In the heart of Budapest, one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals for sport and culture, Football Forum Hungary has rapidly emerged as a pivotal event in the global football calendar. Set to take place from April 20 to April 22, 2026, at the iconic Puskás Arena, the forum brings together football executives, club owners, agents, media professionals, scouts, investors and other industry leaders from across Eastern and Western Europe for three days of insight, connection and collaboration.
Hunor Dudás, Founder and CEO of Football Forum Hungary, describes the forum as more than a typical conference: it is a full industry experience designed to spark new ideas, deepen professional relationships and shape the future of the sport. With a programme that blends expert discussions, practical workshops and curated networking occasions, Football Forum Hungary has quickly established itself as a must-attend for anyone operating on the business side of football.
It is a full industry experience designed to spark new ideas, deepen professional relationships and shape the future of the sport.
Leadership With Executive Experience
Hunor Dudás is a former club executive with extensive hands-on experience in football management and strategic operations. Having served at executive level within professional football, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making environment in which clubs and federations operate spanning governance, commercial strategy, international positioning, and stakeholder management.
His practical leadership background provides a strong strategic foundation for the Forum, shaping its clear focus on real-world challenges and high-level dialogue. This ensures the event consistently delivers relevant, forward-thinking content tailored to senior decision-makers across the football industry.
A Platform Where East Meets West In Football Business
Football Forum Hungary positions itself uniquely at the crossroads of European football markets. Its mission is to create a space where voices from established Western leagues and emerging ecosystems in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa can share perspectives, best practices and visionary strategies. Participants can expect global decision-makers and regional influencers alike to take part in conversations that stretch beyond sport into business, innovation and cultural significance.
The agenda spans topics shaping the modern football landscape. In 2026, the conference will explore the rise of women’s football, which has seen unprecedented investment, fan engagement and commercial growth. It will also examine club and league models, the transformative role of data and analytics, the power of social media and digital fan engagement, the enduring importance of scouting and talent development, and the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence in performance, operations and fan experience.
Beyond The Conference Stage: Three Days Of Impact
Rather than focusing solely on sessions, Football Forum Hungary offers a multi-layered experience integrating formal dialogue with informal engagement: The event kicks off with an Elite League Football Tournament, where industry professionals and football enthusiasts compete in a spirited challenge on the pitch. An exclusive welcome party in Budapest brings partners and keynote speakers together in a social setting before the main conference begins. The main conference day features keynote sessions, expert panels and interactive workshops designed to catalyse learning and collaboration.
The evening After Party and Football Shirt Contest celebrates club identity and fan culture, strengthening the community atmosphere. The forum closes with “Extra Time”, an informal networking session allowing professionals to build meaningful connections in a relaxed setting. This blend of professional insight and social experience sets Football Forum Hungary apart from traditional industry gatherings. Emphasising human connection as much as commercial intelligence.
This blend of professional insight and social experience sets Football Forum Hungary apart from traditional industry gatherings.
Learning, Networking And Business Growth
Participants benefit from internationally recognised best practices, actionable case studies and thought leadership that can be applied immediately within their organisations. Whether through emerging trend presentations, expert-led workshops or one-on-one discussions, the event delivers tangible value for those invested in football’s business ecosystem.
Attendees include sporting directors, executives, federations, clubs, academies, agents and scouts, alongside professionals in sports marketing, media, technology and analytics. Football Forum Hungary is also a strategic platform for service providers and brands seeking to expand their footprint in Central and Eastern Europe.
Budapest And The Puskás Arena: A Symbolic Stage
Hosting the event at the Puskás Arena places the forum at the heart of the football world in 2026. This year, the iconic stadium will host the UEFA Champions League Final – the most prestigious club event of the season. This landmark occasion reinforces Hungary’s position as a strategic hub in global football. With international attention on Budapest, the city stands as a meeting point where tradition and forward-looking innovation converge.
A Growth Story And Vision Forward
Founded in 2023, Football Forum Hungary has steadily expanded its international reach and relevance. With a clear focus on bridging geographical markets and fostering shared understanding of football’s evolving challenges, the event continues to attract a growing roster of participants, speakers and partners. Its vision extends beyond annual dates. Aiming to be a platform where ideas translate into action, partnerships evolve into strategies, and insights drive industry progress.
Looking Ahead
Football Forum Hungary 2026 is poised to become a defining moment for the global football business community this spring. With three days combining professional development, cultural exchange and social engagement, the event invites stakeholders across the sport to join a broader conversation about where football is heading and how it will get there together.