MdM on a New Course: More Energy, Fresh Ideas, and a Gala Anniversary Congress

For several months, MdM has been undergoing a metamorphosis—organizational, publishing, and conference-related. We talk with Paweł Kucięba, president of MdM, about what has already been achieved, what lies ahead, and how publications and congresses for MiŚOTs are changing.

MdM in a new round. What was this change?

It started in December when I joined the MdM team with a clear task – to breathe new life into the conferences. Shortly after, I invited Michał Balcarek to collaborate, and he joined in January. We became a bit of a rescue team for conferences. We faced a challenge – the conference in Wisła was already booked in terms of location and agreements. We had no influence on the hotel choice, but it quickly turned out that Crystal Mountain was a bullseye.

We had four months to organize the event from scratch – from stands and exhibitors to attendees. We were essentially starting with a blank slate, with only a few registered attendees. We succeeded – the Vistula was a success. We anticipated 300–350 attendees. In the end, there were 408. We showed that the MiŚOT Congresses can return with new energy and a fresh formula.

And you were left with a credit of trust for future events. What about the 10th Congress of MiŚOT?

ConferencesTenth Congress It's a jubilee, so the format must also be special. Each of our conferences had its own atmosphere, adapted to the time and place – in Wisła, we focused on AI, without getting into Górale traditions. This time, we want to create an atmosphere like a good birthday party – less stiff, more fun, integration, and smiles.

We are also changing the location. Thanks to the survey, we know that southern Poland, while convenient for many, is not accessible to everyone. That's why we are moving to central Poland – to Folwark Łochów. It's a large, flexible place with extensive facilities and three types of accommodation (palace, farmstead, and cottages). The venue can accommodate up to 600 people. We don't want to inflate numbers forcibly, but I have a feeling the anniversary Congress might break the record from Wisła.

And what about the formula? Were there any conclusions after Vistula?

Absolutely. In Wisła, we tried something new – we opted for a comprehensive setup by an event agency instead of the typical headline act. Technically, everything worked flawlessly – screens, lights, smoke – but regarding the artistic side, the formula of two similar evenings with the same person on stage didn't quite work out. Guests expected more variety and choice.

That's why we're now planning to separate the „before party”—which will be more inclusive, perhaps even with active elements—from the main gala, which will take a concert-like, more entertainment-focused form. There will also be a quiet zone, because not everyone likes noise—and we want everyone to feel comfortable, including those who came mainly to talk and exchange experiences.

What set of skills does organizing an event like the MiŚOT Congress require?

First and foremost, the ability to talk. It starts with negotiating with the venue and making arrangements that affect not only the budget but also the final quality of the event. 

The ability to quickly adapt to a new situation is also important. We were at the new facility in Łochów for three hours and already knew what to do and how. Of course, every hotel has its own maps, but we don't rely solely on drawings – we measure everything ourselves, check if the booth will actually fit, if the person in charge will have space for equipment, and if the aisles will be convenient. These are small details, but they are precisely what participants notice and appreciate.

And most importantly: you need to be able to listen to people and respond to their needs – often on the go, on the fly, in the middle of the night. Sometimes someone calls with a question five times a day – and that's OK. Our job is to find a solution. And I think we're doing a pretty good job of it.

The conventions are just part of your new responsibilities. You also oversee the editing of MdM.

When I joined, I was only supposed to be responsible for conferences. After Wisła's success, I was offered a position on the board, and since August, I have been serving as the sole board member of MdM. This means that in addition to events, I also handle the coordination of all publishing activities.

However, we are very lucky – the MdM editorial team consists of experienced professionals. I don't interfere with their work – rather, I ensure good working conditions and development. With the marketing department, we are working on a new graphic design for the media – to make them more aesthetically pleasing, better optimized, and more user-friendly. I have six months to show that MdM is also moving forward editorially – and I am optimistic.

We refreshed Miś OT PING, you will now receive our newsletter on Tuesdays in a more accessible format for industry professionals. We are also approaching news and articles differently – we want what readers find here to help them in running their telecommunications companies. This is not the end of the news, but perhaps we can discuss that another time. 

How do you assess the MŚP market after these months? What have you learned?

I've been involved in the industry for ten years, so I know many people personally. But also – interestingly – in Wisła, I met many operators face-to-face for the first time. The market is demanding, that's clear. But at the same time, it's very open. People want to share their experiences, exchange knowledge, and learn from each other. Conferences are the ideal space to chat over coffee or a drink and build real relationships.

I'm also pleased that operators are increasingly making conscious purchasing decisions. They compare offers, talk to exhibitors, and look for solutions. It's evident that the market is maturing. And the fact that competing companies often collaborate, recommend each other, and refer clients to colleagues in the industry if they can do something better – that's the greatest value. It's a kind of community that you don't find everywhere.

Sounds like a brand new MdM. On the one hand, professionalization, on the other hand, genuine openness.

Exactly. We don't want to create a praise-singing event. We want to do the work – well, honestly, and with respect for the people who are the heart of this industry. And the jubilee Congress will be the best proof of that.