From 19 to 21 August 2024, Gdańsk and Sopot hosted the latest summer edition of the “Let’s Meet” series. The event was attended by hosted buyers from the UK, Czechia, Germany and France. The Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau partnered in the event, which took place this summer in the Pomeranian region.

“Let’s Meet” is an initiative by the Gdańsk Tourism Organisation and the Gdańsk Convention Bureau aimed at facilitating networking between local tourism industry businesses and international hosted buyers, mainly comprising MICE travel organisers and corporate meeting planners. The new format of the event replaced traditional table meetings with a series of study visits, offering a more engaging experience that allows participants to get to know the local offerings in a more immersive way.

We have already completed two “Let’s Meet” events in this new format. We are delighted to see a high level of interest in participating at this event. In this way, we are fulfilling one of our core missions – supporting the local tourism industry and promoting Gdańsk as an excellent destination for meetings, conferences, workshops, and other events,” said Łukasz Wysocki, President of the Gdańsk Tourism Organisation.

“Events like ‘Let’s Meet’ highlight Poland`s ability to attract international event organisers and showcase the exceptional advantages of cities like Gdańsk and Sopot. Gdańsk is gaining recognition as a competitive MICE destination, as reflected in the latest ICCA rankings. This dynamic growth confirms strategic efforts to promote the city as an attractive location for global meetings and events, combining high-quality hotels and conference venues with a distinctive local character,” said Jarosław Marciuk, Senior Marketing Specialist at the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau.

Ideally located on the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk and Sopot offer a unique setting in Europe.

Events in Gdansk

Guests had the opportunity to explore not only the major tourist attractions of Gdańsk and Sopot but also visit Tri-City hotels and venues offering interesting spaces for events.

The “Let’s Meet” event kicked off with an introduction to the offerings of two Radisson hotels in Gdańsk–the Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk on Długi Targ and the Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdańsk on Granary Island. The Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk boasts five conference rooms with a total area of 1,000 m², accommodating up to 200 people. The Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdańsk features modern conference rooms with views of the Motława River and luxurious apartments. A dedicated hotel game helped to integrate the group, allowing participants to familiarise themselves with the guestbook, conference rooms, guest rooms, and interesting facts about the hotel and the city.

The event programme also included numerous networking activities, B2B meetings, and additional attractions organised by Tarifa Corporate Events (a company certified by PTO as a recommended PCO and ITC). On the first day, participants took part in an incentive game at the Sassy restaurant. The day ended with conversations under a stunning sunset on Sassy’s Roof Top, offering a unique view of the landmarks of the Main Town and the Old Town.

Day Two in Gdansk

The second day began with a visit to the European Solidarity Centre (ECS). Participants had the chance to learn about the history of the struggle for freedom, the legacy of the Solidarity movement, and see the historic Gate No 2. This left a profound impression on our international guests. The ECS has an auditorium seating 430 people, numerous smaller conference rooms, and modern exhibition spaces. The venue offers extensive possibilities for organising conferences and other events, with its historical significance adding a unique character to any event.

The next stop was the Amber Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. Participants had the opportunity to witness the preparations for the upcoming major trade fairs, such as AMBERIF. AmberExpo is a 12,000 m² facility with several exhibition halls and conference rooms, including VIP rooms directly connected to the exhibition hall. The venue is ideal for large trade fairs, conferences, and other business events.

At noon, guests arrived at the Olivia Star complex, which offers a wide range of event organisation possibilities, from Olivia Garden spaces to those located on the upper floors. The 32nd floor features an observation deck, the 34th floor houses an event space for hire, and the 33rd floor is home to two Michelin-recommended restaurants. Arco by Paco Perez, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Northern Poland, and Treinta y Tres, which received a recommendation from this prestigious guide, are located here. Lunch was served to the guests at these venues.

In the afternoon, after returning to the historic city centre from Granary Island, the group travelled by MotławaBoats motorboats along the Martwa Wisła (the Dead Vistula River) to the networking venue. The motorboats moored at the marina of the Grano Hotel Solmarina. From the hotel’s viewing terrace, there is a view of the Martwa Wisła and the bridge connecting Żuławy with Sobieszewo Island. Grano Hotel Solmarina offers modern conference rooms and event spaces suitable for smaller gatherings, making it an ideal venue for intimate events.

Day Three in Sopot

The third day of the event was dedicated to Sopot. Guests were introduced to the conference facilities of the Sopot Marriott Resort & Spa, with its three conference rooms offering a total area of 500 m² and accommodating up to 300 people. The hotel also offers one of the best spas in Poland, with 33 treatment rooms and pools, including a rooftop pool with views of the Baltic Sea.

Visited MICE Venues and Locations

During “Let’s Meet”, the hosted buyers visited and explored various MICE venues, including hotels in Gdańsk and Sopot, congress and conference facilities, as well as restaurants and unique venues:

• Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdansk
• European Solidarity Centre
• AmberExpo Exhibition and Convention Centre
• Olivia Star
• Sopot Marriott Resort & SPA
• Grano Hotel Solmarina

The event organised by Gdansk Convention Bureau was partnered by the Polish Tourism Organisation - Poland Convention Bureau.

Group photo by Maciej Wójcik, Tarifa Corporate Events

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