Events and activities

Open to the general public and anybody interested in Slovakia, whether it is for doing business, organising cultural and educational projects or raising awareness, our themed events - conferences, seminars and lectures - provide an opportunity to meet with distinguished speakers from business, politics, or society.

Our previous events attracted and welcomed many familiar personalities, as well as new faces.

‘Focus on Slovakia’ – Economic Conference

11th December 2006, The Bank of England, London

The conference focused on the economic environment and investment opportunities in Slovakia. This was reflected in the keynote presentation on the Slovak macroeconomic outlook, delivered by the Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia, Mr Ivan Sramko. more

Presentations outlined comparative advantages for foreign investments in Slovakia, eg transparent and simple pro-business environment, flat tax rate (19%), strategic location in the centre of Europe, availability of highly-qualified and affordable work force, the labour code flexibility and a general drive for knowledge economy.

Other distinguished speakers included: Mrs Brigita Schmögnerová, the vice-president of the European Bank of Reconstruction & Development, Mr Alexander Kockerbeck, the vice-president of the international rating agency Moody’s, Mr Martin Horvath, the acting director of the Slovak Tourist Board, Mr Dusan Horniak, the Commercial Counsellor from the Slovak Embassy in London and Mr Jan Telensky, British entrepreneur and SBBC founder patron.

Due to the successful outcome of the event as well as an excellent response from the conference participants, we are planning a follow up event in the autumn 2007.

European Bank of Reconstruction & Development

Your partner in Central & Eastern Europe and CIS

11 April, 2006, London

The third in the series of Evening Seminars featured Brigita Schmögnerová, Vice President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Apart from introducing the EBRD and its mission, Mrs Schmögnerová answered questions on how the organisation acts as a financing partner in the region. The debate centered on the role of private and public finance.

Slovak Paradise

25 April, 2006, London

‘Slovak Paradise’, a business-to-business presentation of exciting new products in travel and tourism not previously seen in the UK, was followed by a debate between product providers and buyers. The attendees also had a chance of one-to-one meetings.

The SBBC have secured a colourful range of speakers; the owner of the château in Salgovce, made famous in the Channel 4 documentary “A Place in Slovakia”; Jan Telensky, the owner of AquaCity; and the Marketing Director of the Thermia Palace in Piestany, which re-opened in 2006 after a major reconstruction and modernization.

Series of professional development seminars:

‘The Power and Impact of Communication in Business’

Ishreen Bradley, Founder, Landmark Education Business Development (LEBD)

‘Exploring the Implications of Culture’

John Leonhardt, Founder, Trans-Tel Global

‘Building Future Performance: Professional Planning and Decision-Making’

SBBC – A Window to Slovakia

Golden Violins & Dalibor Karvay

The SBBC organised concerts where the ‘Golden Violins’ ensemble performed for the first time in the UK. The London concert was part of the Pulse Festival 2006 celebrating the music of Central European nations.

London audiences indulged in the mixture of classical music, jazz, traditional, alternative and experimental electronic music from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Before the London concert, the SBBC hosted a VIP and Diplomatic reception “The Celebration of the Pulse Festival”, attended by distinguished representatives of political, diplomatic, cultural, musical and artistic circles.