Chamber of Commerce Corner, May 19, 2023

Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham)

The sixth gala dinner, marking the 21st birthday of Dutcham, was an elegant yet cozy event with fine food, live entertainment and valuable raffle items. Dutch Ambassador Désirée Bonis welcomed the guests alongside Katinka Zinnemers, Dutcham chair, highlighting the long-standing, fruitful cooperation between the embassy and the chamber. An Indonesian dinner, a live performance by Zoltán Berecki, and the drawing of the raffle prizes followed. The beneficiary of the charity raffle was Kórházsuli, an initiative that helps hospitalized children continue their studies during their treatment.

Belgian Business Club in Hungary (BELGABIZ)

Belgabiz held its general assembly on May 11 at the Embassy of Belgium. The newly elected president is Jim Bauters, with the management board comprising Szonja Bender (Flanders Investment & Trade); Koen Maegherman (K&H Group); Zoltán Nagy (Reynaers Aluminium Kft.); Edit Ránky (AWEX-hub.brussels); Nicky Roosen; Raphael Schröder (Embassy of Belgium); Pascal Steens (Multicase Advisory); Zsolt Tóth (Delaware Hungary); Samuel Vangerven (Stardex Kft.); and Nico Verhelst. The supervisory board is Gyöngyi Ferencz (VGD Hungary), Györgyi Viszmeg, and Mark Weytjens. Belgabiz looks forward to working together to lead the Belgian business community in Hungary in “growing stronger and smarter together.” After the meeting, participants were invited by Siegfried Peinen, the Ambassador of Belgium and honorary chairman of Belgabiz, to a networking reception at his official Residence.

German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

The DUIHK celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The highlight will be a gala evening on June 2 at the Hotel Mariott. Guests, including President of the Republic of Hungary Katalin Novák, will enjoy an unforgettable evening of culture and entertainment, dancing, excellent food and drink specialties, and, of course, many personal meetings and discussions. 

• When: Friday, June 2, 7-11 p.m. • Where: Budapest Marriott Hotel, Apáczai Csere János utca 4, Budapest 1052. • Cost: Members EUR 150 per person; non-members EUR 280 per person; company table EUR 2,000.

French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

Whistleblowing: What can we expect? This Hungarian-language event features Andrea Belényi, associate, and Zoltán Csernus, lawyer, both of VJT & Partners.

• When: Tuesday, May 25, 12:00-2:00 p.m. • Where: MGallery Hotel Nemzeti Budapest, József körút 4, 1088 Budapest • Cost: Members HUF 12,000 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 18,000 (+ VAT)

Communication Club La vie en magenta! Corporate communication at Telekom. Hungarian-language events with Flóra Németh, PR professional manager at Magyar Telekom

• When: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, 9:00-10:30 a.m. • Where: MGallery Hotel Nemzeti Budapest, József körút 4, 1088 Budapest. • Cost: Members HUF 9,900 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 14,900 (+ VAT)

HR Burnout Inhumane resource management, or when can an HR employee burn out? Dr. Júlia Füredi, organizational psychologist and founder of sparQ tech, leads this Hungarian-language event.

• When: Tuesday, June 6, noon-2 p.m. • Where: Well Point event venue, Europa Design, Törökvész út 71-75, 1025 Budapest. • Cost: Members HUF 9,900 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 14,900 (+ VAT)

American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham)

As a business, do you feel uncertain about how to adapt to rapidly changing regulations? Would you like to know how current conflicts and subsequent sanctions impact business-related regulations and compliance? Join Amcham’s Compliance Conference to discuss the geopolitical realities of the ongoing war in Ukraine and other potential conflicts and learn about the practical aspects of complying with sanctions as a business, including the risks and pitfalls and the surprisingly high penalties. AmCham will host Botond Feledy, director of Tipping Point Consulting, a geopolitical risk analyst and EU expert, and Ramsey Jurdi, an international dispute, regulatory and trade compliance lawyer at DLA Piper with substantial experience of economic sanctions as guest speakers at the conference.

• When: Wednesday, June 7, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • Where: Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, Petőfi Sándor u. 2-4, 1052 Budapest • Cost: Members HUF 34,990 (+VAT); non-members HUF 45,000 (+ VAT)

British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (BCCH)

The BCCH had the pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of the Hungarian National Museum’s new exhibition titled “Királyi hétköznapok” (Royal Weekdays) featuring fine china from Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra. These included a British twist with some of the finest wares exhibited being part of the “Queen Victoria evolution,” a selection of tableware ranging from the classical 1851 pattern to the Royal Garden pattern, made to commemorate Prince William’s wedding. BCCH chairman Duncan Graham served as the exhibition’s patron. In his opening speech, he highlighted the high prestige of Herendi Porcelán in the United Kingdom and its long history in the country going back to the 1851 World Fair. Graham opened the event alongside László L. Simon, director general of the Museum, and Attila Simon, executive director of Herendi Porcelán.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCG)

The CCCH is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone, the 10th anniversary of its highly anticipated Canadian and Salmon Dinner. Set to take place on May 31 from 6-11 p.m. at Öbölház (1117, Budapest, Kopaszi-gát 2), this eagerly awaited event promises an unforgettable evening of gastronomic delights, live jazz music, refreshing drinks, and exciting raffle opportunities. As the name suggests, the dinner showcases the finest Canadian cuisine, focusing on bison and salmon. Attendees will have a chance to indulge in various mouthwatering dishes featuring freshly made food and an array of flavorful side dishes. From classic grilled bison and salmon to innovative culinary creations, this event is a true pleasure for food enthusiasts. Live jazz music will fill the air, creating a sophisticated and lively atmosphere. Accomplished musicians will take the stage, captivating the audience with their tunes and setting the perfect backdrop for an enchanting evening of celebration and networking. Whether attendees are jazz aficionados or simply enjoy smooth rhythms, the musical performances are bound to leave a lasting impression. The CCCH’s 10th Canadian Bison and Salmon Dinner provides an excellent platform for networking and creating new business opportunities. To add an element of excitement to the festivities, the chamber will hold a raffle. Attendees will have the chance to purchase raffle tickets, with the opportunity to win attractive prizes.

• When: Wednesday, May 31, 6-11 p.m. • Where: Öbölház, Kopaszi-gát 2., 1117 Budapest • Cost: Members HUF 43,900 HUF (+ VAT); non-members HUF 56,900 (+ VAT).

Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

The diversity of Swisscham events was well demonstrated in the last few days: it organized a salsa dance class, visited the renovated Opera House, and had a networking evening with Dutcham Hungary and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Swisscham thanks its partners and many enthusiastic guests for these times.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of May 19, 2023.