On 9 May, MCC Debrecen will welcome guests in its training centre from different parts of the world and different backgrounds, but what they have in common is their connection to our country. 

Among others, Vice President of Human Resources of BMW Group Plant Debrecen, Johannes Trauth, H.E. Ms. Hikariko Ono, Ambassador of Japan, and French historian Thibaud Gibelin will share their experiences of what Debrecen, Hungary means to them: business, diplomacy, culture, or even all three at the same time.

Organisers look forward to welcoming everyone to the ‘Connectivity in Practice’ event event, jointly organised by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Debrecen Training Center and Debrecen4U!

Programmes

From 1:00 p.m. | Registration

1:30 p.m. – 2:00  p.m. | Welcome Speeches

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Panel discussion #1: “Life in Hungary”

Topic: What challenges have they faced, how have they adapted to Hungarian culture and what opportunities do they see in the country? The discussion will also explore the positive and surprising experiences they have had in their daily lives, and the advice they would give to those who are planning to move to Hungary or who have only recently arrived.

Invited guests:

• Eric Hendriks – Guest researcher, Danube Institute
• Stephen Travis Sholl – Head of International Communications at MCC
• Thibaud Gibelin – French historian, political scientist, MCC Visiting Fellow

Moderator: Lili Tícia Gál, student of the Mindset School of Psychology at the MCC Debrecen Training Centre

The discussion will be held in English; interpretation will not be available.

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Questions & Answers

3:15 p.m.  – 3:30 p.m. | Coffee break & Networking Opportunity

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Panel discussion #2: “Debrecen on the World Map”

Topic: Why Debrecen? What makes the city an attractive destination for foreign students and international companies? In this discussion, participants will share their personal experiences on why choosing Debrecen as a place to study or do business. What future do they envision for the city, and what are their impressions of the local culture?

Invited guests:

• Johannes Trauth – Vice President Human Resources, BMW Group Plant Debrecen
• Rong Zhou – HR Manager, EVE Power
• International student studying in Debrecen (under negotiation)

Moderator: Eva Johnson, Debrecen4U International Office Manager

The discussion will be held in English; interpretation will be available.

4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Questions & Answers

4:45 p.m.  – 5:00 p.m. | Coffee Break & Networking Opportunity

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.| Panel discussion #3: “Ambassador Talk”

Topic: Hungary’s Diplomatic Relations and Debrecen’s Role on the International Stage

The Ambassador of Japan will share her insights on Hungary’s diplomatic relations and Debrecen’s significance in international cooperation. Beyond diplomacy, the discussion may also explore the experiences of foreign communities in Hungary, as well as cultural and economic ties that shape the city’s global presence.

Invited guest: H.E. Ms. Hikariko Ono, Ambassador of Japan

Moderator: Sándor Pázmányi, Economics student, MCC Debrecen Training Centre

The discussion will be held in English; interpretation will be available.

6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.| Questions & Answers

6:45 p.m.-  7:30 p.m. | Tasting of “Wines of Debrecen”

A special highlight of the event will be the City Wines of Debrecen wine tasting session, organised in cooperation with Visit Debrecen. Sommelier Béla Vállai will present two carefully selected wines.

During the tasting, Visit Debrecen will also host an information booth, where the City Wines of Debrecen 2025 will be introduced.

Please note: Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.

The event will be held in Hungarian; interpretation into English will be available.

7:30 p.m. | Closing of the event

1:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Side event in MCC lobby – Photo Wall

Useful information:

• Participation in the event is free of charge but requires registration.
• For attending the event, please register at this link: https://mcc.hu/esemenyregisz…/konnektivitas-a-gyakorlatban
• For the Wine Tasting, please register at this link: https://regisztracio.mcc.hu/konnektivitas-a-gyakorlatban…
• Registration deadline: May 8, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
• Please note: Photos and videos will be taken during the event. By attending, participants provide their consent to being recorded.
• Organisers reserve the right to change the programme.

All interested parties are cordially invited to attend.

Date: 9 May, 1.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
Location:Mathias Corvinus Collegium’s Debrecen Training Centre

Source:FB events | Photo credit: MCC Debrecen