Poland is stepping up efforts to bring the Web Summit conference to the country, with Warsaw currently viewed as the front-runner, according to Deputy Minister for Digital Affairs Rafał Rosiński.
Discussions are underway about moving the global tech gathering from Lisbon, where it has been held since 2016, once the current agreement expires in 2028. Although the potential hosting costs would be significant, Rosiński said the long-term gains, especially increased foreign investment and stronger international visibility for Poland’s tech sector, could outweigh the expense.
No final decision has been made on the host city, but Warsaw is considered best positioned, while Kraków and Gdańsk remain alternatives. Key considerations include accommodation capacity and accessibility via international flights.
Rosiński highlighted Poland’s growing role in the European technology landscape, describing it as the largest and one of the most dynamic startup markets in Central and Eastern Europe. In his view, this momentum makes Poland an appealing option for global event organizers.
As Winged IT, we had the honor of representing Poland this year as one of the 30 companies showcased at the national booth. During the event, we clearly saw strong international interest in Polish technology.
This interest stems from several factors, most notably the high quality of Polish programmers, as well as our open-minded approach and collaborative work culture. There is no doubt that Poland is an excellent choice, and the country’s strong presence at the event has further strengthened its profile as a compelling candidate to host future editions of the conference.
Beyond Web Summit, Polish authorities are also reportedly in talks to attract GITEX, another major international technology exhibition, as part of a broader strategy to position Poland as a leading hub for global tech events.
Main Photo Source: Web Summit on Flickr