In connection with the upcoming IMEX America 2025 trade fair, the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau has established cooperation with the association Meetings Professionals International (MPI). Thanks to consistent presence in the U.S. market and collaboration with recognised partners, Poland is step-by-step strengthening its position as a modern European destination ready to meet the expectations of the most demanding clients in the MICE industry.
On 6 August 2025, one of MPI’s regional Business Exchange meetings took place in Chicago, with the Polish Tourism Organisation (PTO) as a partner. The meeting brought together over 40 American planners, and Poland was represented by Paula Fanderowska, Director of the Polish Tourism Organisation’s International Office in Chicago.
The programme included two inspiring and engaging educational sessions. According to MPI, the key themes of the meeting – and preferred components of every event – are:
- Experience,
- Learning,
- Networking
- and Commerce (business exchange).
MPI’s regional Business Exchange in Chicago
The most important part, however, was the World Cafe meetings, during which Poland was promoted as a dynamically developing MICE destination that, true to PTO’s promotional slogan “more than you expected,” can surprise international event organisers with how much it offers.
“During the exchanges, we presented the Poland Convention Bureau as a trusted partner supporting the organisation of meetings and events in Poland. The workshop yielded valuable contacts with meeting planners from the U.S. East Coast. For many participants, Poland is still a new and intriguing discovery on the global MICE destination map. Poland is more than beautiful cities – it offers modern infrastructure, unique venues, and hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. The country’s offer combines European quality with competitive pricing. Poland’s diverse venues include state-of-the-art convention centers and hotels, historic palaces, industrial spaces and even UNESCO World Heritage sites used as extraordinary event locations. A key element of Poland’s presentation was also the strong commitment of cities and regions to developing sustainable business tourism. Many are part of the international GDS (Global Destination Sustainability) Index and actively support the MICE industry in transitioning toward more responsible and eco-friendly events. Poland is preparing to host low-carbon meetings in line with sustainable development principles – a direction that is increasingly shaping the future of the industry,” said Paula Fanderowska, Director of the Polish National Tourist Office in Chicago.
A special partnership
The IMEX America trade fair organiser and Meetings Professionals International have maintained a strong partnership for over 20 years, which has been key to establishing IMEX America’s position as the leading global meeting industry event. Each year, the MPI Academy offers free educational programmes and professional development during Smart Monday. This year, the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau will, for the third time, partner with the “Best of Europe” networking session, which will take place on Smart Monday, 6 October, in Las Vegas.
The Poland Convention Bureau has been present at IMEX America since 2012. Last year’s 13th edition of IMEX America attracted a record 15,500 participants, including over 5,500 buyers, of which 4,300 were hosted buyers. In 2025, the Polish National Stand will host representatives from LOT Polish Airlines, Warsaw Convention Bureau, Mazurkas DMC Poland, Kraków Convention Bureau, ICE Kraków Congress Centre, Bespoke DMC Poland and Radisson Hotel Group Poland.
“The partnership between the Polish Tourism Organisation and Meetings Professionals International is not only prestigious but, above all, a concrete action to build a strong, recognisable image of Poland as a MICE destination in the global market. Participation in MPI events such as the Business Exchange in Chicago or activities at IMEX America 2025 offers a real opportunity to reach industry decision-makers and showcase Poland’s competitive advantages. Planners value European destinations for their culture, accessibility, sustainability, and value – even with higher costs. A study by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), which surveyed American incentive travel planners about preferred international destinations, shows clearly that 70% of planners are seeking new, previously unused destinations – creating growth opportunities for the “Emerging Europe” region. Central Europe remains a niche, but with strengthened promotional efforts, our market has a chance to stand out thanks to unique values such as culture, history, and sustainability,” concluded Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau at PTO.
As part of cooperation with MPI, promotional materials about Poland will also appear in the October edition of MPI’s The Meetings Professional International.
Read also: Poland Showcases at IMEX Smart Monday by MPI 2024 in Las Vegas
Meetings Professionals International
Meetings Professionals International (MPI) is one of the largest and most influential associations of meeting and event professionals, with over 13,000 members in more than 70 chapters worldwide. Founded in 1972, MPI aims to connect and support the global meeting planner community by providing high-quality education, research and networking opportunities. MPI’s membership includes a diverse group of professionals, such as corporate planners, association representatives, service providers and independent event organisers. The organisation’s main goal is to foster the professional and personal development of its members by giving them the resources, skills and connections they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving meetings and events industry.
Discover more: MPI Regional Business Exchange Chicago
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