Poznań Through the Eyes of the World: Safe for the French, Clean for the Dutch. This Is How a Congress Capital Is Built
While for residents life in Poznań is simply everyday reality, the global business community views the city from an entirely different perspective. As highlighted during the latest meeting of the Poznań Club of Congress Ambassadors, the capital of the Greater Poland region stands out for its safety, cleanliness, and—perhaps most notably—its hospitality.
Robert Wielicki, President of the Management Board of Grupa MTP, and Sabrina Żymierska, Director of the Congress Venues Group, are unequivocal: it is human capital that builds the city’s position on the MICE map.
A Perspective That Changes Everything
One of the biggest mistakes event organizers make is viewing a destination solely through their own lens. Discussions among experts at Grupa MTP lead to a clear conclusion: what may feel ordinary to a resident can represent unique value to an international delegate.
The analyses presented during the meeting paint a compelling picture of Poznań as seen from across Europe:
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The French regard Poznań as a benchmark for safety.
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The Dutch are impressed by its cleanliness and the unexpectedly high amount of urban greenery.
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Germans—traditionally associated with order and structure—most appreciate the city’s hospitality and warmth.
Understanding these differences is not merely an interesting insight; it forms the foundation of the Poznań Event Hub strategy. Effective promotion of the city as a congress destination must be based on what visitors genuinely seek, rather than on what locals assume to be important.
Logistics: The Heart in the Center, Eyes on the Airport
Poznań offers a competitive advantage rarely found on a European scale: a true “city within a city.” The location of its exhibition and congress venues in the very center of town, in direct proximity to extensive hotel infrastructure, provides a logistical edge that is difficult to overstate.
However, infrastructure alone is not enough. Connectivity is the critical link. Kuba Olejniczak of Poznań Airport, summarizing 2025, clearly outlined the direction ahead: 2026 will bring new flight connections designed to further shorten the distance between Poznań and global business hubs. Today, direct accessibility is a decisive factor for securing major international congresses.
Forty Professors for One City
Poznań’s competitive strength does not stem from infrastructure alone. Human capital ultimately determines whether a prestigious international event chooses this destination. The Poznań Club of Congress Ambassadors brings together more than 40 professors and researchers from leading universities who actively advocate for the city on the international stage.