Europe Is Ready for Your Events

Mariana’s experience at the M&I Forum in Budapest

We've been talking for a while that events are back - and our social media updates are proof of that. But aside from all the good parts about being back to the face-to-face game, we know it means even more to the events sector.

In the first week of September, I had the opportunity to see this up close: in the first edition of the M&I forums, after an 18-month hiatus, which took place in the incredible city of Budapest.

The M&I forum is meant to support and heat up the MICE industry by putting together suppliers, (hotels and amazing venues around the world), and buyers (event planners and agents - us!). It was truly amazing. How could it not? Put together the thrill of being back on networking trips, the opportunity of meeting new people in the sector, the news and expectations about the future, and all the charms and details of Budapest.

The experience started right when I arrived at the hotel - a wonderful suite in the classic Ritz Carlton hotel, located right in the center of the city - with welcoming surprises and a letter from the Budapest Bureau, describing the importance of the event for them - and for everybody in the industry. We then were invited to the opening cocktail party at the Marriot Hotel, where M&I's CEO, Richard Barnes, gave us an emotional speech about the company's expectations and plans for the future. Yes, everybody seems to be way optimistic about the future - finally! It really looks like event professionals are ready to take what they’ve learnt over the past 18 months and get back to the game. 

From there, we went to dinner aboard the Europa boat. Live music, drinks and the sights of Budapest were the background for the first connections of the trip, which was about to kick off on the next day.

Every day, we had around 15 1-2-1 meetings with suppliers that had been previously scheduled based on our interests and the type of events we do. I met incredible hotels - and people - in Spain, Portugal. Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Croatia, United Kingdom… On top of excellent conditions for foreign events, I was introduced to newly renovated structures, and wonderful solutions for groups that are still in the process of returning to face-to-face events and worktrips.

After 18 months of social distancing and remote working, we know the importance of reconnecting the team. And so do the suppliers, who are offering team building activities that range from a visit to Disney Paris, to an immersion into Scottish culture in a traditional castle in the interior of the country; From wine tasting in France to a race experience in a Formula One ring. From an artistic tour in Venice to private golf lessons under the Portuguese sun.

In the afternoons, we had the opportunity to explore other beauties of the city. On the first day, I opted to visit the magnificent Parliament building, the second largest in Europe (yes, Westminster is the first). We got there by tram, in one of the centuries-old traditional vehicles - which is used today by rental, for private events. From there, we went to St. Stephen's Cathedral, where we could enjoy an exclusive organ presentation, and have a panoramic view of the city from the Cathedral’s tower. To round off the tour, DiVino bar introduced us to a selection of wonderful Hungarian wines - although my opinion is biased when it comes to wine! ;)

Other groups chose to visit different tourist attractions in the city: the Jewish quarter, the famous thermal baths, the splendid Buda Castle, etc. Drinks at night were provided by Extra, a traditional bar in the middle of ancient ruins, and Kiosk, an incredible space with a stage, dance floor, and outdoor area - a very cool venue to host an event. Another highlight was getting to know the Fine Arts Museum rooms as a setting for corporate events. Classy!

This marvelous trip was closed with a wonderful dinner in a mobile venue prepared by the Budapest Bureau, full of surprises, art, and entertainment, in the middle of one of the most breathtaking places in Budapest: The Buda Castle. Yes! All of this was part of the city's initiative to show us the various possibilities that the city brings when it comes to hosting your event there.

And it’s not only Budapest who has wonders to show. We are full of contacts ready to offer unique experiences for your team across Europe. Drop us a line to know more!