Polish companies are conquering the West. The 2nd International Expansion Forum “Direction: West” will take place on June 18

The economic boom on the Vistula River and the growing wave of Polish investments abroad no longer escape the attention of the Western media. This phenomenon is clearly noticed by, among others, global Bloomberg website, pointing to the dynamic acquisitions made by our business across the Oder.

The 2nd International Expansion Forum “Direction: West” organized by the Council of Polish Global Entrepreneurs is devoted to this phenomenon. The event will take place on June 18, 2026 at LookUp Event in Warsaw. “Wprost” is the media patron of the Forum. It is a space to gain knowledge, inspiration and valuable contacts.

From export to acquisition

Just a few years ago, it was mainly German and American companies that made acquisitions in Poland. Today, the roles are reversed – Polish companies, driven by the country’s dynamic economic growth, are actively buying businesses across the Oder and overseas. The leaders of the largest Polish companies will talk about how to effectively build a lasting position in the West.

The speakers will include:

• Michał Sołowow (Synthos) – one of the richest Poles will share four key “specifics” for Poland: capital, energy, technology and expansion;

• Krzysztof Domarecki (Selena), Ryszard Florek (Fakro), Paweł Jarski (Elemental Holding), Jan Kolański (Colian) and Radosław Koelner (Rawlplug) – will share practical stories of acquisition and building a position on the markets of Germany, Great Britain and the USA;

• Representatives of Comarch, Synerise, Telemedi.co and Canpack will discuss the topics of global competitiveness of Polish IT, artificial intelligence and risk management in an unstable environment.

Forum participants will also have a unique opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes of spectacular successes. However, there are many myths surrounding these stories, so at the Forum we will hear about specifics. Radosław Koelner (Rawlplug) will tell you how the Wrocław-based company took over the British giant step by step, and Sebastian Szymański (Ster) will explain the strategy of moving “from partnership to acquisition” on the US market. Artur Rytel (Green Holding) and Andrzej Goździkowski from Cedrob will also present their case studies.

Practice over theory: extensive workshop block

The organizers attached great importance to the practical part. The greatest value for participants will be the afternoon workshop block (4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.), carried out simultaneously in two rooms.

Room 1:

• Hyde Park on the challenges of expansion – an open, dynamic format without slides, in which participants can directly report their real business problems (including entering a new market, searching for distributors, building a local team, cultural differences or scaling sales) and confront them with the experience of practitioners. The discussion will be attended by: Paweł Dziekoński (Fakro), Andrzej Dyrkacz (Canpack) and Jakub Sierzchała (Amarant Capital).

• Strategic tensions radar – a diagnostic workshop devoted to the internal challenges of rapid growth, scaling the organization and generational succession. Hosted by: Andrzej Kuśmierz (Koźmiński University), Michał Łuczewski (University of Warsaw) and Paulina Łuczewska-Bednarz (LEAD. School of Experiences).

Room 2:

• Expansion into the German market – practical tips on entering and running a business across the Oder, including institutional support, regulatory differences and everyday operational realities. Hosted by: Oliver Burrak (NRW Global Business Poland) and Łukasz Chrabański (ZBH Frankfurt, PAIH).

• How to obtain capital for expansion? – a specific session about preparing the company to obtain financing for foreign development, investor expectations and the most common mistakes. Hosted by: Robert Bartnicki (ING), Piotr Jabłoński (Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego) and Andrzej Zaperty (Million Dollars, Baby).

• Expansion on the American market – practical aspects of entering and operating on the US market. Hosted by: Małgorzata Błaszczak-Salvacion (US Embassy in Poland).

Who is the Forum for?

For entrepreneurs who already export or plan expansion, develop foreign branches and consider acquisitions. It is a place of networking, inspiration and gaining practical knowledge from those who have already achieved success in the West.

Detailed program and registration available at: expansjaforum.pl

“Wprost” as media patron cordially invites you to participate in one of the most important events for Polish business with global ambitions. The “Destination: West” forum is not just a conference – it is a space where new strategies, partnerships and bold decisions are born that shape the future of Polish companies on the international arena.