Under this slogan, the Silesia Convention Bureau, in collaboration with MeetingPlanner.pl, organized another study trip for meeting planners. The theme centered on connecting with nature, outdoor activities, and relaxation. “I came back with my batteries recharged to 200 percent,” says Ewelina Walczuk, CEO of Eurocon.
The visit to the region took place from July 6 to 8, 2026, and began in Żabnica, a picturesque town in the Silesian Region, in the Żywiec County.
– This was the most outdoor-focused study tour that we, as the Silesia Convention Bureau, have ever organized for meeting planners. We took our guests out into the countryside, surrounded by greenery on all sides. And even though the weather tried to play tricks on us, we ultimately managed to pull off everything we had planned – sums up Dominika Wojniak of the Silesia Convention Bureau.
The first item on the agenda was the “Hungry as Wolves” lunch, organized in a forest clearing and prepared by Catering24 using Pacyfik’s facilities. The menu reflected the flavors of the forest, featuring, among other dishes, mutton stew, venison roast beef with blueberries and juniper, stewed and marinated mushrooms, and spruce needle lemonade.
The group then set off into the forest. Michał Figura from Wildlife Seminar served as their guide in tracking wolves, sharing insights into the habits of these forest predators. The guests then headed to Lake Żywieckie, where they enjoyed a relaxing cruise on Flow Beskidy electric motorboats. Dinner was also held close to nature—on the rooftop overlooking the lake at Lake View Żywiec Resort & Spa. The tasting menu won over the hearts of the guests. The day ended with an after-party featuring DJ 5cet.
The second day began with yoga and breakfast on the grass. We also took a tour of the resort, which features a business center that can serve as a venue for medium-sized conferences. In addition to the terrace overlooking the lake, the resort’s highlights include the Sky Bar restaurant on the hotel’s rooftop and a private dock.
The B2B panel and the meeting with the local MICE industry took place at the International Congress Center in Katowice (MCK). The event was attended by representatives of companies operating in the Silesian Voivodeship, who held brief business meetings in a “fast date” format with the trip’s participants.
– It was a great idea to meet with companies from the region that operate nationwide. The scale and caliber of the events they handle came as a very pleasant surprise to me – says Jolanta Szymańska, project manager at Rival Group.
After touring the MCK, the nearby Spodek hosted “Return to the People’s Republic of Poland,” a meeting with a dignitary—an atmospheric story about the venue, organized by the Silesia Events agency. Planeta Smaku provided a buffet inspired by a bygone era.
For dinner, guests were invited to Boho Pogoria—a new event venue located in Dąbrowa Górnicza, within the buffer zone of the landscape park on Lake Pogoria I. Spectacularly flower-decorated tables and a perfectly curated feast of flavors awaited the guests. The dinner was complemented by a humorous and unconventional cheese and wine tasting from around the world, hosted by Fromażeria Kaiserhof. After a generous dose of knowledge and interesting facts about cheese-making, the evening concluded with a cocktail party featuring DJ Bruno. On that day, accommodations for the trip’s participants were provided by Novotel Katowice Centrum.
The last day of our stay in the region was marked by outdoor activities organized by Hurtownia Adrenaliny. The electric bike tour began with a visit to Głęboka Cave, home to an endemic species of spider. Along the way, there was a “Picnic Under the Hanging Rock” organized by Catering24 and a climb up Okiennik Wielki, followed by some downtime at the “Białe Skały” vineyard, owned by Hotel 51, combined with a wine tasting.
– I was surprised by the variety of natural attractions. On top of all that, there was delicious, sophisticated cuisine and dishes prepared with regional ingredients. Highlights included wine tastings from local vineyards and regional cheeses, themed lunches, dinners, and chill-out sessions. Creativity complemented by passion and hospitality. Silesia always has a way of surprising you – adds Jolanta Szymańska.
– It was three days full of inspiration, interesting experiences, and well-planned activities. The trip showed me just how much can be achieved by combining unexpected locations, local attractions, and a well-thought-out program. I’m returning with a head full of ideas and a fresh perspective on event planning – says Marta Wolniewicz, a conference planning specialist at Polpharma S.A., summarizing her visit.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice is a member of the Silesia Convention Bureau.