The Regional Tourism Organisation of the Šariš Region 28 May 2026 participated in a professional conference MICE Day Košice 2026, which took place in the Boutique Hotel Slávia in Košice. The event was organized by Visit Košice and its main theme was the development of the business events sector - conferences, congresses, professional events and corporate meetings in Košice and the wider region of Eastern Slovakia.
The conference opened an important discussion on how Košice can strengthen its position as an attractive destination for professional and business events. The programme brought market data, examples of good practice from abroad, expert insights and practical recommendations for further development of the destination. The event also included the presentation of the new Visit Košice MICE communication strategy and a survey of foreign perception of Košice as a destination for business tourism.
Šariš region gained new knowledge and contacts
Destination coordinator attended the conference on behalf of OOCR Region Šariš Bc. R. Tkáčiková. Participation in the event was a valuable opportunity for the region to gain new knowledge, exchange experiences and establish contacts with partners from the tourism sector, public sector, academia and private actors.
„What we take away from the conference is the realisation that destination development must be based on real data, market knowledge and clear communication. It is not enough to have attractions. We need to be able to grasp them properly, connect them and communicate them confidently,“ said Bc. R. Tkáčiková
Cooperation between regions as the key to development
Cooperation across regions was also an important theme. Eastern Slovakia has significant potential, which can be attractive not only for visitors, but also for organisers of professional, congress and business events. In this context, the accessibility of the territory, the interconnection of actors and also Airport Košice, which can support the attractiveness of the wider region, including Šariš.
Experts, data and examples of good practice
The conference programme included expert presentations, panel discussions and roundtables. The main topics included the development of the MICE segment, destination marketing, working with data, examples of successful partnerships and a look at the business events sector as an area with overlap beyond tourism itself. Domestic and foreign experts, including representatives of Visit Košice, Košice Airport, Bratislava Tourist Board, TUKE, 2muse, MILK, Graz Tourist Office, CONVENTA Ljubljana or ENITED Business Events.
Šariš has potential that needs to be named and communicated
For the Šariš Region, participation in the conference is an incentive for further work in the field of destination development and communication. The event confirmed that even a region with rich natural, cultural and historical potential must actively name its uniqueness, strategically grasp it and communicate it clearly.
One of the main ideas that emerged from the conference is the need to find our own way. The Šariš region has its own specificities, authenticity and values, which can be the basis for its future direction in tourism and events. If a destination is to be perceived as attractive and competitive, it must first believe in its own potential and then be able to present it to visitors, partners and event organisers.
Source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
Photo source: VISIT Košice
