POT Report on the MICE Industry: 51% Increase in Events in 2023

The Poland Convention Bureau, part of the Polish Tourism Organisation, has released the report "The Meetings and Events Industry in Poland 2024," which details the remarkable growth of Poland's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in 2023. The report reveals a significant 51% increase in the number of events compared to the previous year. At the same time, Poland has risen to 17th place in the global ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking, underscoring the country’s growing position on the international meetings map.

Data collected by the Poland Convention Bureau shows that conferences and congresses experienced the most substantial growth, making up 54% of all events held in Poland in 2023—12% higher than in the previous year. Corporate and incentive events represented 41% of the total, while trade shows and exhibitions accounted for 5%.

A key highlight of the report is Poland’s advancement to 17th place in the ICCA ranking, driven by the increase in international association meetings. Based on nearly 10,000 events held worldwide, this achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of Poland’s strategies and investments in the meetings industry. A year ago, Poland was ranked 23rd, marking a six-spot improvement and showcasing the country’s growing appeal as a destination for international events.

Rafał Szmytke, President of the Polish Tourism Organisation, emphasized that achieving such a high ICCA ranking reflects the professionalism and innovative approach of Poland’s meetings sector. He expressed confidence that the industry’s solid foundations will support its continued growth, despite challenges such as the current geopolitical landscape, which have not deterred Poland’s ability to host top-level international events.

The "Meetings and Events Industry in Poland 2024" report is based on data collected from city and regional convention bureaux, including G2A Arena – Exhibition and Congress Centre of the Podkarpackie Region. It also incorporates data from congress and incentive travel organizers and international associations like ICCA and UIA. The report includes insights from industry leaders, including JAN-POL DMC POLAND, Vistula School of Hospitality, Mazurkas DMC Poland, and Targi w Krakowie, among others.

Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, highlighted that over the past fifteen years, Poland's meetings industry has undergone a significant transformation. The development of modern conference facilities and the establishment of city and regional convention bureaux have played a vital role in elevating Poland’s international presence. Currently, alongside the Poland Convention Bureau, fourteen regional bureaux support the sector across the country.

Książek added that in the coming years, the Poland Convention Bureau's primary goal will be to maintain its leadership position in Central Europe. International promotion, collaboration, and support for event organizers will remain the bureau's central objectives. Through these efforts, Poland is steadily building its reputation in the global meetings industry and is now recognized as one of the leaders in Central and Eastern Europe.