Over the past few weeks, a truly festive and inspiring atmosphere filled the Swiss Embassy Residence in Budapest. An elegant reception was held to celebrate the Swiss National Day, which also served as a touching farewell to the Swiss Ambassador Jean-Francois Paroz. Representatives from the diplomatic, institutional, and business sectors came together for a warm yet official evening. Next, the Swiss Picnic welcomed Budapest locals as part of the Switzerland in Budapest initiative. The event was opened with speeches by Ambassador Paroz and Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony, followed by the raffle of a trip to Switzerland, drawn from participants in the previously announced “Tracing Switzerland in Budapest” prize game. Swisscham was also present with its own stand, where visitors could test their knowledge through a fun chamber-themed quiz, bringing smiles, great conversations, and community spirit to the event.
The CCCH invites members and friends of Canada to celebrate Canada Day with an evening of food, drinks, and community. The event commemorates the 158th anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, which officially marked the birth of the Canadian Confederation. The celebration aims to unite the local and international community in Budapest in honoring Canadian heritage in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Guests will be treated to a flavorful experience featuring classic Canadian-style burgers, ice-cold beers, and an indulgent selection of donuts. Set against the backdrop of a summer evening, the venue offers the perfect ambiance for an informal yet spirited gathering. Whether you’re Canadian by passport or simply Canadian at heart, the event provides a unique chance to engage with the community, enjoy North American comfort food, and toast the country’s birthday. Participation is open to all, but prior registration is required due to limited capacity. • When: Tuesday, July 1, from 6-10 p.m. • Where: Pasarét Bisztró, Pasaréti út 100, 1026 Budapest. • Fee: Members HUF 16,900 + VAT; non-members HUF 21,900 + VAT.
Team Sweden in Hungary celebrated one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions, Midsummer, in the Residence of the Swedish Ambassador, surrounded by great people, delicious food, flowers, and joyful music. The evening began with speeches by Swedish Ambassador Diana Madunic, Hungary’s Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, and SCCH president Roland Jakab about freedom in all its forms, on individual, societal and global levels. They also emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation and the deep, enduring bond between Sweden and Hungary, a connection rooted in science, culture, and shared values. Guests created their own Midsummer wreaths courtesy of Volvo Cars, danced to the vibrant tunes of Louisiana Avenue from Sweden, and enjoyed a feast of Swedish and Hungarian delicacies. They even had the chance to “fly through time” in the iconic DeLorean from the “Back to the Future” film, thanks to Sigma Software Group. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SCCH. The chamber will celebrate this legacy and look ahead in a special anniversary publication later this year.
What better way to enjoy the summer than with cocktails flowing at an exquisite location? The BCCH invites guests to its Summer Cocktail Mingling! event. Enjoy the height of summer in great company while being amongst the first to experience the new, glamorous, yet cozy BoHo Hotel, sipping from a curated selection of high-quality cocktails courtesy of Diageo and complemented by a selection of fine finger foods. • When: Thursday, July 3, 5:30-9 p.m. • Where: BoHo Hotel, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 3, 1088 Budapest (parking at Pollack tér garage behind the National Museum, a five-minute walk from the venue.) • Fee: Members HUF 15,000 + VAT; non-members HUF 25,000 + VAT.
ComAgro-Sardo Kft. will mark its 30th anniversary in early July by hosting a celebratory event in Nógrádkövesd (70 km northeast of Budapest by road), organized with the support of the CCIU. The occasion will honor the company’s enduring commitment to preserving and promoting the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Sardinia. The event will offer guests an immersive outdoor experience, emphasizing the values of heritage, community, and conviviality. The celebration will feature an authentic Sardinian menu curated to showcase the region’s renowned gastronomic traditions. Attendees will be welcomed with a variety of traditional appetizers, including artisanal cured meats, cheeses, and fresh mozzarella. These will be followed by iconic regional dishes such as roasted suckling pig. Sardinian wines, including Vermentino and Cannonau, will complement the culinary experience. The afternoon will open with a performance by a tenor ensemble accompanied by piano. A multidisciplinary dance performance will follow this. During dinner, a live jazz trio will provide a sophisticated ambiance, followed later by a live band playing a fusion of retro and contemporary dance music. The evening will culminate in a special appearance by the Erox Martini Show and a dynamic DJ set. • When: Friday, July 4, from 3 p.m. • Where: Nógrádkövesd, Hungary.
On Friday, June 13, the CCIFH hosted its traditional garden party in an exceptional setting, both in time, theme and place: Friday the 13th, at the beautiful Normafa Rendezvényház, overlooking Budapest. More than 200 guests gathered in the tranquil, green surroundings to enjoy an evening of elegant networking, fine food and drinks, and a touch of good fortune. The event opened with welcome remarks by chamber president László Károlyi. He was followed by the Ambassador of France to Hungary Jonathan Lacôte, who addressed guests in both French and Hungarian, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of the Franco-Hungarian business community. Ágnes Ducrot, director of the chamber, extended her thanks to the event’s sponsors and partners, whose support made this special evening possible. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, live music, wine, cocktail and beer tastings, a raffle, game of luck animations and interactive partner booths, all in a relaxed and stylish open-air setting. The evening blended business with pleasure, making space for new opportunities and meaningful conversations.
With more than 350 guests in attendance, including members, partners, and prominent figures from the worlds of business, politics, and society, the DUIHK Garden Party provided an excellent opportunity for networking and enjoying the wonderful summer atmosphere and catering. The evening also offered a chance to reflect on the first half of the year and prepare for the tasks ahead. The newly elected chamber president, Róbert Keszte, told guests, “Work has begun with the new Presidium and Advisory Board. We are preparing topics that will be important for 2025 and 2026 in three working groups.” He wished all guests an enjoyable evening and pleasant conversations. Barbara Zollmann, the DUIHK’s managing director, thanked everyone “who is committed to our chamber, and I look forward to starting the second half of the year with you.”
AmCham Hungary has announced the establishment of two new working groups: Digitalization and Travel, Tourism & Entertainment. The former, launched in early 2025, is committed to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and supporting companies in their digital transformation journeys. It will also serve as a platform to advocate for policies that strengthen a competitive and resilient digital ecosystem. Imre Somogyi, CEO of Attrecto, leads the Digitalization Working Group. The Travel, Tourism & Entertainment Working Group, co-chaired by Angela Saliba, multi-property general manager at Marriott International and Márton Vajda, co-owner and managing director at Collectives-Inner City Investments, will provide a forum for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry leaders. Members will
jointly explore ways in which they can contribute to and align with Hungary’s evolving national tourism strategy, while discussing topics such as talent development within the sector, sustainable operational practices, and the role of tourism in national policy. The new platforms reflect AmCham’s ongoing commitment to addressing the evolving priorities of the business community and enhancing Hungary’s long-term competitiveness.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 27, 2025.
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