The Spotlight on Poland 2025 conference, entitled “People, Place, Purpose,” was held in Sopot, bringing together representatives of the MICE industry, experts, and invited guests from Poland and abroad. The event, organized by the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland (SKKP) in cooperation with the Poland Convention Bureau of the Polish Tourist Organization, created a space for discussion about the inclusive future of the meetings industry, the role of well-being at work and in life, and building valuable business relationships. Iwona Majewska participated in the conference on behalf of the Mazovia Convention Bureau.
Opening of the event
The conference was inaugurated by speeches from Agnieszka Szymerowska, President of the SKKP Management Board, and Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau POT, who emphasized the importance of cooperation and the implementation of innovative solutions as a driver for the further development of business tourism in Poland. The event was hosted by Maciej Kautz.
Part I: DEI – diversity, equality, inclusivity
The first part of the program, entitled An Inclusive Future, was devoted to how accessibility, sustainable development, and equal opportunities can stimulate economic growth and support the transformation of the meetings industry.
Łukasz Wysocki (Gdańsk Tourist Organization) and his son Filip presented a talk entitled “Accessibility as a Business Opportunity for the Industry – It Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive,” pointing out that accessibility is not a cost but a real business asset.
Jakub Łukaszewski (100cznia) shared his experiences of implementing pro-environmental practices in post-industrial spaces, showing how street culture can coexist harmoniously with sustainable development.
Ewa Salamon (Lock.me) and Paulina Lenko (Fundacja Mamy Podobnie) drew attention to the needs of neuroatypical people during events. Their presentation proved that even small organizational changes can significantly improve the comfort of participants and the quality of event experiences.
After the lectures, participants had the opportunity to engage in informal conversations and establish new business contacts during a networking break at the Haffner Hotel in Sopot.
Part II: Wellbeing and happiness in business
The second part of the conference was filled with interactive workshops entitled “The Happiness Blueprint: Integrating Wellbeing in Life and Work,” led by Małgorzata Zalewska, an expert in the science of happiness, certified life coach, and international speaker.
Participants learned strategies for combining personal satisfaction with the achievement of professional goals and ways to ensure wellbeing in a business environment.
Before dinner, there was an engaging game of MICE BINGO – an interactive activity in English, during which the moderator asked questions about the participants’ professional experiences and the events they organized. This dynamic form of integration encouraged the free exchange of opinions and the establishment of international business relationships. The integration program was provided by Tarifa Events, an incentive travel company recommended by the Polish Tourist Organization.
The fourth edition of Spotlight on Poland 2025 focused on the topics of diversity, inclusiveness, employee well-being, and sustainable development – issues that require courage, sensitivity, and a willingness to change. We are not afraid of difficult topics – because they shape the future of our industry. We believe that the hospitality industry not only has the potential but also the obligation to set a good example – in its actions, relationships, and the way it builds experiences. Talking about inclusivity, empathy, or work-life balance is not a trend for us – it is a conscious choice and a responsibility towards people and places. I would like to thank all local partners and participants who had the courage to talk about what really matters for their participation in the project, said Aneta Książek, Head of the Meetings and Events Office – Poland Convention Bureau POT.
Evening meeting
The day culminated in a joint White Marlin networking dinner in Sopot, during which representatives of the Polish MICE industry and invited hosted buyers continued their discussions in an informal atmosphere, strengthening cooperation and inspiring each other to further action.
Fam Trip in Gdańsk and Sopot
Parallel to the substantive part of the conference, a study program (fam trip) was organized for a carefully selected group of hosted buyers from priority markets. Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the conference infrastructure and incentive offer in Gdańsk and Sopot, meet with local MICE service providers, and experience the unique atmosphere of the Pomeranian region. The aim of the program was to showcase the potential of the Tri-City and Poland as a competitive and attractive destination for organizing international business events.
Event organizers and partners
Organizers:
- Polish Association of Conference and Congress Organizers (SKKP)
- Polish Tourist Organization – Poland Convention Bureau (POT)
Spotlight on Poland 2025 partners:
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Gdańsk Tourist Organization – Gdansk Convention Bureau (visitgdansk.pl)
- Sopot Tourist Organization (visit.sopot.pl)
- Holiday Inn Gdańsk – City Centre
Photos: PCB POT
