Poland is stepping up as a leader in sustainable practices within the MICE industry in Central
Europe. Key cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Lodz, and Wroclaw are driving the shift towards
eco-friendly event management through initiatives such as Net Zero Carbon Events or GDS-Index,
which aims to decarbonize the global events sector.
Poland’s meetings and events industry continues to proliferate, making the country a prominent player in Europe. With its strategic Central European location, modern infrastructure, and ever- evolving cultural and hospitality scene, Poland is increasingly appealing to global meeting planners.
Here’s a look at the latest developments and key competitive advantages that make Poland an exceptional destination for business events, congresses, and exhibitions.
New Developments in Major Polish Cities: Hotels, Venues, and Attractions
Major Polish cities are continuously evolving, with new developments in hospitality, attractions, and
meeting venues making them even more attractive for event organisers.
In Warsaw, the event landscape is enriched by new cultural institutions and a growing selection of top-tier hotels. One standout is the Polish History Museum, which opened in October 2023, providing a unique venue for meetings and exhibitions. The city also welcomed the Museum of Contemporary Art in October 2024, which promises to offer another dynamic space for business gatherings and cultural events.
In terms of hospitality, Warsaw is home to numerous prestigious American hotel chains, making it a hotspot for international business events. These include Marriott International, Hilton, Sheraton, and Renaissance Hotels, offering a wide range of conference and event facilities. The Autograph Collection Verte Hotel, which opened in 2023, combines historic charm with modern luxury.
Kraków, another leading Polish city, continues to impress with its historical charm combined with modern facilities. In early 2024, Radisson Red Krakow opened its doors, bringing 230 rooms and 1,200 square meters of flexible conference space. This vibrant hotel is perfect for contemporary meetings and events. Coupled with the state-of-the-art ICE Kraków Congress Centre, which remains one of Poland’s leading venues for large conferences, the city offers ample options for both intimate gatherings and large-scale conventions.
In Wrocław, the debut of Poland’s first Mövenpick Hotel in early 2025 is a highly anticipated development. This luxury hotel, located in the heart of the city, will offer sophisticated accommodations alongside cutting-edge meeting spaces. Wrocław’s combination of historical architecture and modern venues continues to attract international event planners seeking a unique backdrop for their meetings and exhibitions.
Łódź, a city with a rich industrial history, is gaining more attention as a destination for business events. In mid-2024, the historic Grand Hotel will reopen as a five-star luxury property, adding a significant draw for high-end corporate events. The hotel’s grand ballroom, multiple meeting spaces, and fine dining options provide a prestigious venue in the heart of this creative city.
Meanwhile, the coastal cities of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia are making headlines not only for their inclusion in the 2024 Michelin Guide but also for significant developments in their hospitality infrastructure. These cities, already popular for their unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, are seeing an influx of new high-end accommodations, particularly on Granary Island in Gdańsk.
This island, historically known for its centuries-old granaries, is now a thriving area of redevelopment, combining luxury hotels with cultural and leisure attractions. On Granary Island, three major hotel brands have opened recently, adding to the city’s appeal for business travellers and meeting planners.
Two Radisson properties—Radisson Hotel & Suites, Gdańsk, and Radisson RED—offer a combined total of nearly 500 rooms and extensive conference facilities, making them ideal venues for both corporate events and leisure stays. Additionally, the new Holiday Inn Gdańsk – City Centre, located in the heart of Granary Island, provides modern accommodations and meeting spaces, including a rooftop bar with stunning views of the historic Gdańsk skyline.
These hotels, along with the nearby European Solidarity Centre and Amber Expo International Exhibition and Conference Center, contribute to Gdańsk’s growing reputation as a key destination for large-scale international events.
Why Choose Poland? Competitive Advantages for Meetings and Events
Poland offers a wealth of competitive advantages that make it a top destination for meetings and events. From cost-effective solutions to cutting-edge facilities and a deep pool of talent, the country’s strengths are numerous. One of Poland’s key advantages is its strategic location in Central Europe, allowing easy access for attendees from across the continent and beyond. Major cities are well connected by air, road, and rail, with Poland boasting 15 international airports, making it highly accessible for international participants.
Poland’s position in global MICE rankings further underscores its prominence. The country is ranked 17th in the ICCA Business Analytics – Country and City Rankings and 21st in the UIA International Meetings Statistics Report, reflecting its growing importance as a host for international congresses and business events.
One of the most compelling factors in Poland’s favour is its cost-effectiveness. The country provides high-quality infrastructure and services at a fraction of the cost of many Western European countries, offering an outstanding price-to-quality ratio. For event organisers looking to deliver premium experiences without exceeding their budgets, Poland is an ideal choice.
Another competitive advantage for Poland lies in its STEM talent pool. The country’s educational institutions, particularly in fields like technology, biochemistry, and medicine, are producing a highly skilled workforce. Poland ranks as one of the top producers of STEM graduates in Europe, providing a robust talent pipeline for industries such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. This growing pool of technical expertise makes Poland a prime destination for industry-specific conferences and congresses, where expert knowledge and innovation are critical.
Success Stories: Why Meeting Planners Choose Poland
International meeting planners have consistently chosen Poland for its unique combination of world-class venues, professional services, and cultural depth. For instance, Mateusz Lubarski, CEO & Founder, of MedicaExpert Conference (part of MedicaExpert Group), shared his reasons for selecting Kraków as the host city for a major medical congress in 2023:
“As a professional organiser of international congresses in the medical industry, we know that there are 3 key elements that determine the success of an event: the venue, the city with its transport network, and the scientific programme. When choosing the venue for the European congress in Krakow, we had no doubt that the ICE Krakow Congress Centre was the only right place on the map of Krakow to meet our expectations and assumptions: 2000 participants from all over Europe, 200 speakers and VIP guests, 6 lecture theatres in parallel sessions, 4 floors of exhibition and catering space. In my opinion, it is the nicest and most modern congress centre in Poland. In our industry we strongly value professionalism, flexibility, organisation, accessibility and nurturing relationships. We found all these attributes in our contact with the executive team of the ICE Krakow Congress Centre and they were fulfilled at the highest level, towards our Team, the congress participants and the content organisers. An additional element of surprise was the commemoration of the EBCOG 2023 Congress on Congress Avenue, by planting a tree, especially for the occasion. Our principals from Poland and Europe, were very impressed by the initiative, as they felt that together we had organised an event that would remain in Krakow forever. After the intense 4 days of the congress at the ICE Krakow Congress Centre, I can’t imagine choosing a different venue for the next such large event. The congress, which brought together 2,000 participants and 200 speakers from across Europe, was a huge success. One memorable highlight was the planting of a commemorative tree, a gesture that left a lasting impression on attendees.
Similarly, Nicola Hamilton, Senior Communications Manager at Ecsite, spoke about their choice of Warsaw’s Copernicus Science Centre as the venue for their 2025 Conference:
“Ecsite chose long-time member, Copernicus Science Centre to host its 2025 Conference due to its renowned reputation as a leading institution in promoting science education and innovation across Europe. The centre’s state-of-the-art facilities and its strong focus on interactive exhibits make it an ideal venue for engaging discussions and dynamic workshops. Additionally, its location in Warsaw, a vibrant city with a rich cultural and scientific history, offers excellent accessibility for international participants. Copernicus Science Centre embodies Ecsite’s mission of fostering collaboration among science centres, museums, and institutions to inspire public engagement with science.”
Poland: More Than You Expected
With new luxury hotels, cutting-edge congress centres, and an ever-growing number of world-class cultural institutions, Poland is firmly establishing itself as a top-tier destination for meetings and events. Offering a unique blend of modern infrastructure, affordability, and a deep talent pool of STEM graduates, Poland is more than just a meeting venue—it is a hub of innovation, culture, and collaboration. Poland is ready to deliver unforgettable experiences for event organisers and participants alike.
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