On 15 January 2025, the ninth edition of the Event Industry Forum (Forum Branży Eventowej) took place at Expo XXI Warsaw, marking one of the most significant gatherings in Poland’s event sector. This year’s edition attracted a record number of attendees, exhibitors, and convention bureaux, offering an exceptionally diverse programme. The expanded exhibition space provided new opportunities for over 200 companies to showcase comprehensive event solutions.
Growth and Innovation: Two Halls of Inspiration
The newly designed layout at Expo XXI in Warsaw, features two exhibition halls, allowing for improved stand arrangements and an enriched programme incorporating cutting-edge technologies, destinations, multimedia solutions, and creative attractions. Exhibitors impressed visitors with their innovative approaches to event organisation, unveiling the latest visual systems, interactive applications, and groundbreaking catering concepts tailored for events.
Participation of Polish Convention Bureaux
Numerous Polish convention bureaux participated in the event, promoting their destinations as prime locations for business events. Among the exhibitors were:
- Łódź Convention Bureau (Łódź Tourism Organisation)
- Warsaw Convention Bureau (Warsaw Tourism Organisation in collaboration with MROT / Mazovia Convention Bureau)
- Poznań Convention Bureau (Poznań Local Tourism Organisation)
- Convention Bureau – Wrocław
- Silesia Convention Bureau
- Świętokrzyskie Convention Bureau in partnership with Targi Kielce
- The City of Bydgoszcz
These convention bureaux actively engaged local partners, including hotels, event agencies, catering companies, and tourist attractions, reinforcing their regions’ appeal for business tourism. The growing trend of coordinated local initiatives was clearly visible at this year’s Event Industry Forum, demonstrating the increasing effectiveness of this collaborative model. This approach not only enhances the visibility of MICE destinations but also contributes to the successful organisation of diverse events.
“The Event Industry Forum 2025 perfectly reflects the pace of growth and innovation within Poland’s event sector. With a record number of participants and an expanded exhibition space, this year’s edition provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange and the presentation of the latest industry solutions. Convention bureaux played a crucial role in promoting MICE potential, working closely with local partners to strengthen their regions as attractive business destinations. These efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the continued development of Poland’s event market in 2025 and beyond,” said Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau at the Polish Tourism Organisation.
Explore the full exhibitor directory here.
Educational Programme at the Event Industry Forum 2025
The Event Industry Forum 2025 (Forum Branży Eventowej FBE) offered attendees a comprehensive programme of presentations and debates across two stages. The Brief Stage hosted panel discussions and keynote speeches from renowned Polish and international experts, covering key industry trends, innovative strategies, and emerging technologies.
Key Highlights from the Brief Stage
- International Business Communication – Żaneta Berus highlighted the importance of effective communication in a global business environment.
- How to Lead Change in the Events Industry – Marek Skała presented strategies, methods, and techniques for implementing change and overcoming challenges in event planning.
- The Role of New Technologies in Event Organisation – The THINK MICE debate, featuring Iwona Okrasa, Rafał Mrzygłocki, Rafał Nowicki, Sabina Żymierska, and Krzysztof Paradowski, moderated by Michał Kalarus, focused on technological advancements shaping the industry.
- Embracing AI: Think Three Moves Ahead Like a Chess Player – Michał Kanarkiewicz encouraged professionals to integrate artificial intelligence into event planning strategically.
- Evoking Emotions in Events – Brian Allan shared insights into creating engaging and emotionally impactful event experiences.
- Inside or Outside the Box? How the Best Ideas Are Created – Eliza Kozica explored different approaches to creativity and idea generation.
- People at the Centre in the Age of AI: 2024 Event Industry Summary & Future Outlook – The MeetingPlanner.pl debate, featuring Wojciech Cłapiński, Dominik Górka, Łukasz Gumowski, Magda Jędrusiak, Rafał Kupidura, Krzysztof Paradowski, Tomasz Piekarski, and Katarzyna Piwowar, moderated by Magdalena Kondas, analysed key trends and predictions for the industry.
- Live Industry Barometer – A Real-Time Market Analysis – Magdalena Kondas moderated a dynamic panel with Miłosz Bratuś, Joanna Cendrowska, Dariusz Maciołek, Eugeniusz Teslenko, and David Odela, assessing the current state of the event industry.
- Brand Ambassadors in Live Events: Engaging Influencers for Maximum Impact – Michał Kaleta discussed strategies for leveraging influencers to amplify event reach.
- Events as Reality Shows: Crisis Management in Live Events – Daria Ładocha provided practical tips for handling unexpected challenges during events.
Each session provided a unique perspective on event management, delivering valuable inspiration and practical insights for industry professionals.
View the full list of speakers here
Insights from the Project Stage
The Project Stage featured in-depth discussions and case studies on creativity, sustainability, innovation, and effective event communication.
Key Sessions from the Project Stage
- From Inspiration to Action – How Creative Workshops Support Corporate Social Responsibility – Alexandra Kunowska discussed the role of creativity in fostering sustainable business practices (MPI Hyde Park).
- Gratitude in Business vs. Business of Gratitude – Karolina Bednarz (MPI Hyde Park) explored gratitude as a key strategy for building long-term business relationships.
- Implementing ‘Zero Waste’ in Large Venues and Events – Konrad Kozioł (MPI Hyde Park) shared strategies for integrating sustainable practices into large-scale events.
- Business Communication: Avoiding Misunderstandings Between Clients and Service Providers – A debate by SBE, moderated by Krzysztof Łobodziński, with Albert Kacprzak, Renata Waśniewska, Katarzyna Gadomska, and Jarosław Kot, focusing on improving client-agency relationships.
- Event Agencies vs. Clients – Bridging the Gap – Piotr Kalewski examined how to effectively manage expectations and collaboration between agencies and corporate clients.
- Beyond the ‘Wow’ Factor – Creating Truly Engaging Events – Robert Załupski stressed the importance of moving beyond spectacle to create events with lasting impact.
- Winter Carnival? Mastering Large-Scale Event Planning – Jurek Owsiak shared his experiences in producing high-energy, immersive events.
- Trends 2025 – Knowledge, Product, Motivation, Impact – Krzysztof Celuch analysed upcoming industry trends and their influence on business and society.
- Innovation, Trends, and New Technologies – How Gen Z is Revolutionising Weddings and Events – Kamila Brzozowska discussed the impact of modern consumer expectations on the wedding and events industry.
- Sustainability in Trade Fairs & Events – Łukasz Chęciński emphasised the importance of sustainable practices in exhibition and event planning.
The keynote speeches by Jurek Owsiak and Krzysztof Celuch drew record-breaking audiences, underlining the growing interest in the latest industry trends and innovations.
The “Trends 2025 – Knowledge, Product, Motivation, Impact” report is now available here.
Comprehensive Solutions & Business Networking
The Event Industry Forum 2025 (Forum Branży Eventowej) was not only a showcase of cutting-edge technological solutions but also a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange and professional networking. With over 200 exhibitors, the event featured a diverse range of products and services catering to both intimate gatherings and large-scale events—spanning from traditional exhibition stands to advanced event solutions.
This unique meeting space brought together experience and innovation, inspiring attendees to drive the future of the events industry. For the Poland Convention Bureau, the forum provided an invaluable opportunity to explore new ideas, engage in productive discussions, and plan future projects with partners from across Poland.
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