Under the banner of Śląskie na trawie, Silesia Convention Bureau, in cooperation with MeetingPlanner.pl, organised another familiarisation trip for meeting planners. The programme focused on connecting with nature, outdoor activities and time to unwind. The visit to the region took place from 6 to 8 July 2026 and began in Żabnica, a picturesque village in the Żywiec district of the Śląskie Voivodeship.
The first item on the programme was the “Hungry as Wolves” lunch, served in a forest clearing and prepared by Catering24 using infrastructure provided by Pacyfik. The menu reflected the flavours of the forest and included mutton stew, roast venison with bilberries and juniper, stewed and marinated mushrooms, and lemonade made from spruce needles.
“I returned with my batteries charged to 200 per cent,” said Ewelina Walczuk, Managing Director of Eurocon.
The group then headed into the forest. Their guide during the wolf-tracking experience was Michał Figura of Wildlife Seminar, who shared insights into the behaviour and habits of these woodland predators.
The guests subsequently travelled to Lake Żywieckie, where they enjoyed a relaxing cruise aboard electric motorboats operated by Flow Beskidy. Dinner was also held close to nature, on the rooftop of Lake View Żywiec Resort & Spa, overlooking the lake. The tasting menu proved particularly popular with the participants. The day concluded with an after-party featuring DJ 5cet.
“This was the most outdoor-focused familiarisation trip we have organised for meeting planners as Silesia Convention Bureau. We took our guests out into the field, surrounded by greenery on every side. Although the weather tried to disrupt our plans, we ultimately managed to deliver everything we had intended,” said Dominika Wojniak of Silesia Convention Bureau.
Day Two in Silesia Region
The second day began with yoga and breakfast on the grass. Participants also toured the resort, which has a business centre that can serve as a base for medium-sized conferences. In addition to its terrace overlooking the lake, the venue’s key assets include the rooftop Sky Bar restaurant and a private jetty.
A B2B panel and a meeting with representatives of the local MICE industry were held at the International Congress Centre in Katowice (MCK). Companies operating in the Śląskie Voivodeship took part in a series of short, fast-paced business meetings with the familiarisation trip participants.
“Meeting companies from the region that operate throughout Poland was an excellent idea. The scale and profile of the events they deliver came as a very positive surprise to me,” said Jolanta Szymańska, Project Manager at Rival Group.
Following a tour of the International Congress Centre, participants moved to the nearby Spodek Arena for “Back to the Polish People’s Republic”, which included an encounter with a period-style dignitary and an atmospheric presentation of the venue prepared by Silesia Events. A buffet inspired by the bygone era was provided by Planeta Smaku.
For dinner, guests were invited to Boho Pogoria, a new event venue in Dąbrowa Górnicza, situated beside Lake Pogoria I and surrounded by a protected landscape park. Spectacularly decorated floral tables and a carefully composed culinary experience awaited the participants. Dinner was complemented by a humorous and unconventional tasting of cheeses and wines from around the world, hosted by Fromażeria Kaiserhof.
After an extensive introduction to cheesemaking and a wealth of accompanying insights, the evening concluded with a cocktail party featuring DJ Bruno.
Accommodation for the participants that night was provided by Novotel Katowice Centrum.
The final day in the region focused on outdoor activities organised by Hurtownia Adrenaliny. An electric bicycle tour began with a visit to Jaskinia Głęboka cave, which is home to an endemic species of spider. The programme also included a “Picnic under the Hanging Rock” prepared by Catering24, a climb to Okiennik Wielki and, finally, time to relax at the Białe Skały vineyard, owned by Hotel 511, accompanied by a wine tasting.
Additional Comments from Participants
“I was surprised by the diversity of nature-based attractions. This was complemented by delicious, sophisticated cuisine and dishes prepared using regional produce. The wine tastings featuring local vineyards and regional cheeses were particularly interesting, as were the themed lunches, dinners and opportunities to unwind. Creativity was combined with passion and hospitality. Śląskie always knows how to surprise,” added Jolanta Szymańska.
“These were three days filled with inspiration, interesting experiences and exceptionally well-planned activities. The trip showed me how much can be achieved by combining unexpected locations, local attractions and a carefully designed programme. I am returning with my head full of ideas and a fresh perspective on event organisation,” said Marta Wolniewicz, Conference Organisation Specialist at Polpharma S.A., summarising the visit.
Venues and locations for meeting planners in Silesia
- Żabnica – a village in the Beskid Mountains where an outdoor lunch was organised in a forest clearing.
- Lake Żywieckie – the setting for a cruise aboard electric motorboats.
- Flow Beskidy – an operator offering cruises and activities on Lake Żywieckie.
- Lake View Żywiec Resort & Spa – a lakeside hotel featuring a business centre, rooftop restaurant and terrace, as well as a private jetty.
- International Congress Centre in Katowice – the venue for the B2B session, a presentation of the regional MICE sector and a tour of the congress facilities.
- Spodek Arena in Katowice – an iconic sports and entertainment venue used for a themed event.
- Boho Pogoria Event Place – an event venue situated beside Lake Pogoria I in Dąbrowa Górnicza, surrounded by woodland and green spaces.
- Novotel Katowice Centrum – the hotel providing accommodation for participants, with extensive conference facilities.
- Głęboka Cave in the Góra Zborów Nature Reserve – a natural attraction in the Polish Jurassic Highland suitable for inclusion in incentive and team-building programmes.
- Okiennik Wielki – a distinctive limestone rock formation and a venue for climbing activities in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
- Białe Skały Vineyard – a venue for wine tastings, outdoor gatherings and intimate business events.
- Poziom 511 Jura Wellness Hotel & Spa – a hotel whose offer is connected with Białe Skały Vineyard, providing conference spaces, catering facilities and wellness amenities
