Participant registration
WELCOMING REMARKS. Opening of the forum.
Special Guest Speech
Poland and CEE in Numbers – 2025 Hotel Performance According to STR
One-on-One Conversation
An exclusive conversation with Jaidev Menezes, Marriott International's Regional Vice President for Mixed-Use Development, EMEA. In this one-on-one session, Nicolas Horky, a leading transaction advisor in the region, will explore the financial models, investment criteria, and real-world viability of developing these ambitious projects in Poland. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into strategy and future development trends directly from a global industry leader.
Jaidev MenezesJaidev Menezes
Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Marriott International
MARKET LEADERS’ PANEL: Poland vs CEE: Where to Invest Today and What to Avoid? Strategies and Priorities of Market Leaders.
A discussion on where in Poland and the CEE region it is truly worth investing in hotels today, and which segments and locations should be avoided. Top investors and representatives of leading hotel networks will clearly indicate their priorities and approach to new projects in the context of rising costs, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty. No generalities – concrete criteria, examples, and firm declarations.
Networking coffee break
Regulation and short-term rentals control – what changes await the market?
The panel will focus on which regulations regarding short-term rentals may come into effect in Poland and the CEE region and how they will impact the market. Experts will assess which solutions are most needed, whether the new regulations can level the playing field between hotels and apartments, and whether the regulations will foster the development of the traditional hotel industry.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Hotel Today?
A panel dedicated to the current costs of hotel construction in Poland – from the economy segment to luxury. Experts will present the cost ranges per square meter and per room, point out the main factors influencing investment budgets, and discuss where savings can be found today, and where there is no more room for optimization. The discussion will allow participants to quickly compare cost levels and standard requirements for new hotel projects
Lunch
Financing Hotels: Are Banks Lending Again – and on What Terms?
High interest rates and a cautious approach by banks have significantly hindered hotel financing in recent years. Experts from financial institutions will explain what LTV ratios and margins can be expected, what collateral is currently required from investors, and when it is worth considering alternative sources of capital — such as mezzanine debt, private funds, or ESG support. The panel will provide clear guidelines for anyone considering a new hotel investment – whether it is the right time, or better to wait.
Bratosława MordzińskaBratosława Mordzińska
Menedżer ds. Finansowania Specjalistycznego, Santander Bank Polska
Luxury in Poland – Aspirations and Reality
A panel focused on the realities of the luxury hotel market in Poland, showing where there is truly lasting demand for the premium segment, and where we are dealing with a temporary trend driven by individual projects. Experts will analyze which cities and locations are genuinely ready for the entry of global luxury brands, and where investments remain risky. An important topic will also be the division of margins and profits – who really benefits from the growth of luxury: investors, operators, or only international brands. The discussion aims to provide clear answers on where real value in the Polish premium hotel segment is being created.
Best of Revenue Management. Technologies that make money – what really works in hotel revenue and automation?
The growing technological divide separates chain hotels from independent ones, directly impacting their profitability. To show how to bridge this gap, we invited top practitioners – winners of the "Hotelier of the Year" competition in the "Revenue Manager" category. They will show you where to start and which tools to invest in to effectively compete for revenue in any conditions.
Networking coffee break
The Hotel Team 2035: Where to Find Employees, How to Maintain Quality, and When to Rely on AI?
According to forecasts, by 2035 the number of employees in Poland will decrease by as much as 2.1 million, and the hotel sector is already facing a growing staff shortage – especially in areas where technology cannot easily replace people. This panel will be a discussion of practical strategies for recruiting and managing personnel in these new realities: how to build and maintain a multicultural team, how to maintain service quality despite rising labor costs, and where technology and AI can genuinely support hotel teams without lowering guest service standards.
Summer Season Recap and Outlook for the Next Year – City Hotel GMs’ Perspective
Summer Season Recap and Outlook for the Next Year – Resort Hotel GMs’ Perspective
Organisational break
Networking
Networking Gala and the “Hotelier of the Year 2025” Awards Ceremony