Try Before You Buy

By Conventa

Reinventing the way we meet

ABOUT

In its 16 years, Conventa has become recognised as a regional trade show, connecting MICE service providers from 15 countries with event organisers from across Europe and beyond. Conventa is a 365-day platform that also includes various educational and networking events such as the Trend Bar and Conventa Academy.

A new feature we are introducing in 2023 is the “Try Before You Buy” experience. With this new concept, we want to present best MICE destinations to event organisers in a different way. Try Before You Buy is a two-day event, a combination of experiential fam trip and face-to-face meetings, where on the first day participants try out different programmes and venues and at the same time make first contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. On the second day, suppliers and hosted buyers meet in a more formal setting, at pre-arranged one2one meetings.

We are glad to invite you to the

1st Edition of Try Before You Buy Experience

Budapest, 1 – 3 September 2023
Organised by Conventa and Hosted by Budapest Convention Bureau

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MEET BUDAPEST
the city words can't describe

Budapest, the pearl of the Danube, where tradition meets innovation, combined with youthful and vibrant life to provide visitors with an experience they never forget! Rich in history and culture, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is home to stunning architecture, must-see monuments, exciting attractions, relaxing thermal baths, and a variety of culinary spots. Nevertheless, let’s not forget about the warm hospitality, locals are known for, that will make you feel at home right away.

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Events in Budapest

Should you be planning an event or convention at the perfect host city, look no further! With an unbeatable location, in the heart of Europe, Budapest can easily be accessed from all over the world. It is hard to find another city where you can bump into so many World Heritage Sites as you walk around it, and there aren’t many places where you find unique thermal water spas still in operation within ancient walls built in medieval times.

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The Culture of Budapest

Filled with mesmerizing architecture and diverse culture, Budapest offers an iconic landscape, adorned by the Buda Castle, the Parliament, the Chainbridge and St Stephen’s Basilica, providing a captivating backdrop for unforgettable events. Let’s discover our destination together at its best!

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PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

 

What will you experience:

DAY 1

Afternoon: Arrival in Budapest, check-in in the Marriott Hotel
17:30 – 18:00 Registration for hosted buyers in hotel’s lobby
18:05  – 18:10 Short walk to Madame Taussauds museum (meeting point in hotel lobby at 18:00)
18:10 – 19:15  Welcome drink in Madame Taussauds museum
19:30 – 22:00  Get-together dinner in the Marriott Budapest Hotel (for hosted buyers only)

DAY 2

Breakfast
8:45 – 9:15 Site visit of Marriott Budapest Hotel (optional)
09:20 – 12:30  Try before you buy programmes – Part 1
Tour 1: Budapest, where the magic happens – feel the city by
   its local, creative vibe
Tour 2: Meet Budapest – the greatest stories behind the facts
Tour 3: Spice of Europe – Discover Budapest through its
  flavours
Tour 4: Experience true WoWonders–Belle Époque, then/now
 

12:30 – 14:00  Lunch at Spoon the Boat restaurant

14:00 – 17:00  Try before you buy programmes – Part 2
Tour 1: Budapest, where the magic happens – feel the city by
   its local, creative vibe
Tour 2: Meet Budapest – the greatest stories behind the facts
Tour 3: Spice of Europe – Discover Budapest through its
   flavours
Tour 4: Experience true WoWonders – Belle Époque, then and
   now
17:00 – 19:00  Free time
19:00 – 22:30  Elegant Dinner at Felix Kitchen & Bar

DAY 3

Breakfast
09:00 – 09:20 Introduction to the one2one meetings
09:20 – 13:00 one2one meetings between suppliers and hosted buyers (11 slots each 20-minutes)
13:00 – 14:30 Lunch
Departures / Optional site visit
14:30 – 15:30 Site visit of Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Tour 1

Tour 2

Budapest, where the magic happens – feel the city by its local, creative vibe.

Undoubtedly, the freshest jumpstart to get to know the city is to stroll through its streets.

Let’s discover the Jewish Quarter (VII. district) while having a creative flow, design, and fashion-related tour. During this interactive city program, you’ll visit small art studios, hidden contemporary galleries, urban-cult event spaces, and experimental caterers.

While crossing the must-see highlights of the quartier’s historical and contemporary heritage you’ll also get familiar with some unique inventions of Hungary, such as the well-known Rubik’s Cube, the soda water behind the spritzers, and many more magics.

*Guided, walking tour with a drink invitation.
** Event venues, we visit Tesla loft, and Twentysix urban garden.

Meet Budapest – the greatest stories behind the facts

We invite the guests to spend a spectacular city discovery tour through a unique, interactive program, which guides you deep into Hungarian history and “have to know” facts from the settlement of the country until the nowadays of the capital.

During the cc. 4 hours program the group will cruise around Budapest by bus, while a very detailed, interactive guidance, with the most fascinating stories, will entertain them.

*Guided bus tour Pest side & walking tour in the Castle district
** Event venues, we visit: Várkert Bazaar, Royal Riding Hall.

Tour 3

Tour 4

Spice of Europe – discover Budapest through its flavours!

Besides the wonderfully renovated cityscape, probably Budapest’s most significant phenomenon is its gastro-revolution, from the 1st Michelin start to the dozens of intentional „recommended” spots.

We invite the guests to spend a spectacular couple of hours on a signature „Spice of Europe” tour, which introduces the colourful and most exciting stories and tastes, which have influenced Hungarian gastronomy through the ages, while guests visit the hidden local gems, which truly made this city a buzzing cosmopolitan capital!

*Guided, walking tour with small bites & tastings.
** Event venues, we visit: Vigadó.

Experience true WoWnders! –  Belle Époque, then and now

On this tour, we take the beautiful  Millennium Underground (it was the first metro line in continental Europe and the second one in the world) to the area of Heroes Square & City Park (Városliget) to enjoy the unique breeze and atmosphere of the Belle Époque of Budapest and to be fascinated by the newly formed „Liget project”, Europe’s largest and most ambitious urban-cultural development, which envisions the complete renewal of Budapest’s iconic public park.

Guest visit the Museum of Fine Arts, sink under the wonder of the Hungarian wellsprings at the world-famous Széchenyi Thermal bath, and enjoy the waves of the sounds at the exceptional architecture-designed House of Music.

*Guided, walking tour with a drink invitation.
** Event venues, we visit: Museum of Fine Arts, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, House of Music

Local Partners

Felix Kitchen and bar Budapest Try before you buy

The Budapest Convention Bureau is a central player in the MICE ecosystem, aiming to position Budapest, along with the scenic Balaton region and Hungary’s major cities, as leading global congress destinations. Committed to promoting the sustainability of the sector, recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility and social impact. Due to its combination of infrastructure, intellectual capital and breath-taking beauty, Budapest is a unique location for both valuable scientific congresses and memorable business events.

UNDERGUIDE Travel– and Event Experience (DMC) Creating the unique Travel- and MICE Experiences for individuals and world known corporates in Budapest, Hungary and CEE countries. Est. 2005, they are a pioneer in creative travels and events.
For Conventa “Try before you buy” workshop, they have uniquely designed 4 Budapest city discovery programs. Guests will explore the city through four themes which particularly represents the values of Hungary, visit the must-see spots and hidden gems, while they interactively get familiar both with the most exciting parts of the history, culture, traditions, arts, gastronomy and the latest, local event and program hubs.

FELIX Kitchen&Bar offers an unparalleled ambiance within a captivating historical building next to the Danube River. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an exquisite fusion of traditional yet contemporary cuisine, complemented by a captivating array of cocktails, spirits, and Budapest’s finest wine selection. Whether seeking an intimate dinner for two or planning grand events, FELIX graciously accommodates all occasions.


Spoon The Boat
 is a cosmopolitan fine bistro, which combines traditional Hungarian contemporary cuisine with current international offerings. Spoon is an extravagant restaurant, terrace, and lounge, which is popular with Hungarian and international guests offering easy-to-understand gastronomy. The boat can host events, conferences, business breakfasts, cocktail parties, and receptions for 540 people in the summer and 350 people in the winter.

Marriott Hotel Budapest

Budapest Marriott Hotel is an exceptional venue for MICE groups. It is the only hotel in Budapest that offers a magnificent panoramic Danube River view from all its fully refurbished guestrooms and most event spaces on close to 1,700 square meters in the very heart for Budapest.

HOSTED BUYERS

Conventa and Budapest Convention Bureau invite corporate and association meetings organisers from Europe to join the workshop. If you are interested to get to know Budapest in a different way, you are welcome to fill out the Application form. Number of hosted buyers is limited to 25.

Deadline for application is 31 July 2023.
Organisers will take care of your travel arrangement to / from Budapest by train, bus, car or plane, 2-nights accommodation in a 4* hotel, ground transfers, organisation of all activities, meals & refreshments during the day.

Read the Terms & Conditions.

SUPPLIERS

Local suppliers (hotels, special venues, DMC and event agencies,…) will have the opportunity to present their offer to event organisers and be with them when exploring the city. Number of suppliers is limited to 15.

Deadline for registration: 31 July 2023
Price for exhibitors package: 950,00 €
Price includes: attendance of 1 representative in all activities according to the programme, access to the application for pre-scheduling meetings with hosted buyers, table for one2one meetings, promotion at the website and in e-newsletters.

Read the Terms & Conditions

List of Suppliers

Blaguss DMC

Blaguss Travel Ltd. was opened in 1987 in Budapest. It is owned by Blaguss Reisen, one of the most financially stable private companies in Austria, run by the Blaguss family since its foundation.
We offer a full range of tourism services, including PCO and DMC services, together with a travel agency. We have organized hundreds of national and international conferences, and congresses and created unforgettable moments for our clients for over 35 years. We save time and offer perfect organization.

Botaniq Collection

Our collection features three exceptional hotels, restaurants, and a private club in mesmerizing destinations. Uniting carefree relaxation, effortless elegance, and unforgettable experiences, these places are embracing incredible stories. BOTANIQ Castle of Tura surrounded by a ten-hectare botanical garden. Resembling Loire Valley chateaus, joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in 2022 and became the Eastern European Ambassador for Krug Champagne, solidifying its position among high-end luxury hotels. The five-star Andrássy Kúria & SPA, nestled in Tokaj, a World Heritage wine region. Here, historical elegance blends seamlessly with contemporary comfort. In the bustling heart of Budapest, where culture and adventure meet, the five-star Verno House awaits guests as a unique urban oasis.

Continental Hotel Budapest****

Superior is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in the city center. It blends art nouveau, art deco, and modern design, while reflecting the unique style of the hotel chain. The hotel has 272 rooms. In addition to the Standard rooms, we offer Deluxe and Executive rooms, 13 Suites, some with balconies. To ensure maximum comfort, all of our rooms boast parquet flooring and twin, queen, or king-sized beds. We cater to conference needs with 5 daylighted conference rooms with a capacity exceeding 300 people, we also have an underground parking garage. The ARAZ Restaurant seats up to 120 people and offers a wide selection of dishes. Our Gallery Café with Corporate Lounge is located above the main entrance.

Danubius Hotels

Danubius Hotels is a group of well-known and iconic hotels that offers a wide range of facilities in 3*, 4* and 5* hotel categories in two countries. Including Radisson Blu Béke Hotel and Hilton Budapest, we have an event capacity of up to 500 delegates in our largest meeting room. Altogether there are 106 meeting rooms available to you across 12 hotels in Hungary and Great Britain under the Danubius Hotels brand. We offer outstanding individual and group business services; our unique meeting and conference facilities are based on the Danubius me: brand, which guarantees exceptional locations, modern AV systems and event spaces that can be varied to suit your specific needs. Get to know our dedicated team of professional event organizers who will bring your event to a whole new level!

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Located in Downtown Budapest, the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is just a short walk away from the Danube River and the city’s main attractions. The hotel comprises 315 elegant rooms, including 38 chic suites. Enhancing the fundamental Kempinski experience of gourmet, culture and savoir-vivre, Kempinski Corvinus connects a cosmopolitan ethos with a quintessential Budapest immersion. From contemporised imperial delicacies to The Spa’s signature hungarymud treatment, this boldly redesigned house is home to luxury and the discerning explorer of our time. Its remodelled event floor: Ten Rooms – Infinite Solutions with many flexibly separable venues and a committed as well as creative, banquet team guarantee success for your event. That’s our signature luxury: perfection.

Special Effects

We have been present in the global events industry for over 40 years, providing creative design, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and comprehensive project management services. Whether it’s boutique or large-scale events, concerts, conferences, or unique exhibitions, our main effort is to constantly rethink and improve. We develop solutions that enable customers to conduct their events in a more efficient, exciting, safe and sustainable way. Visit Special Effects here

Weco Congress

Weco Travel Ltd. has been an enterprise in the majority ownership of the Danish Weco-Travel Central Eastern Europe since 2006. Weco Congress – the Congress & MICE Department of the Hungarian Weco Travel is a leading professional management company offering comprehensive services for congresses, conferences and academic events for Hungarian and foreign associations. With over 25 years of combined experience in event organization, we have the skills, services and resources to custom create every event to meet our clients’ specific needs.

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest Congress

Matild Palace welcomes guests with a distinctive ambiance representative of its Hungarian heritage, which runs through its core and is unmistakable from the moment you step in through the front doors. Today this transformed UNESCO world heritage site offers global explorers regal luxury through its 111 tastefully furnished rooms with many overlooking the Danube river, 19 suites including the signature Crown Tower Suite and Maria Klotild Royal Suite, a remarkable history, and a new era of gastronomy by Wolfgang Puck. Combining luxurious surroundings with authentic experiences, Matild Palace serves as the most spectacular gateway to exploring of Budapest.

Madame Tussauds Budapest

The world’s 24th Madame Tussauds welcomes visitors with 51 Hungarian and international figures at its brand new location at Palazzo Dorottya, in the heart of Budapest. Among current Hungarian celebrities, visitors can meet the wax figures of world-famous model Barbara Palvin and Olympic champion Katinka Hosszú. Over half of the figures (17) which have been created for the new space have Hungarian connection like Will Smith, Buds Spencer, Angelina Jolie, Freddie Mercury or on of the most favorite Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Other immersive zones in the attraction house famous stars, the most famous figures of history, culture and science. The new attraction is filled with many many interactive element to amaze its visitors amongst the unique, very detailed enterior.

Visual Europe Group

We are not a simple technology supplier. We are your Multi-Award Winning, One-Stop Event and Entertainment technology Think Tank from conceptualization to the last step of implementation. We have more than 20 years of experience in implementing custom digital and live event solutions. We have local offices and professionals in Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovenia. And what’s more, thanks to our global partner network we implemented successful projects worldwide, from New York to Tokyo. Check us at https://vegroup.hu/en/.

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CONTACT:

ORGANISER:

PARTNER:

Natalija Bah Čad

Conventa / Toleranca marketing

Štihova 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
T: +386 1 430 51 03, M: +386 40 822 444

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