The closing meeting at PreZero Arena Gliwice marked the completion of the first edition of the MPI Future Professionals mentoring programme, and I can confidently say that the outcomes exceeded expectations in a remarkably short time.
I would like to thank the MPI Poland Chapter for the invitation to participate as a mentor. In retrospect, taking part in such a programme at the beginning of my own career would have been of immense value, which makes supporting emerging talent today even more meaningful. Through the programme coordinators – Nikola Naus and Viktoriia Yushkaliuk – I was paired with my mentee, Justyna Nerło.
The programme was officially launched on 8 December 2025 at Focus Hotel Premium in Warsaw. Fourteen mentor–mentee pairs took part, each committing to a minimum of nine sessions over a three-month period. From the outset, we signed a mentoring agreement defining expectations, objectives and delivery methods, ensuring a structured and results-driven approach aligned with professional standards in the MICE industry.
Our collaboration focused on key areas relevant to the international meetings and events sector, including intercultural differences, the strategic role of convention bureaux, destination marketing for Poland, and the application of AI-driven tools such as NotebookLM and Fireflies AI. Given my professional specialisation, we placed particular emphasis on digital marketing strategies and personal branding for graduates entering the business events industry. Starting with a personal brand audit, we developed a clear action plan, with tangible results visible within just three months.
An essential component of the programme was hands-on experience and industry networking. Together, we attended initiatives such as the IgersWarszawa community event at Novotel Warszawa Centrum, which provided valuable insight into content creator ecosystems, mobile photography, and short-form video production, as well as operational aspects of event delivery within a hotel environment. We also participated in the Forum Branży Eventowej 2026, further strengthening industry exposure and B2B connections.
During one of our final sessions, Justyna had the opportunity to meet the Poland Convention Bureau team at the Polish Tourism Organisation headquarters in Warsaw. This visit offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on how Poland is promoted as a competitive destination for meetings, conferences and incentive travel. In particular, discussions with Aneta Książek, Magda Mazgaj and Wojciech Norkowski provided valuable multi-perspective insights into destination management and international promotion.
The programme finale, held on 28 March 2026 at PreZero Arena Gliwice, created an excellent platform for reflection and knowledge exchange. Preparing our joint presentation and listening to the other ten mentor–mentee teams highlighted the importance of direct knowledge transfer and a partnership-based approach to professional development. As Justyna noted, gaining an “inside view” of the industry and connecting with its professionals not only broadened her perspective but also confirmed her ambition to build a career within the MICE sector. The programme enabled her to expand her professional network and significantly strengthen her confidence.
From a mentor’s perspective, it was a privilege to support this journey. The mentee’s commitment and initiative were the key drivers of success; my role was to provide direction and guidance. It was a genuine pleasure to work with someone so engaged and motivated. I am particularly pleased that one of the tangible outcomes of the programme is Justyna’s successful career start – since February, she has been working as a Junior Account Executive at Bespoke Agency. I look forward to following her continued professional growth and am confident we will hear much more about her in the future.
The first edition of the programme clearly demonstrated that effective mentoring in the meetings industry is not about providing ready-made answers, but about empowering individuals to build competencies, confidence and a deep understanding of how the sector operates. If Poland is to maintain and strengthen its competitive position as a leading business events destination, investment in talent development remains essential. It is hoped that future editions will attract not only students and young professionals but also experienced industry leaders willing to share their expertise.
Congratulations to all participants, and sincere thanks to the organisers and programme coordinators. Thanks to your efforts, this initiative is making a tangible impact on the development of future MICE professionals. Although the programme has only just concluded, interest in the next edition is already emerging – the strongest possible endorsement of its success.
See you in the next edition.
