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American International Development and Innovation Association (AIDI) NYC Chapter Annual Gala
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Report & Pictures by:
Gerard Mc Keon, Black Tie Magazine
Xiao Hua Ji, Wall Street Television USA
The 2026 Second Annual Gala and Annual Banquet of the AIDI, American International Development & Investment Association, was grandly held in New York City. Entrepreneurs, industry leaders, chapter presidents, investors, and distinguished guests from the fields of real estate development, investment, construction, finance, technology, international trade, AI smart home systems, and robotics gathered together to witness another major milestone in the rapid expansion of the AIDI global platform.
As a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) international non-profit organization, AIDI has experienced remarkable growth within just one year and has established more than 116 city chapters worldwide, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals across the globe. The organization has become widely recognized as the international “Hundred Cities Association.”
This year’s conference featured high-level roundtable forums focusing on key topics including global trade and the materials industry, commercial real estate trends, diversified global investment strategies, AI-powered smart homes, and robotics technologies. Discussions among leading entrepreneurs and professionals were lively and insightful, fully demonstrating AIDI’s growing influence as a global platform for resource integration and international cooperation.
The atmosphere throughout the event was both grand and energetic, as business leaders and representatives from multiple countries and regions gathered in New York for this important international occasion. Prior to the official opening, congratulatory videos from overseas chapter presidents and U.S. political leaders were continuously displayed on the main screen, generating repeated applause from attendees. The roundtable discussions were also livestreamed globally via Zoom, further expanding the international reach and influence of the conference.
The gala was professionally hosted in both Chinese and English by Robert Song and Diane Cheng. Their seamless bilingual presentation, elegant stage presence, and excellent coordination brought a truly international standard to the event. Their professionalism during the presidential transition ceremony, guest presentations, and panel discussions received widespread praise from attendees.
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the 2026 AIDI Presidential Transition Ceremony. Founding Chairman Andy Jiang delivered opening remarks reflecting on AIDI’s journey from its original vision to today’s international platform spanning 116 global city chapters. Newly elected Global President Bentley Zhao officially assumed leadership and delivered his inaugural speech, outlining future plans to further expand AIDI’s role in international real estate development, technological innovation, AI industry integration, and global resource collaboration.
U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congressman Thomas Suozzi, and New York State Assembly Member Lester Chang were present to witness the important transition ceremony, highlighting the prestige and social influence of the event.
Chairman of the Board Eddie Ni, Chief Supervisor Eric Sun, and other core leadership members introduced AIDI’s executive leadership team, global chapter presidents, and New York chapter representatives. Appointment certificates, trophies, and commendations were presented during a formal recognition ceremony. Representatives from the United States, China, Canada, Chile, Cambodia, Vietnam, Honduras, and other regions appeared together on stage, further demonstrating the global cohesion and international influence of AIDI’s “Hundred Cities” platform.
The conference also featured a dedicated business exhibition area showcasing industries such as smart home technologies, modular construction, window manufacturing, robotics, electrical systems, and real estate development. The exhibition booths attracted strong interest from entrepreneurs and investors seeking international collaboration opportunities.
Notably, the gala banquet itself reflected an exceptionally high standard of hospitality. The organizers carefully prepared a luxurious dinner featuring premium dishes including lobster and lamb chops, all of which were praised by guests for both quality and presentation. Many attendees described the event as “a truly grand international gathering.” At the same time, the raffle segment elevated the atmosphere even further, with prizes including international round-trip airline tickets and high-end home appliances, generating waves of applause and excitement throughout the ballroom.
The event also included congratulatory video messages from U.S. elected officials and overseas chapter presidents, sponsor presentations, and corporate introductions. Major partners including Midea, Air China, IPE Innovative Elevator, New Empire Group, and Windfall Group actively participated, adding significant business networking and partnership opportunities to the conference.
Mr. Ji Xiaohua, Founder and President of Wall Street Television USA and a renowned international affairs commentator, highly praised the event, stating that the AIDI Second Annual Gala was not only a major industry gathering, but also an important international convergence of global Chinese entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and innovators in technology and AI.
Mr. Ji noted that the establishment of 116 global chapters demonstrates that AIDI has already formed the foundation of a truly international platform. The leadership transition, he emphasized, marks the organization’s advancement into a more institutionalized, internationalized, and professional stage of development.
He further stated that amid today’s rapidly evolving global economic landscape and accelerating AI-driven industrial transformation, AIDI has successfully built an important bridge connecting real estate, finance, technology, and international cooperation. If the organization continues to uphold its mission of “connecting resources, fostering collaboration, promoting development, and serving society,” it will undoubtedly play an increasingly influential role in China-U.S. economic exchanges, international real estate investment, AI technology applications, and global industrial cooperation.
The conference concluded successfully with enthusiastic applause and a grand group photo featuring guests from around the world, officially opening a new chapter in AIDI’s global development journey.
American International Development & Innovation Association Inc.
(AIDI) is dedicated to building bridges between global real estate professionals, fostering collaboration, and driving industry innovation. With a strong foundation rooted in expertise and trust, AIDI serves as a hub for industry leaders, investors, and innovators seeking to shape the future of real estate development and investment.
Our mission is to create an unparalleled platform that promotes international cooperation, provides access to high-quality investment opportunities, and delivers valuable insights into emerging trends and markets. By facilitating cross-border partnerships and offering resources that empower our members, we aim to elevate the global real estate landscape.
We believe in collaboration, innovation, and integrity as the cornerstones of sustainable growth. These core values guide our efforts to connect like-minded leaders, create win-win opportunities, and drive meaningful change in the industry. Together, we strive to unlock the full potential of real estate investments and pave the way for a future of shared success and prosperity.