The CCCH will host its next Business Breakfast and Geopolitical Forum under the theme “Uncertainty and Opportunity: Economic Growth in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape.” The half-day event will bring together distinguished economists, business leaders, and policy experts for an in-depth exploration of today’s economic and security challenges. The program will open with welcoming remarks from Nicholas Sárvári, president of the CCCH and managing partner at CNS Risk, who has long been a leading voice in business ethics, risk management, and transatlantic cooperation. The keynote will be delivered by György Surányi, former governor of the National Bank of Hungary, on “Europe in the Midst of a Geopolitical Storm: Economic Outlook Beyond 2025.” His insights, shaped by decades of experience in finance and international policy, will set the tone for a thought-provoking discussion. A panel session, moderated by former finance minister Csaba László, will follow, addressing topics such as EU competitiveness, Central and Eastern Europe’s position between predictability and security risk, transatlantic trade dynamics, and the global role of Canadian and Hungarian businesses. Confirmed panelists include Gergely Tardos (OTP Bank), Orsolya Nyeste (Erste Bank), Ferenc Kaiser (National University of Public Service), Ádám Maróti (Hold Asset Management), and Gábor Lukács (Telcotrend). The event will close with a forward-looking session led by Ádám Maróti, portfolio manager at Hold, offering practical strategies on “How to Invest in Times of Uncertainty.”
• When: Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.-noon. • Where: Akadémia Offices, Akadémia utca 6, 1054 Budapest • Fee: Members HUF 20,000; non-members HUF 32,800
The CCIFH and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hungary invite guests to a high-level conference and roundtable on the rapidly growing space economy, a sector that is no longer the exclusive domain of astronauts and rocket scientists, but a genuine business opportunity for innovative companies across various industries. Whether you are already active in the field, exploring supplier roles, or seeking to position your company as an innovation partner, this is the perfect platform to understand how the space sector is reshaping business models and market opportunities worldwide. The event offers exclusive insights from decision-makers shaping the Hungarian and European space industries, as well as direct access to potential partners, suppliers, and innovation leaders. Keynote Speakers include Orsolya Ildikó Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research; Szabolcs Szolnoki, Deputy Secretary of State for Technology, Space and the Defense Industry; Tibor Kapu, Research Astronaut (invited); and István Sárhegyi, CEO at 4iG Space & Defence. A roundtable will feature highlights from the HunSace Cluster, HUN-REN research network, 4iG Group, Aedus Space Ltd., and Sigma Technology Hungary Ltd. on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
• When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, 9 a.m.-noon • Where: HUN-REN Headquarters, Alkotmány u. 29, 1054 Budapest
Belgabiz invites guests to its monthly networking event: “Flight Troubles: A Practical Guide to Compensation,” with a presentation by Visegrad+ Legal. Have you ever experienced a delayed or cancelled flight? Or arrived at your destination only to find your luggage missing? Join us for an engaging networking evening where Visegrad+ Legal will share practical guidance on how to claim compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or lost baggage. The MaMaison Hotel Chain Bridge provides the perfect setting for this professional yet friendly gathering. After the presentation, enjoy a rich buffet dinner with fellow participants.
• When: Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m. • Where: MaMaison Hotel Chain Bridge, Mérleg u. 6, 1051 Budapest • Fee: members, free; non-members HUF 21,000 (no VAT), includes participation, dinner, and drinks.
AmCham Hungary and the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency have been organizing the Business Meets Government Summit since 2015, establishing it as a leading advocacy forum in Hungary. Now in its 11th edition, the summit will bring together more than 150 leaders from business, government, academia, and leading think tanks to discuss the shifting global economy, address emerging security challenges, and explore how Hungary can strengthen its role and secure a more competitive position in this evolving landscape. This year’s program will feature high-level policy dialogues, expert keynotes, and interactive breakout sessions examining competitiveness through the lenses of the business environment, healthcare, and the intersection of AI and sustainability. A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of AmCham’s new Policy Agenda 2026–2030, a strategic roadmap designed to enhance Hungary’s long-term growth and position.
• When: Thursday, Oct. 16 • Where: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8, 1051 Budapest • Fee: Members HUF 69,990 + VAT/person; non-members: HUF 79.990 + VAT/person
The DUIHK invites guests to its debut German-Hungarian Business Forum in Debrecen on Nov. 5. This event is organized in cooperation with the City of Debrecen. Experts from both countries throughout the value chain will discuss: “Made in Germany 2.0: An Economic Engine on a new Track?” exploring the outlook for the German economy; Industry in dialogue: The strategies employed by the three German premium car manufacturers that now produce in Hungary Audi, BMW, and Mercedes; Agility and Innovation are Key: discussing the supplier strategies of German companies in a challenging new business environment; SMEs on the rise: The strategies and success models of regional companies from Debrecen, Tata and Pécs; and “Window on Germany: Bavaria” a high-level discussion about strategies for success in economic development with Hipa and Bavarian counterparts.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Where: Kölcsey Központ Debrecen, Hunyadi utca 1-3, 4026 Debrecen • Fee: members HUF 35,000 (+VAT); non-members HUF 55,000 (+VAT)
The BCCH invites guests to its next CEO Dinner, this time featuring Steve Johnson, vice president of exploration at MOL Group. The oil and gas giant will be well-known to everyone as a leading petrochemical company in the CEE region, as well as being one of Hungary’s largest companies. Johnson is a global energy executive with extensive international technical experience, having held senior leadership roles in Equinor and Shell, as well as MOL Group. He has worked on four continents and in six countries throughout a 25-year oil and gas career. He holds a doctorate in geology and is recognized for his expertise in promoting psychological safety for high-performing teams, value creation, energy security, future energy scenarios, and the role of geoscience in driving societal improvements. During the event, guests will enjoy the customary three-course dinner with wine and welcome drinks while hearing the views of one of the oil industry’s foremost professionals on recent sector developments, current industry affairs, and business opportunities.
• When: Thursday, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. • Where: W Hotel, Andrássy u. 25, 1061 Budapest • Fee: members HUF 29,000 (plus VAT); non-members: HUF 39,000 (plus VAT)
The SCCH recently visited Ikea Soroksár, exploring how AI and digital solutions are shaping the future of business. Nordconn International shared insights on the big AI dilemma: balancing short-term impulses with a focus on long-term value for people’s lives. New data and strategies revealed how companies can grow sustainably in 2025 and beyond. With 30 business leaders in the room, two things stood out: 1) Business efficiency and human enablement must go hand in hand in digitalization; and 2) It was hard not to feel like a kid again when the robots started moving! Guests also learned about IKEA’s four-year project in Soroksár, which has led to the implementation of operating robots in the warehouse, as well as how the store floor plan was designed with the help of a digital twin. The goal was never to reduce the workforce; instead, a special focus was given to reskilling and moving people into new roles across the organization. The program concluded with a guided warehouse tour, offering guests a firsthand look at how technology and robotics are transforming work, serving people in more innovative and sustainable ways.
Swisscham Hungary recently had the pleasure of hosting a reception at the stunning Art Nouveau ResoArt Villa to welcome Ambassador Alexander Renggli and Deputy Head of Mission Daniel Cavegn at the beginning of their mission in Hungary. The evening provided an excellent opportunity for Swisscham members and partners to meet the newly arrived diplomats in person, engage in conversations, and exchange perspectives on the future of Swiss–Hungarian cooperation in business, culture, and innovation. In addition to fostering valuable connections, guests enjoyed an exclusive cultural experience: a private tour of a remarkable Zsolnay collection, showcasing Hungary’s rich artistic heritage. The culinary specialties of Zenobia Restaurant complemented the evening.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 3, 2025.
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