Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

We kickstarted the year with an event focusing on 2025 tax changes and strategies and trends relevant to businesses. It featured an overview presentation by our new member and tax partner at WTS Klient Hungary, Viktor Szabó, who helped participants better understand the changing tax environment. Participants could get updates directly from experts, ask specific questions and discuss how to keep their businesses competitive with the new regulations. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for Swisscham Hungary members to network and explore new opportunities for cooperation, strengthening Swiss-Hungarian business relations. Committed to providing its members with a range of topics and platforms to meet, Swisscham also organized a visit to the Art & Antique exhibition and fair, where a professional art consultant gave a guided tour of the exhibiting galleries.

Don’t miss The Business Case for Water: Presentation and panel discussion in collaboration with WWF.

• When: Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. • Where: Német-Magyar Gazdaság Háza, Lövőház u. 30, Budapest 1024, • Fee: Members HUF 15,000 + VAT / person; non-members HUF 25,000 + VAT / person

Belgian Business Club in Hungary (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz hosted a networking event titled NextGen Leadership at Impact Hub Budapest on Feb. 13. Rachel Altmann, founder of BeHive Consulting, introduced its cutting-edge behavioral science-based approach and shared real-life case studies. Following her presentation, Áron Fellegi (AEC Group-Euroatlantic Consulting) and Sam Vangerven (Stardex Kft.) joined her for a panel discussion, offering insights into the challenges of building a company at a young age. The conversations during and after the Q&A session showed that the event provided an excellent opportunity for guests to connect and exchange ideas in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham)

Dutcham will hold a casual networking event at a new location, the Indonesian Culinary Restaurant, close to Kálvin tér. The menu for the night includes typical and traditional Indonesian dishes like beef rendang, chicken satay, spring rolls, nasi goreng, and fried noodles.

• When: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Where: Ráday utca 9, Budapest 1092 • Fee: members HUF 12,000 (incl. VAT); non-members HUF 15,000 (incl. VAT)

Hungarian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

Join our next HR club, “HR at a Higher Level: The Human Resources Manager is the Most Important Partner of the Company Manager.” We will discuss the magnitude of damage that can be caused by choosing the wrong company manager or not succeeding with onboarding, talent management, KPIs for performing teams, and so on. The event is presented by László Tóth, managing director of Transearch Hungary Kft.

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 26 • Where: Novotel Budapest Danube, Bem Rakpart 33-34, Budapest 1027 • Fee: (includes lunch): Members HUF 16,900 + VAT; non-members HUF 25,500 + VAT.

Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, Netzwerk Digital Collaboration (German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, DUIHK, and the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, Swisscham) and the AI Coalition.

This joint event will explore the use of AI agents and AI for employer branding and discuss further solutions to grow your business. It will take the form of an exclusive workshop exploring the latest trends in AI technology. Guests can discover how emerging technologies are shaping industries, enhancing efficiency, and creating new business opportunities. Prior registration is required by Monday, March 10, at the latest.

• When: Thursday, March 13, 9 a.m.-noon • Where: Ericsson House, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 11, Budapest 1117  • Fee: Members free; non-members HUF 15,000

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

At an exclusive event hosted at the W Hotel, business professionals in Budapest will have a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from Dennis Diokno, founder and CEO of FirstMed. With more than 30 years of experience in international healthcare, Diokno will share his expertise in navigating global markets, building a resilient healthcare business, and critical lessons that extend beyond the industry. As the leader of FirstMed, a premier provider of private healthcare services in Hungary, Diokno has overseen the expansion of medical clinics across multiple countries. His deep understanding of international healthcare challenges and strategies will provide actionable insights on adapting and thriving in evolving business landscapes. The event will offer valuable knowledge and serve as a prime networking opportunity for executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders looking to connect with like-minded professionals. Attendees will be able to engage with Diokno and explore best practices in managing businesses across borders.

• When: March 19, from 8:30-11 a.m. • Where: W Hotel Budapest, Andrássy út 25, Budapest 1061

British Chamber of Commerce inHungary (BCCH)

Join us for an afternoon seminar on the macroeconomic and market outlooks with Dávid Németh, K&H’s chief economist at the bank’s headquarters, followed by a Q&A and networking session. Refreshments will be provided during the networking session. Participation is free for members, but prior registration is required. • When: March 17, 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Where: Lechner Ödön fasor 9, Budapest 1095

Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary (CCIU)

The CCIU will host a unique evening in March, celebrating the elegance and tradition of the Venetian Carnival in an event that unites Venice and Budapest in a fusion of culture, style, and sophistication. The evening will pay tribute to the Made in Italy heritage and the meeting of Italian and Hungarian traditions. At the heart of the evening’s festivities will be the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, the true star of the event, which will be celebrated as a symbol of Italian sophistication and artistry. This year’s ball will also mark a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity between the two countries with the launch of the Wizz Air Budapest-Venice route. The celebration coincides with a special event: the inauguration of Wizz Air’s new route from Budapest to Venice. The Venetian Carnival, with its masks, dances, and music, will provide the perfect stage to launch this new air bridge, which will not only enhance travel and tourism but also strengthen cultural and economic ties. Guests will be immersed in a magical atmosphere where elegance and tradition intertwine, featuring lavish costumes and stunning masks. The event will showcase Italian culture with traditional Venetian dishes and a performance reflecting the rich history of both cities. It offers an opportunity to explore the best of Italian and Hungarian culture.

• When: March 1, from 7 p.m. • Where: Budapest Marriott Hotel, Apáczai Csere János utca 4, Budapest 1052 • Fee: Members HUF 50,000 / person (incl. VAT); non-members HUF 62,000 / person (incl. VAT).

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of February 21, 2025.