In the months leading up to the trip, the IME committee organised several activities and social drinks, giving participants the chance to get to know each other before departure. By the time we arrived at the airport, the excitement for the week ahead was already clearly noticeable.
Time to go! All MARUG travellers gathered at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to officially kick off IME 2026. Upon arrival in Budapest, the city was already buzzing with energy, as Hungary’s election results were announced that very day. The political developments quickly became a visible part of the atmosphere in the city and later formed an interesting discussion topic during several of our company visits.
After settling into the accommodation, the group came together to share plans, expectations, and excitement for the days ahead. The evening ended with a shared dinner, where we toasted to the start of an unforgettable week in Budapest.
Discovering Budapest
Of course, visiting a new city starts with exploring it. Luckily, one of our active members, Daniel, already knew a lot about Budapest, its history, and its hidden gems. After breakfast, he guided us through the city, taking us from our apartments all the way to the iconic Parliament building. Along the way, we stopped at landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Soviet War Memorial, where Daniel shared stories and historical insights that brought the city to life. It turned out to be the perfect introduction to Budapest.
International Marketing
One of the main goals of the IME is to provide students with insight into the international marketing environment. Throughout the week, several company visits were organised to broaden our understanding of different industries, strategies, and professional perspectives.
Companies such as Randstad, Mito Group, Hammer Agency, and Creative Coffee warmly welcomed us and gave us an inside look into their daily operations and long-term visions. The diversity of companies provided a broad perspective on the marketing industry, from content creation and campaign management to consultancy and all-round marketing strategies. We were introduced to both larger organisations and smaller agencies, each with their own audiences, stakeholders, and ways of working.
The conversations between students and professionals proved highly valuable, leading to inspiring discussions and meaningful connections. Topics such as AI developments and the changing European market returned multiple times throughout the week, highlighting how relevant these themes are for the next generation of marketers. Beyond the professional side, the companies also introduced us to Hungarian culture through local snacks and personal stories about life and work in Budapest. The hospitality we experienced made every visit feel personal and welcoming.
A Definite Highlight
Prior to the trip, the IME committee had already proposed the idea of a boat tour on the Danube during one of the information evenings, everyone was immediately enthusiastic. That same excitement could still be felt on the evening itself. Although the queue was long, the tour turned out to be more than worth the wait.
Surrounded by the illuminated skyline of Budapest, the evening quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Beautiful views, good conversations, laughter, drinks, and countless pictures created the perfect atmosphere aboard the boat. For many participants, the tour became one of the most memorable moments of IME 2026.
What We Brought Home
The experience ended the same way it started: together around the dinner table. One final group dinner marked the closing of a great week, inspired not only by the city of Budapest itself, but also by the people we shared it with. Together we arrived at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but we returned with much more: new knowledge, souvenirs, stronger connections, and unforgettable memories thanks to this year’s IME.