Romanian spectators will get the opportunity to witness one of Hollywood’s most adored actors, Kevin Costner, live on stage as the biggest business, technology, and innovation event in Eastern Europe makes a second appearance in Bucharest.
On September 17–18, Romania’s capital will host the second edition of ‘Impact Bucharest’ – an event that brings together leaders from business, politics, technology, and culture from across Europe. The agenda will cover key topics such as cybersecurity, green transition, digitalization, the future of cities, health, digital commerce, and leadership in times of transformation.
Over 2,000 participants from the region and the rest of Europe are expected to attend, including public sector officials, impact-driven startups, and top-tier international companies.
Kevin Costner in Romania
Kevin Costner’s story proves that success comes when you take risks, think long-term, and stay true to your dreams. While studying finance and playing baseball in college, he dreamed of becoming an actor.
A chance encounter on a plane with the legendary Richard Burton led him to ask: “Do you think I have a chance to make it in Hollywood?” Burton replied: “I believe you do.”
After starring in The Untouchables, Costner became a household name and immediately began investing in his dream: his own production company. His first film, Dances with Wolves, earned him two Oscars and became a global hit. It was followed by iconic films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Bodyguard, which he both starred in and produced.
In 2018, he returned to the spotlight with the TV series Yellowstone, for which he won a Golden Globe and served as executive producer.
Beyond acting, Costner is a visionary entrepreneur. He has invested in green technologies, real estate, and digital tourism (with the HearHere app). He even put his money—and his house—on the line for his most personal project: the multi-part western Horizon: An American Saga, which premiered its first chapter at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Costner speaks openly about risks, choices, setbacks, and victories. Whether as an artist or a businessman, he knows how to build a genuine connection with his audience—and participants at Impact Bucharest Presented by Mastercard will get to experience that firsthand.
Impact events are known across Europe as unique meeting points for thought leaders from business, politics, culture, and science. Organized in Poland since 2016, Impact is now returning to Bucharest for the second time, becoming the largest and most significant event of its kind in Southeastern Europe. In addition to expert talks and panel discussions, Impact also offers valuable networking opportunities with leaders from across the continent.
Why Impact? Why Romania?
With a 3.5% GDP growth rate, Romania is one of the top three fastest-growing economies in Central and Eastern Europe. According to a report prepared for Impact by economist Michal Kulbacki from XYZ, Romania had the second-largest economy in the region in 2023.
“Forecasts suggest that by 2035, Romania’s GDP per capita could reach the EU average. One of Impact’s missions is to accelerate this process. We believe it’s possible—especially with the right kind of collaboration. We are proud to see Impact expanding in this part of Europe. Our events bring together leaders from business, technology, and politics, along with representatives of major corporations, startups, and investors. In this way, we support Polish companies already active in the Romanian market and those seeking to start new partnerships in the region,” Krystian Wolak, Founder of Impact, declared.
Even more Momentum for Impact Bucharest Presented by Mastercard
Following the success of the first edition, the 2025 event promises to be even more ambitious. Around 2,000 participants are expected from Southeastern Europe and beyond—including public sector officials, executives from international companies, startup founders, investors, and key players in business, technology, and policy.
The agenda will cover strategic topics such as cybersecurity, green transformation, digitalization, the future of cities and the global economy, healthcare, digital commerce, and leadership. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, the Impact Arena startup competition, workshops, and networking sessions.
