One Convention, a Thousand Memories… and More Stories to Tell

Some events are organised, and then there are those that leave a lasting impression long after the last tables have been cleared and the doors have closed. The Convention Internationale de Jeux et d’Histoire, held in Budapest from 17 to 19 October 2026, undoubtedly belongs to the latter category.

For three days, we had the pleasure of bringing together enthusiasts of games, history, strategy and education around a particularly meaningful theme: the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, marking its 70th anniversary this year.

From gaming tables to conferences, from demonstrations to inspiring encounters, from passionate discussions to moments of pure conviviality, this first edition brought to life the vision we had hoped to share: a place where games become a way to understand history, knowledge is passed on, and people from different backgrounds come together through a common passion.

Three Days of Discovery and Wonderful Encounters

Throughout the weekend, we explored historical games, uncovered lesser-known chapters of our past, listened to fascinating speakers and exchanged ideas and perspectives. The conferences, demonstrations and wargaming tables brought together different approaches, generations and experiences.

Monday's educational day, on 19 October, was another particularly important highlight. Welcoming high school students and inviting them to discover the events of 1956 through games, testimonies, newspapers and collaborative activities reminded us just how powerful games can be as tools for learning and passing on history.

And then there were all the moments that never quite make it into an official programme: conversations that continue long after a game has ended, new friendships, unexpected discoveries, old acquaintances reunited, and those wonderful moments when you realise that you share much more than an interest in a particular game or historical period.

That, too, is what a convention is all about.

Above All, a Collective Adventure

An event like this is never the work of one person alone.

I would therefore like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, designers, publishers, associations, partners, exhibitors, volunteers and participants who helped make this first edition such a success. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your time, your games, your ideas and, above all, your enthusiasm.

My thanks also go to everyone who contributed behind the scenes, helping with organisation, hospitality, logistics and communication. Behind every conference, every gaming table and every activity were hours of preparation and an enormous amount of dedication.

And finally, thank you to all the visitors, players, curious minds and history enthusiasts who came to be part of this adventure. Your presence, feedback and conversations are the greatest reward we could have hoped for.

A special word of thanks to those who supported the project from its earliest beginnings, when it was still little more than an ambitious idea on paper!

One Chapter Ends, but This Is Certainly Not the Final Word

This convention also held a particular personal significance for me. After nineteen years in Hungary, these three days offered a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the friendships, encounters and projects that have shaped this long chapter of my life.

Creating this convention in a city with so many stories to tell, around a period of history that deserves to be remembered and passed on, made the experience all the more meaningful.

I leave with precious memories, wonderful new connections and, above all, the conviction that we have created something worth carrying forward beyond this first edition.

Of course, not everything was perfect. There are things to improve, ideas to develop and new possibilities to explore. That is part of what makes this adventure so exciting: a first edition is not an end in itself, but a foundation on which to build.

The foundations are now in place, connections have been made, and there is certainly no shortage of ideas. There are still so many stories to tell, games to discover and encounters waiting to happen.

So, to everyone who joined us for this first adventure: keep your calendars within reach, stay tuned, and don't put your dice, cards and miniatures away for too long…

History never really stops. And some adventures undoubtedly deserve another chapter.

Thank you all, and see you very soon for what comes next!

Michaël and the Convention Internationale de Jeux et d’Histoire TeamBudapest, October 2026