Warsaw recently buzzed with excitement as two landmark events in the Polish sports industry unfolded almost concurrently. The IX Kongres Sport Biznes Polska, a major conference aimed at bolstering the role of women in sports and addressing key organizational challenges, took place shortly before the announcement of this year’s Sport Biznes Polska Awards.
The Kongres kicked off with a riveting discussion that raised essential questions, including, “How can we create developmental opportunities for women in sports, both on the field and in management roles?” Leading voices in the industry, including Łukasz Banaszak, Managing Director of Sport Biznes Polska, highlighted that the current landscape is not just about meeting quotas but unleashing a potential that remains largely untapped. “Polish sports stand before a huge opportunity, but it is crucial to approach it strategically,” Banaszak asserted, emphasizing the need for collaboration, investment, and a willingness to embrace change.
With engaging discussions on sustainable sponsorship, marketing strategies focused on engaging Generation Z, and the implementation of new technologies in sports management, the Kongres attracted an impressive turnout of 1,500 participants from across Poland. Among the 110 speakers were industry leaders and athletes, contributing to 50 dynamic panels and presentations that sparked lively exchanges and new business connections.
Although the Kongres concluded, its ripple effects continue to resonate for participants, who left with fresh ideas and insights into how to drive polish sports forward. Looking ahead, another key event is set for June 10, 2025, when Sport For Brands will take place in Sopot.
Just days after the Kongres, the Sport Biznes Polska Awards 2024 were presented on March 18, 2025, in a ceremonial gala held at the Hilton Warsaw City. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in the sports business sector and honored various contributors who are facilitating growth, innovation, and popularity in sports.
With nearly 1,000 key industry representatives attending, the awards ceremony was co-hosted by sports journalists Aleksandra Szutenberg and Piotr Olszowski. Broadcasting live on Polsat Sport 2, the ceremony showcased 16 awards across four distinct sectors: Sponsoring and Marketing, Sports Organizations and Athletes, Sports in Local Government, and Special Awards.
This year saw an impressive nearly 600 nominations, from which three finalists were selected in each category through a transparent selection process involving a jury of closer to 100 members, including board members of the association and program council. One of the prominent winners was the Polski Związek Piłki Siatkowej (PZPS), whose president, Sebastian Świderski, accepted the award with a heartfelt speech thanking partners like Orlen and Polkomtel.
“It is an absolute honor to receive this prestigious award. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all our collaborators who made it possible for us to be here today,” Świderski said. He highlighted the importance of support from longstanding partners such as Orlen as well as newer partners including Rexona and PayPo, acknowledging that their contributions were vital for ongoing progress in Polish volleyball.
The award for the Sponsor of the Year went to Orlen, while the event of the year accolade was claimed by the Diamentowa Liga Silesia Memoriał Kamili Skolimowskiej. These awards recognize not just excellence but search for innovative efforts that advance the sport landscape.
This year's Sport Biznes Polska Awards encapsulated the continued evolution of Polish sports, where collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning are pivotal. As the industry joyously celebrated its accomplishments, the need for future-forward thinking and collaboration looms large.
With significant events lined up and the community's collective determination, the Polish sports sector is poised to usher in an era of growth and inclusivity.
