Szczecin has officially become a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), one of the key global organisations uniting stakeholders in the meetings industry. ICCA membership represents a natural and strategic step forward in the development of Szczecin’s business and congress offer.
ICCA currently comprises more than 1,100 members from nearly 100 countries, representing professional congress organisers (PCOs), convention centres, convention bureaux, hotels, and a wide range of suppliers from across the MICE sector. Until now, Poland was represented within ICCA by 18 entities. As of now, Szczecin has joined this esteemed group.
Membership in this prestigious association opens new avenues for Szczecin to promote itself as an attractive destination for hosting international business events, congresses, and conferences.
Membership in ICCA provides us with numerous opportunities – from access to an extensive network of industry professionals and knowledge resources to increased visibility and recognition at international events –
says Anna Rojek of Szczecin Convention Bureau.
Szczecin, as a rapidly developing city with modern infrastructure and a strong academic base, is steadily increasing its significance on the map of European conference destinations. The city continues to attract international companies who choose Szczecin as the location for capital investment and sustainable development projects.
ICCA membership further strengthens Szczecin’s position as a reliable and credible partner for organisers of international meetings and events.
As part of ICCA, the Szczecin Convention Bureau will actively participate in various initiatives led by the association, including trade fairs, specialised industry workshops, and research projects aimed at supporting the growth of an innovative and sustainable meetings market.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, in March, the Szczecin Convention Bureau also joined the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2025.
Poland within the structure of ICCA
The significance of Szczecin’s ICCA membership extends beyond a local perspective. The city’s inclusion in the ICCA structure is also a notable reinforcement of Poland’s position as a comprehensive, modern, and competitive destination for hosting business events.
The steadily growing number of Polish members within ICCA – now approaching 20 entities – is a strong indication that the country is consistently developing its competencies in attracting international events while maintaining a focus on high quality, professionalism, and innovation within its offer.
– Szczecin’s entry into ICCA is an excellent example of the development of regional structures that support the meetings industry. ICCA provides not only visibility but also practical development tools, platforms for knowledge exchange, and frameworks for the professionalisation of activities. We are pleased that yet another Polish city is becoming actively involved in building Poland’s position as a leader in Central Europe for the organisation of international association events, while simultaneously strengthening the country’s standing within the Baltic Sea region – adds Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau – Meetings and Events Office of the Polish Tourism Organisation.
According to the latest ICCA report “GlobeWatch Business Analytics – 2024 Country and City Rankings”, Poland ranks 19th globally and 12th in Europe in terms of the number of international congresses, conferences, and association meetings held. In 2024, a total of 191 such events took place in Poland, meeting the qualification criteria established by ICCA.
Szczecin’s presence within ICCA, following its previous engagement with the GDS-Index, represents a coherent and strategic element of the city’s development vision – one that is founded on innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of international cooperation. It also serves as further confirmation that Poland is increasingly recognised as a significant player in the global meetings industry and that the country is fully prepared to host world-class events of the highest standard.
Source: Press release, (JM)
Worth reading:
- Poland in ICCA GlobeWatch Business Analytics – 2024 Country and City Rankings
- The 61st ICCA Congress in Kraków Concluded Successfully
- Official Website of ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association
