Sustainability in Poland’s MICE Industry: Green Events and Initiatives

Poland is stepping up as a leader in sustainable practices within the MICE industry in Central Europe. Key cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Lodz, and Wrocław are driving the shift towards eco-friendly event management through initiatives such as Net Zero Carbon Events or GDS-Index, which aims to decarbonize the global events sector.

Net Zero Carbon Events and Poland’s Participation

Poland Convention Bureau has joined the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which aims to decarbonize the global events industry. Supported by the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCB), this movement encourages collaboration to reduce emissions from large-scale events.

Poland's participation includes ICE Krakow Congress Centre, Symposium Cracoviense, and the Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry (PIPT). These organizations are committed to lowering the environmental impact of events held in Poland.

Additionally, Symposium Cracoviense received the Green Meetings Bronze Award, a prestigious certification from Green Tourism, the world’s largest sustainable tourism accreditation program. This accolade is a significant recognition of Poland's progress in implementing environmentally responsible event management practices. It sets a high standard for other organizations in the country, encouraging them to follow suit and adopt green practices.

Krakow: Pioneering the Green Transition

Krakow stands out as a trailblazer in sustainability within Poland’s MICE industry. It was the first Polish city to be included in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), marking its leadership in integrating green practices into tourism and event management. The city's efforts focus on promoting sustainable transportation, energy-efficient venues, and reducing the overall carbon footprint of its events.

The Krakow Convention Bureau actively supports event organizers in implementing eco-friendly measures, guiding them through the Krakow Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

Additionally, the Krakow Network developed a decarbonization strategy, "From WHY to Offset," which lays out practical steps for reducing emissions from large-scale events, demonstrating Kraków’s commitment to long-term sustainability in the MICE sector.

https://krakownetwork.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Decarbonization-strategy_From-WHY-to-offset_ENG.pdf

Gdansk: Award-Winning Efforts and Velo-City 2025

Gdansk by the Baltic Sea has garnered international recognition for its environmental efforts, being shortlisted for the 2024 GDS-Awards as the "Most Improved Destination." This reflects the city’s successful implementation of sustainable event practices, from energy-efficient venues to waste reduction initiatives.

Further elevating its status as a green destination, Gdansk will host the Velo-City 2025 Summit, a major global event focused on cycling and sustainable urban mobility. The summit will feature over 60 countries, 1,600+ Velo-citizens, 400+ speakers, 80+ sessions, and 100+ exhibitors, making it a truly global gathering. The summit will bring together global experts to discuss eco-friendly transport solutions, reinforcing Gdansk’s commitment to sustainability and cementing its reputation as a forward-thinking city in the MICE industry.

Lodz: Hosting Urban Future 2025

Lodz, a city undergoing dynamic transformation, is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable urban development. It will host Urban Future 2025, a key event aimed at shaping the future of sustainable cities. The conference will bring together urban planners, businesses, and policymakers to discuss innovative strategies for eco-friendly urban growth.

The selection of Lodz as the host city for this major event underscores its growing significance in the global conversation about sustainability, particularly in the context of urban regeneration and green infrastructure.

Wroclaw: Driving Green Events

Wroclaw has made significant strides in promoting sustainable event practices through its Wroclaw Green Events initiative. This program ensures that events hosted in the city meet high environmental standards, focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of sustainable materials.

Wroclaw's Convention Bureau has set a precedent with its "Green Events" document, a comprehensive resource showcasing environmentally friendly practices within the MICE sector. Publishing "Green Events" is the result of a commitment to promoting green practices and taking sustainable actions within the MICE industry. The document is available as a valuable inspiration for all those interested in creating sustainable events.

You will find case studies of: Centennial Hall (UNESCO World Heritage Site - congress venue), Hydropolis (Ecological Centre of Education - event venue), Tarczynski Arena (football stadium and event venue), Double Tree by Hilton Wroclaw, QHotel Plus Wroclaw Bielany and Hotel Topacz Castle.

Wroclaw’s dedication to green event management extends beyond individual gatherings, reflecting a broader commitment to positioning itself as an eco-conscious destination for both local and international conferences.

SITE Poland Responsible Incentive Travel Day 2024 Conference in Warsaw

The SITE Poland Responsible Incentive Travel Day Conference took place on April 5th, 2024, at the Hilton Warsaw City Hotel. Organized as part of the "Our Impact on People, Society, and the Planet" initiative, the event focused on promoting sustainable tourism practices within Poland's incentive travel sector. The second edition of the event will take place in Warsaw in 2025.

Attendees, including members of the SITE Poland Association, MICE agencies, and convention bureaus, participated in discussions led by industry experts on minimizing tourism’s environmental footprint. The conference featured a keynote address on the environmental consequences of tourism, alongside presentations of survey results showcasing current industry practices and the challenges faced in implementing sustainability. Panel discussions brought together representatives from incentive agencies, hotels, airlines, and destinations to foster collaboration towards creating greener, more responsible tourism experiences.

Session II, titled “Sustainable Destinations,” was led by the Poland Convention Bureau in partnership with regional and municipal convention bureau, further emphasizing local efforts towards sustainability.

The event also highlighted the role of responsible travelers and encouraged dialogue around strategies for mindful travel, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Supported by Hilton Worldwide as a strategic partner, the conference aimed to inspire businesses to adopt sustainable practices, helping to shape a more responsible incentive travel market in Poland.

Arche Hotels - We combine contradictions…

…it is the motto of the owner of the Arche Group, Mr. Władysław Grochowski. The ARCHE Group is a Polish hotel chain that includes 20 properties, comprising both historic and city hotels. Additionally, ARCHE is implementing a dispersed hotel project called ARCHE Siedlisko, which aims to engage the local community.

The ARCHE Group also includes the Lena Grochowska Foundation, which employs individuals with intellectual disabilities, supporting and empowering them. Foundation staff run various workshops, including ceramics, sculpture, and culinary workshops. The latest ARCHE project is to create an energy cooperative that will harness power from nature. Their guiding principle is: we combine contradictions, trust everyone, and change ourselves.

The ARCHE Group's philosophy is to give a second life to forgotten sites, such as Cukrownia Żnin, Elektrociepłownia Szombierki, Arche Klasztor Wroclaw, Arche Nałęczów - Sanatorium Milicyjne, Hotel Arche Zamek Janów Podlaski, or the Old Airplane Factory in Mielno.

Poland’s Path to Sustainable MICE Leadership

Poland’s participation in the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, alongside local efforts in cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Lodz, and Wroclaw, is paving the way for the country to become a leader in sustainable event management in this part of Europe. Each city brings a unique approach to green practices, whether through decarbonization strategies, hosting eco-focused conferences, or achieving international recognition for sustainability efforts.

As Poland continues to host major events and conferences centered on environmental responsibility, it is steadily repositioning towards greener business practices. These initiatives not only help mitigate climate change but also attract businesses and organizations seeking sustainable event solutions.