Destination POLAND. More than you expected
From playing underground golf in a former mine to meeting in a post-industrial hall, historic brewery or vodka factory stylishly transformed into atmospheric and state-of-the-art event spaces, Poland will surprise and delight your delegates while being kind to your budget
“Poland is sitting on a gold mine of tech talent. It ranks number four for STEM graduates and number one for female STEM graduates in the European Union.”
Dominik Andrzejczuk, General Partner Atmos Ventures and CEO of The Quantum Data Center Corporation
“It's this that sets Poland up to be a real contender in the next five to ten years in a world that's becoming more and more digital,” continues Andrzejczuk. “It is at a really unique place in its history, where economic growth is being catalysed by a highly skilled workforce and investment from abroad.
“People are moving to Poland to take advantage of the low unemployment rates, safety and growing GDP per capita.”
ESL Intel Extreme Masters in the Spodek Arena in Katowice (Pic credit: Silesia Convention Bureau)
ESL Intel Extreme Masters in the Spodek Arena in Katowice (Pic credit: Silesia Convention Bureau)
Recent surges in investment from Asia and America include the largest foreign investment ever recorded - valued at USD 4.6 billion - from Intel's announcement that it will build a Semiconductor Integration and Testing Plant near Wroclaw. Other prominent IT companies such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia and Dell Technologies have also invested Poland.
Says Barbara Świderska, President of MPI Poland Chapter: “I reside in the Silesia region, home to nearly 450,000 businesses in a relatively small territory, including international corporations from key sectors: energy, automotive, aviation, pharmaceuticals, IT. Together with an incredible events infrastructure and impressive research institutions, we are becoming the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Europe.”
All of which makes Poland an increasingly attractive destination for new technology-related events, such as renowned Intel Extreme Masters ESL Katowice that takes place at Spodek, the city’s landmark venue. Another popular high-tech venue is the Kinguin Esports Performance Center in Warsaw.
Your expert partners
Poland is rightly proud of its regional convention bureaux and they are a fantastic resource for event planners. In addition to the Gdansk Convention Bureau, representing Baltic Sea destinations Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, there are four regional offices:
- Mazovia Convention Bureau (regional capital Warsaw)
- Silesia Convention Bureau (regional capital Katowice)
- Swietokrzyskie Convention Bureau (regional capital Kielce)
- Lubelskie Convention Bureau (regional capital Lublin)
All of Poland’s convention bureaux can advise on how to ensure your event is as environmentally-friendly as possible. Says Wiktoria Król-Cieciorowska, President of the Board at Convention Bureau Wrocław: "Convention Bureau - Wrocław has prepared a document presenting good green practices for our event venues as we strive for sustainable development. We plan to expand the document to include more local facilities using green solutions.”
Quality guaranteed
In order to ensure the high quality of services provided to international association events, the Poland CVB has an accredited Polish Tourism Organisation Recommendation Programme, where partners and suppliers are monitored and awarded. They include convention bureaux, professional congress organisers and incentive travel companies.
Exciting new venues
The investment into Poland continues with fabulous new venues and hotels opening all the time. There are so many exciting redeveloped post-industrial buildings and stylish options, you’ll be spoilt for choice:
CFK_13 Fabryczna Conference Center is a spectacular new events space in a 1920s style in Krakow
Stradom House Kraków is the first Autograph Collection property to open in Poland
- Koneser is a cultural and entertainment centre beautifully designed within the premises of the historic Koneser vodka factory in Warsaw
- Elektrownia Powiśle has been sensitively developed from a disused power plant that played an important role in the Warsaw Uprising in WWII
- Warsaw Breweries is another excellent urban mix-use place dazzlingly reborn from an historic but war damaged and neglected area
- Norblin Factory offers sophisticated event space in this exciting post-industrial development also in the capital
- Close to Katowice, Kopalnia Guido is a former coal mine set up for events, fine dining, team building challenges and sightseeing. You can even play turbo golf underground.
"Poland's allure lies in its rich historical tapestry, architecture, tourist attractions, remarkable infrastructure that includes cutting-edge hotel facilities and versatile event venues, an exceptional value proposition and seamless accessibility via an extensive flight network. All of these factors converge to make Poland an exceptionally appealing MICE destination. In Poland, you have the unique opportunity to host a conference 125m below ground in a historic salt mine or arrange an event within a modern, post-industrial space; from leisurely boat cruises to culinary explorations featuring the delicious flavours of Polish dumplings, local spirits, beers and wines, organic meats and cheeses.”
Joanna Montenarh, SITE POLAND Vice President
Warsaw – European Best Destination 2023
Of 21 European cities voted for, Warsaw was ranked European Best Destination 2023 and was recommended in four other categories:
- Best Destinations for a city break
- Best Destination for Food Lovers
- Best Cultural Destination
- Safest Destinations in Europe
Polish gastronomy
Three Polish restaurants now boast Michelin stars, while seven have received the Bib Gourmand and 39 were recommended. The cities of Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan and the village of Koscielisko in the Tatra Mountains are prime destinations for foodies. And Warsaw even has a thriving vegan restaurant scene.
Looking for inspiration for your next meeting or event?
Contact the Poland Convention Bureau
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