Last week, the MCE Central & Eastern Europe forum took place, marking the first event in the Europe Congress series. In Salzburg, Poland was represented on the suppliers' side by the Poland Convention Bureau POT, Mazovia Convention Bureau, Silesia Convention Bureau, and the International Congress Center in Katowice. The event brought together over 200 event planners and suppliers, offering an excellent opportunity for networking and business discussions.

The forum provided an opportunity for a series of official and unofficial meetings with key players from markets such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Benelux, Scandinavia, Southern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Hosted buyers represented event agencies, corporations, and international associations. They were seeking new options and venues for event organization, and Poland's offerings captured their interest.

Participation in MCE Central & Eastern Europe in Salzburg presented Polish representatives of the meetings industry with a unique opportunity to promote Polish MICE destinations and establish new business relationships. Through their involvement in the event, they were able to actively showcase partners (recommended CVBs, PCOs, ITCs, consortia, and members), attracting the attention of potential event planners. Additionally, participation enabled the acquisition of valuable insights into market needs and expectations, allowing for better alignment of Polish service providers' offerings with international clients' requirements.

- During the 35 scheduled meetings with hosted buyers at the congress center in Salzburg, the Poland Convention Bureau showcased the diverse possibilities and potential of our country. Event organizers showed specific interest in particular cities, conference, and congress organization opportunities, as well as incentive travel possibilities - said Jarosław Marciuk, the chief marketing specialist at Poland Convention Bureau - Polish Tourism Organisation. I am pleased that Silesia and Mazovia had the opportunity to highlight their MICE offerings, and we received positive feedback from event planners who expressed great interest in the offerings of these lesser-known Polish regions. As a result of these meetings, we anticipate increased interest in Poland as the main destination for events, meetings, and incentive travel in this part of Europe. It is also worth noting that Poland maintains a strong position in global rankings, currently holding 23rd place in the ICCA ranking and 20th place in the UIA ranking - added Jaroslaw Marciuk.

- Thanks to the engaging format of the event, in addition to the tabletop meetings, Polish event professionals were also able to showcase Poland, Mazovia, and Silesia on the main stage of the congress center through interactive presentations. For Poland Convention Bureau, it was essential to perform our special song 'Let's Talk Business.' Personally, I am delighted that our digital efforts were once again recognized and rewarded by the organizers in one of the three competition categories in Salzburg - added Jarosław Marciuk.

All Polish solution providers (three CVBs and one congress centre) were very satisfied with their participation in this business event in Salzburg and emphasized the quality of the conducted discussions and acquired contacts.

- Participation in this event was a great opportunity to showcase the attractions of the Silesian voivodeship on the international stage. 35 meetings over two days, which we hope will translate into growth for the industry in the region. It is worth emphasizing the excellent organization by the Europe Congress. The entire concept emphasizes bringing together two sides of the forum - suppliers and hosted buyers, which was an added value - said Sebastian Gronet, project manager at Silesia Convention Bureau.

Iwona Majewska, Deputy Director of the Mazovia Regional Tourism Organisation, expressed great satisfaction with participating in the Europe Congress in Salzburg. - MCE Central & Eastern Europe 2024 was an excellent opportunity to establish contacts and promote Mazovia and Warsaw on the international meetings market. We proudly presented the potential of Mazovia and Warsaw in organizing business events. The offer of many members of our DMOs, within which Mazovia Convention Bureau and Warsaw Convention Bureau operate, met with great interest from international planners. The participation of representatives of the Mazovia Convention Bureau resulted in inspiring meetings and many valuable conference leads. We are eagerly awaiting confirmation of some of these meetings in Warsaw and Mazovia.

In addition to the convention bureaus in Salzburg, a representative of one of the most important congress venues in Poland also participated.

- The forum in Salzburg was professionally prepared, intensive, and dynamic. A good and interesting location with hotel accommodations near the congress center. I can emphasize the great commitment of the staff, openness, and assistance at every stage of the congress. Attention to detail and supervision to ensure that each of the planned meetings took place were unquestionable strengths of the event in Salzburg - said Justyna Rzepka, Senior Key Account Manager at MCK - the International Congress Center in Katowice (PTWP Event Center Sp. z o.o.).

Event highlights

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@callmejaro Amidst the grandeur of the Congress Salzburg venue, we embarked on a day of unparalleled productivity at MCE Salzburg! Engaging in intimate table talks, participants navigated through a maze of ideas, insights, and innovations. Against the backdrop of this venue, minds converged, perspectives shifted, and collaborations blossomed. With each table conversation fostering deeper connections and sparking innovative solutions, it was a day defined by synergy and progress for all of us and Poland Convention Burea - Polish Tourism Organisation. As the echoes of discussions fade away, we depart with renewed energy, armed with newfound knowledge and fortified partnerships, ready to embark on the next phase of our journey. #mcesalzburg #meetsalzburg #meetaustria #eventprofs #salzburg #event #miceindustry #polandcvb ♬ Attraction (Pritiazhenie) Remix - ETOLUBOV

Text: Jarosław Marciuk