Poland’s meetings industry is going green: the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland is spearheading a systemic ESG transformation
The Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland (SKKP) announces the launch of a groundbreaking project entitled
“Sustainable congresses and events: Implementation of global best practices and development of a self-certification system for the Polish meetings industry”. This initiative aims to systematically implement sustainability standards and prepare Polish conference venues for ESG reporting.
A response to global challenges
In an era of growing environmental awareness, sustainable development is becoming the cornerstone of the modern MICE sector. Polish venues are currently grappling with a lack of uniform standards and intense pressure from international corporations, which require environmental certifications when selecting event venues. The SKKP project removes these barriers by offering the industry concrete tools: from education to professional audits.
Key pillars of the project:
Professionalisation of staff: Training of approx. 200 entities through a series of 8 video lessons covering comprehensive knowledge of ESG (from decarbonisation to inclusivity).
Self-assessment and indicators: Developing a set of sustainability indicators and providing a platform for self-verification of standards.
International standards: Preparing industry leaders to obtain the prestigious Green Key certification.
Year-round promotion: Creating an interactive map and ‘Spotlight on Green Poland’ catalogue, presenting verified green venues to international planners.
GDS-Forum & Impact Day event in Szczecin
A key moment of the project will be the workshops taking place on 17 and 18 June 2026 in Szczecin during the prestigious GDS-Forum & Impact Day event, organised in collaboration with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement and #MEET4IMPACT. This action-oriented meeting will bring together destination leaders, innovators and associations to jointly design practical pathways for the social and regenerative impact of business events.
Our activities are fully
complementary to the Polish Tourist Organisation’s new nationwide project – the National Certification Programme for Sustainable Tourist Destinations, implemented in collaboration with the international organisation
Green Destinations. Whilst the PTO project focuses on implementing sustainable development models and certification at the level of entire destinations (cities, regions), the SKKP initiative focuses directly on conference venues and hotels. Together, the two programmes create a coherent synergy, building Poland’s image as a modern, responsible and eco-friendly destination for business and leisure tourism.
Join us in creating the “Spotlight on Green Poland” catalogue
A key element of our project is the creation of
an interactive map and the “Spotlight on Green Poland” catalogue. This publication will present verified venues and hotels directly to international and domestic event planners (meeting planners) seeking proven, sustainable venues for organising events. Your venue has the opportunity to become part of this prestigious list.
Take part in the survey
To accurately assess the current level of ESG implementation in Polish venues and to tailor support tools as effectively as possible, SKKP invites representatives of conference venues and hotels to complete a research survey.
Your input is crucial for determining the future direction of our industry’s transformation.
Link to the survey
“We have prepared free participation packages worth PLN 1,500 for the 20 people who complete the survey and attach their venue’s best policies and descriptions of good practices,” the Association announced.
The project is being implemented as part of a public task entitled “Sustainable congresses and events: Implementation of global best practices and development of a self-certification system for the Polish meetings industry”, co-financed by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism in accordance with agreement no. 2026.0030/1251/UDOT/DT/BP/IC.
