The SITE Poland Association, which brings together professionals from the incentive industry, has completed the third edition of its Young Leaders educational program. The SITE Young Leaders program is dedicated to young professionals from the incentive and business travel industry around the world. It is an initiative aimed at people who want to develop their skills in these areas and actively participate in the activities of the SITE Association. The mission of Site Young Leaders Poland is to create a strong group of people who will become leaders not only within the Polish branch, but also throughout the industry.
SITE Poland Young Leaders in 2023
The third edition of the Young Leaders program lasted nearly a year, from February to December 2023. It was attended by 16 students from 9 countries, representing 3 renowned Polish universities: Vistula School of Tourism and Hospitality, Marie Curie-Skłodowska University, and the Higher School of Tourism and Ecology in Sucha Beskidzka. Fourteen students successfully completed the program. The main pillars of the program were mentoring, education, and networking & events.
One of the most important elements of the 3rd edition of Young Leaders was the mentoring program. As many as ten out of sixteen students had the opportunity to improve their leadership skills with the support and guidance of ten mentors, leaders of the Polish incentive industry, as well as professionals from the hospitality and finance sectors. Mentoring included face-to-face and online meetings held according to a set schedule.
“The original mentoring program developed by SITE Poland is the only program of its kind in the Polish tourism industry,” emphasizes Grażyna Grot-Duziak, SITE Poland Advisor and Young Leaders program mentor. ”It enables young leaders to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the field of incentive travel, conferences, and events. Through mentoring by an experienced professional, young leaders can benefit from advice and practical knowledge, which allows them to develop more quickly in the industry and avoid mistakes made at the beginning of their careers.”
Intensive education for young leaders
During a year of intensive work with young leaders, as part of the “education” pillar, Site Poland organized, among other things: 7 educational meetings on topics such as business travel, Convention Bureau activities, representation in the incentive & hospitality industry, DMC management, event organization, and destination marketing. The program also included practical classes and networking. Hotel inspections and volunteer work during incentive industry meetings were organized for young leaders. Students took part in a presentation of the airport in Radom,
Africa Showcase workshops, Meet the Bidder, and Care & Give Event. An extremely uplifting element of the Young Leaders program was the integration trip to Sucha Beskidzka, which was an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bonds between participants and mentors.
“We would like to sincerely thank all mentors, educators, and program partners for their invaluable support. It is thanks to them that the program has been such a great success!” says Piotr Cieślak, President of SITE, supervisor and mentor of the Young Leaders program. ”We would also like to congratulate our students and wish them further success in their professional careers. We are convinced that the experience and relationships they have gained will bring them many benefits in the future.”
Recruitment for the next edition of the Young Leaders 2024 program will begin soon. More information is available on the SITE Poland website. Source and photo: SITE Poland
