Representatives of key companies from Scandinavia, the Benelux and the US stayed in Poland as part of a fam trip staged by Poland Convention Bureau POT on 20-23 March.

The fam trip’s agenda generated highly positive feedback of the planners, who were looking for sites to host conferences and incentive trips both for small and larger groups from 50 to even 500 guests. The fam trip’s participants paid special attention to Polish hospitality, varied offer, affordable prices, as well as tasty cuisine and professional service in particular venues.

The programme kicked off with a study tour of the Westin Warsaw hotel, which boasts a diverse accommodation offer and conference facilities. Next, guests toured the Warsaw Old Town and spent the afternoon taking part in an aroma workshop. The key highlight of the evening involved an opportunity for each participant to create his or her own aroma. The evening was crowned by a formal dinner in the Stary Dom restaurant, allowing guests to sample the specialties of Polish cuisine cooked according to the Slow Food philosophy. It is worth adding that the two discussed attractions – perfume workshops and dinner – made a huge impression on all guests, who declared that they will definitely be including them in the agendas of visits arranged for future customers.

On the second day of the fam trip, guests took part in the “Poland – Smart Move” workshops staged as part of Meetings Week Poland. In addition to attending a discussion with professional congress organisers operating in Poland, the planners also listened to presentations of the potential of particular cities and regions represented by delegates of regional convention bureaus.

Also on Thursday the meeting planners visited the Moxy designer hotel, which presented its accommodation-related offer and advantages connected with the common space that can be applied in a wide range of ways. Next on the agenda was a tour of the Polish Vodka Museum located in the historical building of Rectification Plant in the premises of the Koneser Praga Centre. As part of their visit, guests were served comprehensive information on the history and tradition of producing strong liqueur in the Republic of Poland. The guide showing them around the Museum emphasised that Polish vodka is a significant component of our culture and a quintessentially Polish attribute recognized all over the world.

Another item on the agenda, a visit to the Marriott Hotel in Warsaw focused on its diverse conference and accommodation facilities. A special highlight of the evening involved a study tour of the presidential suite, where both heads of states and music and film stars stayed on numerous occasions. On an everyday basis the suite is available for meeting planners and recommended for, i.a. business meetings.

Finally, the third day of the fam trip was arranged by Warsaw Convention Bureau, which invited its guests to the Łazienki Królewskie Park, the Belvedere Restaurant, the Museum of Frederic Chopin, the Palace of Culture and Science, the PGE Narodowy Stadium, as well as Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw.

As a wrap-up of their stay in Warsaw, the guests had an opportunity to take part in the final gala of MP Power Awards 2019, which distinguished prominent industry figures along with top projects, venues and Poland’s tourist products.

The fam trip for meeting planners was developed by Poland Convention Bureau POT together with international offices in Brussels, Amsterdam, Stockholm and New York. Warsaw Convention Bureau and Warsaw-based Westin and Marriott hotels also joined cooperation as part of the project.

PCB POT collaboration with local partners ensured complete success of the discussed initiative and showcased the strength of the Polish meetings industry. PCB POT would especially like to thank its fam trip’s partners for their dedication and showing the Polish hospitality to visiting planners.

Photo: Warsaw Convention Bureau