Previous Events
Funding, Exits and IPOs: Silicon Valley’s Best Make Their Predictions and Bets 2013
12 months ago Facebook had just filed – and was about to launch its stratospheric $100 billion IPO.
This spring – how times have changed. Its shares are now valued at around 25% less and the company is still wading through rafts of lawsuits after its stocks plunged by half of their peak value in their opening three months.
During last year’s BABC Venture Capital event, much of the took was about what would happen with Facebook - so it was only natural to begin this year’s event, held on Wednesday February 27 at the beautiful Quadrus Conference Center in Menlo Park, by going back to what the panel had said then…
“My prediction was that Facebook would double in price,” said Stephen Eichenlaub, Managing Director of Platform, Cleantech, and Digital Health at Intel Capital. “I was right - they just mispriced the IPO!”
Click on the title above to read the full write-up of the event, which was generously sponsored by CCW Business Solutions, Carr McClellan, and HSBC.
Champagne, Shopping at Networking with Burberry - Tuesday, January 29, 2013
On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, Burberry hosted a reception for BABC Members and Raphael House supporters at their flagship San Francisco Store on Post Street.
Champagne, cocktails and delicious canapes were served whilst guests had the opportunity to browse the latest collections of one of Britain’s most prestigious fashion brands.
Burberry generously offered to donate 10% of all sales made on the evening and during the week of the event to San Francisco charity Raphael House, the BABC’s Christmas Luncheon beneficiary.
More than seventy guests attended the event and Burberry have donated $500 to Raphael House.
Many thanks to Burberry for hosting the event.
Click on the link above to see the photos from the event.
BABC 23rd Annual Economic Luncheon - Thursday, January 24, 2013
The 23rd BABC Annual Economic Luncheon was held on Thursday January 24 at the City Club of San Francisco, sponsored by Squire Sanders.
2012 was an eventful period for the world economy and the fortunes for 2013 are far from certain. Here in the US the House has recently passed a bill to extend the nation’s debt limit until May, deferring a vicious budget debate and prolonging uncertainty once again. For the rest of the world the IMF has warned again of a weakening global economic recovery despite government efforts to stimulate growth – the global economy is likely to grow at a slower rate than previously forecast over the next two years, Eurozone expected to remain in recession in 2013, having previously predicted growth, UK’s growth forecasts have also been revised down. Countries like China, Germany and Brazil have been driving global growth but are looking like they’re losing steam. War and turmoil loom in the Middle East and North Africa. Here in the Bay Area on the other hand, the situation is looking stronger - in 2012 unemployment dipped below 10 % last month for the first time in four years.
This year we revamped our traditional format into a panel of expert economists – Gary Schlossberg of Wells Fargo, Sean Randolph of the Bay Area Economic Institute and Brian Lawson of Exclusive Analysis whose job was to use the economic outlook to predict concrete business risks and opportunities.
Click on the title above to read the full write up.
49th Annual BABC Christmas Luncheon - Friday, December 14, 2012
The BABC 49th Annual Christmas Luncheon was held on Friday December 14 in the spectacular surroundings of The Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill.
Please click through to read a write-up of the event and to have a look at some of the fabulous photos taken by Erica Deeman.
Next year’s Luncheon, our 50th, is to be on Friday, December 13, 2013, at The Fairmont.
European Networking Evening - Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Oakland Offices of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean hosted around 80 guests from a host of different European Chambers for another of our hugely popular European Networking events on November 15, 2012.
In addition to the organizers, BABC, FACC and GABA, we also welcomed members of the Swiss, Swedish, Spanish and Italian Chambers, to name just a few.
Many thanks to Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean for their generous sponsorship of the event, providing a delicious range of food and drinks.
Our next European Networking Evening is to be held in February, stay tuned for more details!
Recruitment, Retention, and Successful Career Transitions - Thursday, November 8, 2012
Around fifty people attended our ‘Recruitment, Retention, and How to Make a Successful Career Transition’ panel discussion held on November 8 in the offices of Squire Sanders on Battery Street.
Led by our TV workplace and career expert Dr Greg Ketchum of TalentPlanet as moderator, the panel provided expert advice for those looking to switch jobs, change careers, and find new opportunities to re-energize working life. They also targeted wider questions of interest to all Bay Area professionals, and particularly, recruiters.
Our expert panel featured Roberto Machado, Senior Managing Director for the West Coast at Michael Page, Katie Nittler, VP of Sales, Oracle Communications, Jim Colby, Senior Consultant with GlobalBridgeHR, Chris Merritt, VP and General Manager at BranchOut.
Breakfast with the Boss: Priya Guha, HM Consul General - Thursday, October 18, 2012
On October 18 2012, around fifteen BABC Young Professionals had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the company of Priya Guha, HM British Consul General in San Francisco.
This was the first event of the ‘Breakfast with the Boss’ series – a set of events designed to enable young professionals to connect with outstandingly successful leaders and to discuss career development questions in a relaxed and informal setting.
The first woman to be appointed to the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, Priya Guha has responsibility for the Consulate-General’s delivery of the British Government’s foreign policy and service delivery objectives in the six-state area consisting of Northern California, Washington State, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Montana. Priya is a career diplomat who joined the UK Foreign Office in 1996. Prior to San Francisco, she spent four years at the British High Commission in India, where she was First Secretary for Political and Bilateral Affairs. She has also worked on European Union and media issues at the Foreign Office in London, and served as 2nd Secretary to the British Embassy in Madrid.
Social Gaming Platforms: Short Term Bubble or Long Term Future? - Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Is giving away content for free a sustainable strategy for organizations fighting for profit in an increasingly competitive world market place? The electronic gaming world has seen its traditional business models torn up and rewritten over the past few years – leading to a major boom in investment but also some high-profile accidents. On Tuesday, October 16, the BABC held a panel event to discuss the future of social gaming at the Mission Bay Conference Center, generously sponsored by Aramark. Moderated by Sana Choudary of Yetizen Games Accelerator, Peter Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts was joined by Josh Williams of Kontagent and Jude Gomila of Heyzap, an online network for social gamers, for a fascinating discussion about the pitfalls faced by some of the industry’s newer players - and why offering games for free is a life-saver for the industry.
Find out more about the fascinating discussion and take a flick through the photos by clicking on the title above.
Wine Tasting and Networking Evening at Timothy Oulton - Thursday, October 4, 2012
Around 60 BABC Members, BABC Wine Circle Members and guests attended our wonderful evening of wine tasting at networking at the spectacular Timothy Oulton Gallery in SOMA to celebrate the BABC Wine Circle.
On arrival guests were greeted with a wine glass and a map of HD Buttercup marked with the locations of our six wine tasting stations, scattered amongst a veritable Aladdin’s cave of design. We were delighted so many winemakers were able to join us to pour at the event and guests enjoyed a delicious array of wines from many of California’s most sought-after boutique producers, including: Markris-Barrel Club, JAQK Cellars, Sandler, Bjornstad, Lucia, Canihan Family Cellars, Eight Arms, Acorn, Coastview, Fatto Manno, Keefer, Matthis, RED LAVA, Olsen Ogden, Prophet, Tallulah, Field Fair, Le P’tit Payson, Greive and Patz & Hall.
Clashes for the Ashes - Saturday, August 25, 2012
England were victorious in the 2012 Clashes for the Ashes competition on Saturday, August 25!
It was a magnificent game of cricket - after 552 runs were scored off 80 overs it all came down to the last ball of the day. Around 80 members of the BABC and the SF Aussies turned out to watch the game and enjoy a delicious BBQ and plenty of Pimms whilst cheering on their teams, despite the windy conditions!
Click on the title above to read the full match report and have a look through all the photos.
European Networking Evening, San Francisco - Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Hult International Business School at 1355 Sansome was packed for our joint European Networking Evening in San Francisco on August 23.
More than 170 people attended from a whole host of different European Chambers - in addition to the organizers, BABC, FACC and GABA, we also welcomed members of the Swiss, Swedish, Spanish and Italian Chambers, to name just a few.
Many thanks to the Hult for sponsoring the event, and providing an array of snacks, red wine and beer. Click on the title above to have a look through the photos.
Our next European Networking Evening is to be held on November 15 at the Oakland offices of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean.
Michael Page Summer Mixer in Palo Alto
The Terrace Room of the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto was packed for the Summer Mixer sponsored by Michael Page International on Thursday August 9.
Members of the British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco and German American Business Association mingled with representatives from Michael Page International and other guests whilst enjoying a refreshing range of drinks from the bar.
More than 100 people attended the two hour event, which spilled out onto the second floor terrace of the Hotel.
Have a look at the photos by clicking on the title above.
Screening of London Olympics Opening Ceremony in Redwood City - Friday, July 27, 2012
British Consul General Priya Guha helped kick start Olympic fever in the Bay Area on Friday July 27 at a ceremony to mark the start of the London 2012 Games in Redwood City.
She addressed a packed out crowd in Courthouse Square alongside Olympican Anne Cibbs, the Executive Director of the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee. An impressive procession of former local Olympians covering a range of ages and sports from swimming to wrestling were honored at the event, before the band, Red White and Blues, took to the stage. Excitement was running high as the broadcast of the London Opening Ceremony began, shown on a large high definition screen.
Pre-Olympic Networking Evening - Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Otis Lounge on Maiden Lane was buzzing with pre-Olympic excitement on July 12th for our packed Summer Mixer. We were privileged to be joined by Olympic torchbearer Robert Johnson, who carried the flame in Liverpool in June. He brought his torch to the event and many of the fifty or so guests enjoyed the opportunity to pose for a photo! A raffle official Olympic merchandise was held during the event, with Jessica Vann of Innovate Product Design, Simon Bromwell of Robert Walters and Daniel Harris of BDO winning a t-shirt, water bottle and baseball cap respectively. Many thanks to all who attended.
AGM and Diamond Jubilee Networking - Wednesday June 6, 2012
More than 60 members joined us at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel for our Annual General Meeting and Diamond Jubilee Networking Evening on Wednesday June 6.
Reports of the year’s events and developments were delivered by President Colin Brown, Treasurer Stephen Legg and Business Council Manager Zoe Matthews. All board members standing for re-election were successfully elected, and we are also delighted to welcome Gerald Brady of Silicon Valley Bank, Christopher Moore of HSBC and Stephen Wares of CCW Business Solutions to the Board of Directors.
After the AGM we held a Diamond Jubilee Networking Event at the Top of the Mark to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne.
Technology on the Move: The Car as the Ultimate Mobile Device - Wednesday June 13, 2012
Cars which could book themselves a parking space and their drivers a table at their favorite restaurants…cars which drive themselves better than their owners ever could…cars whose radar systems and wireless networks can detect hazards long before they’re visible to the human eye…cars which are shared by society and charged up overnight like mobile phones…
All these could be possible for the car of the future, according to the expert speakers at our flagship Technology on the Move event at Silicon Valley Bank’s Kellogg Auditorium on June 13.
More than 80 people attended the half-day conference about the many opportunities for innovation and investment surrounding the recent explosion of interest in automotive technology, which was kindly sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank and UK Trade & Investment.
Three key themes were highlighted throughout the day’s discussions: computing power, electrification, and connectivity. Click on the title above to read the full write up, watch the videos and have a flick through the photos.
European Networking Evening - Thursday May 3, 2012
More than 160 people from a whole range of nationalities attended our ever-popular European Networking Evening in Palo Alto on May 3, co-hosted by GABA and FACC.
Kindly hosted by Cooley LLP, guests enjoyed a delicious array of appetisers and a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks whilst mingling inside and around the courtyard fountain.
Best of British Launch - April 23, 2012
The BABC was proud to host a triple celebration at the glass-covered atrium of the Citigroup Building at One Sansome Street on St George’s Day to mark the start of Britweek and the launch of Bojangles, before its epic journey across the Atlantic Ocean in time for the London Olympics.
Parked up outside on the back of a DHL lorry, the 24 ft two person ocean rowing boat certainly attracted a lot of attention from passers-by, especially when our bagpiper, Len Miller, started playing on the steps at the start of the event.
Inside, more than 160 BABC members and Britweek supporters mingled with representatives from the British Consulate and the San Francisco Mayor’s office, as well as the many OAR volunteers and staff who’d been working hard to get the boat ready for her big day.
Click on the title above to read more about the event and to flick through the fabulous pictures, kindly taken by Wez Ireland.
Emergency Preparedness Planning Seminar - April 17, 2012
The excitement was building ahead of the BABC/Hotel Council Emergency Preparedness Planning Seminar on Tuesday April 17 after BABC President Colin Brown’s interview on KGO Radio, with an insightful live discussion about the need for business preparedness at 6.35 in the morning!
It was the eve of the 106th anniversary of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the venue for the event, the Hotel Whitcomb on Market Street, was certainly very appropriate - the hotel was used as a temporary city hall for several years after the historic quake destroyed the previous one.
Around 80 guests attended the seminar, which was energetically moderated by Stasha Wyskiel, Chair of the Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, a highly experienced disaster management practitioner. Jack Boatwright from the US Geological Survey gave the panel’s first presentation, outlining the “complex set of faults running through the whole Bay Area”. The USGS estimates there is a 2 in 3 chance of a major quake of 6.7 and above striking between 2007 and 2036.
Spring Mixer - April 12, 2012
The BABC’s first big social networking evening of the year was a fantastic kick-start to our spring, despite the thunderstorms which poured down outside!
The Vin Club did us proud with a wonderful selection of wine and some lovely antipasti. It was great to see so many members there, and we were especially happy to see so many new faces in the crowd – thanks for making the effort to join us all the way up in North Beach! All in all it was a great social event, and hopefully the first of many to come this year.
