We hope you had a fantastic time at the 21st edition of the ESPO Conference in Thessaloniki! Relive the highlights by exploring our gallery of photos and speaker presentations here.

Get ready for the next unforgettable chapter and join us in Gdańsk in May 2026 for the 22nd ESPO Conference. We can’t wait to welcome you there!

ABOUT THE VENUE - Hilton Gdańsk

• Address: Targ Rybny 1, 80-838 Gdansk, Pomeranian
• T: +48 58 778 71 00, W: Gdansk Hotels - Hilton Gdansk Hotel - Old Town Gdansk

Hilton Gdańsk offers a modern, flexible and professionally equipped conference space ideal for a wide range of business events — from executive board meetings and corporate seminars to large conferences and banquets.

Key features include:

• Total event space of up to ~556 m².
• A combination of rooms that can be linked together for larger functions or used individually for more intimate gatherings.
• Capacity to host corporate conferences, networking receptions, training sessions, and formal dinners, with flexible layouts such as theatre, classroom, U-shape and banquet configurations.
• Full business support services, including high-speed internet, a business center, and professional catering tailored to the needs of event participants.

This combination of flexible space, professional infrastructure, and Hilton’s global service standards makes the venue well suited to both local Polish businesses and international corporate clients looking to host successful business events in the heart of Gdańsk. While not a historic building itself, its location is steeped in history. The surrounding Granary Island and the riverfront were once essential components of Gdańsk’s grain trade, forming one of the most important commercial districts in the Hanseatic League era. The modern redevelopment of this area highlights the city’s transformation from a merchant powerhouse to a top tourism and hospitality destination. From a business perspective, Hilton Gdańsk serves as a flagship property for the region, strengthening the city’s position in the premium MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) market. Its facilities—conference halls, luxury suites, fine dining, spa services, and panoramic event spaces—make it attractive for corporate clients, international business travelers, and upscale tourism. It plays an important role in elevating the overall hospitality standards of Gdańsk.

ACCOMODATION

Below is a selection of hotels, all within a walking distance of the conference venue: 

PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto: This hotel offers a stylish stay in the heart of Gdańsk, just steps from the Green Gate (150 m) and the famous Long Market (300 m). The modern hotel features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary bikes for exploring the city. Air-conditioned rooms are sleek and comfortable, each equipped with an iPad, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy complimentary hot beverages. With a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, meeting facilities, and laundry services, the hotel is ideal for both comfort and convenience. Popular attractions such as Artus Court (350 m), the Main Town Hall (400 m), and the National Museum (1.1 km) are within easy reach, while Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is approximately 18 km away. We made a block-booking of 100 rooms.

• Address: Stągiewna 26, Centrum, 80-750, Gdańsk, Poland
• Website: PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto

Radisson Hotel & Suites, Gdańsk: Radisson Hotel & Apartments Gdańsk offers a modern stay in the heart of Gdańsk, featuring air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, a 24-hour front desk, and private on-site parking. Rooms are stylish and functional, each with a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, electric kettle, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms also include a kitchen with a fridge, perfect for longer stays, and all rooms have a work desk. Start the day with a buffet breakfast, relax at the on-site bar, or make use of the business area for work and meetings, all within easy reach of Gdańsk’s city center.

• Address: Chmielna 10-25, Wyspa Spichrzów, Centrum, 80-748, Gdansk, Poland
• Website: Radisson Hotel & Suites, Gdańsk

HOW TO GET TO THE CONFERENCE VENUE

PURO Hotel Gdańsk is located about one kilometre from Hilton Gdańsk, which translates into a pleasant 12–15 minute walk through the Old Town. Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdańsk is even closer, with a walking distance of approximately 500 metres to one kilometre, allowing guests to reach Hilton Gdańsk in about 5–10 minutes. 

Taxi Service: 

THE DINNER - The Shipyard Hall, Doki1

Address: Dockowa 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland

Located in the heart of the legendary Gdańsk Shipyard, the hall on Elektryków Street, embodies the raw, industrial character of this historic district. Today, it stands at the intersection of culture, nightlife, and post-industrial revitalization, attracting both tourists and locals. Historically, the Gdańsk Shipyard is a symbol of modern European history. This is where the Solidarity movement emerged in the 1980s, contributing to the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. The preserved industrial halls evoke decades of shipbuilding tradition and the workers’ activism that reshaped the political landscape. From a business standpoint, the area has become a dynamic creative hub. Its repurposed industrial spaces host concerts, festivals, startups, and innovative cultural projects, making it one of the most attractive investment zones for the creative economy in northern Poland. For visitors, the location provides a unique mix: post-industrial aesthetics, cutting-edge events, and strong historical significance—all of which enhance the city’s modern tourism portfolio.

ABOUT GDANSK

Gdańsk is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with a history spanning over a thousand years and one of the most valuable historic ensembles in the country. Shaped by maritime trade, international contacts and key historical events, the city has played an important role not only in Polish history, but also in the history of Europe. Today, Gdańsk combines its rich cultural heritage with a strong seaside character, offering attractions for lovers of history, architecture, nature and good cuisine.

HOW TO ARRIVE IN GDANSK

MUST SEE IN GDANSK

FOR HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS

• Westerplatte: The site where World War II began on 1 September 1939. Today it is one of Europe’s most important places of remembrance, featuring the 25-metre Monument to the Defenders of the Coast and the symbolic inscription “Never Again War”.
• Museum of the Second World War: One of the largest and most modern narrative museums in Europe, presenting the origins, course and consequences of the conflict in a broad international context.
• Gdańsk Shipyard: The birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which initiated peaceful political changes in Central and Eastern Europe.    
• European Solidarity Centre: A unique, architecturally distinctive institution documenting the history of Solidarity, democratic opposition and political transformation, as well as a venue for cultural events and debates.
• Wisłoujście Fortress: A former port fortress guarding the entrance to the harbour, today a branch of the Museum of Gdańsk, illustrating the city’s historic maritime defence system.

FOR ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE LOVERS

• Main Town: The historic heart of Gdańsk, with its preserved urban layout, tenement houses and representative public buildings.
• The Crane (Żuraw): The largest and oldest preserved medieval port crane in Europe, symbolising the maritime and trading heritage of the city.
• Long Embankment (Długie Pobrzeże): A waterfront promenade along the Motława River, ideal for walks and views of historic port architecture. 
• St. Mary’s Church: One of the largest brick churches in the world and a prime example of Gothic architecture, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Main Town Hall: The former seat of city authorities, now a museum dedicated to the history of Gdańsk.

FOR NATURE AND RELAXATION LOVERS

• Oliwa Park: A historic park with French, English and Japanese-style gardens and the Abbots’ Palace, offering a calm, green escape from the city centre.
• City beaches: Brzeźno Beach and Jelitkowo Beach: Wide, sandy beaches with piers and walking and cycling paths along the Gulf of Gdańsk, easily accessible from the city centre.
• Sobieszewo Island: A natural part of Gdańsk with nature reserves, dunes and quiet beaches — ideal for enjoying nature away from the urban area.

EVENTS WORTH ATTENDING DURING YOUR STAY IN GDANSK

• André Rieu – Live in Concert 6 May 2026 | ERGO ARENAA - Spectacular classical music evening featuring opera, operetta, film music and romantic waltzes, performed by André Rieu and the Johann Strauss. For more inforation, click here.

• Enrique Iglesias – Live in Gdańsk 9 May 2026 | Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk - The global pop icon will perform his only concert in Poland and first European show of 2026, delivering a high-energy performance with his greatest hits. For more information, click here.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

• Piwna47 Food & Wine Bar — Ul. Piwna 47, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland  
• TYGLE — Chmielna 10, 80-748 Gdańsk, Poland
• Chleb i Wino Chmielna — Chmielna 3/7, 80-748 Gdańsk, Poland 
• Chleb i Wino Stągiewna — Stągiewna 17, 80-750 Gdańsk, Poland
• Gvara — Chlebnicka 48/51, 80-830 Gdańsk, Poland
• Motlava Restaurant — Stara Stocznia 2/1, 80-858 Gdańsk, Poland
• Port Fromage — Grodzka 9, 80-841 Gdańsk, Poland

RECOMMENDED BARS

• Wiśniewski Gdańsk — Ul. Piwna 22, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
• Craft Cocktails Piwna - Cocktail Bar — Ul. Piwna 56/1, 80-835 Gdańsk, Poland
• Flisak '76 | Cocktail Bar — Chlebnicka 9/10, 80-830 Gdańsk, Poland
• Mała Sztuka Cocktail Bar — Powroźnicza 13/15, 80-828 Gdańsk, Poland
• Tiki Jungle — Ul. Piwna 50/51, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland