On 13 April 2026, the Kompasy Vistuli 2026 event took place in Warsaw, in conjunction with the nationwide celebrations of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026. The initiative, organised by the Vistula School of Tourism and Hospitality, once again brought together representatives from academia, the tourism, hospitality and meetings sectors, as well as graduates of the university who are developing their careers in the hospitality sector in the broadest sense.
Vistula Compasses is a regular competition and industry event aimed at recognising graduates who have achieved professional success in areas such as tourism, hospitality, HoReCa, the meetings industry and other sectors related to hospitality. The initiative highlights the importance of practical skills, entrepreneurship and collaboration between education and business. The competition’s partners include the Polish Chamber of Tourism, the Polish Chamber of Commerce for the Hotel Industry and MPI Poland Chapter.
The event was aimed at a wide audience: graduates and students of hospitality courses, representatives of the tourism and hospitality industries, event organisers, representatives of industry bodies, business, the media, and partners collaborating with the university. The format of the gala promotes both the recognition of individual professional achievements and the building of relationships between the academic world and market practice.
This year’s edition of the competition featured three categories: Vistula Compass, Vistula Compass – Rising Star, and Vistula Compass International. This allows for the recognition of both experienced professionals and young talents, as well as graduates developing their careers in international markets. During the event, Ireneusz Raś, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, presented the ‘For Services to Tourism’ Medal of Honour to three individuals associated with Vistula University.
The gathering had a ceremonial and community-oriented character. The programme combined the Vistula Compass gala with the national celebrations of GMID 2026, an initiative highlighting the importance of the meetings and business events industry for economic development, cooperation and destination promotion. The evening provided a space to honour the winners, exchange experiences and network among industry representatives.
For years, the Vistula Compasses have been establishing their position as an event that not only recognises the professional achievements of graduates but also strengthens the dialogue between education, business and industry organisations. It is an initiative that promotes best practices, inspires future generations of professionals and demonstrates the vital role played today by the tourism, hospitality and meetings sector in the development of the modern economy.
