BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce

A Great Success for the EU AI Act Panel ???????? Belwest is thrilled to have co-organized the sold-out European Union AI Act Panel Discussion in partnership with EuroCham - Association of American European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations. The event brought together over 120 engaged attendees for an insightful conversation about the future of #AI and the Council of the European Union’s pivotal role in shaping AI governance. This exceptional panel featured leading experts who delved into the Act’s implications for ethics, innovation, and global regulation. The discussions underscored the vital need for transatlantic collaboration in driving the future of artificial intelligence. ???? A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed panelists: ??Gerard de Graaf, Head of the EU Commission Office in San Francisco, European Union Delegation to the United States; ??Florence G'SELL, Visiting Professor of Law at Stanford University; ??Yaad Oren, Managing Director at SAP Labs US; ??Julie Owono, Executive Director at Internet Sans Frontières; ?? Lutz Finger, Venture Partner at Cherry VC,Senior Lecturer at Cornell University. Special gratitude to Nick Larson for moderating this engaging discussion with excellence ?? At BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce, alongside our San Francisco chapter leader David Hubert, we remain committed to fostering meaningful dialogue and partnerships that advance understanding and innovation in key areas like artificial intelligence. #EUAIAct #AIRegulation #Innovation #EthicsInAI #TransatlanticCollaboration #Belwest #ArtificialIntelligence

?? We were deeply honored to celebrate Belgium’s King’s Day alongside our board members, premium members, and valued friends, graciously hosted by Consul General Sophie Hottat. This meaningful occasion allowed us to highlight the strong and lasting bonds within the Belgian-American community. ???????? Across the globe, Belgian embassies and consulates mark this day with events that bring together Belgian nationals, local friends, and business partners. These gatherings are a testament to unity, strengthening ties between Belgians abroad and their host countries while showcasing Belgium’s rich heritage and achievements. In Los Angeles, the celebration embodied this spirit of connection. Guests enjoyed an evening of networking and cultural appreciation, reflecting Belwest’s dedication to fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between Belgium and the Western U.S., and creating new opportunities for partnership and growth. Patrick Hollenfeltz | Max Hermans | Yvan Gilliard | Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles | Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America | Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium

Along with Belwest’s entertainment industry members, our CEO, Alain Charbonnier was delighted to attend a Conversation with Leonardo Van Dijl, director of “Julie Keeps Quiet”, the official Belgian entry at the #Oscars2025, in the category: “Best International Feature Film”. Thank you Consul General Sophie Hottat, for this invitation, especially during “Orange the World”, the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. Fingers crossed for the short list selection happening on December 17th, and congratulations to Leonardo, the team and, Gilles Coulier, Producer at the De Wereldvrede. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Paradiso Films BE | Flanders Image | Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America

? A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Belwest Starlight Gala! Your presence made the evening truly special, celebrating our shared achievements and strengthening the bond between Belgium ????, Luxembourg ???? , the Western U.S. ????, and beyond. ?? Special thanks to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and talented contributors for making this event unforgettable: DRUVEN, Telesign, Production Resource Group, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Wallonia Export & Investment Agency, hub.brussels, Luxembourg Trade and Invest, Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, Luxembourg Trade & Investment Office San Francisco, Oliva Cigar Company, Elegnano, Via Americana, BELPEARL, Baobab Collection, Revive Brands, Cypress Overland, the Skirball Cultural Center, Caroline Geys, Lotus Bakeries, Le Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, AB InBev, and Duvel Moortgat. ?? Sven Faulconer | Nathalie Bonin | Victor le MASNE | Robert Thies | Simone Benyacar ?? Jennifer Solomon-Baum ??? Endless gratitude to the members of the organization committee who worked hard for weeks to put this event together ?? Thank you for being part of this incredible journey! ?? Belgian Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce abroad (BLCCA)

Did you know the European Union is the most important trade and investment partner for the United States? ?????????? In 2023, EU investments in #California alone supported approximately 300,000 jobs. That year, the EU invested $159.9 billion in the state, while California exported over $26.6 billion worth of goods to the EU. For more insights into how transatlantic trade benefits local communities, explore the European Union Delegation to the United States’s new trade footprint study, which not only highlights the broader EU-U.S. trade relationship but also examines EU trade ties with each U.S. state. Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) | Wallonia Export & Investment Agency | hub.brussels | Luxembourg Trade & Investment Office San Francisco | DRUVEN

?? Tonight at the #StarLight Gala, we celebrate incredible talents, and with the support of our partners, we’re thrilled to elevate the experience for our guests. We are grateful and honored to collaborate with these exceptional houses, brands, artists and creators: Oliva Cigar Company - Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper | Elegnano | Via Americana | BELPEARL | Baobab Collection | Revive Brands | Cypress Overland | RealityMatters | Skirball Cultural Center | Caroline Geys | Lotus Bakeries | Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group | AB InBev | Duvel Moortgat | The Aster | LuXembourg - Let's Make It Happen | Team Belgium Sven Faulconer | Nathalie Bonin | Victor le Masne Robert Thies | Jennifer Solomon-Baum ???| Jeroen Hallaert and all our volunteers! ???? A heartfelt thank you for your commitment and trust. We look forward to a fantastic evening with each of you!

We’re honored to collaborate closely with the Trade Agencies of Belgium ???? and Luxembourg ???? and grateful for their support, especially for our upcoming Starlight Gala ?? With their extensive networks, local expertise, and dedicated teams, these government agencies are invaluable in supporting Belgian and Luxembourgish companies expanding their services, products, and presence in the Western US. They also play a crucial role in helping US companies explore, understand, and establish operations in Europe. ?????????? Special thanks to: ?? Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT): Wouter Debeyne ?? Wallonia Export & Investment Agency: Hubert Goffinet ?? hub.brussels: Eric Gabrys ?? Luxembourg Trade & Investment Office San Francisco: Sandrine Scheller and their fantastic teams! In collaboration with our Consuls General—Sophie Hottat at the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles and Daniel Da Cruz at the Consulate General of Luxembourg in San Francisco—we are building a strong ecosystem for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to make an impact in the US. ???? Heartfelt gratitude to our Consuls and Commissioners. We look forward to celebrating our shared achievements at the Starlight Gala. Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America | Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington, D.C. | Belgian Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce abroad (BLCCA)

Proud to welcome Production Resource Group as a Premium Member and deeply grateful for their outstanding support in bringing our upcoming gala to life ?? Production Resource Group is a global leader in entertainment and live event production, expertly transforming their clients' creative visions into reality. With unmatched expertise across theatre, TV, film, music, corporate events, equipment rental, and more, PRG stands out with an exceptional team and breadth of talent in every technical and production discipline. Their advanced livestream and broadcast solutions bring unparalleled value to the modern TV & Film industry, supported by the industry’s largest inventory of cameras, lenses, and accessories, state-of-the-art prep facilities, and dedicated teams in key production hubs. PRG’s services span lighting, audio, rigging, and scenic design, with innovative, proprietary technologies that shape the future of production. ?? To benefit from PRG’s decades of production expertise, reach out to Jeroen Hallaert today. ???? Thank you, Production Resource Group for your visionary approach, expertise, and commitment to creating memorable experiences.

?? We’re thrilled to partner with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group as they return to Santa Monica with KOOZA, running through early January! This spectacular show celebrates the beauty and intensity of human performance, blending vibrant visuals with bold, slapstick humor. ?? Special Offer for Belwest: Save up to 20% on select seats and dates using this link ?? https://lnkd.in/gtehHRBn ??? Plus, guests at our Starlight Gala will have a chance to win tickets in our raffle! ?? For VIP Packages & Groups of 10 or more, contact [email protected] for details and additional savings. Don't miss a magical experience under the Big Top!

We’re excited and grateful to have Telesign as a Premium Member and Sponsor of the Starlight Gala ?? As part of the Proximus Group, Telesign delivers Continuous Trust? to leading global enterprises by connecting, safeguarding, and securing digital identities. Each month, Telesign verifies over five billion unique phone numbers—covering half of the world’s mobile users—and provides insights for the rest. You may not realize it, but Telesign’s expertise supports your daily digital interactions. We are proud to see this Belgian ???? company making a mark in Los Angeles, across the U.S., and globally. ?? Connect with Telesign today and protect your customers with global solutions. ???? Thank you, Telesign, Christophe Van de Weyer and team for being a valued partner and a trusted ally to our business community.