East Bay Business Forum
As part of the Belgian Economic Mission to California, led by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), in partnership with the East Bay Economic Development Alliance and the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance, invites you to a unique Business Forum in Alameda.
The event will take place in the presence of H.E. Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Government of Wallonia and Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade.
The East Bay, home to world-class institutions such as UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, is a dynamic hub for biotech, cleantech, advanced industries, digital innovation, and international logistics. Its role as a global gateway is symbolized by the new FedEx cargo line connecting Oakland and Liège, creating a direct bridge between California and Belgium.
The program features keynote remarks by Stephen Baiter, Executive Director at East Bay EDA, and a panel discussion with Belgian and East Bay leaders, including AKT, District Cleantech, TLS Express, and the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance, highlighting complementarities and new opportunities for cooperation.
The forum will be hosted at Almanac Brewery in Alameda, offering a convivial setting that reflects Belgium’s world-renowned brewing tradition. Belgian food and beverage companies will also be present to showcase and offer tastings of their products, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking and exchange.
🗓️ Agenda Overview
1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Arrival & Light Lunch
Kick off the afternoon with informal networking over lunch featuring pizzas. Belgian delegates will connect with East Bay business leaders, institutional partners, and innovation actors in a relaxed outdoor setting.
2:45 PM – 2:55 PM | Opening Remarks
Welcome address by Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Walloon Government and Minister for Economy, Industry, Digital, Employment, and Foreign Trade and co-hosts, i.e. East Bay EDA and the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance.
2:55 PM – 3:10 PM
Keynote Address by East Bay EDA
Perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship, and building sustainable business bridges between Wallonia and the East Bay.
2:45 PM – 3:25 PM
Panel Discussion: “East Bay & Belgium – Partnering for Innovation”
A moderated conversation featuring Belgian and Californian experts from sectors such as CleanTech, Food & Beverage, Biotech, Advanced Manufacturing, and AI. The panel will explore ecosystem synergies and internationalization strategies.
3:40 PM – 3:45 PM
Closing Remarks by Alameda Official
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Networking & B2B Meetings
Possibility for interested Belgian and East Bay companies to engage in facilitated multi-sector B2B meetings, coordinated in synergy with the visit to UC Berkeley scheduled the same day.
🎯 Why Attend?
Discover opportunities for collaboration in high-impact industries
Connect with Belgian and East Bay business leaders
Explore Belgium’s value proposition as an EU gateway
Engage in facilitated B2B matchmaking sessions
📝 Registration
This event is open by invitation only and capacity is limited to 100 participants.
Please note that registration does not guarantee participation; all registrations will be reviewed and a confirmation will be sent to selected attendees.