From January 21 to 24, 2025, Warsaw hosted representatives from the IMEX Group. The visit was organized at the invitation of the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau (POT PCB) and included presentations at the “Eventprofs Creators Lab at the Copernicus Science Centre, as well as tours of the capital’s attractions, arranged in cooperation with the Warsaw Tourism Organisation and its partners.
Representatives of the IMEX Group, organisers of the IMEX trade shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, visited Warsaw to explore the city’s potential as a destination for international events. In addition to participating in the “Creators’ Lab,” the visit provided an excellent opportunity to create visual materials—photographic sessions and dynamic Instagram videos promoting Poland’s capital as an inspiring meeting place. Suzanne Medcalf Mulligan, Sophie Pink, and Will Duffield spent four days in Warsaw, and the results of their work can already be seen on Instagram @IMEX_group.
Below is a list of the places visited during the tour.
January 21, 2025 – Exploring Powiśle
Upon their arrival in Warsaw, the IMEX team began their adventure with dinner at Elektrownia Powiśle, one of the revitalised post-industrial buildings in the city. This unique complex blends history with modernity and also offers restaurants and a food court. At the DOCK19 by Mateusz Gessler, guests tried dishes inspired by global cuisines, but the pierogi (Polish dumplings) stood out, quickly becoming their favourite dish.
Known for their love of local cafés, the IMEX team soon found the perfect place for a morning coffee. At CoffeeDesk Tamka near the Barceló Warsaw Powiśle hotel, they savoured aromatic coffee while enjoying an early morning walk along the boulevards by the Vistula River.
January 22, 2025 – Warsaw Old Town and “Eventprofs Creators Lab”
The cold morning began with a tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, organised by WOT / Warsaw Convention Bureau, with guide Karolina Paczyńska. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivated guests with its picturesque scenery, historic tenement houses, and charming streets. The IMEX team admired, among other sights, the Royal Castle, Sigismund’s Column, and the Old Town Market Square, while soaking in the rich history of Warsaw.
Next, the team visited Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Warsaw. During the tour of this iconic hotel, which has hosted world-famous personalities for over a century, the guests were charmed by its elegant interior and rich history. At Café Bristol, they were treated to a culinary surprise prepared by Marta Błazik, further enriching their visit with more tastes of Warsaw.
The highlight of the day was the “Eventprofs Creators Lab” (Laboratorium Twórców) event at the Copernicus Science Centre. Suzanne Medcalf Mulligan (Head of Engagement) and Sophie Pink (Digital & Social Media Manager) shared global trends in online marketing and the IMEX Group’s experiences as the organiser of key international trade fairs.
More can be found here >>> IMEX Group at the Poland Convention Bureau Event in Warsaw.
January 23, 2025 – Culture, Cuisine, History, and Modernity in Warsaw
The day began with a visit to the Palace of Culture and Science, one of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks. The team visited the observation deck on the 30th floor, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the city, and learned about the rich history of the building.
Next on the itinerary was a visit to the first E. Wedel Chocolate Restaurant. Built in 1893 by Emil Wedel, the historic building at Szpitalna Street still impresses with its intricate décor and beautifully arranged interior. Over 100 years ago, Emil Wedel opened a chocolate factory at the rear of the building, while the front housed a chocolate shop and lounge. Sophie and Suzanne were delighted by the four different flavours of hot chocolate served.
Lunch took place at the “Kieliszki na Próżnej” restaurant, famous for its modern interpretations of Polish cuisine in an elegant setting. Located on one of the last streets in Warsaw with preserved pre-war buildings, the restaurant was recognised in the Michelin Guide with the Bib Gourmand award.
In the afternoon, the team visited Skyliner, a skyscraper by Daszyński Roundabout, where they explored the LookUp! Events space. This venue not only offers unique views of the city from the 41st and 42nd floors, but also provides opportunities for conferences, banquets, and business meetings.
The team then visited the Norblin Factory, a unique complex that blends industrial history with modern style. During the visit, guide Karol Bulski shared the factory’s history and the stories of the Werner and Norblin families. The team had the chance to see such places as the Kinogram and the Event Hall, where preparations for the MP Fast Date by meetingplanner.pl were underway.
The evening concluded with a concert at the Fryderyk Concert Hall, where Japanese pianist Koki Suetsugu performed works by Frédéric Chopin. The exceptional venue, atmosphere, and music of the Polish composer made the evening an unforgettable experience.
After the concert, the team headed to “Elixir Dom Wódki,” another Michelin-recognised Warsaw restaurant. The specially crafted menu, inspired by pre-war Warsaw cuisine, wowed the guests with dishes like crayfish soup, venison saddle, and apple pie with ice cream.
The WOT team was accompanied by Iwona Kubicka, while Jarosław Marciuk represented the Polish Tourism Organisation.
“The priority of the Warsaw Tourism Organisation was to showcase Warsaw as a dynamic and diverse destination, ideal for both the MICE industry and individual tourism. Together with our partners, we aimed to create a programme that captures the unique character of the city—from the historic corners of the Old Town to modern event spaces like LookUp and the Norblin Factory. We are delighted that the IMEX Group team recognised Warsaw’s potential as a host for international events. We are especially proud of the positive feedback regarding Warsaw’s hospitality, safety, and cuisine, which are key elements of successful events. This motivates us to continue developing the city’s offerings and collaborating with industry partners,” said Iwona Kubicka, Project Coordinator at the Warsaw Tourism Organisation / Warsaw Convention Bureau.
Guest Impressions
“Warsaw exceeded all my expectations. This city blends its rich history with vibrant energy. From incredible culinary offerings—starting with traditional street food (sausage in a bun at the Old Town Market near the ice rink) to Michelin-starred restaurant cuisine—to breathtaking places like the Fryderyk Concert Hall, the Copernicus Science Centre, and LookUp at Skyliner, Warsaw offers everything event professionals need to create unforgettable experiences,” said Suzanne Medcalf Mulligan, Head of Engagement at IMEX Group.
“What impressed me most about Warsaw is its combination of the past with the future. Whether we’re exploring historic architecture or discovering modern event spaces, the city offers endless opportunities for creativity. I also felt incredibly safe and welcomed here, which is crucial when choosing a location for international events. Warsaw truly shows how culture, history, and modernity can come together to create an exceptional setting for meetings and events,” added Mulligan.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect before coming to Warsaw, but it completely exceeded all my expectations in the best possible way. Each day here was better than the last. The energy of the city is contagious—there’s always something new to discover, yet you feel incredibly safe and welcomed. And of course, the coffee is fantastic—definitely one of the best moments of the trip! This was my first time in Poland, and I’m already planning to return with my husband in June,” shared Sophie Pink, Digital & Social Media Manager at IMEX Group.
“Food plays a big role in my travels, and Warsaw absolutely delighted me. The pierogi at Dock19 were simply amazing. I love trying local dishes because it’s one of the best ways to truly get to know a new city. People love sharing their food and culture, and when we appreciate that, we create a deeper connection with the place we’re visiting. That’s why food is such an important aspect of event planning—it leaves a lasting impression. And Warsaw definitely has that!” added Sophie Pink.
“This was my first time in Warsaw, and I’ve heard so many great things from friends who’ve visited Poland’s capital. After seeing the city for myself, I completely understand why everyone loves it. The architecture was amazing—the combination of modern buildings with post-war architecture created a truly unique cityscape. What stood out, beyond the architecture, was the cleanliness of the city. It’s rare to see streets and spaces so well-maintained, especially in busy places like around the train station. You can tell the locals take pride in keeping their city beautiful. As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t know much about Polish cuisine beforehand, but I really enjoyed everything I tried—pierogi, tartare, and other dishes. Every restaurant and café we visited was fantastic, with top-notch service and incredibly friendly people,” summarised Will Duffield, Videographer at IMEX Group.
Partnership for Industry Growth
The Warsaw Tourism Organisation – Warsaw Convention Bureau played a significant role in promoting Warsaw, preparing a fascinating press tour programme in collaboration with partners. Participants had the chance to explore both the city’s key tourist attractions and unique event spaces, as well as renowned restaurants.
The cooperation with IMEX Group highlights the commitment of the Poland Convention Bureau to promoting Poland as a leading destination for meetings and business events in Europe. The IMEX Digital Team’s visit is another step towards building international relationships that contribute to the growth of the MICE industry in Poland.
The first results of the visit are already visible. An Instagram reel about Warsaw has been viewed nearly 15,000 times and quickly became the second most popular video on the IMEX Group profile.
The second material, showing the tour of the Old Town, also attracted attention from followers on Instagram. More videos and photos will appear on the profile soon.
For more information about the event and cooperation with IMEX Group, visit the Polish Tourism Organisation’s website and IMEX and Poland CVB social media channels.
#Warsaw #PolandCVB #EventprofsPL #IMEX25
Discover more: imexamerica.com and imex-frankfurt.com and Record-Breaking IMEX America 2024 in Las Vegas and Poland Summarizes IMEX Frankfurt 2024 Trade Show.
