On 11 December 2024, I attended the From Poland With Love Poznań launch by MPI Poland Chapter, a heartwarming, insightful event brimming with MICE ambition. Led by the brilliant Barbara Świderska, this initiative showcased Poland as a premier destination for conferences and event tourism. Poznań’s blend of cutting-edge infrastructure, rich tradition, and festive Christmas market vibe made it the perfect stage. From expert talks to cultural immersion, From Poland With Love Poznań struck a chord, uniting planners with love and innovation. This blog dives into the why, what, and how, inspiring MICE professionals to embrace Poland’s next big moments.
What is Meeting Professionals International (MPI)?
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, founded in 1972, dedicated to advancing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) professionals through innovative education, networking, and advocacy. The MPI Poland Chapter, established in 2008, strengthens Poland’s MICE industry by organising workshops, events like From Poland With Love Poznań, and fostering sustainable event planning. With a global community of over 60,000, MPI empowers planners and suppliers to create impactful experiences.
- Global Reach: Connects 60,000+ MICE professionals across 70+ chapters worldwide.
- Education Hub: Offers MPI Academy for certifications, webinars, and skills training.
- Networking Powerhouse: Facilitates connections for Poland MICE tourism and hybrid events.
- Industry Advocacy: Promotes the economic impact of meetings and events.
The Vision Behind “From Poland With Love” Poznań
The From Poland With Love Poznań initiative, led by the MPI Poland Chapter, aimed to position Poland as a global MICE leader. With 122 international association meetings hosted in Poland in 2024, the country’s MICE industry is booming, and this event showcased its potential through curated experiences. The project blended professional development, cultural immersion, and wellbeing, creating lasting connections among onsite and online participants.
- Highlighted Poland’s MICE strengths: world-class venues, skilled organisers, and rich cultural offerings.
- Fostered emotional connections through interactive sessions and networking.
- Promoted sustainable event planning, aligning with global MICE trends.
With its compact yet dynamic infrastructure, Poznań proved the perfect stage to launch this ambitious project, setting a new standard for Poland’s MICE tourism.
Poznań: A MICE Destination with Soul
Poznań Congress Center, the event’s heart, is a modern marvel offering 150,000 sqm of interlinked space, including 80 conference rooms and a plenary hall for 2,000. Its proximity to the city centre, just five minutes from the main railway station and 20 minutes from Ławica Airport, makes it a prime choice for Poznań business events. The festive Poznań Old Town, with its Christmas market glowing under snowy skies, added a cultural layer that elevated the experience.
- Cutting-edge facilities: Hybrid event tech and spacious breakout rooms for seamless conferences.
- Festive charm: Poznań’s Christmas market and craft beer heritage enriched the event’s vibe.
- Accessibility: Over 13,000 hotel beds and 2,000 parking spaces cater to large-scale events.
This blend of infrastructure and soul makes Poznań a standout MICE destination, ready to host global events with warmth and professionalism.
A Tour of Poznań Congress Center’s Grandeur
Before diving into creative workshops, we explored the Poznań Congress Center, a highlight of the day. The tour showcased its versatility, from the iconic Sala Ziemia (Earth Hall), which seats nearly 2,000, to upcoming spaces designed for tens of thousands. The Poznań Convention Bureau’s team highlighted the venue’s ability to host everything from intimate meetings to global congresses, reinforcing its status as a professional conference organiser (PCO).
- Sala Ziemia: Equipped with modern multimedia, ideal for congresses and banquets.
- Scalable spaces: 16 exhibition halls, with the largest hosting over 11,000 participants.
- Comprehensive services: Catering, technical support, and event design for seamless execution.
As the Poznań Convention Bureau notes, their non-profit support ensures organisers receive tailored advice and resources, making events like From Poland With Love, Poznań, effortless to plan.
Must read: Top MICE Venues in Poland: An Ultimate Event Planner’s Guide
Learning, Laughter, and Wellbeing
The day was packed with activities that balanced professional growth with cultural joy, all hosted at Poznań Congress Center.
Mental Wellbeing Masterclass
Marzena Jankowska’s session on mental wellbeing was a game-changer for MICE wellbeing initiatives. She shared practical techniques, like slow, controlled breathing, to manage stress during high-pressure events. “Exploring the technicalities of slow, controlled breathing and managing stress at work,” as I noted on LinkedIn, left participants visibly calmer and more focused.
- Slow breathing: Reduces anxiety and boosts focus for event planners.
- Stress management: Practical tips for handling intense MICE schedules.
- Industry relevance: Wellbeing is now a priority for sustainable event planning.
Immersive Handicraft Session
“An immersive handicraft session, painting our own bombki and later exchanging them!” was a highlight I shared on LinkedIn. This hands-on activity fostered bonding as we painted traditional Polish Christmas ornaments, swapping them with laughter and stories. It was a brilliant team-building exercise for Poznań business events.
- Cultural connection: Painting bombki tied us to Polish traditions.
- Networking boost: Creative tasks sparked meaningful conversations.
- Scalable idea: Perfect for MICE events seeking authentic experiences.
Festive Poznań Old Town Tour
The day ended with a guided tour of Poznań’s Christmas market and Old Town, led by a sword-wielding nobleman from the 17th century. “We sampled Poland’s oldest craft beer, legends, stories, and festive vibes,” I posted on LinkedIn. The twinkling lights and local tales made this a perfect blend of culture and destination marketing.
- Storytelling: Historical narratives enhanced the experience.
- Local flavour: Craft beer and market vibes showcased Poznań’s charm.
- MICE appeal: Cultural tours add value to conference agendas.
Speaker Insights Driving MICE Innovation
The event featured inspiring speakers who elevated From Poland With Love Poznań as a landmark for Poland MICE tourism. Marzena Jankowska’s wellbeing masterclass set a new standard for attendee care, emphasising practical stress-relief techniques. Barbara Świderska, MPI Poland’s lead, orchestrated the event with vision, showcasing Poland’s readiness for global events. The MVP Panel of MPI members explored branding, sustainability, and hybrid event tech, offering actionable insights for organisers.
- Marzena Jankowska: Highlighted wellbeing as a MICE priority.
- Barbara Świderska: Positioned Poland as a MICE leader through strategic leadership.
- MVP Panel: Shared trends in hybrid events and sustainable planning.
Why From Poland With Love Poznań Matters?
This event wasn’t just a one-day gathering—it was a statement of Poland’s MICE ambitions. With Poznań Convention Bureau’s support, the city is a leading hub for conferences, hosting events like the FDI Annual World Dental Congress (16,000 attendees) and the 28th European Conference on Operational Research. The hybrid format ensured global participation, aligning with the rise of hybrid events in Poland.
- Global reach: Hybrid tech connects onsite and online audiences.
- Sustainability focus: Aligns with Poland’s commitment to eco-friendly events.
- Economic impact: MICE events drive revenue and local partnerships.
Personal Moments That Stole the Show
The day was filled with unforgettable moments. Watching participants relax during Marzena’s breathing exercises in the 2,000-seat Sala Ziemia was a reminder of why wellbeing matters in MICE. Painting bombki brought out laughter and camaraderie, as we swapped ornaments and stories. The Christmas market tour, with its craft beer and nobleman guide, felt like stepping into a festive fairytale, cementing Poznań’s charm as a MICE destination.
The Road Ahead for From Poland With Love
The From Poland With Love Poznań launch sets the stage for a 2025 fam trip, inviting international buyers to experience Poland’s MICE potential firsthand. With Poznań Convention Bureau’s tailored support, offering venue recommendations, permit assistance, and personalised reports, this initiative will continue to elevate Poland MICE tourism. I’m already brainstorming retreats in Miasto Poznań, inspired by this event’s success.
- 2025 fam trip: Will showcase Poland to global MICE planners.
- Ongoing support: Poznań Convention Bureau ensures seamless event planning.
- Growth potential: Poland’s MICE industry is set to expand further.
Takeaways for Poland MICE Industry Planners
For MICE professionals, From Poland With Love Poznań offered clear lessons:
- Prioritise wellbeing: Integrate mindfulness sessions like Marzena’s.
- Embrace culture: Add local activities like bombki painting for engagement.
- Go hybrid: Use Poznań Congress Center’s tech for global reach.
- Tell stories: Leverage Poznań’s history for impactful destination marketing.
- Scale with heart: Combine large venues with curated experiences.
Conclusion: Poland’s MICE Moment
The Launch of MPI Poland Chapter’s “From Poland With Love” Project in Poznań was a wonderful day event. It, yet again, underlined Poland’s capacity to host professionally, yet personally. Poznań proved itself as a premier MICE industry hub in Poland, blending infrastructure with cultural soul.
As I explore the ideas for my upcoming Poznań city tours and retreats, I see so much potential here. If you’re looking for curated, meaningful conference experiences delivered with love, let’s talk.
Thank you to all who shared laughter, learning, and love in Poznań. Exciting times for Poland’s MICE future!
Further read: Why Poland is the Next Big Destination for MICE Tourism in Europe?
