The 15th edition of the European Congress of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises will take place on October 27-28 at the International Congress Centre in Katowice. The main theme of this year’s event is 'HERE & NOW,’ highlighting the need for immediate action in response to dynamic changes in the economy, geopolitics, and technology.
– We cannot be just passively watching the reality. The world is not waiting and the future does not begin tomorrow. It is happening now. The question is whether we will be its architects or its executors. – says Tomasz Zjawiony, the President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice which is organizing the Congress.
The Agenda for the 2025 Congress
The Congress agenda includes ten distinct tracks, each focusing on a different topic and addressing the critical needs of the SME sector:
- HERE & NOW – main track,
- AI and digitalization in development of companies,
- Tech Trends – startups and innovations,
- Company is people,
- Barriers and challenges in enterprise’s development,
- Cities of teh future,
- Law and taxes,
- Development finance,
- Marketing and sales,
- International Talks – international track.
The agenda includes numerous panels, workshops, and accompanying events, such as the annual RIG Community Gala at the NOSPR in Katowice, the ceremony for the Economic Awards of the European Congress of SME, which honors leaders setting new standards in business (in previous years, among the honorees were Beata Drzazga, Konrad Howard, Rafał Modrzewski, Rafał Brzoska, Rafał Sonik, and Dr. Maciej Kawecki), as well as E-commerce Business Innovations 2025.
A Key Workshop on the Future of the Single Market
This year, one of the highlighted events of the Congress will be a special workshop titled „Single Market Reforms – Challenges and Opportunities for European SMEs,” hosted by the Partner of RIG in Katowice, European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME.
The workshop will focus on:
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Discussion on proposals for simplifications that will increase the competitiveness of SMEs in the EU,
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Exchange of experiences between organizations from the European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME network, emphasizing the importance of a joint voice in Brussels,
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Formulation of recommendations for the legislative white paper on SME development within the EU Single Market.
This workshop will provide a platform for practical dialogue and policy advocacy, reinforcing the Congress’s position as a key venue for shaping Europe’s SME strategy.
Congress with global presence
For years, this event has been hosting not only entrepreneurs from the SME sector but also representatives from large corporations and international institutions. According to data from the European Commission, one in five European SMEs collaborates as a distributor with major corporations.
Last year’s edition gathered almost 10 thousand participants, 350 experts and over 100 panels and workshops. This year, the Congress program has been carefully crafted in response to the most pressing challenges in modern business, largely thanks to the suggestions and needs expressed by participants of the 2024 edition.
Become a Congress Partner
The organizers invite companies and institutions to participate as event partners. Those who decide to join the partner network will gain access to a unique platform for knowledge exchange, brand promotion among market leaders, and the opportunity to co-create one of the most important economic debates in Central and Eastern Europe. Congress partners will be featured in the event’s media space, gain access to exclusive networking sessions, and have an influence on the shaping of the agenda.
Contact for media:
Magdalena Jarocka, Director for PR and Marketing