Program

 

9:00 – 9:30 | Breakfast

9:30 – 10:15 | Hungary's place in the investment world still shaky

In their strategic thinking, some investors are currently lumping Hungary in with Eastern Europe. Some of those who don't say this out loud admit openly that they'll buy in Prague and Warsaw before they make a move in Budapest. Why is this so? And is this justified, or are they missing opportunities and discounts that are unlikely to be repeated?

10:15 – 10:45 | Debate – Office: Not as bad as it looks? Or worse?

Budapest's vacancy rate actually fell at the end of 2010, but that only brought it back to roughly the same level it had began the year. With no rapid economic turnaround forecast, is it feasible to expect improvement? What is the best strategy for banks and developers with exposure to this sector?

10:45 – 11:15 | Debate – Euro: Yes or No? and The new vision for Budapest

Forget for a moment whether Europe will be in any mood to accept Hungary into the Eurozone, whether the country could actually qualify in the near-term. Would developers and investors see it as an improvement over the chronically weak forint in view of the current European debt crisis? How about the local banks? Should the government's strategy be to push for accession as rapidly as possible? The elections are over, the old ties have been broken, paving the way for a new vision about where the city is going. So, where is it going? What will be the most important new directions of the current administration? What do we know about the priorities of the new city administration, and how can private developers best prepare for the next few years?

11:15 – 11:45 | Coffee break

11:45 – 12:30 | Retail: The end of the mall development era

Consumer spending has finally bottomed out in Hungary, so what comes next? Older, established shopping malls have been getting make-overs as owners invest in order to keep them competitive, and it turns out they can still be competitive. Is the era of new malls over for now? How hungry are retailers for widespread expansion, if at all? Will the lack of new malls prevent new brands from coming in?

12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch