Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

Why should leaders start thinking about their leadership legacy in their most active years? Why is the choice between profit and goodwill not necessarily a choice? And what are the jobs where our children will want to work? Along the lines of the Legacy Leadership approach, members of Swisscham partner chambers sought answers to these questions at the Bridge Legacy Lab event on Oct. 1 in the Kinnarps Showroom. Invited legacy leaders talked about why a company health day can be more profitable than a sick day, what the noise level in the company canteen indicates, why it is worthwhile to lead an association and give back to the broader community and even to your competitors, or why the role of the big company car as a status symbol can be questioned in the future with sustainability in mind. Swisscham thanks its co-chambers and professional partners for their organization and active participation.

German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

On March 25, the DUIHK held its first workshop focusing on the importance of Upskilling in Finance. It discussed the skill sets needed to keep finance organizations relevant in the future, shared best practices from PwC, Magyar Telekom, BBraun and Audi Hungary and agreed to focus on four skills in follow-up events: Data and digitalization; interaction skills; design thinking; and ESG. On Nov. 13, DUIHK will offer a deep dive into the first two of those.

Interaction Skills Workshop: Over the past five years, there has been a clear shift in business needs, with finance organizations placing equal importance on business partnering and advisory skills alongside traditional finance expertise. This interactive skills workshop will focus on stakeholder management, active listening, target orientation and situational communication.

Data & Digitalization Workshop: In this digital age, reliable and efficient digital data processing is a high priority. This workshop will cover areas such as data visualization and relational database skills, as well as storytelling and presentation skills. It will also showcase best practice examples on advanced automation techniques in finance. Contact the chamber for more details.

Belgian Business Club in Hungary (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz hosted an insightful and engaging networking event at the beautiful winter garden of Vadrózsa Restaurant on Oct. 10. The evening focused on the European Union’s AI Act. This groundbreaking regulation will shape the future of artificial intelligence in business and industry across Europe. The speakers from SmartLegal Schmidt & Partners, Richard Schmidt, Anita Vereb, and Péter Korózs, presented the most critical aspects of the practical implications of the AI Act, sparking discussions about how the chamber and its membership can prepare for the upcoming changes.

Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary (CCIU)

The “Navigatorvilág Conference 2024,” promoted by CCIU associate T.O. Delta S.p.A., is organized by Közlekedésvilág Publishing Company in collaboration with the Association of Freight Forwarders of the Port of Trieste (Apt Astra), with the participation of the president of the CCIU on Nov. 27-28. It is a key gathering in the cargo shipping and logistics sector, focusing on Italy’s role in the logistics landscape. The conference will delve into the evolving trade relations between Italy and Hungary, featuring representatives from leading Italian logistics companies. Discussions will address green logistics, emphasizing sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Innovations in road transport will be highlighted, along with updates on customs regulations that can facilitate smoother cross-border operations. The conference will also explore the air freight market, examining current trends and future opportunities. There will also be a focus on the rail freight sector, particularly sustainable railway solutions that enhance efficiency and minimize carbon footprints. Participants will gain insights into how these various modes of transportation can work together to create a more integrated and environmentally friendly logistics network.

Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham)

Dutcham invites you to its upcoming Autumn Business Drinks networking event. Make valuable business connections in the pleasant atmosphere of the Paulaner Sörház. • When: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. • Where: Paulaner Sörház, Alkotás u. 53, Budapest 1123 • Fee: Members HUF 7,900 (incl. VAT); non-members HUF 12,900 (incl. VAT)

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

The CCCH invites guests to the 30th Annual Lobster Night. This milestone event promises an unforgettable celebration, bringing together the Hungarian and expat business communities for a night of fun and networking. Attendees will be treated to a lavish menu featuring full-sized lobsters flown straight from Nova Scotia, Canada, complemented by an unlimited cocktail bar sponsored by Hold Private Wealth Management and unlimited alcoholic drinks. The night will include live music and entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes. The Annual Lobster Night provides an excellent opportunity for business professionals to connect while enjoying the company of other guests. • When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 6-11:30 p.m. • Where: Intercontinental Budapest, Apaczai Csere J.u. 12-14, Budapest 1052 • Fee: TBC

EU-Chambers of Commerce in Hungary (EU-Chambers)

EU-Chambers will hold its “EU Chambers 2024” this month. The chamber grouping was founded in 1994 to support Hungary’s integration into the European Union. It is currently chaired by Bernardino Pusceddu, president of the CCIU. This signature event features Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development Tibor Navracsics and Minister for European Union Affairs János Bóka. It has the dual purpose of focusing on the Hungarian semester of the EU Presidency and celebrating the EU-Chamber’s 30th anniversary. • When:  Friday, Oct. 25, 12:15-2:30 p.m. • Where: Marriott Hotel, Apáczai Csere János u 4, Budapest 1052. • Fee: EU-Chamber members HUF 30,000; non-members HUF 36,500

Hungarian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

The CCIFH’s latest Hot Topic event is called “Carbon Neutrality: Opportunities for Municipal and Corporate Cooperation on Climate Protection,” a conference and round table discussion with Barbara Botos, Ambassador-at-large for Climate at the Ministry for Energy, with Márta Nagy, director of Budapest Global, and Orsolya Barsi, head of the climate and environment department at the Office of the Mayor of Budapest. Topics will include corporate carbon neutrality initiatives, Budapest’s activities in the global CSR strategy, opportunities for cooperation between municipalities and companies, and collaboration between companies on the path to climate neutrality. • When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-noon • Where: Kristály Színtér, Margitsziget 23800/7, Budapest 1138 • Fee: Members HUF 29,000 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 44,900 (+ VAT).

The CCIFH invites guests to Le Grand Bleu, its annual large-scale gala dinner and show. This year’s theme is a wonderful underwater world full of enchanting power. Enjoy the limitless feeling of freediving among the French business community.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. • Where: HungExpo Sun foyer, Albertirsai út 10, Budapest 1101. • Fee: Members HUF 54,000 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 72,000 (+ VAT).

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 18, 2024.