The 2025 meeting of the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe in Athens, Greece, has once again confirmed the strength and importance of European cooperation in building the continent’s position as the leading global destination for business events. Poland was represented by Aneta Książek – Head of the Poland Convention Bureau.
SANCBE members meet in Athens
Over two days of workshops, the representatives of national convention bureaux worked intensively on strategic priorities and shared knowledge to further strengthen the competitiveness of Europe in the international MICE market. According to IPK International, nearly every second international business trip worldwide – 47% – is directed to Europe, underlining the crucial role of our continent in shaping the global meetings industry.
The agenda in Athens included key updates from industry leaders and partners:
- IMEX Group shared market insights and plans for the upcoming editions of IMEX
- PCMA presented the joint Convene 4 Climate initiative
- ICCA introduced the results of research on the academic landscape within the meetings sector
– Together with my Co-Chair Eric Bakermans, I want to sincerely thank our members for their trust and commitment to collaboration. A special thank you goes to our colleagues from the Greek Meetings Alliance and the This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau for the outstanding hospitality and seamless organization said Matthias Schultze, Managing Director of the German Convention Bureau.
– Participation in the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe clearly demonstrates the vital importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange between European destinations. It is through this collective effort that we continue to strengthen Europe’s position as the leading market for business events. At the same time, the insights gained within this international forum are transferred to the national level – shared with regional convention bureaux, the MICE industry and institutional partners across Poland. Knowledge, inspiration and best practice form the foundation on which we build the competitiveness of Poland’s meetings industry – said Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation.
The Strategic Alliance continues to demonstrate how collaboration across Europe strengthens not only individual destinations but the industry as a whole.
About SANCBE
The Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe was established in 2014 and today brings together more than 30 national convention bureaux. Its mission is to strengthen Europe’s long-term position as the world’s leading destination for international meetings and events by fostering collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and addressing shared industry challenges. Acting as a collective voice for European destinations, the Alliance promotes innovation, sustainability and competitiveness, while creating tangible benefits for member countries and their partners.
Poland has been a founding member of the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe.
Discover more SANCBE – convention-europe.com
Photo credits: SANCBE
