The first 2026 meeting of the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) took place in Dublin, bringing together 23 representatives of national convention bureaux from across Europe. Poland was represented by Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, operating within the Polish Tourism Organisation. The working meeting focused on decisions designed to strengthen cooperation and boost Europe’s competitiveness in the global meetings and events market.
The Alliance grows and reinforces its mandate for joint action
With effect from 1 January 2026, and with the approval of all existing members, Malta and Wales joined SANCBE. The network now comprises 30 national convention bureaux. The Poland Convention Bureau has been part of the Alliance since its inception, as one of the seven founding members of the initiative in 2014.
A new “coordination hub” for more efficient governance
A key outcome was the launch of the Alliance Coordination Office (ACO), a unit intended to streamline decision-making and accelerate the delivery of joint projects. The solution is expected to strengthen the Alliance’s operational capacity and ensure greater coherence in activities delivered at the European level.
AI, data and advocacy: setting the direction for new research projects
During the meeting, work began on projects based on artificial intelligence, as well as new market research initiatives. Project teams were also established, including the Research & Advocacy group, in which Aneta Książek declared support on behalf of the Poland Convention Bureau, working alongside the Germany Convention Bureau and Visit England.
“SANCBE meetings are a space where European convention bureaux take concrete decisions that translate into real projects and collaboration standards. In Dublin, the role of data and AI-driven solutions resonated particularly strongly, as did our responsibility for advancing accessibility in the meetings industry. These are directions that reinforce Europe’s position while also improving the quality of event participants’ experiences,” said Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau (Polish Tourism Organisation.
Dublin and accessibility: practical lessons in inclusion
The meeting was hosted by Fáilte Ireland (Ireland CVB), which presented Dublin through the lens of a modern approach to accessibility. The programme included visits to St. Stephen’s Green Club and The Wayfinding Centre, a facility that recreates real public transport environments, enabling the testing of solutions that support people with disabilities as well as neurodivergent individuals.
In the context of event design, participants also reviewed the delivery of the European Autism Congress, held in Dublin in 2025. Insights from the visit underlined the importance of treating accessibility planning as a quality standard, rather than an optional add-on.
As part of the exchange of good practice, Polish solutions supporting travel comfort were also highlighted. Attention was drawn to an initiative at Gdańsk Airport, which introduced specialist hygiene and sanitary facilities known as a “komfortka”, designed to make travel easier for people with disabilities and their carers.
It was agreed that the next SANCBE meeting will take place in Ghent on 2–4 September 2026, hosted by Visit Flanders (Flanders CVB).
Compiled and photographed by: Aneta Książek
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