Washington – October 15, 2026 -- Two hundred Slovak and Slovak American professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, technology leaders, diplomats and creatives will convene on Oct. 23 for Slovak PRO Summit 2026, which the organization calls the largest in its history.
The invitation-only event takes place at George Mason University's Mason Square in Arlington, Va. Slovak PRO is marking 25 years of its community alongside the 250th anniversary of the United States. Executive Director Jana Trnovcová Ragucci said the group aims to connect Slovaks and friends of Slovakia across generations, industries and borders.
Slovak ambassador opens program with keynote on America 250
Slovak PRO President Michal Šimkovič and Trnovcová Ragucci deliver welcome remarks. Andrej Droba, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States, follows with the keynote "America 250: The Slovak American Story." AmCham Slovakia President Martin Maštalír addresses the bilateral business relationship.
Founders and executives present American business journeys
Henry Kallan, president and owner of the Library Hotel Collection, speaks on his American Dream journey. Diane Duda Miller covers the century-old business founded by her great-grandfather, Slovak immigrant Andrew Duda. Dr. Cecilia Rokusek, president and CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, addresses shared heritage. Viktor Riško presents the Triumph Gallery of Slovak Immigrants, which includes Hertz founder John Hertz.
Technology and AI panels feature Meta, Brightpick and Artemis speakers
The technology track includes Rasťo Hlaváč on the Minit acquisition, Meta product design lead Michal Vaško, Brightpick CEO Ján Žižka, Xatoms co-founder and CEO Diana Virgovičová, and Artemis aerospace engineer Etienne Besett. A dedicated AI panel brings together George Mason professor Jana Košecká and Kempelen Institute CEO Mária Bieliková.
Closing sessions address Slovak identity and the next 25 years
The panel "Between Two Worlds: What Does It Mean to Be Slovak?" features performer Luba Mason, investor Bob Lesko and Stagwell Vice Chair Ray Day. Pavol Demeš moderates the closing conversation on the next 25 years with Šimkovič, President Emeritus Oto Raček, former President Vladimír Lackovič and Trnovcová Ragucci.
On Oct. 22, Ambassador Droba hosts a reception at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic that includes the Slovak PRO Awards Ceremony. Supporters include FCSU Financial, Mužila Foundation, ESET and Fellow.