The most important business events in Katowice

Katowice is a major economic center in Poland, hosting numerous business events (including the European Economic Congress, the European Congress of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and various trade fairs held in Katowice). These events attract both local and foreign investors and experts from various industries and promote the region’s development internationally. This article provides information on several of the most important business events that regularly take place in Katowice and constitute key moments in the city’s economic calendar.

European Economic Congress (EEC)

The European Economic Congress (EEC), held annually in Katowice, is one of the most important economic events not only in Silesia but also in Central Europe. It is a massive undertaking, bringing together a large number of panelists from the worlds of politics, business, science, and media. During the 2025 economic congress in Katowice, panels were led by over 1,300 speakers, and the event was attended by approximately 18,000 participants, both in person and online.

The Congress provides a platform for discussion on key challenges and opportunities for the European economy. Its goal is to promote dialogue on business, politics, and the social aspects of development. It is an event that connects people from various sectors, inspiring the creation of innovative solutions and joint action. Numerous panel discussions, workshops, and presentations will take place throughout the event, addressing topics related to innovation, sustainable development, energy, and digitalization. The EEC in Katowice also provides an opportunity to establish valuable business contacts and exchange experiences between experts from various fields.

The economic congress in Katowice is accompanied by numerous additional events, such as the EEC Talks, a series of debates and interviews devoted to various aspects of economics and politics. Furthermore, industry competitions, such as Investor Without Borders and the EEC Startup Challenge, promote innovative solutions and best business practices. Banquets are also a regular part of the program, creating conditions for building international relationships in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The 2026 congress program focuses on key economic and development challenges. Key topics of debates and lectures include issues related to security and economic sovereignty, green and digital transformation, as well as new models for investment and financing development. Congress participants will also discuss the role of industry in a dynamically changing world, technological innovations – including artificial intelligence and automation – the importance of international cooperation, and regional competitiveness.

The next edition of the European Economic Congress in Katowice will take place on April 22-24, 2026 at the International Congress Centre and the adjacent iconic Spodek Arena.

Planning to come to Katowice for a congress? Check out our hotel accommodation options in Katowice.

European Congress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The European Congress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Katowice is also an international event, the largest for this sector in Europe. Its 15th edition will take place in the fall of 2025. This meeting is attended by people from both the business world and its surroundings – central and local government administration, as well as representatives of academia. As the name suggests, the SME Congress in Katowice is aimed at participants in the small and medium-sized enterprise market – entrepreneurs representing this group, but also all companies, institutions, and organizations that directly cooperate with this sector.

The congress program covers a wide range of topics related to the functioning of SMEs – innovation and new technologies, financing and investment, sustainable development and ecology, and law and regulation. The European SME Congress in Katowice features not only numerous panel discussions but also various workshops, networking sessions, business fairs, and competitions. This provides a forum for exchanging experiences and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in Europe. The event aims to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, promote innovation, and build relationships between entrepreneurs, scientists, and public administration representatives. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest trends and establish valuable business contacts.

The next edition of the European SME Congress in Katowice will take place on October 27-28, 2025.

Business fair in Katowice

In addition to congresses, Katowice also hosts numerous business events. It’s also an excellent place to exchange experiences, strengthen business relationships, and learn about innovations. Among the most important are the SilesiaBUD Construction, Installations and Renewable Energy Fair (and the accompanying Real Estate & House Building Fair), the International Expo Katowice Trade Fair (heavy industry), and the Toolex International Trade Fair of Machine Tools, Tools and Processing Technology.

SilesiaBUD 

One of the most important trade fairs in Katowice is undoubtedly SilesiaBUD – the Construction, Installations and Renewable Energy Fair. In addition to traditional stands, the event offers the opportunity to seek expert opinions during various workshops and meetings with experts. It also hosts a trade fair related to real estate and interior design – the accompanying event is the Real Estate & House Construction Fair. Developers and financial advisors attend every year, and the event covers both the primary and secondary markets.

The next edition of this fair in Katowice will take place on March 7-8, 2026, at the International Congress Center.

International Fair Expo Katowice

Another event worth attention is the heavy industry trade fair – the International Fair Expo Katowice, which has been held since 1982 (previously as the International Fair of Mining, Energy and Metallurgy), each year attracting several hundred companies from various industries presenting their latest products and services, as well as thousands of visitors.

This event is a showcase for the latest technologies, machinery, and solutions across various heavy industry sectors. Exhibitors showcase products and services from sectors including mining, energy, metallurgy, industrial automation, environmental protection technologies, and many others. This trade fair attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the world, making it one of the largest and most important meetings of its kind in Europe. It is therefore an excellent opportunity to establish international contacts and collaborate. Numerous conferences, seminars, and discussion panels are held throughout the event, creating opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experiences. EXPO Katowice is of great importance for the region and the entire country. It promotes technological development and innovation, supports local industry, and contributes to the region’s economic development. The next edition will take place on September 9-11, 2026.

Toolex International Trade Fair of Machine Tools, Tools and Processing Technology

This is not only one of the most important trade fairs in Katowice, but also the largest trade fair in Poland for the machine tools and metalworking tools industry. The event is international in scope; in the previous edition, exhibitors came from eight different countries, and over 5,000 people attended. The event also featured „The Best of Industry 4.0″ competition and the New Industry 4.0 conference.

The trade fair covers a wide range of technologies and equipment related to metalworking, including machine tools, tools, software for designing and controlling machining processes, production automation systems, measurement and control technologies, and Industry 4.0 solutions. The Toolex trade fair in Katowice is a platform where not only the latest technological achievements in this field are presented, but also a place where experts exchange knowledge and experience. The event is accompanied by meetings and debates between industry leaders and scientists on the latest technologies, innovations in metalworking, and the future of the industry in Poland – including in the context of digitalization and automation. This also allows for the establishment of new business contacts.

The next edition of the Toolex trade fair in Katowice will take place on October 13-15, 2026 at the International Congress Center.

Qubus Hotel – business offer in Katowice

For these and all other business events in Katowice, we invite you to the Qubus Hotel. We will be happy to welcome you to our luxurious rooms, serve you a delicious breakfast with over 100 products, and invite you to our restaurant. You can also use the sauna and fitness center. An additional advantage of the hotel is its location – Qubus Hotel Katowice is located in the very center of the city.

Or perhaps you’re organizing a business event such as a conference, training session, or industry meeting? We invite you to our Conference Center. We offer two conference rooms for rent in Katowice for various types of business meetings. We provide the necessary multimedia equipment, coffee breaks, and delicious business lunches. Our facility is also an ideal venue for intimate events, mini-banquets, or corporate events. Check out our event room rentals in Katowice.

We cordially invite you to contact us and submit inquiries.