An Award-Winning Evening for Poland at the IMEX Gala Dinner 2025 in Frankfurt

May 26, 2025

On 21 May, during the prestigious IMEX Gala Dinner at Alte Oper in Frankfurt, industry awards were presented in 13 categories. One of the awardees was Aneta Książek, Head of the Meetings and Events Bureau at the Polish Tourism Organisation. She is the first person in history representing not only Poland but all of Central Europe to receive this prestigious honour.

The IMEX awards have been presented since 2003 – the inception of the IMEX trade show – and have since become a symbol of recognition for those making a lasting, positive impact on the meetings and events industry.

The awards are granted in collaboration with leading industry organisations such as ICCA, MPI, SITE, IAPCO, ASAE, IAEE, JMIC and EIC. They encompass innovation, sustainability, global impact, visionary leadership, industry integration and support for young 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 deeply moving moment in my professional career. I accept this award with immense gratitude – not only on my own behalf but above all on behalf of all those who have supported me on this path for the past 25 years. This recognition also belongs to the current leadership of the Polish Tourism Organisation and the indispensable team of the Poland Convention Bureau. It was with you that we managed to bring even the boldest and most demanding ideas to life. Behind the scenes – where the spotlight doesn’t reach and elegant attire gives way to everyday work – is where commitment, experience, passion, and a shared sense of mission reside. We are united by one goal: strengthening and developing our industry,” said Aneta Książek, Head of the Meetings and Events Bureau at the 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 has become a reality – international recognition, increasingly high rankings and a growing presence on the global industry map. This is a source of pride and motivation for further action.

She is particularly pleased with the dynamic infrastructure development, the professionalisation of services, and the persistent drive toward certification, sustainable standards and international cooperation. In the global “jungle of destinations,” where thousands of cities and regions compete for the right to host events, Poland is increasingly standing out.

“I hope this award will help further strengthen Poland’s position as a leader in the meetings and events sector in Central Europe and serve as a clear signal: the world sees us, and appreciates the quality, value and impact of our work – not only for Poland but in a broader international context. Once again, thank you. This distinction is not just a symbolic milestone – it is a shared victory and a commitment for the future,” Aneta Książek concluded.

A big round of applause is also due to Viktoriia Yushkaliuk from Vistula School of Hospitality and Tourism in Warsaw, who won the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award. It’s great news that young people connected to Poland are being noticed and recognised at such events – it builds hope for the future.

IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards 2025 – Laureates:

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

This year’s IMEX Gala, held at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, once again demonstrated the strength, diversity, and dedication of the global meetings and events community.