HIDDEN GUEST: Hungexpo Congress Centre

• Open since: Fair from 1967; new exhibition centre built in 2021
• Number of halls: 23 meeting halls in the congress centre and 8 exhibition halls 
• Surface area: 75,000 sqm
• Theatre max.: 2,026
• Category: Convention Centre

The preeminent Hungarian exhibition centre prides itself on a rich history of hosting trade shows and congresses. In fifty-four years, the Hungexpo has celebrated numerous milestones. Recently, the management changed hands. In 2005, the global corporation GL Events, one of the most renowned trade show organisers globally, took over the management. After the company took the helm, swift development followed, transforming the venue that now covers 36 hectares of land. The exhibition centre began organising distinguished events under GL Events. However, the government regained ownership in 2016, while GL Events went from owners to tenants. It was not until the COVID-19 crisis that the venue underwent a landmark change. That was when a new entrance and exhibition centre was inaugurated. Hungexpo, which we last evaluated before the COVID crisis, has been completely transformed, courtesy of a 170 million EUR investment. As soon as the venue improves its public transport connections with the city, it will undoubtedly become the favoured choice of international event organisers considering Hungary for their events. As expected of such a substantial investment, Budapest’s competitiveness has improved, too. The Central European outpost now boasts superb infrastructure for all event types, including mega spectacles, such as the World Athletics Championship.

The premier Hungarian exhibition and convention centre is situated in the X. district Kobanya, on the edge of Budapest. Once home to countless factories, this district is famed for the largest public park in the city, Népliget. Not many know, though, that vineyards once adorned this part of the city before the area transformed into the industrial heart of Budapest. Undoubtedly, the venue’s location is a competitive advantage, offering plenty of room for development and expansion. That is why the new exhibition centre, covering 15,000 square metres, easily blended into the area. Data about the sheer size of Hungexpo is impressive: the venue stretches 75,000 square metres of gross covered area and 36 hectares of green surfaces. The location offers plenty of space for long-term development. Even the city’s municipality has taken notice of the importance of the district. They have ambitious plans, including a holistic renovation of green surfaces, expanding public transport lines and constructing new sports and business infrastructure. Perhaps the most iconic building here is the Puskas Arena sports stadium, within spitting distance from Hungexpo.

Hungexpo offers solid connections to the city centre and motorway. The Ferenc Liszt Airport is nearby, too. You will need around 20 minutes from the airport (15 kilometres away). Only the greatest puritanical germophobes may have remarks regarding the tidiness of the exceptional metro in Budapest. It is the oldest metro line in Europe (1896) and one of the oldest in the world. The easiest way to reach the newly-built exhibition centre is with metro line 3. To get right to the entrance, you can hop on bus number 10. Guests arriving by car have easy access and can find a parking spot even when huge events take place. Taxis are budget-friendly, with Bolt leading the pack. The city centre is not very friendly or accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. We hope the city addresses this issue in the future. Free rental of bicycles, electric ones, too, would be a pivotal step in improving sustainable mobility. Renting bicycles via the MOL system is, unfortunately, not very user-friendly, especially for foreigners.

The distinguished Hungarian architectural bureau, Finta Studio, designed the new look of the exhibition centre. They adopted an ambitious approach to renovate Hungexpo, knowing the importance of the exhibition and convention centre in Budapest. The client appealed to the architects to design a modern and instantly recognisable architecture that would leave an indelible mark on the new centre with its uniqueness. Thus, an intriguing, open and transparent steel building of the exhibition centre came to life. It leaves guests mesmerised with its elegance and open space. One of the core elements of the layout of the halls that makes attendees feel welcome is the natural light and the height of the ceiling, which is higher than seven metres in some halls. Socialising areas and expo areas are equally thought-out. The entire space encircles the central atrium, which has become the heart of the new exhibition centre. An eye-catching entrance that resembles a propeller has swiftly become an iconic Instagrammable point. The new exhibition centre appears monolithic yet compact, standing out from the competition thanks to its functionality.

During our visit, the staff at Hungexpo resembled a well-versed ensemble, always professional and kind to each visitor. They instil trust in the institution and ensure every visitor feels welcome and safe. The host team deserves special praise, but the technical and security teams could improve. At first glance, the new exhibition centre is admirably well-maintained and seemingly has no flaws. During events, all public surfaces are constantly maintained and kept. You will find no trash on the floor in this venue. The restrooms are indicative of excellent maintenance and are pleasant to look at, too. It seems the frequency of events has a positive influence on the team. As always, there is room for improvement. Perhaps they could modernise the parking system with digital labelling directing drivers where to park. Everywhere visitors go, they will find world-class equipment managed by a competent technical team. The centre functions like a well-oiled machine. Splendid!

Hungexpo is among the largest in the region, with 15,000 square metres of surface. Judging purely by the surface area and capacities, it can go toe-to-toe with the largest premier centres in the region, such as the renovated Sava Center in Belgrade or the Austria Centre in Vienna. The heart and soul of the venue is the plenary hall with an original moveable floor. It allows the hall to transform into an auditorium and back into a hall with a flat surface. Event organisers can choose from eight pre-programmed configurations. The hall can accommodate 2,067 attendees and can be divided into two or three smaller halls. Functionally, the space is stunning. With state-of-the-art tech equipment, functional design and a foyer covering 1670 square metres, the hall is truly unique. The architects thought of everything – from car-size lifts to a beautiful terrace with a surface area of 2,350 square metres. The terrace is a unique venue in its own right. Sixteen smaller meeting rooms, spread on three floors, are an integral part of the venue. They can be joined together or kept separate. Not least, the venue offers ten large multifunctional halls. Regional competitors, including Sava Center, should become aware of the competition they face in Budapest. In our opinion, Hungexpo’s functionality is unmatched.

Parking could be arranged more neatly. Hungexpo could take inspiration from modern parking garages with digital systems for guiding drivers. That would contribute to elevating the guest experience of attendees arriving by car. Still, it seems there are always enough parking spots available.

Hungexpo also specialises in film production. Several films were recorded on their premises. Lately, the new Instagrammable entry building, named F1, has been turning heads.

Hungexpo is far more than a classic exhibition centre. It is the largest Hungarian convention centre and represents a transformation hub for the entire meetings industry in Budapest. Hungexpo is among a handful of exhibition centres that comprehensively renovated their exhibition centre instead of making aesthetic corrections like other venues. Their brand new exhibition centre now easily competes with regional competitors. Furthermore, they ensured the venue was fitted with the latest technological equipment, providing top-tier service necessary for organising elite events. Add to that superb functional design, and Hungexpo is arguably the most balanced regional venue that offers great value for money, too. The bar has been set high by Hungexpo also because the management does not have to consider protecting architectural heritage. What the venue does have is plenty of space and excellent management led by GL Events. They understand the market and clients across the globe. The new Hungexpo is undeniably inspiring and mirrors the zeitgeist of the meetings industry after the coronavirus crisis. Other exhibition centres in the region can take notes. Hungexpo has a clear mission to cement Budapest’s position in the international meetings market. We have no doubts they will succeed.

FINAL GRADE: 4.97 GOLD Convention Centre

GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60