INTRO: Can you describe your convention centre using only four words?
ICE Congress Centre is the business and cultural flagship of Kraków.
Q1: What differentiates your convention centre from others?
We are a multifunctional venue located in the very heart of the city. Our added value is the well-experienced team and the ultramodern venue – the best combination of both (we believe this is our key to success). The idea of a one-stop shop is another huge advantage. As a Congress Centre, we can offer a multitude of products and services to our customers – all under one roof.
Q2: What are the novelties of your convention centre in 2024?
Reducing the carbon footprint is essential for us being part of the meetings and events industry. That is not only due to the legal obligations but also because of an increasing number of clients who consider ecology and environmental care when choosing a company to work with. In 2022, we drafted (established) the ‘Sustainable Development Policy’. This year, we have decided to develop the ESG strategy for ICE Krakow Congress Centre based on trends and guest opinions.
Q3: As one of the leading experts in the industry, what are your thoughts on the ChatGPT craze? Is this another marketing hype or an actual tool that will make boring, routine jobs a lot easier?
While we appreciate the power of services like the ChatGPT, we put people first in our business. We believe that tools like the ChatGPT are helpful, but we rely on direct human contact in our team. We believe that this approach adds value towards our business partners.
Q4: What skills should a 21st-century event organiser possess?
We live in the “VUCA world”, which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. This term has become prevalent in the business world in recent years. Our goal is to be flexible and focused on problem-solving. We see ourselves as more than just a venue provider; we strive to be a concierge who guides our clients and business partners through the entire organisational process.
Q5: We cannot avoid discussing the sustainable transformation of our industry. What must we do to create a world where more than nine billion people can live decently within planetary boundaries?
Today, the change is occurring rapidly and globally, affecting the economy, public sentiment and business. It is crucial to closely observe the current situation and respond accordingly. When implementing changes, we must begin with ourselves and our daily routines. That is our path to transformation and development. Several years ago, we initiated the Sustainable Development Policy for ICE Krakow Congress Centre. We have already implemented some activities at the facility in line with ESG principles. ESG strategy will be created for ICE Krakow, but we hope it will provide useful directions and solutions for the entire industry.
Q6: What is your definition of true hospitality?
The guiding principle for all our units and initiatives taken by Kraków5020, who is the operator of ICE Krakow Congress Centre, is the New Hospitality. As the Host City, we redefine the concept of hospitality for our customers, users, visitors, residents and business partners. We strive to build a customer experience that is enriched by cultural codes and responds to the challenges of our times. The New Hospitality is characterised by openness, approachability, respect, and reciprocity. It also involves a willingness to share what we are proud of in order to build community.
“To achieve the goal of zero carbon for events, the initial step should be to standardise and harmonise the EU regulations on carbon footprint calculators for events and the whole MICE industry.”
Q7: Can you name one problem the entire meetings industry should solve together?
According to IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) reports, carbon dioxide emissions have the greatest impact on the changing climate. The only way to avoid catastrophic consequences is to drastically reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere. That is the moment when the whole world faces one of the greatest challenges in human history. The world is moving towards zero-carbon and the rapid diffusion of clean technologies is encouraging. To achieve the goal of zero carbon for events, the initial step should be to standardise and harmonise the EU regulations on carbon footprint calculators for events and the whole MICE industry.
Q8: Do you enjoy podcasts? Which is your favourite?
Podcasts are a great way to share knowledge. There is a range of science or business podcasts available that can be both inspiring and help solve everyday problems, but it is hard to name one favourite in particular.
Q9: What is the best travel advice you have ever received?
Instead of just passing through a destination, focus on being present and fully experiencing it. That will make your experience of the place unique. That is also what we identify with as the New Hospitality. We understand it as the conscious utilisation of a destination’s cultural, business, and innovation potential.
Q10: If you could take anything home from your favourite hotel, what would it be?
The primary focus should be kept on the experience and participation in the life of the local community. This approach is contemporary and based on both local and European cultural codes.
Learn more about ICE Krakow Congress Centre here.
