From 2017 to March 2020, she was director of the Polish Academy of Sciences’ foreign research station, the PolSCA Office of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Brussels. Expert of the TEAM EUROPE network of advisors.

Her research interests focus on lobbying and advocacy, as well as communication and mediatization of public life. Author and co-author of numerous publications on lobbying (including, together with Krzysztof Jasiecki and Urszula Kurczewska, “Lobbying. The art of effective exertion of influence”, Oficyna Ekonomiczna, Cracow 2000 and 2nd expanded edition 2006; with U. Kurczewska “Lobbying in the European Union,” in Institute of Public Affairs, Warsaw 2002) and media and communication, among others: “Celebrity Time. Mediatization of public life”, Difin Warsaw 2013 and “Creativity and innovation in the digital era. Creative destruction 2”, A. Zorska, M. Molęda-Zdziech, B. Jung, (eds.), Oficyna Wydawnicza SGH Warsaw 2015.

Awarded the French Order of Academic Palms (Chevalier des Palmes Académiques).

Doctor of social sciences, researches social and economic changes related to the spread of information and communication technologies and the development of artificial intelligence. He is a researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center for Mathematical and Computer Modeling (ICM) at the University of Warsaw. He is also a member of the Committee on Social Communication and Media Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Co-founder and Board Member at Sotrender, a company creating analytical tools and machine learning solutions for social media marketing. Since 2014, he has been animating the community of people working with data and machine learning – he organizes Data Science Warsaw meetups and heads the Program Board of the Data Science Summit conference. As an expert, he has repeatedly advised government and local government units, and led the preparation of more than a dozen analytical studies and expert reports.

Responsible for the preparation and implementation of public affairs strategy in Poland, as well as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. On behalf of Mastercard, he co-directed the work of the cashless payment stream within the framework of the government project “From Paperless to Digital Poland,” established with a view to the digitization of processes and financial flows in administration and the private sector. He was also co-responsible for developing the concept and launching the Cashless Poland Foundation and similar projects in other European countries. In the past, he initiated the creation of the Startup Poland Foundation – the first non-governmental organization to be the voice of the startup sector in Poland, which he supported at the stage of creating the first program declaration, registration of the foundation, building the communication strategy and recruiting the team, also sitting on the foundation’s program council. Currently, on behalf of Mastercard, he coordinates the Future Finance Poland initiative, aimed at advancing Warsaw in the global ranking of financial centers (GFCI).

He is a member of the Osiatyński Archive Advisory Board, the Marshall Memorial, Marcin Król, and Recharging Advocacy Rights in Europe alumnus. He is a lawyer specializing in Freedom of Information, the reuse of public sector information and technologies that impact democracy. He has wide expertise in relations between public administration and citizens. He is the author of publications on freedom of information, technology, public administration, corruption, and public participation. He was recognized as one of Poland’s 50 most influential lawyers in 2020.

He also hosts the podcast “International Report.” Author of a book on Russia and V. Putin (“Demons of Russia”), co-author (with Prof. H. Grala) of a book on the Kremlin’s power elite (“Putin’s Vataha”) and a book on Belarus and A. Lukashenko (“Demon from across the border”). He is a former chargé d’affaires of the Republic of Poland in Belarus, a diplomat in Moscow and an employee of the NATO Investment Facility. In the past he was also a tok-show host on Polsat News, where he conducted more than 700 interviews. He also worked for a company involved in the international arms trade.

Marta Mikliszańska is responsible for public policy and sustainable development (ESG) at Allegro Group. Before joining Allegro, she advised many Polish and international companies, including from the IT sector in building government relations and creating communication strategies. Marta has many years of experience in business organizations and parliamentary administration. She graduated from International Relations and Latin American studies at the University of Warsaw and European studies at the National School of Public Administration; she was also a British Government scholarship holder at the London School of Economics (LSE).

She graduated from the Institute of International Relations at the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science of the University of Warsaw (2000), and obtained her PhD there (2003).

Assistant professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and at the Institute of International Relations of the National Defense University. Member of the Council of the Center for Eastern Studies. Editor-in-chief of The Copernicus Journal of Political Science. He heads the international relations section at the Polish Political Science Association.

Commentator on international affairs in the Polish media. Moderator of a series of debates “on Koszykowa” about contemporary Russia in cooperation with the Pułaski Foundation.

Lecturer at the Business School of Warsaw University of Technology and Vistula Academy in Warsaw, chief economic advisor to PwC Poland.  In the past, head of the team of economic advisors to President Aleksander Kwaśniewski, member of the National Development Council to the President of Poland and the Government Economic Council, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum in Warsaw, advisor to the Chief Negotiator of Poland’s membership in the European Union, Special Advisor to the European Commission, member of the Macroeconomic Council of the Minister of Finance, advisor to many national and international organizations.  He has lectured at numerous universities in Poland and abroad.  Author of 16 books and 200 scientific publications, popular economic commentator and columnist for major Polish newspapers and portals.

Experienced politician and public official,  Co-Chair of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee (2014 to 2016), member of the Ukrainian Parliament (2007 to 2012, Budget Committee and 2014 to 2016, European Integration Committee). As an MP, he sponsored a number of draft laws passed by the Verkhovna Rada, including prevention and counteraction of political corruption and environmental impact assessment.

Marek Matraszek was born in the UK and studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he graduated in philosophy, political science and economics in 1984. After a year of lecturing in Poland at the Catholic University of Lublin, he returned to Oxford to obtain an MA in Russian and Central European Studies in 1987. He then continued his studies at Oxford, preparing his doctoral thesis.

He came to Poland in 1990 as an independent policy consultant and worked closely with both the British Conservative Party and the US Republican Party, supporting them in measures implemented in Central Europe. In 1992 he was elected to represent the Margaret Thatcher Foundation in the region and continued active political journalism and think-tank work in Central Europe. 

In the early 1990s, he founded CEC, the first boutique public affairs consulting agency in the region, and led the development of the Warsaw office.

He specialises in the design and implementation of strategic communications programmes and lobbying campaigns for American, British and European corporations in Poland, also advising on their political strategies across the CEE region and the European Union. He has particular experience in the fields of defence, aviation and energy, currently advising, among others, Lockheed Martin in Poland. 

He is also the author of numerous publications on Poland and international affairs in magazines such as Poland Monthly, Warsaw Business Journal, The Spectator and Wall Street Journal Europe. He has also published a study on the Polish political scene, The Politics of Restoration. He is a frequent commentator on Polish politics for the BBC, CNN, CNBC and Al-Jazeera TV and on Twitter at @matraszek

dr. Ewa Łabno-Falęcka Director of Communications and External Relations, Mercedes-Benz – philologist by education, studied in Krakow (UJ), Berlin (Humboldt University) and Freiburg im Breisgau, PhD at Karls-Eberhard University in Tübingen (Germany). From 1993 to 1999 in the diplomatic service as cultural policy counselor at the Polish Embassy in Bonn. Since 1999, she has been associated with Mercedes-Benz Group AG in Poland, where she held various positions, including as director of Daimler AG’s Corporate Representative Office. corporate and product communications at Mercedes-Benz Poland, and since 2015, coordinator of negotiations for Mercedes investments in Poland. She has a social activist’s passion: she was co-founder and president of the Partnership for Road Safety Association under the auspices of the World Bank (2006-2010) and the Society of Friends of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (2008-2012). Mentor at the EY Foundation of Business Women Leaders, member of the Brand Council of SUPERBRANDS Poland. Winner of many industry awards, including Golden Arrows, PRotons, twice “Marketing Director of the Year” in the MediaRun competition; twice nominated for the European Excellence Award; winner of the Grand Prix in the “Businesswoman of the Year” competition in the “Corporation” category (2017). Awarded the departmental badge “Meritorious for Transport of the Republic of Poland” (2011), the Cross of Merit on the Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2019) and “Meritorious for the Economy of the Republic of Poland” (2023). She comments on economic topics in the media (including DGP, HBR and TOK FM)

Political scientist, academically affiliated with the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun (Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu).  Commentator of political events. Gained professional experience in electoral campaigns and commercial public relations. Lecturer at the International Public Affairs Academy. Author of Podcast460. For more than fifteen years she has been studying political parties, how they function and communicate with the public and the media. Her research interests focus on issues related to party operations, political communication, media-politics relations and political reputation, as well as issues of media discourse. The author and co-author of scientific publications in national and international publications. Co-author of the monograph Political Parties in a Crisis of Public Trust. A communication perspective (2022).

Political scientist, academically affiliated with the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun (Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu).  Commentator of political events. Gained professional experience in electoral campaigns and commercial public relations. Lecturer at the International Public Affairs Academy. Author of Podcast460. For more than fifteen years she has been studying political parties, how they function and communicate with the public and the media. Her research interests focus on issues related to party operations, political communication, media-politics relations and political reputation, as well as issues of media discourse. The author and co-author of scientific publications in national and international publications. Co-author of the monograph Political Parties in a Crisis of Public Trust. A communication perspective (2022).

Michal Koczalski is President of the CEC Group.

He gained experience at the Agricultural Property Agency (ANR) as a press officer, responsible for media relations and the development of new communication channels. Among his projects at ANR was the implementation of a corporate branding strategy and mechanisms for investment land promotion. 

Graduate of the Faculty of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warsaw, with a specialisation in cultural issues of English- and German-speaking countries. Graduate of the London School of Public Relations programme at the Association of Public Relations Firms, School of Leaders and Aspen Institute for young leaders. 

Michal was also co-chair of Amcham’s Energy & Environment Committee in Poland, as well as founder and vice-president of the Foundation for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles. 

Michał has been active for many years in supporting cultural, business and political initiatives in Szczecin and promoting the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.

He is fluent in Polish, English and German.

Jakub Szymik – political strategist specializing in leading regulatory efforts, supporting grassroots movements and advising grassroots organizations on online communications. He has a decade of experience in political campaigns for international brands, social organizations and activists on the Polish, European and global markets. On a daily basis, he is affiliated with the Brussels office of Red Flag Global. He is a graduate of law at the University of Warsaw and creative production at the Łódź Film School (Łódzka Szkoła Filmowa).

Political journalist. Since 2017 journalist and political analyst for Rzeczpospolita. Since 2016 host of programs on Radio dla Ciebie. Previously, among other things, co-founder of the 300POLITYKA portal. Author of the book “Gamechanger: Behind the scenes of Polish politics”. Graduate of law at the Jagiellonian University.

Manager with several years of experience. She gained professional expertise in the field of public affairs and public relations while working in the media, state administration and the strongest industry organization in Poland. Among other things, she was in charge of building and coordinating the news desk at one of the most important private television stations. She coordinated events with the Head of State and the President’s Spouse and co-created a communications strategy based on the priorities of the presidency. She had a business affiliation with one of the two most important international publishing brands in the gastronomy market. She was CEO of a communications agency specializing in social media, where she created strategies and implemented communications campaigns for media, beauty segment brands, trade organizations, among others. For less than 6 years she has been associated with one of the strongest industry organizations in Poland, where, working with the organization’s board of directors on day-to-day management, she is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the work of the advocacy and legislative area of projects and communications. For many years she has been creating and implementing public affairs strategies and image activities.

She graduated from the University of Warsaw with a degree in Socio-Cultural Animation and Political Science. She completed Postgraduate Management Studies at the Warsaw School of Economics and Master of Business Administration – MBA at the Warsaw School of Management and Apsley Business School London. She is also a graduate of the London School of Public Relations Academy in PR & Reputation Management (ZFPR) and the International Public Affairs Academy.

Associated with the industry for nearly 20 years. Currently in the Management Team of Grupa Żywiec she is responsible for building the company’s reputation, stakeholder relations, public affairs, corporate communications, and sustainable development. She also serves as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Polish Breweries Employers’ Association.

Prior to joining Grupa Żywiec, she led a team specializing in corporate communications at one of the largest PR agencies, Havas PR Warsaw, for several years. She has authored many corporate communications strategies for companies in the FMCG, financial, transportation, automotive and energy sectors. Programs created by her were awarded several times in the Golden Clips, Power of Content Marketing, Global Corporate Affairs Awards of the HEINEKEN Group. She has also conducted trainings in corporate communications in cooperation with, among others, Puls Biznesu, Dziennik Rzeczpospolita, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in public relations as part of the International Public Affairs Academy. She is a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science at Warsaw University.

Political scientist, media expert and coach. Responsible for corporate communications, public affairs, internal communications and communications of brands owned by Ringier Axel Springer. Member of strategic teams in energy companies in Poland and Europe. For nearly twenty years, she has led corporate communications, digital, marketing and public affairs departments in international organizations. She is also responsible for launching a new brand of one of the largest companies in the commodity sector in Poland and representing the entire sector in Brussels.

Graduate from the Prague University of Economics and Business, the Faculty of International Relations (both master & Ph.D. studies). For 7 years, she has been teaching a course Geopolitics of Energy in the 21st century at the same Faculty.

In the past, Lenka worked on strategy for the Czech transmission system operator ČEPS, a.s.. Later, she joined the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic working on energy strategy & international energy relations, ultimately becoming the Deputy Minister responsible for the Energy section. Upon leaving the Ministry Lenka served for 4 years as the Executive Director of the Czech Gas Association, an umbrella organisation representing interests of the Czech gas industry at home and also abroad and issuing technical standards for the gas sector.  Since June 2022, she has worked as an independent energy consultant for multiple Czech and foreign companies. In 2022, she also co-founded International Public Affairs Academy CZ and she serves as its managing partner.

A highly skilled professional with extensive experience in leadership, public policy, government relations, and global market access. With a strong network of ministers and top leaders, I have developed a reputation as a trusted advisor and consultant in a variety of industries, including ICT, healthcare, and pharma.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to driving positive change. I have a track record of successfully managing teams and projects, and I am known for my ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve their goals.

In addition to my leadership skills, I have a deep understanding of public policy and government relations, and I have worked closely with policymakers and regulators to shape policies and regulations that support innovation and growth. My expertise in this area has been particularly valuable in the ICT, healthcare, and pharma industries, where regulatory frameworks can be complex and rapidly evolving.

One of my greatest strengths is my strong network of ministers and top leaders across a variety of industries. I have developed these relationships over many years, and I am able to leverage them to help my clients navigate complex regulatory environments, access new markets, and build strategic partnerships.

As a consultant, I bring a wealth of expertise to my clients in the areas of ICT, healthcare, and pharma. Whether through strategic planning, market research, or business development, I am able to provide my clients with the insights and guidance they need to achieve their goals and succeed in their respective industries.

Overall, my combination of leadership skills, public policy expertise, government relations experience, and consultancy expertise makes me a valuable asset to any organization looking to succeed in the ICT, healthcare, or pharma industries.

Mr.Mahmoud Hatem holds a bachelor degree in Economics with a minor in Political Science ( Faculty of Economics and Political Science- Cairo University) and MSc of International Management – Swansea University (University of Wales)

In the media since 2011. In her texts she covers socio-political, but also cultural issues. She believes that journalism is giving a voice to those who do not have one every day, so she is not afraid to raise difficult topics and go against the grain. In 2020 she was nominated for the Grand Press Award in the category of reportage. She is the author of the book “Before I Go. The long road of the Happysad band” and “How not to give in to a psychopath. Learn his methods”.

On the board of McDonald’s Poland since 2017, she heads the Impact department responsible for public affairs, communications and ESG. She has more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and public affairs. Prior to joining McDonald’s, she worked as a director at CEC Group, a spokeswoman for Agora SA and a manager at large communications companies. She holds a degree in International Economic and Political Relations from the Warsaw School of Economics and a degree in communications from the French-Polish European Studies Program, Sciences Po-SGH. She is a coach with European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC) accreditation.

Bartłomiej Rajchert has been creating and developing the consulting company GDS Grupa Doradztwa Strategicznego (Strategic Consulting Group) since 2014. He specialises in crisis communication management. Previously, he worked for 10 years in a political party, including seven years as a managing director.

He leads projects in media relations, public affairs and regulatory consulting. GDS’s clients include companies from a wide range of industries, with the common denominator being the need for good dialogue with the public.

Founder and President of the Board of the Niezwykła Historia (Great Story) Foundation, the Dobrzy Ludzie (Good People) Foundation and the Wilki (Wolves) Radzymin Basketball Club.

Since 2016, he has been covering the most important events from the Tri-City and surrounding areas. Contributor to Newsweek Polska, in the past associated with Radio Gdańsk and the Lawless service. Author of the podcast “Media and Politics. Dangerous relationships.”

Jan Mróz is responsible for coordinating corporate and internal communications, as well as communications with the legislative, industry and business community and CSR at TVN Warner Bros. Discovery. Previously, he spent more than a year with SEC Agency Newgate CEE, where he held the position of Head of Public Affairs.

In the past, he worked as a reporter at TVN24 for 5 years. He reported on events related to national and international politics. He has extensive experience in strategic and anti-crisis communications as well as political marketing. Member of election staffs in several campaigns. He was director of communications for Robert Biedroń’s Spring and director of the press office of the Left Party, which successfully returned to parliament.

He is a graduate of SWPS University and Warsaw University

Journalist covering political issues, co-author of the podcast “On the other side”. Associated with “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” continuously since 2010. Graduate of the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science at the University of Warsaw and the European Center at the University of Warsaw.