2012
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, offers rich history and culture for MICE delegates. Among the Eastern European cities, Budapest has probably the most developed MICE facilities. The purpose-built Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center has 8 halls offering a total of 60,000 sqm of indoor exhibition and convention space, with dedicated conference and convention theatres and meeting rooms, for events of various size and nature. There is also a hotel just next to the compound for the convenience of event organizers and managers.
Organizers of smaller events with less than 100 people may want to consider bringing the delegates on a dinner cruise on the Danube River, The view along the Danube, especially at night, is magnificent with old palaces and historical buildings beautifully lighted up. There are also daytime amphibian vehicle tours of the city and the river, although it can get a little stuffy under the sun and without the booze and partying.
For those who are culturally inclined, a night out at the Opera would be excellent as the quality of the performances is very high, be it opera, ballet or musical concert. The Hungarian State Opera House is one of the most renowned opera theatres in Europe. There is also a afternoon tour cum mini-concert program for the opera house for those who want to know more about its architecture and history.
Apart from enjoying world-class performances, delegates may also visit the various well-maintained heritage sites, arts galleries and museums. There are also lots of walking street malls for shopping and dinning for post-event entertainment, although business does not seem to be exactly bustling. Some of the locals blamed this on the relatively new mega Arena Shopping Mall located just next to the main train station in the heart of the city.
In the day without the camouflage of the night and lights, some of the grand old buildings seem to have fallen into derelict with signs of past ravages; but this just adds to the sense of history of this country, which has gone through double atrocities under the Nazi and later, the Communist regimes.
For more information, visit http://www.hcb.hu/english
Budapest One-step Ahead in MICE
6/10/12
Budapest boasts newer, more purpose-built exhibition and convention facilities, along with a rich history and culture.
© Copyright reserved 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. All trademarks and rights to the photographs, graphics and the MICEreview name are owned by IZESS Pte Ltd.