From 31 August to 2 September 2025, Poznań became the focal point of the meetings industry in Central Europe, proudly hosting the ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting 2025. The prestigious event took place at the Poznań Congress Center, one of Poland’s most modern convention venues, operated by the MTP Group. Alongside the MTP Group and the City of Poznań (Poznań Convention Bureau), the event was co-organised by the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau.
An international gathering of professionals
This year’s edition welcomed ICCA members from more than 20 countries, representing associations, convention centres, CVBs, PCOs and leading figures from the global MICE industry. The diversity of participants fostered a valuable exchange of knowledge and perspectives on the future of the meetings industry in the region.
The Opening Evening took place at the picturesque Port Sołacz restaurant, located in a beautifully restored 100-year-old villa at the heart of the scenic Sołacki Park. Guests were welcomed by Sabrina Żymierska (MTP Group), Magdalena Krucz (Polish Tourism Organisation) and Jan Mazurczak (Poznań Convention Bureau). This informal gathering set the perfect tone for networking and inspiration over the days ahead.
As the Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation, we are proud to have been a partner of this year’s ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting. Once again, Poland had the honour of welcoming the ICCA family – following Gdańsk, Warsaw and Kraków, Poznań has now joined this distinguished group of host cities. Each such meeting strengthens not only our relationships within ICCA but also Poland’s position on the global meetings and events map. I am truly delighted that we were able to share our experiences and present the support programmes that the Polish Tourism Organisation offers to the MICE industry. I am convinced that this meeting has reinforced the position of both Poznań and Poland as attractive destinations for business event organisers. – Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation
Knowledge, expertise and inspiration
The conference programme combined expert keynotes, panel discussions and workshops, with topics including:
- technological innovations in event delivery,
- support tools for meeting and congress organisers,
- cross-sector and international collaboration,
- sustainability in the MICE sector,
- and future skills development for industry professionals.
Networking sessions provided opportunities to strengthen business relationships in a more relaxed setting – always one of the most valuable aspects of ICCA gatherings.
Poland Convention Bureau’s expertise on stage
The Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau actively contributed to the educational programme:
- Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, delivered a session on “Member stories: Poland CVB Support Programmes for the Polish meetings industry”, showcasing unique support programmes and best practices.
- Jarosław Marciuk, Chief Marketing Specialist at Poland Convention Bureau, presented “Collaboration with B2B Influencers and MICE KOLs in the era of Instagramisation”, highlighting emerging trends in destination marketing and the strategic role of influencer collaboration.
At the ICCA CEC Meeting in Poznań, I was able to demonstrate that working with content creators and opinion leaders in the MICE industry is not a passing trend, but a strategic promotional tool. Creative campaigns and authentic collaborations on platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn have already brought excellent results in Poland and are now inspiring other European destinations – said Jarosław Marciuk.
In addition, Agnieszka Szymerowska, President of SKKP (Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland), shared good practices and outcomes from the long-standing Polish Congress Ambassadors Programme, jointly run with Poland Convention Bureau since 1998.
“The meeting was an exceptional opportunity to gain new knowledge, contacts and experiences. The topics addressed reflected current trends and challenges, offering a chance to reflect on future directions for our industry. The panel I had the pleasure of joining, focused on one of the tools for attracting events – the Congress Ambassadors Programme – was an inspiring exchange of experiences and examples of how it can be applied. I would like to emphasise that the Programme has been running in Poland since 1998, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. For many years, it has been co-organised by the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau together with our Association. My sincere congratulations go to all organisers and partners of the event – it will certainly remain in our memories for a long time.” – Agnieszka Szymerowska, President of the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland (SKKP)
Showcasing Polish hospitality
A highlight of the event was the gala dinner hosted by the Polish Tourism Organisation at the elegant Młyńska 12 restaurant. Guests experienced both the flavours of Polish cuisine and the renowned hospitality and warmth for which Poland is known.
Organisational and promotional success
The ICCA CEC Meeting 2025 was not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also a showcase of Poznań and Poland’s business and tourism potential. Securing this event was possible thanks to the close collaboration of:
- the City of Poznań
- the MTP Group
- The Poznań Convention Bureau
- and the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau
The meeting strengthened Poland’s visibility on the international meetings map and reaffirmed the country’s status as one of the key destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Legacy of the event
The legacy of ICCA CEC 2025 in Poznań extends beyond the inspiring sessions and discussions. It created lasting business connections, reinforced ties within the ICCA community and further elevated Poland’s position on the global meetings stage.
The Polish Tourism Organisation has been a proud ICCA member since 2002, the Poznań Convention Bureau for 16 years, and both the MTP Group and Poznań Congress Center for more than six years. This longstanding commitment has now been rewarded by the privilege of welcoming the ICCA family once again to Poland – this time, in Poznań.
