Kongres Magazine talked to Paula Fanderowska, Vice President of the Management Board of Krakow5020 Ltd., who was recently named among the top 10 Most Influential Hoteliers in 2021. Paula shared her advice for newcomers in the meetings industry and expressed her opinion on the future of events.
Q1: What does the title of the industry’s most influential individual in the region mean to you?
The title is more than a meaningful prize – it is an obligation. It is an obligation to engage in more promotional activities of ICE Kraków as a venue and the city as a destination, both at home and abroad. It is also a reward for our ongoing efforts and works in developing the industry in the new reality. For us, the staff and the venue’s management, it is an expression of appreciation of our efforts.
Q2: Can we say that you are a newcomer in the meetings industry? What inspires you?
The rapid spread of the pandemic meant that we all became newcomers to the meetings industry. We have had to learn to operate in the new realities, revise our strategies and adapt our promotional efforts. Fortunately, ICE Kraków’s team quickly found its feet in the new reality and became a benchmark for other industry representatives. It is important to inspire one another since it translates into the growth of the sector as a whole. Personally, I look for inspiration all around me. I observe other venues and destinations and look at how they are managed. Publications of the ICCA are an invaluable source of knowledge and experience. I follow the latest trends and think about how we can implement them locally. Given how dynamic the changes are, it is essential to respond to them rapidly.
Q3: You have contributed a lot to the development of the meetings industry. What would you say was your greatest achievement so far?
I would say it is the creation of the KRAKÓW NETWORK group, bringing together representatives of Kraków’s meetings industry for almost seven years. KRAKÓW NETWORK brings benefits for all members, including inspiration and strength rooted in trust and agency. It promotes individual companies and the city of Kraków as a good, flexible destination, as shown by the KRAKÓW NETWORK Protocol developed last year, as well as the fact that we have been chosen to host the 61st ICCA Congress. Members of the KRAKÓW NETWORK understand that working together is far more valuable than competing with one another, especially in pandemic times and realise that by joining forces, we can achieve goals that serve us all.
Q4: What changes would you like to see in the meetings industry in 2022?
In the two years of the pandemic, we have had time to take stock and consider the direction we would like to grow. In recent months we have become more attentive, aware and open to change. We have learned to adapt quickly to the latest changes, and we have become more aware of the impact of our activities on our surroundings and the environment. All this means that many venues, including ICE Kraków, have adapted how they function. Our consideration for our planet and the future generations means we are following the path of sustainable development, and we believe we should all stick to it as an industry.
Q5: What is your prediction for the future of meetings?
I think we will see more instability and uncertainty this year. Whether events are held will continue to depend on the latest waves of the pandemic. Still, I think we are getting closer to the point when the situation stabilises, and we will be able to return to hosting in-person events, which we are all missing so much – and in any case, hybrid events are here to stay. During the pandemic, we noted many positive aspects of moving events online. These included expanded reach, improved accessibility and reduced carbon footprint, an important element of our sustainable development policies.
Q6: What is your advice for young colleagues making their way in the meetings industry?
The most important element of the meetings industry is maintaining good relationships with your contacts. We operate as part of an ecosystem of interconnected elements, and we can only achieve success by working together.
“Our consideration for our planet and the future generations means we are following the path of sustainable development, and we believe we should all stick to it as an industry.”
Q7: Were you more exposed in public after being placed on our list? Do you see this as an opportunity to reinforce the prominence of our industry in general?
Every time we are included in a ranking, both the venue and its staff become more prominent. When the personal qualities of individuals working at the venue are appreciated, it makes the venue more credible in the eyes of its clients and business partners. For me, receiving a personal accolade as ICE Kraków’s manager means praise for the entire team – every individual who works hard to make ICE Kraków the best congress centre in Poland and Europe.
Q8: What are your thoughts on our selection of the influencers?
The listing prepared by Kongres Magazine features many familiar faces and experts. I think the selection is highly apt. For keen observers of the market, the ranking is an accurate reflection of the past year: the most active venues, bureaus representing destinations and individuals working in the meetings industry in New Europe.
Q9: In your opinion, who deserves the title of the TOP influencer if you had to choose from the finalists yourself?
The finalists include several people I know personally and work with. I can see the results of their hard work, and I appreciate their engagement in promoting the meetings industry. Hence, I could not pick a single top influencer. I extend my congratulations to everyone in the listing!
