AmCham Hungary and the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) organize the Business Meets Government Summit, the flagship event of our organizations, for the tenth consecutive year. The Business Meets Government Summit has become a key platform for connecting investors with policymakers and is a leading advocacy forum in Hungary. It aggregates the expertise of 200+ leaders from top investors, government officials, think-tanks, and academia. We come together annually in the Fall since 2015 with the agenda to make Hungary more sustainable and competitive.
In 2024, on the occasion of AmCham and HIPA celebrating the 10th anniversary of the BMG Summit and Hungary holding of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the event will have a special focus on European competitiveness and the transatlantic relationship, working together with the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU).
In the ever-evolving global economic landscape, the European Union faces a multitude of challenges that demand strategic intervention to regain competitiveness. From navigating geopolitical uncertainties to addressing structural imbalances, finding innovative solutions, particularly in corporate life, is imperative. We explore the pressing issues and potential pathways for steering the EU economy back on track towards sustainable growth and prosperity while emphasizing the importance of transatlantic relations.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, October 16
Location: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Participation fee:
- Participation fee for Members: 59.990 HUF + VAT/person
- Non-member participation fee: 79.990 HUF + VAT/person
Participants can attend the event only if the participation fee is paid in advance.
Upon registration, please indicate which breakout session you prefer to attend in the 'Your Comments to the Organizers' section at the bottom. Please note that capacity is limited and we can accept your answer on a first come first served basis.
Cancellation policy: please note that written cancellations made by Wednesday, October 9 receive a full refund. Late cancellations or “no-shows” will be charged.
AGENDA:
08:15-09:00: Arrival & Networking
09:00-09:10: Opening Remarks by Zoltán Szabó, President, AmCham and by István Joó, CEO, HIPA
09:10-09:30: Keynote by Péter Szijjártó, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (invited)
09:30-09:45: Renewing the AmCham-HIPA Strategic Partnership Agreement (to be confirmed)
09:45-10:15: Keynote by Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre followed by a Q&A
10:15-11:00: Panel Discussion with
- Andrea Antoniou, VP Iron Mountain Central & Southern Europe
- Nikolaas Baeckelmans, Vice President EU Affairs, ExxonMobil
- Amanda Cunnington, Senior Director Patient Access, J&J Innovative Medicine
- Abhinav Kumar, Global Chief Marketing Officer, TATA CS
- Munir Nanji, Central Europe Sub-Cluster and Banking Head, Citi
- Moderator:Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU
11:00-11:10: Anniversary Cake
11:10-11:50: Break
11:50-13:20: Breakout Sessions (Please kindly note that breakout sessions will be held parallel.) - company representatives engage in a discussion with government officials:
Business Environment (in English without translation):
Business actors and government representatives will discuss how current tax and investment related strategies impact competitiveness, how Hungary can add to the EU’s growth and how we can maximize returns. We take an in-depth exploration of the country's fiscal landscape and its current directions in industrial policy. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and make informed decisions for your business ventures.
Healthcare (in Hungarian with translation to English):
The AmCham Healthcare Committee will host a discussion on the role of health as a key driver of national competitiveness. We will also address the healthcare-related recommendations from the AmCham 2024 Strategic Recommendation Package aimed at fostering a more sustainable and competitive Hungary. Additionally, the event will feature the launch of our newly published Data Policy Paper. A roundtable discussion featuring key government decisionmakers will highlight how health initiatives can enhance the nation’s competitive edge.
Workforce (in Hungarian with translation to English):
The workforce breakout will bring a comprehensive discussion on the strategies Hungary could implement to maintain a competitive edge in the EU labor market, with a focus on attracting highly skilled foreign workers. The panel will also cover current trends in the employment of foreign workers from third countries. Panelists will highlight the most critical points and share best practices and innovative policies from neighboring countries. This panel will provide valuable insights by policymakers, business leaders, and HR professionals striving to enhance Hungary's appeal to top international talent.
Digital (in English without translation):
What are the key digital transformation trends shaping industries in 2024? How are businesses leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their digital strategies? The AI Act which came into effect on August 1, 2024, will be applied gradually, in multiple stages, and will become mandatory by mid-2026. We will explore the practical implications of the AI Act and discuss how AI developments are redefining competitive advantage and creating new opportunities for businesses in Hungary and the EU. Panelists will give insights into innovative AI strategies and how they can be leveraged to ensure long-term growth and resilience.
13:20-15:00: Lunch & Networking
Host of the Summit: Írisz Lippai-Nagy, Chief Executive Officer, AmCham Hungary
The agenda is subject to change. The organizers reserve the right to make changes without notice.
