The Event Industry Forum (Forum Branży Eventowej, FBE) once again confirmed its strong position in the calendar of key meetings and events industry gatherings in Poland. On 14 January, EXPO XXI Warsaw – International Trade and Congress Centre hosted the 10th edition of the trade fair, which also marked the 11th anniversary of the project. Poland Convention Bureau attended the event as a visitor, actively engaging in industry discussions and meetings.
Record attendance and high organisational standards
This year’s edition attracted a record number of participants and exhibitors. The event brought together 250 exhibitors and more than 4,000 attendees, with total registrations reaching approximately 5,500. Despite adverse weather conditions and official weather alerts, all organisational objectives were successfully delivered.
Across two stages, more than 40 presentations, debates and panel discussions took place, featuring carefully selected industry experts and practitioners. The educational programme addressed current sector challenges, including the application of artificial intelligence in communication and event management. The AI theme was also reflected in the event’s promotional campaign, highlighting the importance of embracing innovation and testing new tools and formats.
The consistently high organisational standard of FBE deserves particular recognition. We extend our congratulations to Agnieszka Huszczyńska and the entire Forum Branży Eventowej team for delivering another successful edition of an event that continues to strengthen its market position year on year.
A platform for dialogue and collaboration
For the Poland Convention Bureau team, the Event Industry Forum provides an important platform for meeting partners, exchanging insights and strengthening relationships across the MICE sector. It was a highly productive time, filled with conversations with representatives of regional convention bureaux, hotels and conference venues, event agencies, subcontractors and trade media.
Poland Convention Bureau was represented by Aneta Książek, Magda Mazgaj, Jarosław Marciuk and Wojciech Norkowski, who had joined the team only a few days earlier. FBE, therefore, also served as an excellent opportunity to introduce a new team member to the industry environment and to connect him directly with partners contributing to Poland’s offer as a competitive destination for meetings and events.
This year’s edition also provided an opportunity to meet with partners collaborating with the Poland Convention Bureau. We are pleased to see the network of entities engaged in joint efforts to promote Poland continuing to expand.
Ovanes Ovanessian, founder of Eventex Awards, was exhibiting for the first time as an exhibitor at FBE in Warsaw.
Polish convention bureaux and DMOs at FBE 2026
Among the many exhibitors were tourism organisations and Polish convention bureaux, including:
- Convention Bureau – Wrocław
- Mazovia Convention Bureau
- Silesia Convention Bureau
- Warsaw Convention Bureau – Warsaw Tourism Organisation
- City of Bydgoszcz – Bydgoszcz Convention Bureau
- Lubelskie Convention Bureau
FBE`s new solutions and future plans
One of the organisational novelties was a dedicated mobile application supporting participant registration and on-site navigation. The app provided access to digital tickets, an interactive 3D map of the EXPO XXI halls with navigation functionality, and a B2B meeting scheduling tool. The solution streamlined visitor movement across the venue and supported more effective networking.
Announced organisational changes, including the transition to a two-day format in 2027 (13–14 January), respond to the growing needs of the MICE industry. The extended format is expected to create additional opportunities for programme development and more in-depth business meetings.
All indications suggest that the meetings sector is entering an intensive and inspiring year, marked by new projects and strengthened collaboration. Participation in the 2026 Event Industry Forum constituted an important element of Poland Convention Bureau’s ongoing activities and another step in close cooperation with our industry partners.
Prepared by Jarosław Marciuk
Highlights from the 2024 Event Industry Forum (FBE) in Expo XXI Warsaw
