Spotlight on Poland 2026 to Unite Hosted Buyers and GDS Forum Across Poznań and Szczecin

Poznań, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland

Poland will host the 2026 edition of Spotlight on Poland from 15 to 19 June, bringing together international meeting planners, association representatives and suppliers for a multi-city programme across Poznań and Szczecin.

Now in its fifth edition, the event will once again follow a hosted buyer format, while introducing a stronger integration with the GDS Forum and Impact Day 2026. The programme is structured around the theme “Value, Relevance and Impact”, reflecting a broader industry focus on the long-term role of business events.

The first part of the programme will take place in Poznań, where participants will engage in destination presentations, site visits and pre-arranged meetings with local and national suppliers. As in previous editions, the format is designed to facilitate direct business exchange between buyers and the Polish meetings industry.

The programme will then move to Szczecin, where participants will join the GDS Forum and Impact Day. This segment will focus on topics including sustainability, legacy, community engagement and the wider societal role of events. Sessions are expected to include workshops, discussions and collaborative formats involving destinations, associations and industry stakeholders.
 

The integration of both events reflects a growing alignment between destination promotion and impact-led discussions within the meetings sector. By combining a traditional hosted buyer programme with a forum focused on sustainability and governance, the format aims to provide both commercial and strategic perspectives.

Szczecin has been positioned as a case study within the programme, with organisers highlighting its ongoing urban development and sustainability initiatives. The city will host the GDS Forum component, including its awards programme and thematic sessions.

Across the full programme, participants will have access to networking activities, educational sessions and site visits, alongside opportunities to engage with local stakeholders and suppliers.

The combined format also reflects a wider trend in the industry, where events are increasingly expected to demonstrate not only economic value, but also measurable environmental and social outcomes.

Spotlight on Poland is organised by the Poland Convention Bureau, with support from regional partners and international industry organisations involved in the GDS Forum.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.