This content was created collaboratively by the Budapest CVB and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

With roots dating back to the Roman Empire, Budapest, Hungary, has long been a place for world travelers to find inspiration. That remains true today, as leading industries are holding conferences and events meant to spur innovation amid the backdrop of one of the world’s culturally significant capitals.

This blend of past and future has allowed Budapest to emerge as a favorite among meeting planners, particularly in booming technology and financial sectors. Luxurious venues and hotels are not only awe-inspiring to see, but they also possess the modern amenities business travelers and incentive winners expect.

“The dynamic interplay between tradition and progress inspires people to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions,” said Ildikó Lippai, senior sales manager of the Budapest Convention Bureau.

Read on to learn more about how convenience, culture, and creativity set Budapest apart as a destination for meetings and incentive trips.

Find Inspiration from Innovation

Budapest’s growing reputation as a place for discovery is hardly an accident. Its affordable prices, highly skilled workforce, and strong educational institutions have created an environment for top thinkers to change the world.

The Hungarian government has invested in innovation, particularly in sectors like IT, fintech, and artificial intelligence. This effort has paid off in the form of the emergence of several notable startup companies like Prezi, LogMeIn, and Ustream, as well as the creation of inventions renowned across the world. Key achievements include:

• The Rubik’s Cube, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is still used for entertainment and education, including the development of cognitive skills such as logical thinking and problem-solving.
• Microsoft Word and Excel, which have roots in Charles Simonyi’s Hungarian-American software architect software development, have fundamentally changed how people work and manage data.
• Glass-reinforced concrete advanced architecture by creating decorative and structural elements that transmit light for a unique visual effect.
• The Gömböc is the first and only homogeneous body with a stable and an unstable equilibrium point, demonstrating the unique properties of geometry and physics.
• Masat-1, developed by the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, was the world’s first small satellite capable of communicating with the Earth and making effective measurements.

“Hungarian history is marked by brilliant minds who have made significant contributions to the world,” Lippai said. “These inventions have instilled a sense of pride and a spirit of innovation in the Hungarian people. This historical legacy, coupled with the city’s forward-thinking approach to technology and business, encourages experimentation and risk-taking.”

As a case in point, the Hungary MICE Collective Commitment is an initiative that aims to reduce the environmental impact of events held in the city. This sustainability commitment encourages event organizers to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, minimizing energy consumption, and supporting local suppliers.

The tradition of innovation builds upon itself. Budapest boasts a highly skilled workforce with strong technology, finance, and engineering expertise, making it an ideal location for industry conferences and workshops. Budapest is now a natural hub for top scientific congresses, including:

• European Academy of Neurology Congress 2023
• The ESGCT (European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy) Spring School in April 2024
• The ISUOG World Congress 2024, the leading international event in ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology

Embrace History

One of Budapest’s greatest strengths is that as it looks to the future, the destination never loses sight of its past.

Dating back more than 1,000 years, Budapest has long impressed its visitors, totaling millions annually. Planners should take advantage of this appeal by creating a meeting that emphasizes the destination as much as the meeting — allowing attendees the time to soak in a cultural experience rather than sit in a convention center all day.

One example is to organize private events at historic thermal baths like Széchenyi or Gellért, complete with massages, saunas, and gourmet dining. These historic baths, some dating back to Roman times, offer a unique opportunity to relax and rejuvenate while experiencing a piece of Hungarian history, Lippai notes.

Another worthwhile venture is taking attendees on guided tours of the city’s historical sites, such as the Buda Castle District. Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings, such as the iconic Parliament, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion, are dazzling. But beyond enjoyment, these venues are a testament to turning dreams into realities — a theme applicable to all meetings.

For a more dramatic view, book a dinner cruise along the Danube River. Hosting evening cruises along the Danube provides panoramic views of the city’s illuminated landmarks and a memorable dining experience — ideal for social media posts that provoke the fear of missing out among those not in attendance.

“The most common surprise for first-time visitors to Budapest is the stunning contrast between its historical architecture and its vibrant, modern culture,” Lippai said.

Get a Taste of the Culture

Like the architecture, the city’s culinary scene is another area where tradition meets innovation.

One of the most striking examples of Budapest’s blend of old and new is its “ruin bars.” These venues are located in abandoned buildings, often with exposed brick walls and industrial-chic decor. They offer a unique and authentic experience, attracting both locals and tourists that showcases how you can build something new while honoring the old.

“The city’s unique culture is characterized by its wit, humor, and a certain irreverence,” Lippai said.

Further amplifying the point, Budapest is home to Michelin-starred restaurants reimagining classic Hungarian cuisine by adding modern twists to classic recipes. Highlighted restaurants include Borkonyha, Costes (which is Michelin-starred), and Menza. Attendees trying the cuisine at any of these establishments will quickly realize that this isn’t their mother’s goulash. Other popular team-building and networking activities are wine tours at local vineyards and cooking classes.

Planners should also incorporate arts attractions into the event experience. The Hungarian State Opera, renovated in 2022, is a must. Also worthwhile is The Eiffel Art Studios, the Hungarian State Opera’s new art complex and rehearsal center.

Also of note is Stephen’s Hall, one of the most important locations in the turn-of-the-century Palace of Buda Castle, which is once again open to visitors.

Launched in 2011, the Liget Budapest Project is now Europe’s largest cultural urban development program. As part of the Liget Project, the reconstructed, former Olof Palme House is opened as the House of Hungarian Millennium.

One of The Liget Project’s most unique innovations is the House of Music, which opened in January 2022. It is a complex institution of musical initiation and the venue for the country’s first comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of music. The Museum of Ethnography, now housed in a brand new building, is also a major part of the Liget Budapest Project.

Stay in Stellar Venues

One of Budapest’s most popular aspects among planners is its ability to provide high-quality hotels at affordable prices. Budapest has 22,700 hotel rooms, including 4,083 rooms in five-star accommodations, 12,699 rooms in four-star establishments, and 5,985 rooms in three-star options. Three hotels are ranked among Europe’s 10 best hotels by Traveler’s Choice.

In 2023, the city added 1,012 new hotel rooms as part of an ongoing effort to meet demand. Hungary plans to introduce an additional 4,400 new hotel rooms across the three, four, and five-star categories by 2025 — examples include W Budapest, Dorothea Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton. Additionally, St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental properties will be opening in the near future.

These developments are attracting international groups. “Budapest offers competitive pricing for accommodations, venues, and services, making it a budget-friendly option for American companies looking for an event in Europe,” Lippai said.

Groups seeking a break from the city will be drawn to Mövenpick BalaLand Resort, located on the southern shore — a gateway to Lake Balaton in Szántód. The countryside location is 90 minutes from Budapest and offers a range of conference centers, hotels, and resorts that provide top-notch facilities and services tailored specifically for MICE activities.

The Balaton Leisure and Conference Centre, located within Hotel Annabella, offers education venues accommodating up to 1,100 people and a spacious exhibition space spanning more than 17,000 square feet.

Travel Easily

By virtue of its location in Central Europe, Budapest is easily accessible to attendees from around the globe.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, among Europe’s highest-rated, is less than a two-hour flight from major European air hubs. Upon arrival, attendees will easily get around. The city has developed extensive public transportation and is part of European Union networks supporting technological advancements, which adds to its appeal among business travelers and new citizens.

As Lippai explained, “Budapest has emerged as a hub for business and creative industries, attracting talent from around the world.”

Visit the Budapest CVB website to learn more about the destination and start planning your event.

This content was created collaboratively by the Budapest CVB and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.