On 21 May, during the prestigious IMEX Gala Dinner held at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, industry awards were presented across 13 categories. Among the distinguished recipients was Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau at the Polish Tourism Organisation. She became the first-ever laureate representing not only Poland, but the entire Central European region to receive this esteemed distinction.
The IMEX Awards, presented annually since the launch of the trade show in 2003, have become a symbol of recognition for individuals who make a lasting, positive contribution to the development of the global meetings and events industry.
The awards are granted in cooperation with leading industry organisations, including ICCA, MPI, SITE, IAPCO, ASAE, IAEE, JMIC, and EIC. They honour achievements in areas such as innovation, sustainability, global impact, visionary leadership, industry collaboration, and support for emerging talent.
This year, the Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Award was presented for the first time to a Polish representative – Aneta Książek – who also made history as the first-ever recipient from Central Europe.
“Receiving the Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Award is an extraordinary honour and a profoundly moving moment in my professional journey. I accept this recognition with immense gratitude – not only on my own behalf but above all on behalf of everyone who has supported me throughout the past 25 years. This honour also belongs to the current leadership of the Polish Tourism Organisation and to the irreplaceable team at the Poland Convention Bureau. It is thanks to you that even the boldest and most ambitious ideas have come to life. Behind the scenes – far from the spotlight and evening attire – there is a daily rhythm of dedicated work, fuelled by experience, passion, and a shared sense of purpose. What unites us is one common goal: to strengthen and advance our industry.” Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation
The Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Award recipient has long observed the impressive transformation of Poland’s meetings and events sector. What once seemed distant is now becoming a reality: international recognition, higher positions in global rankings, and an increasingly visible presence on the world map of the MICE industry. This progress is both a source of pride and a powerful motivation for continued action.
Aneta is particularly encouraged by the dynamic development of infrastructure, the professionalisation of services, and the sector’s commitment to certification, the implementation of sustainable standards, and strengthened international cooperation. In today’s global “jungle of destinations” – where thousands of cities and regions compete for the right to host events – Poland is becoming an ever more prominent player.
“I hope this award contributes to further strengthening Poland’s position as a Central European leader in the meetings and events sector. May it serve as a clear signal: the world sees us and recognises the quality, value, and impact of our work – not only for Poland but within the broader international arena. Once again, thank you. This distinction is not only a symbolic milestone – it is a shared victory and a commitment to the future.” Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation
Warm congratulations are also due to Viktoria Yushkaliuk, representing the Vistula School of Hospitality and Tourism in Warsaw, who was honoured with the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award. It is truly encouraging to see young professionals connected to Poland being recognised at such prestigious international events – a sign of promise and hope for the future of the industry.
Read also Experience, Emotion, Excellence – Poland’s Distinctive Showcase at IMEX Frankfurt in 2025.
IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards 2025
- Global Ambassador Award – Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney
- International Excellence Award – IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
- Global Association Visionary Award – Mike Dominguez, CEO ALHI
- Innovation Award (IAPCO, supported by IMEX) – Núria Fernandez, Kenes Group
- Global Influencer Award (ICCA) – Mohamed Mezghani, UITP
- Unity Award (JMIC) – Kai Hattendorf, past CEO UFI
- Student Scholarship Award (MPI) – Viktoriia Yushkaliuk, Vistula University
- Jane E. Schuldt Master Motivator Award (SITE) – Lisa Xu, East Star Event Management
- Innovation in Sustainability Award (IMEX–EIC) – Workday & George P. Johnson
- Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Awards: Aneta Książek, Polska Organizacja Turystyczna – Poland Convention Bureau; Lyn Lewis-Smith, Business Events Sydney; Nikki Walker, MCI Group; Kai Hattendorf, UFI
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