Passion, Inspiration, Success – 20th Edition of the Future Leaders Forum
Nuray Hamidli, a student at the Vistula School of Hospitality, won the semi-finals of the prestigious IMEX-MPI University Challenge, advancing to the grand final at the IMEX trade expo in Frankfurt. Her success was one of the highlights of the 20th anniversary edition of the Future Leaders Forum conference, held on March 31, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Warsaw Centre hotel.
The IMEX-MPI University Challenge is a renowned international competition for students interested in the meetings industry. This year’s semi-finalists presented their original event concepts inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals. Nuray Hamidli’s project received the highest score, and she will represent Poland at the global final during IMEX Frankfurt – the world’s leading trade show for the business events industry.
The Vistula School of Hospitality students are no strangers to success at IMEX. Over the past ten years, they have won the University Challenge three times, demonstrating their outstanding skills, ambition, and commitment.
Future Leaders Forum – a space that sparks growth
The IMEX University Challenge semi-final was a key part of the 20th anniversary edition of the Future Leaders Forum (FLF). It is the only initiative of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to students interested in the meetings industry (MICE). It all began in 2005 when Professor Krzysztof Celuch, now Rector of the Vistula School of Hospitality, obtained a license to organize this event. Since then, FLF has consistently combined education, inspiration, and networking to prepare young people for successful careers in tourism and events.
Global experts and sessions that lift you higher
Participants of this year’s FLF had a unique opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the MICE industry – both from Poland and abroad. Among the speakers were:
- Carina Bauer – CEO of IMEX Group,
- Federico Toja – Director of Chapter Operations for Europe, Japan, and Latin America at MPI,
- Alexandra Kunowska – CEO and Co-founder of Mądra Sova Group,
- Nikola Naus – Project Manager at Weco-Travel,
- Mateusz Lewandowski – Director of Sales at Louvre Hotels Group Poland.
The program included inspiring keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, and a special panel discussion titled “Fail Fest”, where experts openly shared their experiences regarding the mistakes and challenges they faced throughout their careers as well as the lessons they learned along the way.
Students also took part in an engaging networking game, followed by a dedicated session with members of MPI Poland Chapter and tourism industry professionals – a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, motivate young talents, and support their career development.
The conference also featured lighter moments, including an awards ceremony for children who participated in the Vistula School of Hospitality’s art contest “When we meet, we change the world.”
Those wishing to unwind could take part in a relaxing group yoga session led by Julita Skórska.
FLF – a springboard into the world of business events
The conference concluded with a special celebration of the initiative’s 20th anniversary which included a toast, a cake-cutting ceremony, and a flood of emotions, memories, and renewed motivation.
“100 students, 12 professionals, 6 hours of inspiration and learning – that’s how we can sum up FLF in numbers,” said Valeriia Bilozertseva, the conference organizer.
“But for me, it’s much more than that. It was at FLF, three years ago, where my own passion for the industry was born. Today, seeing the energy of the participants, I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this project and to help others in finding their path.”
Future Leaders Forum is more than just a conference. It’s a launchpad for careers, a space for growth, and a place where the future leaders of the meetings industry are born.
Ready to step into the world of tourism? Vistula is the place to start
If you dream of a career in tourism, events, or hospitality, choose tourism studies in Warsaw at the Vistula School of Hospitality. Our university opens the door to the international world of MICE, HoReCa, and tourism management. With practical study programs, close cooperation with industry leaders, and access to prestigious events like Future Leaders Forum, you will gain real-life experience during your studies.
At Vistula, education extends beyond the classroom to include networking, engaging internships, and professional growth in a dynamic industry.
Join a community that supports young tourism professionals, nurtures their passions, and prepares them for careers both in Poland and abroad!
