The Hungarian Summit has established itself as a pivotal event for enhancing economic, educational, community, and cultural relations between Hungary and the United States. Since its inception by HungarianHub in 2021, the summit has experienced exponential growth, becoming a significant platform for cultural appreciation and economic advancement.
This year marks the fourth consecutive Hungarian Summit, featuring distinguished speakers and engaging panel discussions on business, education, community, and cultural topics. We are immensely grateful for the remarkable achievements of the past years and for your continued participation in this series of events. Together, we are building a bridge that connects our two nations. The summit offers participants a unique opportunity to meet like-minded innovators and forge valuable connections.
Last Year’s Achievements and This Year’s Initiatives
Last year, we organized a delegation program that brought representatives from various U.S. higher education institutions and business leaders to Hungary. During their stay, they visited several cities, exploring university and business environments, and discovering the rich heritage of Hungary. Inspired by the success of this program, we have launched another delegation initiative this year, hosting a Hungarian business and higher education delegation in Florida.
Delegation Programs and Activities
Education Delegation Program
The education delegation program kicked off on May 20 in Orlando. During the first two days, participants visited the campuses of Stetson University and the University of Central Florida. Representatives from these institutions provided insights into their research areas, academic programs, and potential collaboration opportunities. On the morning of May 22, the delegation traveled to Daytona Beach to visit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where they were warmly received and participated in an enriching exchange of ideas. The program was organized by Dr. Judit Trunkos, an assistant professor of political science at Robert Morris University and a volunteer for HungarianHub.
Business Delegation Program
In parallel, the business delegation program, organized in conjunction with the Hungarian Summit, USA Accelerator, and the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, offered an immersive experience in the American business culture. Starting on May 20 in Orlando, the program included intensive training and networking opportunities focused on U.S.-specific business practices, cultural insights, and business development strategies.
On the first day, participants were hosted at the UCF BIP Research Park Incubator, where they were introduced to various enterprises and their experiences. Special thanks to Carol Ann Dykes Logue and Rafael Caamano for their hospitality. The second day took place at the National Entrepreneur Center, featuring presentations on market entry strategies and business experiences. The three-day intensive training concluded at the Volusia County Incubator, where participants engaged in further business development activities.
The Hungarian Summit 2024 kicked off informally on the evening of May 22 with a screening of the film “Freedom’s Fury,” a documentary about the legendary 1956 Olympic water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union. The screening was followed by a discussion with Dr. Dénes Kemény, the renowned coach of Hungary’s world-leading water polo team and former Olympic coach. The conversation, conducted in Hungarian, provided an inspiring start to the summit, bringing together delegation groups and participants in a shared cultural experience.
Main Event Day: May 23
The official main event day of the Hungarian Summit 2024 began on Thursday, May 23. Joanne Magley, Daytona Beach International Airport, Director of Air Service/Marketing/Customer Experience served as the Master of Ceremony.The day’s activities commenced with a plenary session featuring opening remarks from Piros Pazaurek, Honorary Consul of Hungary and President of HungarianHub, and Mayor Derrick Henry of Daytona Beach. They were followed by a video message from H. E. Szabolcs Takács, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to the U.S., and the event’s chief patron. Speeches from Zoltán Pécskay, CEO of EDC Debrecen Urban and Economic Development Center, and Gabor T. Nagy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of USA Accelerator. The keynote speaker for the event was Janet C. Karika, Founder and Principal Advisor for Space Transportation at Karika Consulting, LLC.
The plenary session set the stage for the day’s discussions and highlighted the strong ties between the two countries. The focus then shifted to various panel discussions that explored themes of market entry, soft power, and sports.
Afternoon Sessions
Post-lunch, the summit broke into three specialized tracks: Business, Education, and Community.
- Business Track: Led by entrepreneur Gábor Tóvári-Nagy (USA Accelerator), the business track centered around successful strategies for entering the U.S. market. Participants engaged in discussions on navigating the American business landscape, understanding regulatory frameworks, and leveraging networking opportunities to foster business growth.
- Education Track: This track, headed by Dr. Judit Trunkos (an assistant professor of political science at Robert Morris University and a volunteer for HungarianHub), featured presentations from both American and Hungarian universities. Institutions highlighted their areas of interest and explored opportunities for academic collaboration. The discussions also covered student exchange programs and research partnerships, emphasizing the importance of educational ties between the two nations.
- Community Track: Led by Andrea Lauer Rice (president, Hungarian American Coalition), this track focused on the challenges faced by Hungarian communities in the U.S. and the innovative solutions being implemented by younger generations. Topics included community engagement, cultural preservation, and initiatives to support Hungarian heritage and identity abroad.
Evening Reception and Auction
The day concluded with a cocktail party, where Mayor Derrick Henry delivered the opening remarks. The event featured a photography exhibition by Franklin Ames, showcasing captivating images of Budapest, set to a musical backdrop provided by Joe Fritz. The relaxed atmosphere allowed participants to network and reflect on the day’s discussions.
The evening also included a charity auction, where items such as an autographed foil from Olympic champion Áron Szilágyi, a book signed by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Katalin Karikó, and a water polo ball signed by Dénes Kemény were auctioned off. The proceeds went towards supporting the Sports Scholarship program, a joint initiative by HungarianHub and the “Parents’ House” Foundation, aimed at nurturing future talent.
Hungarian Summit 2024: Final Day Highlights – Morning Sessions: Keynote and Presentations
On the final day of the Hungarian Summit 2024, Friday, May 24, attendees gathered for a captivating opening session. Dr. István Peták delivered an insightful keynote titled “How AI Helps Us Win the War Against Cancer,” highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the field of oncology and how it can revolutionize cancer treatment.
Following this, Andrea Lauer Rice introduced the Hungarian American Coalition’s new initiative, the HYPE Network Program. This program aims to connect and empower young Hungarian-American professionals, fostering networking and career development opportunities.
The morning session concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Thomas LoBasso, President of Daytona State College, who served as the event’s host. Dr. LoBasso emphasized the importance of international collaboration and expressed his gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the summit’s success.
Continued Track Sessions
The remainder of the day continued with the three specialized tracks: Business, Education, and Community. Each track provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions and networking, allowing participants to explore topics of interest and collaborate on future projects.
- Business Track: Discussions focused on strategies for international expansion, investment opportunities, and fostering business partnerships between Hungary and the United States.
- Education Track: Sessions covered topics such as innovative educational programs, student exchange opportunities, and collaborative research projects between universities in Hungary and the U.S.
- Community Track: Conversations centered around community building, cultural preservation, and the challenges faced by Hungarian communities abroad. Attendees also discussed ways to enhance the visibility and influence of Hungarian culture in the U.S.
Afternoon Excursion: Networking and Exploration
In the afternoon, participants embarked on an exciting group excursion with special guidance of Vujity Tvrtko. The first stop was the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, where Nancy Keefer, President and CEO, welcomed the group. She provided an overview of the Chamber’s operations and gave a tour of the impressive facility, offering insights into the local business environment and the Chamber’s role in supporting economic growth.
Next, the group enjoyed a VIP tour of the NASCAR facilities, where they had the opportunity to explore the world of auto racing up close. The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the NASCAR operations and the chance to experience the excitement of the sport firsthand.
The final stop of the excursion was the DME Academy. Mike Panaggio, owner of the Academy, along with Gyöngyi Zsolnay, Head Coach, and Bendi Zsolnay-Vujity, a scholar at DME, greeted the group. They provided a comprehensive overview of the Academy’s programs and mission, which focuses on developing young athletes. Attendees also had the chance to observe a training session, gaining insights into the Academy’s approach to sports education and athlete development.
Conclusion of the Hungarian Summit 2024
The Hungarian Summit 2024 has once again proven to be a landmark event, fostering robust economic, educational, community, and cultural ties between Hungary and the United States. Over the past few days, participants have engaged in meaningful dialogue, explored innovative ideas, and formed valuable connections that will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of both nations.
We are deeply grateful to all the participants who traveled from near and far to join us. Your enthusiasm and commitment to building bridges between our countries have made this summit a resounding success. Special thanks go to our partners and hosts who provided their unwavering support and hospitality, making this event possible and ensuring a welcoming and productive environment for all attendees.
This year’s summit has not only been a venue for exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities but has also solidified a sense of community among all involved. Being part of such an inspiring and forward-thinking community is truly an honor, and we are proud to continue this journey with you all.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year in June in Budapest for the Hungarian Summit 2025. Until then, let us continue to build on the foundations laid here and work together towards a prosperous and collaborative future. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable event, and see you next year!
