The inauguration of the next Local Congress Ambassadors Club took place in Łódź on October 26, 2023. A collaborative agreement was signed by Łódź Tourism Organisation, under which operates Łódź Convention Bureau, Poland Convention Bureau of the Polish Tourism Organisation, and the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland. This marks the fifth local club operating in Poland.

A special event took place in one of the newest restaurant and event spaces, Manuarte in Łódź, where representatives from the academic world and potential Congress Ambassadors were invited. During the event, a collaboration agreement was signed between the program organisers and the local tourist organisation from Łódź.

"I am delighted that the Łódź Congress Ambassadors Club, which is part of a larger nationwide initiative, has been established within the Łódź Tourist Organization," said Tomasz Koralewski, President of the Management Board of Łódź Tourist Organisation. "Collaboration between the signatories and club members is crucial in attracting scientific events to Łódź. I encourage representatives of the academic, sports, cultural, and political communities in Łódź, who are actively involved in international associations, to join our program, following the principle that TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE. Your contacts, built relationships, and expertise are invaluable. In matters related to organizing events in Łódź, we, as Łódź Tourist Organisation and Łódź Convention Bureau within our structure, can provide assistance free of charge."

The meeting began with a welcome from the hosts and was attended by Paula Fanderowska, President of SKKP (the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland), and Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, the department at the Polish Tourism Organisation. The benefits of cooperation and club membership were highlighted.

Referring to the location and its traditions, Aneta Książek said,

"Allow me to quote a thought from the book of Wladyslaw Reymont 'The Promised Land': I have nothing, she has nothing, he has nothing, but together we can build a lot. It is you, individuals with the right contacts and experience, who can build Łódź's reputation, collectively attracting new events to the city."

In Łódź, there are many cultural and academic institutions (including the University of Łódź, Łódź University of Technology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź Film School / PWSFTviT, Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Grażyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź, Academy of Humanities and Economics in Łódź) that can be actively involved in promoting the city and attracting prestigious events.

The participants of the meeting had the opportunity to visit Manuarte, a unique interdisciplinary dance, event, and gastronomic concept in the heart of Łódź, and there was also time for networking.

We also recommend visiting the following websites:

• Łódź Convention Bureau
• Program of Polish Congress Ambassadors
• The Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland

Local Congress Ambassadors Clubs in Polish Cities

Local Congress Ambassadors Clubs are a collaborative project with city convention bureaus, supporting scientists and professionals in acquiring international conferences. These local clubs bring together experts from various fields, collaborate with convention bureaus and congress organisers, and promote Poland as an attractive destination for business tourism. The program offers substantive support, informational meetings, networking opportunities, as well as inspiration and knowledge exchange. Currently, the Congress Ambassadors Clubs are active in Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw, and now in Łódź, with the support of the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland, the Polish Tourist Organization, local authorities, and industry representatives. More information is available in the article on our page The Polish Congress Ambassadors Program.