Poland made a strong impression at IMEX Smart Monday 2024 by MPI, part of the renowned IMEX America event held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Jarosław Marciuk from the Poland Convention Bureau (PolandCVB) represented Poland, who actively participated in key events, most notably the “Best of Europe” networking session. This platform allowed Poland to highlight its competitive advantages as a destination for corporate meetings, incentives, and conferences, capturing the attention of industry professionals, particularly from the US.
IMEX America and Meetings Professionals International (MPI) have maintained a 20-year partnership, which has been instrumental in establishing IMEX America as a premier event for the global meetings industry. MPI Academy offers complimentary educational and professional development programmes during Smart Monday every year. In 2024, Smart Monday attracted more than 1,590 participants—an impressive 30% increase compared to 2023. This growth, alongside 46 concurrent sessions, underscores the event’s increasing relevance in the industry.
The Best of Europe
During the “Best of Europe” session, organised with the support of the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau, Jarosław Marciuk presented Poland’s strengths as a MICE destination. Destinations such as Spain, Istanbul, and Hungary were also showcased alongside Poland.
Marciuk’s message resonated with event organisers, who are increasingly viewing Poland as an attractive option for business events. While Poland may not always be the first choice for event planners, the country’s reputation is on the rise, with more satisfied clients and a growing portfolio of successful events.
The session also brought back memories of previous international meetings held in Poland, such as MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC) in Krakow in 2015 and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress in Kraków in 2022. These events have helped solidify Poland’s reputation among attendees, reinforcing its position as a serious player in the European meetings industry.
Hosted buyers and destination representatives engaged in insightful table discussions, exploring both the challenges and opportunities of organising corporate events across Europe. These discussions provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and best practices, making it an enriching experience for all participants.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Katri Laurimaa, Stefanie Smajic, and Allison Burkley from Meetings Professionals International for their exceptional support and flawless organisation of the event, ensuring its success.
The Meetings Professional Magazine
Have you had the chance to explore the latest edition of MPI’s Meetings Professional Magazine? Access the online version here, featuring a special section on Poland. Be sure to check out the interview with Aneta Ksiazek, where she shares key insights about Poland’s dynamic offering – the link.
Inspiring Keynotes and Tailored Educational Sessions
IMEX America 2024 also stood out for its expanded educational offerings, provided by MPI. This year, MPI sourced all three keynote speakers, with sessions designed to inspire and challenge conventional thinking. Over 1,250 attendees participated in these keynote presentations. Monday’s keynote, delivered by Andre Norman on “Prison to Harvard: The Power of Belief and Self-Motivation,” was particularly impactful, drawing an audience of 725. Norman’s journey served as a powerful reminder of the potential for both personal and professional transformation, resonating strongly with attendees.
@callmejaro IMEX Smart Monday was filled with valuable content and educational sessions, setting the stage for an incredible start to IMEX America. As the official Smart Monday partner for meeting and event professionals, MPI proudly launched the event with dynamic learning opportunities, keynote speakers, and sessions tailored for industry experts. One of the highlights was a powerful keynote speech by Andre Norman, titled “Prison to Harvard: The Power of Belief and Self-Motivation,” which left the audience inspired by his incredible journey of transformation. The day concluded with Best of Europe, showcasing top European destinations for future events, that included Poland. Poland Convention Bureau was present here and gave a prsaentsion about Poland as a MICE deatination for corporate events in Europe. #imex24 #imexamerica #mpi #smartmonday #eventprofs #eventprofspl #lasvegas #polandcvb ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89
MPI also introduced three new educational experiences tailored to industry needs. These included the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate & Medical Meeting Professional Certificate, celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the MICE Fundamentals Certificate Course, aimed at newcomers seeking to develop essential industry skills. These sessions allowed for a more personalised educational experience, enhancing professional growth and networking opportunities.
MPI’s Q3 Meetings Outlook: Optimism and Stability
Another highlight of IMEX America 2024 was the release of MPI’s Q3 Meetings Outlook, providing an in-depth analysis of industry trends and projections. The report revealed that 72% of respondents expressed optimism about business conditions and budgets for 2025, up slightly from the previous year. Additionally, 76% of respondents expected in-person event attendance to rise, signalling continued growth and resilience in face-to-face meetings.
The market showed further signs of stabilisation, with 43% of respondents describing the current climate as a seller’s market, 31% as a buyer’s market, and 26% reporting a balanced environment. This equilibrium suggests favourable conditions for both organisers and suppliers, contributing to a stable and promising outlook for the coming year.
EMEC 2025 in Istanbul
MPI also announced that the European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) will return to Istanbul, Türkiye, from 22-25 February 2025. This will be the second time in EMEC’s 35-year history that the event will be held in this vibrant city. Known for its forward-thinking approach, EMEC brings together industry leaders to explore innovative ideas while showcasing the unique culture of the host destination.
Looking further ahead, MPI will soon open the request for proposals (RFP) process for future EMEC hosts in 2026 and 2027, providing an opportunity for other European cities to host this prestigious event.
Poland’s MICE Potential at IMEX America
Poland’s participation at IMEX Smart Monday 2024 reflects its growing prominence as a destination for international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. As Jarosław Marciuk’s presentation demonstrated, Poland offers a blend of modern infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, unique experiences for event participants, and a strong track record of delivering successful events. With rising client satisfaction and an increasing number of high-profile events, Poland is positioning itself as a key player in the European MICE industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Poland’s appeal will only grow, offering distinct advantages for organisers seeking fresh, competitive destinations.
https://x.com/JaroslawMarciuk/status/1843979700085076381
Read Also: Discover the highlights of Record-Breaking IMEX America 2024 in Las Vegas and learn more about Poland’s active participation during the three-day trade show at Mandalay Bay Convention Center
https://meetings.poland.travel/record-breaking-imex-america-2024-in-las-vegas/
#IMEX24 #IMEXamerica #PolandCVB #EventprofsPL
Source: MPI, Jarosław Marciuk @callmejaro
