Hungarian Summit 2025 Delegation Week: Heart-Pounding Adventures and Lifelong Connections (English version)

Imagine a week filled with breathtaking moments, heartwarming encounters, and experiences that etch themselves into your memory forever. That’s exactly what the Hungarian Summit 2025 Delegation Week delivered—a true emotional rollercoaster that took participants from the vibrant streets of Budapest to the serene magic of the Hortobágy plains and the innovation-driven atmosphere of Győr. This week wasn’t just about strengthening Hungarian–American relations; it was about how friendships, dreams, and opportunities are born when two nations’ hearts beat as one. Ready to join us on this unforgettable journey?

Day 1: In the Heart of Budapest, Where It All Began

The first day felt like stepping into a living, colorful postcard! Budapest’s most iconic spots were calling: the stunning beauty of the Dohány Street Synagogue, the mysterious alleys of the Jewish Quarter, and downtown highlights like St. Stephen’s Basilica and Liberty Square. The Reagan Statue and the 1944 Memorial invited moments of quiet reflection amid the city’s vibrant pulse.

But the real magic happened at the Strudel House! Picture the scent of freshly baked, crispy strudel prepared right before our eyes. Apple, poppy seed, cottage cheese—each bite was a piece of Hungarian soul. Around the tables, laughter echoed and stories were shared as we learned the secrets of strudel-making.

In the afternoon, the City Park became our green oasis. We were amazed by the modern flair of the House of Hungarian Music and the treasures of the Museum of Ethnography. Standing in Heroes’ Square, then walking through the golden halls of the Hungarian State Opera, we felt as if we were living in a fairytale. And as we stood before the panoramic view of the Buda Castle District, wine in hand and the sunset painting the sky, we knew something special had begun. By dinner, conversations deepened, laughter grew louder, and the delegation transformed from a team into a family.

Day 2: Historic Walls and Future-Defining Moments

Day two felt like being embraced by history and the future at the same time. As we walked toward the Hungarian Parliament, the building’s grandeur took our breath away. Inside, we were personally welcomed by István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, György Zsolt Papp, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture, and Katalin Szili, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister. And when Piros Pazaurek, our Honorary Consul, spoke, pride nearly burst from our chests!

Our guided tour through the Parliament halls felt like time travel—every corner held a story, every room a piece of Hungarian history. The day ended with a friendly reception filled with new connections and long-awaited reunions.

In the afternoon, the Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) hosted us for inspiring conversations on international education. The day’s highlight was an elegant reception at the U.S. Commercial Counselor’s Residence, where the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach and Budapest-Sasad signed a heartfelt partnership agreement. On this day, the past and the future truly walked hand in hand—and we were part of the magic.

Day 3: The Pulse of Debrecen and the Soul of the Plains

At dawn, we set out to discover Debrecen, the vibrant center of Eastern Hungary. Presentations at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hajdú-Bihar County opened new horizons: business opportunities, innovations, limitless potential. Hearing Piros Pazaurek speak once again filled us with pride—how lucky we are to have such an inspiring leader among us!

Our visit to the PharmaFlight Center was a total wow moment: simulators, cutting-edge research, pilot training—it felt like stepping into the future. In the afternoon, we were welcomed at the University of Debrecen with an elegant lunch, during which a historic partnership was signed with the University of Central Florida. The flag exchange between Rotary Club Daytona Beach and Debrecen was a deeply moving gesture we will never forget.

But the true highlight of the day was Hortobágy. The stories at the Shepherd Museum, the power of the traditional horse show, and a rustic dinner accompanied by live folk music transported us to the heart of the Hungarian countryside. Under the starry sky, wrapped in warm hospitality, we felt it: this place is magical, and it feels like home.

Day 4: Innovation, Connections, and a Glass of Wine

Day four felt like stepping into an inspiring film! At Óbuda University, Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács welcomed us and introduced us to the latest in robotics research. Robots that almost think for themselves? Yes, we saw it—and were left speechless!

In the afternoon, the delegation split into two groups: the business team attended a high-energy forum at the VOSZ headquarters, where Hungarian SMEs, the U.S. market, and even the space industry were on the table. Meanwhile, the education team explored the exciting challenges of international university cooperation at Corvinus University. The day closed with a breathtaking wine tasting on the rooftop of Corvinus Gellért Campus, where Bodri Winery’s wines and Budapest’s evening lights formed perfect harmony. The view, the conversations, the new ideas—every moment whispered: something great is being born here.

Day 5: A Day for Hungarian–American Dreams

Day five was the grand finale—but the story wasn’t over yet! The Hungarian Summit’s main event was a true celebration of talent, innovation, and culture. Péter Zádor’s “In Motion” photo exhibition captured our hearts right from the start—images of sports and human perseverance that almost leapt off the walls.

The morning focused on space exploration with presentations by Janet Karika (NASA) and Dr. István Sárhegyi (4iG Space & Defense), which carried us to the stars. The sports panel featuring Olympic champion Ágnes Kovács and hockey legend Levente Szuper moved us to tears and lit a fire in our hearts.

The USA Accelerator Bootcamp graduation celebrated eight thriving startups, while transatlantic success stories—from Bence Keszthelyi, Éva Polgár, and others—proved that global dreams can grow from Hungarian roots. The education and business sections focused on the future, while a dynamic networking session and the HYPE Mind inspiration block ignited new sparks within us.

Day 6: Győr – Where Dreams Take Flight

The final day in Győr exploded with energy that’s hard to put into words! The Race is On – Innovation Challenge Day saw five Hungarian startups pitch their ideas to a jury of American experts. The atmosphere was electric! Hosted by Gábor Mózsi, with Carol Ann Dykes-Logue, Tamás Sebastian, and Gary Cohen on the jury, the stakes were high.

The winning team, ARport Hungary, received not only recognition but international market support, mentorship, and a spot at the 2026 U.S. Market Entry Bootcamp! WaterSkyBall also won a special prize: a year of business mentoring in Daytona Beach. But the day wasn’t just about awards—new connections were made, ideas flew, and as one jury member put it: “This isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line.”

Conclusion: A Week That Stays with Us Forever

Hungarian Summit 2025 Delegation Week was more than a series of programs—it was an emotional journey that connected hearts from Budapest to Debrecen, to Győr, and beyond. We saw the treasures of the past, lived the vibrance of the present, and dreamed about the future—together. Out of connections came friendships, out of stories came opportunities, and the Hungarian–American bridge is now stronger than ever. This week hasn’t ended—it’s only just begun.