A turning point and inspiration: how the crisis gave rise to a new mission

It all began during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then, at Symposium Cracoviense, that we realised the market and the world had changed irrevocably. The meetings industry was faced with questions about its future and its responsibility for health, social wellbeing and the natural environment. The ICCA 2020 Congress and the so-called Kaohsiung Protocol served as our inspiration. We joined the Kraków Network group, creating a roadmap for sustainable development for Kraków’s MICE sector. The first practical test came with the ICCA 2022 Congress in Kraków – it was there that we measured the event’s carbon footprint for the first time, implemented environmental projects and launched tangible support for the local community.

A green office and an ethical foundation

In choosing the path of sustainable development, we started from a simple premise: you cannot promote ‘green events’ (green meetings) whilst operating on the basis of high-carbon energy sources. That is why we put our own house in order:

• 100% renewable energy in the office: Our office is powered entirely by renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biogas, hydro), which has enabled us to significantly reduce our Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
• Zero-waste & digital-first culture: We prioritise the digitalisation of processes and the circular economy.
• Ethical and inclusivity standards: 90 per cent of our team are women, and our reports—which show no breaches—confirm that we uphold the highest ethical and anti-corruption standards. Our Happiness Manager—Dante the dog!—looks after our staff’s wellbeing.

Real reduction in carbon footprint and the zero-waste principle at events

As a professional conference organiser (PCO), we translate the Net Zero Carbon Events guidelines and the international strategy into specific metrics and practices during events:

• We measure the carbon footprint of the events we organise
• We aim for 50 per cent of the conference menu to consist of vegetarian and vegan dishes, using local produce, which reduces the carbon footprint. 
• We have phased out single-use crockery and cutlery in favour of reusable items, and we provide stations with fresh water for participants to refill their own water bottles.
• We provide free public transport for participants at international conferences in Kraków. 

Legacy projects for nature and the community

For us, sustainable development is about more than just numbers.

• In collaboration with the Posadzimy.pl Foundation, we have already planted a total of 2,000 trees in various locations across Poland.
• As part of the congresses organised in recent years, we have offered, amongst other things, open scientific workshops for local residents, mentoring programmes for young women, scholarships and free attendance for students.

Credibility backed by certificates

We don’t just pay lip service. Our commitment is confirmed by independent organisations:

• Green Meetings Silver: We were the first company in Poland to be awarded the international Green Meetings Silver certificate, with an overall score of 71 per cent.
• EcoVadis Silver Rating: A score of 69 out of 100 places us amongst the top 15 per cent of companies worldwide on the EcoVadis platform.
• GSTC & Net Zero Carbon Events: Our CEO, Anna Jędrocha, has obtained GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification, and as a signatory to Net Zero Carbon Events, the company is striving to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050.

Looking to the future: education and a roadmap for the industry

We do not rest on our laurels. We are launching nationwide projects, such as ‘Sustainable Congresses and Events’ in partnership with the Association of Conferences and Congresses in Poland (SKKP), with the aim of creating a map of sustainable venues across the country. Transforming the MICE industry begins with education, and Symposium Cracoviense aims to be a leader that inspires and demonstrates that major business events can and must operate in harmony with the planet.