Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Leaders in Hospitality Summit is a premier event that has been supporting the hospitality industry for over a decade. It brings together top stakeholders to discuss strategies, tackle challenges, and source solutions for current and future properties.
This summit is essential for anyone involved in the CEE hospitality sector, offering unique networking opportunities with decision-makers and influencers. Leaders in Hospitality Summit takes place in Warsaw, Poland.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Leaders in Hospitality Summit takes place on 17-18 November 2026 in Warsaw, Poland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This summit connects C-level hoteliers and project leaders with suppliers in the hospitality industry.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by WBA Global, the event focuses on the future of hospitality in Central and Eastern Europe.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from various hospitality sectors, influencing procurement and project development.
- 5Networking Opportunities: Engage in pre-scheduled meetings with key industry leaders and potential buyers.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality sector. The summit provides a platform for networking with industry leaders and exploring new business opportunities. Participants can expect to engage in meaningful discussions that shape the future of hospitality in the region.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of hospitality decision-makers. The event facilitates pre-scheduled meetings, ensuring that exhibitors connect with potential buyers who are actively seeking new solutions. This is a unique opportunity to enhance visibility and drive business growth in the hospitality market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hotel owners, asset managers and C-level executives from CEE hotel groups and independent properties assessing development, conversion and repositioning projects.
General managers and operations directors from city, resort and conference hotels sourcing FF&E, OS&E, housekeeping systems and guest-experience services.
Hotel developers, real estate funds and investors reviewing management contracts, brand affiliations and adaptive-reuse opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe.
Architects, interior designers and technical consultants specifying guestroom, lobby, F&B, spa and back-of-house solutions.
Procurement and purchasing teams comparing furniture, textiles, bathroom products, kitchen and laundry equipment, and energy-management systems.
Revenue, distribution and IT leaders evaluating PMS, booking engines, CRM, access control, guest Wi-Fi and data/analytics platforms.
F&B directors, executive chefs and beverage managers sourcing professional kitchens, tableware, coffee, minibar and sustainable food concepts.
Sustainability, engineering and facility managers looking for energy, water, waste and certification solutions for hotel assets.
Spa, wellness and leisure managers planning fitness, pool and treatment-area upgrades.
Brand, management-company and consultancy teams that support hotel openings and operating standards in the CEE region.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Furniture and fixture manufacturers supplying guestroom casegoods, lobby seating, restaurant furniture and outdoor hospitality furniture.
Operating-supplies and equipment suppliers offering bedding, towels, table linen, uniforms, amenities, housekeeping carts and front-of-house equipment.
Hotel technology providers covering PMS, POS, booking engines, CRM, revenue management, access control, guest Wi-Fi and energy-management platforms.
Commercial kitchen, laundry and back-of-house equipment suppliers for hotel restaurants, banqueting, housekeeping and engineering teams.
Bathroom, spa, pool and wellness suppliers offering sanitary ware, shower systems, treatment equipment, fitness machines and amenity concepts.
Architecture, interior design, construction and project-management firms serving hotel new-builds, renovations and conversions.
Food, beverage and tabletop suppliers serving hotel breakfast, banqueting, bar, minibar and in-room dining concepts.
Lighting, HVAC, building-management and smart-room suppliers focused on energy performance and guest comfort.
Sustainability and circular-economy suppliers with water, waste, textile and certification solutions for hotel operations.
Hotel brands, management companies, consultants and financing advisers active in CEE hotel development.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Guestroom furniture and casegoods: beds, headboards, wardrobes, desks, seating, minibar cabinets and luggage racks.
Lobby, restaurant and banqueting furniture: chairs, tables, sofas, lighting and outdoor hospitality pieces.
Bathroom and wellness products: sanitary ware, shower systems, mirrors, spa equipment, pool fittings and fitness machines.
Textiles and OS&E: bedding, towels, table linen, uniforms, blackout curtains, amenities and housekeeping supplies.
Commercial kitchen and laundry equipment: cooking suites, refrigeration, dishwashing, linen care and back-of-house handling.
Hotel technology: PMS, POS, booking engines, CRM, revenue management, access control, guest Wi-Fi and in-room controls.
Lighting, climate and energy management: LED lighting, HVAC, BMS, water heating, smart thermostats and occupancy sensors.
Interior design, architecture and project services: concept design, FF&E procurement, renovation management and brand-standard compliance.
Food, beverage and tabletop: coffee, tea, beverages, ingredients, minibar concepts, glassware, cutlery and crockery.
Housekeeping and operational supplies: cleaning systems, carts, waste bins, laundry chemicals and front-desk equipment.
Safety, security and accessibility: electronic locks, safes, fire systems, accessibility fittings and emergency equipment.
Sustainability solutions: energy and water reduction, circular textiles, waste management, food-waste tools and certification support.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland
Facilities
Parking
Warsaw in Warsaw typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Warsaw in Warsaw typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Warsaw for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
WBA Global
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Warsaw, Poland
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality sector. The summit provides a platform for networking with industry leaders and exploring new business opportunities.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Warsaw Chopin Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Barceló Warsaw Powiśle
4-star
PowiśleApprox. night rate; breakfast and parking may be charged separately. Central riverside base with pool and fitness; confirm room type and cancellation terms.
Best Western Hotel Portos
midscale
WarsawApprox. night rate; guest rating 4.2 in the Google Hotels capture. Confirm breakfast, parking and transport to the venue.
Apartamenty Sadyba
4-star apart-hotel
SadybaApprox. night rate; apartment-style rooms with kitchenette, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Suitable for longer stays; breakfast optional.
Stara Praga Krokodyl Warsaw Rooms&Dorms
1-star budget
PragaApprox. night rate; budget rooms and dorms with free Wi-Fi, parking and laundry. Guest rating 3.5; expect basic amenities and a transit ride to central Warsaw.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
ZTM metro/tram/bus
Estimated costApprox. PLN 4.40 for a 20-minute single ticket; approx. PLN 6.00 for a 75-minute single ticket; confirm ZTM fares
Best forWarsaw integrated ZTM network, including M1/M2 metro, trams and city buses
One ZTM ticket is valid across metro, tram and bus within its time window. Buy in the ZTM app or use contactless payment where available.
SKM airport rail
Estimated costApprox. PLN 6.00 single ZTM ticket for the airport rail link; confirm current SKM line and fare
Best forWarsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Warszawa Centralna
The airport has a rail station; allow about 25 min to Warszawa Centralna, then continue by metro, tram or taxi to the venue.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. PLN 50-75 for a metered taxi to central Warsaw; confirm meter or fixed quote
Best forWarsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to central Warsaw
Use an official taxi rank at WAW and avoid unmarked drivers. Traffic can add time at peak hours.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. PLN 40-65 for a standard rideshare from WAW to central Warsaw; confirm the app quote
Best forWarsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Warsaw
Bolt and Uber are widely used in Warsaw; use the app pickup zone at the airport and set the venue address as the destination.
parking
Estimated costApprox. PLN 25-45 per hour in central Warsaw garages; confirm the venue daily rate
Best forCentral Warsaw garages and venue parking
Some hotels charge for parking. If driving, pre-book a garage near the venue or use a Park & Ride lot at a metro station.
walking
Estimated costNo fare; allow 10-30 min depending on hotel and venue
Best forHotels in Powiśle or central Warsaw to the venue
Central Warsaw is walkable in parts, but November weather and short daylight make a transit backup useful.
Weather
Warsaw in November 2026 is late autumn: expect cool, changeable weather with daytime temperatures around 2-8 C, night temperatures near 0-3 C, and a higher chance of cloud, rain or drizzle. Daylight is short, so plan outdoor transfers and venue arrivals before late afternoon. These are seasonal bands, not a forecast; confirm the live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Poland is in the EU, so EU roaming rules apply for many European mobile plans; check your operator before travel. Warsaw hotels and the venue typically provide Wi-Fi, but confirm business-grade access and upload speeds for live demos. Local prepaid SIMs are available at WAW and in the city. Poland uses 230V and Type C/E plugs; bring an adapter if needed.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business meetings
Polish hotel owners, operators and suppliers generally value punctuality and direct, prepared meetings. Bring concise project details, budgets and timelines so stand conversations can move to a follow-up.
Language
Polish is the official language. English is common among hotel groups, international suppliers and CEE development teams, but confirm interpretation for legal, construction or contract talks.
Regional scope
CEE covers a diverse hotel market, from internationally branded city hotels to domestic groups and resort assets. Expect conversations about conversions, pipeline projects and operating performance rather than a single-country focus.
November daylight
Daylight is short in Warsaw in November. Schedule venue meetings and airport transfers before late afternoon, and keep a warm layer for evening travel.
Currency and payments
Poland uses the zloty (PLN), not the euro. Cards are widely accepted in Warsaw hotels and venues, but carry some cash for small purchases and confirm whether your hotel charges in PLN.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: WAW
Flight samples for 17 Nov 2026 departures show London-Warsaw nonstop with LOT from PLN 719, Dubai-Warsaw via Zurich with SWISS from PLN 2,108, New York-Warsaw nonstop with LOT from PLN 2,717, Singapore-Warsaw via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines from PLN 2,541, Tokyo-Warsaw via Dubai with Emirates from PLN 4,660, and Sydney-Warsaw via Abu Dhabi with Etihad from PLN 4,765. Long-haul routes need one or two connections and 16-43 hours total travel. Fares are per adult, include taxes and fees, and exclude optional bags; re-check live prices and book a flexible fare because November weather can affect connections.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). Allow road or rail time to Warsaw; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Warsaw: Powiśle: Barceló Warsaw Powiśle; Warsaw: Best Western Hotel Portos; Sadyba: Apartamenty Sadyba.
Ride-hail: Bolt and Uber are widely used in Warsaw. At Warsaw Chopin Airport, follow signs to the app pickup zone; at the venue, ask the organiser or hotel for the designated drop-off. Fares rise at peak times and around show opening and close, so confirm the app quote before booking.
Public transit: Warsaw's ZTM network combines metro lines M1 and M2, trams, city buses and SKM commuter rail. A single ticket is valid across modes within its time window; buy in the ZTM app, at ticket machines or by contactless payment where available. Use the ZTM route planner to connect your hotel to the venue, and allow extra time for November weather and peak-hour crowding.
Parking: Central Warsaw has paid on-street parking and commercial garages, and many hotels charge separately for parking. If you drive, pre-book a garage near the venue or use a Park & Ride lot at a metro station. Confirm the venue's own parking rate, height restrictions and hall access before arrival.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November
Temperature: Approx. 2-8 C daytime; 0-3 C at night; confirm the live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Late autumn in Warsaw is often cloudy with rain or drizzle, shorter daylight and a damp feel; November can also be windy.
Packing: Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, comfortable closed shoes and business-casual attire. Add gloves, a scarf and an umbrella for evening transfers; bring an adapter for Type C/E plugs if needed.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Leaders in Hospitality Summit usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm Hotel CEE visitor registration status and badge collection hours on hotelcee.com.
T-2
Book a refundable flight or train to Warsaw and allow a buffer for November weather.
T-3
Reserve a hotel in Powiśle, Śródmieście, Wola or Mokotów and check cancellation terms.
T-4
Download the ZTM app and save a route from your hotel to the Hotel CEE venue.
T-5
Request an invitation letter from the organiser if your nationality requires one for a Polish Schengen visa.
T-6
Shortlist exhibitors by product category: FF&E, OS&E, hotel technology, kitchen and laundry, wellness or sustainability.
T-7
Request meetings with target suppliers before the show and keep a backup list for open slots.
T-8
Save the venue address and confirm which entrance or hall is used for Hotel CEE.
T-9
Check the live Warsaw forecast and pack a waterproof coat, warm layers and business-casual shoes.
T-10
Prepare a one-page company profile and a clear buying brief for supplier meetings.
T-11
Set up a lead-capture method on your phone and a follow-up folder for business cards and badges.
T-12
Confirm airport transfer, taxi or rideshare plans and allow 30-60 minutes from WAW to central Warsaw.
T-13
Plan evening transfers or dinner bookings near your hotel so late finishes do not rely on unplanned travel.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Warsaw
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Leaders in Hospitality Summit registration concourse
Warsaw
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Warsaw
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Leaders in Hospitality Summit fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Leaders in Hospitality Summit, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Hotel management software and technology solutions solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Leaders in Hospitality Summit in Warsaw.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Hotel management software and technology solutions products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Warsaw show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- CEE
- Central and Eastern Europe, the regional market that Hotel CEE focuses on across hotel ownership, development and operations.
- FF&E
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment: movable and fixed items such as beds, seating, lighting, wardrobes and bathroom fittings specified for a hotel project.
- OS&E
- Operating supplies and equipment: day-to-day items such as linen, towels, tableware, amenities, housekeeping carts and front-desk supplies.
- PMS
- Property management system: the core hotel software for reservations, rooms, rates, guest profiles and check-in/check-out.
- RevPAR
- Revenue per available room, calculated from room revenue divided by available rooms; a common hotel performance measure.
- ADR
- Average daily rate: room revenue divided by rooms sold; used alongside occupancy to read hotel pricing.
- GOPPAR
- Gross operating profit per available room; a profitability measure used by hotel owners and asset managers.
- CapEx
- Capital expenditure: planned investment in hotel renovation, equipment, technology or building systems rather than day-to-day operating costs.
- Brand standards
- Mandatory design, service and equipment requirements set by a hotel brand or management company for a property.
- Soft brand
- A hotel affiliation that gives distribution and loyalty benefits while allowing more independent design and operating character than a hard brand.
- Adaptive reuse
- Converting an existing building, such as an office, factory or historic property, into a hotel rather than building new.
- MICE
- Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions; a hotel demand segment requiring banqueting space, AV and event services.
- BMS
- Building management system: controls and monitors HVAC, lighting, energy and other building services in a hotel.
- Conversion
- Changing a hotel from one brand or operating model to another, often involving refurbishment and brand-standard upgrades.
- Pipeline
- The set of hotel projects under development, from planning and construction to pre-opening, tracked by owners, brands and suppliers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Leaders in Hospitality Summit 2026
- Leaders in Hospitality Summit Warsaw 2026
- Leaders 2026
- Leaders Warsaw 2026
- Warsaw Poland
- Hospitality Conference Warsaw 2026
- Hospitality Conference Summit Warsaw
- Hotel management software and technology solutions
Trust footer
Sources
1
References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
WBA Global
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.