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.
Take part in the survey and win a participation package for the GDS Awards Ceremony & Impact Day
SKKP invites representatives of conference venues and hotels to complete a survey assessing the current level of implementation of ESG practices.
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 prize includes participation in the “The FUTURE IS NOW” workshop, the GDS Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner (17 June), GDS Impact Day (18 June) and accommodation in Szczecin. More information: https://www.gds.earth/forum-impact-day-2026/
Winners will be selected by 15 May this year.
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.
