington, D.C. | September 23rd - 24th, 2026
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Washington, DC (DGIC) is pleased to host a Fly-In focused on Tariff Policy, taking place from September 23rd - 24th, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Open to companies across all industries, the Fly-In is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue about tariff policy and its impact of German business operations in the U.S.
This two-day program offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with key policymakers and stakeholders in Washington, D.C. during a full day of meetings with representatives from the U.S. Administration, U.S. Congress, and the German Embassy, and will conclude with DGIC’s annual Oktoberfest – an exclusive networking event attended by more than 200 professionals from the policy and business communities of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
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30th Anniversary of the GACC NY's J-1 Visa Designation
On March 30th, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the GACC New York’s J-1 visa designation at our new amenity space at 7 World Trade Center.
For three decades, the GACC New York has proudly supported internship, trainee, and apprenticeship programs between the United States and Germany, helping companies develop international talent and strengthen transatlantic workforce mobility.
We were honored that the event began with congratulatory remarks delivered by representatives from the U.S. Department of State.
The program included an overview of the GACC NY’s J-1 visa services as well as a panel discussion with senior representatives from companies participating in the program, sharing firsthand insights on international talent development, workforce qualification, and mobility in a transatlantic context.
A sincere thank you to our speakers and to all our attendees for celebrating this important milestone with us!
- Per Bielenberg | Intern | Ernst & Young US LLP
- Julian Hassing | Manager, Audit | Ernst & Young US LLP
- Priya S. Nayar | Executive Director | University Alliance Ruhr
- Michael Shebe | Director, Shared HR Group Services – North America | Wurth Group of North America Inc.
- Lasse Spellerberg | Intern | University Alliance Ruhr
- Susanne Gellert | President & CEO | German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
- Sandy Jones | Responsible Officer, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Program | German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
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Capital, Capacity, and Capability: Building a Transatlantic Defense Economy
In cooperation with the American Council on Germany (ACG), this year’s annual symposium “Capital, Capacity, and Capability: Building a Transatlantic Defense Economy” focused on the transatlantic defense and security landscape.
The discussion underscored the importance of moving more quickly from strategy to execution in an increasingly dynamic environment, while emphasizing how industrial capacity has become a strategic priority. At the same time, it reaffirmed the strength and resilience of transatlantic cooperation, with deep economic and strategic ties continuing to endure and remain essential in addressing current challenges.
The conversation highlighted how dual-use technologies have moved to the center of transatlantic cooperation, reshaping the intersection of innovation, security, and industrial strategy.
Our panel discussions explored both the opportunities and challenges for companies engaging in dual-use technologies, as well as defense investment strategies and Europe’s evolving rearmament efforts.
Many thanks to all speakers and participants for a highly insightful and forward-looking discussion. We are very grateful to Deutsche Bank for hosting us at their offices in New York.
Special thanks to our distinguished speakers:
- Brigadier General Gunnar C. Bruegner | Military Defense Attache at the German Embassy Washington
- Stephen Hedger, Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations, Honeywell
- Susanne Gellert | President & CEO at German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
- Chris Haave | Vice President, International Operations, Global Government Relations at RTX
- Tara Hariharan | Managing Director of Global Macro Research at NWI Management LP | Board Member at American Council on Germany
- Francis Kelly | Founder and Managing Partner at Fulcrum Macro Advisors LLC | Senior Associate at Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Lisa McGeough | Head of Americas Region and CEO at Deutsche Bank USA
- Faysal Rahman | Global Defense Coordinator at Deutsche Bank
- Dr. Steven E. Sokol | President at American Council on Germany
- Ana Corina Sosa | Defense & Security Executive at Celonis
- Stephen Tankel | Associate Professor of Foreign Policy & Global Security at American University | Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council
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German American Business Outlook (GABO) Boston
A strong first flagship event of our new Boston Chapter!
On April 13th, we were delighted to host over 70 attendees for the first flagship event of our Boston Chapter: The presentation of the 2026 German American Business Outlook (GABO) results.
The evening opened with an economic update by Deutsche Bank Senior Economist Brett Ryan, who provided valuable insights into current macroeconomic developments, including the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the IEEPA tariffs.
This was followed by the presentation of the 2026 GABO survey results by GACC New York President & CEO Susanne Gellert. Building on these insights, a distinguished panel of industry leaders discussed the survey’s key findings and their implications and for German companies operating in the U.S.:
- Sebastián Arana | Head of Process Solutions | MilliporeSigma
- Dirk Gabriel | President Global Functions Dräger Medical Systems Inc.
- Thomas LeFevre | President & CEO | Brueckner Group USA
- Maurice Phelan | President | Sartorius North America
- Lucas Theo Rehaag | Executive Director | German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. – Boston Chapter
We extend a sincere thank you to all speakers, to everyone who attended, and especially to our member Forvis Mazars US for hosting this successful kickoff event!
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Supply Chains Under Pressure: Tariffs, Trade, and Logistics in Transformation
A packed room and insightful conversations at our “Supply Chains Under Pressure: Tariffs, Trade, and Logistics in Transformation” event on April 21st.
In collaboration with our member Kühne + Nagel Inc., we brought together over 60 industry experts to discuss how shifting dynamics are actively reshaping global supply chains.
A special thank you to Bill Rooney, Vice President, Sea Logistics Strategic Development at Kühne + Nagel Inc., for opening the program with a comprehensive Global Sea Logistics Market Update, offering valuable insights into current developments in transatlantic trade.
The discussion that followed highlighted how companies are adapting their supply chain strategies.
- Markus Hoeck | Executive Vice President Operations USA & CAN, Riedel Crystal of America
- Chas Petty | Head of Pharma Sales | Delta Airlines
- Stephen Pierson-Massey | Senior Vice President, Sea Logistics, USA, Kühne + Nagel Inc.
- Jan Ramming | Director Global Accounts North America, Hapag Lloyd (America), LLC
- Greg Tompsett | Senior Vice President US Customs, Kühne + Nagel Inc.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our speakers, our hosts at Kühne + Nagel Inc., and to all attendees who contributed to the engaging discussion.
| | Welcoming Our New Members | | |
NETZSCH Instruments North America, LLC
NETZSCH Instruments North America, LLC provides high‑precision instruments for thermal analysis, rheology, and fire testing, complemented by world‑class contract testing services. Serving industries from polymers and chemicals to building materials, energy, environmental analysis, and the life sciences, NETZSCH combines technological leadership, advanced software, and uncompromising quality to support research, quality control, and innovative product development worldwide.
analyzing-testing.netzsch.com
| | Please contact us if you would like to be introduced to our new members. | | |
German House of Soccer
We are delighted to share an exciting initiative by the German Football Association (DFB). For the first time, the German House of Soccer (GHOS) will open during the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in New York City. This unique venue in Manhattan will serve as a central hub for fans and partners to experience German culture.
We are proud that the GACC NY has been recognized as a partner in bringing this project to life. The GHOS offers a distinctive platform to engage with clients, partners, and stakeholders in a highly visible and internationally relevant environment. Priority access is available for GACC members, with capacity allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Train the German Way - This Summer in the U.S.
The German Football Federation (DFB), in partnership with Global Soccer Development, is bringing its DFB Soccer Camp Series back to the United States this summer.
The DFB represents over 7 million soccer players in Germany and is responsible for coach and referee education, youth development, and the operation of the German National Teams – making it one of the most established football federations worldwide.
Now, young players across the U.S. can experience this expertise firsthand. Camps will be held in Winston-Salem, NC (June 15th-19th), New York/New Jersey (June 22nd-26th), Bradenton, FL (July 6th-10th), and Atlanta, GA (July 13th-17th)
Campers can expect to train with official German DFB Akademie Coaches in skill-appropriate groups during full-day training camp with 4 sessions per day. At the end they will receive an official DFB Training Certificate signed by the Federation.
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