Sessions and tours subject to change.
-
All Day — FAM Trip to Sopot
Departs from Gdansk Airport12:30 — Premium Yachting to Imperial Shipyard
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk16:00 — Classical Gdansk
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk -
08:15 — Malbork Castle
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk09:30 — Classical Gdansk
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk09:30 — Amber Adventure
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk09:30 — Gdansk City of Freedom: History and Wine Tasting
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk14:00 — Polish Cuisine Foodie Tour
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk14:00 — Shopping Madness
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk17:00 — Shopping Madness & Amber Spa
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk -
09:00 — Guided Tour of the Women’s Trail in Gdansk
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk09:30 — II World War Museum and River Cruise
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk12:00 — Escape the City Adventure Challenge
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk17:00 — VIP Event, Presented by Visit Gdansk
Private invitation only.19:00 — Opening Party, Hosted by Visit Gdansk
Europejskie Centrum Solidarności (European Solidarity Centre / ESC), pI. Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland
Bus stop is on Podwale Przedmiejskie just east of Chmielna (more information here)
Bus times from the city center to the ESC: 18:45 and 19:00
Bus times from the ESC back to the city center: 21:15, 21:30, 21:45, and 22:00
Let's get the WITS Global Activation started with our opening party, presented by our hosts, Visit Gdansk! Join the group at the European Solidarity Center, a gorgeous modern museum and library devoted to the history of solidarity, civil resistance, and other opposition movements across Europe. Drinks and appetizers will be provided. -
06:30 — Hotel Breakfast Opens
Breakfast Restaurant, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Those staying at our conference hotel, the Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk, enjoy a breakfast buffet as part of their room package. Come by anytime after it opens at 6:30 and keep an eye out for other WITS attendees! Note that other hotel guests will also be in attendance so there will be no programming during this time.09:00-16:30 — Registration Open
Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Check in, get your name badge, and ask any questions you have about the conference. Our volunteers will be available most of the day to assist you!09:30-10:30 — Welcome & Opening Session with Beth Santos
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Welcome to the WITS Global Activation! Join us for our opening session, where our Founder and CEO Beth Santos will guide us through what we can expect throughout the weekend, help us break the ice so we can network at our best, and get us excited for the rest of the event. We'll also hear from Visit Gdansk, who’ll welcome us to their home city.10:30-11:15 — When Travel Stopped: 2+ Years of Pivoting and the Future of the Industry with Beth Santos, Wanda Duncan, and Pola Henderson
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
No one can really prepare for a pandemic. Join us for a panel discussion with industry experts discussing how the pandemic changed the course of their careers and what they see next for the travel industry.11:30-12:30 — Why Central Europe Needs Your Support Now and How to Effectively Showcase the Region with Juliana Dever, Maggie Kleszczewska-Rose, Natia Khidasheli, & Tina Hiti
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Independent tour leaders from Poland, Slovenia, and Georgia will delve into how and why the travel and tourism spotlight needs to be turned on Eastern Euroupe right now. You’ll learn how to initiate opportunities and create content with and for women-owned businesses and local families to promote financial autonomy directly to people instead of corporations. This discussion will also tackle how to rid ourselves of outmoded stereotypes of the region, how to promote an authentic understanding of the culture, and how to be a better ally to the region in light of what’s happening in Ukraine.12:30-14:30 — Lunch on Your Own
Take a break to explore Gdansk and grab some food before heading back for our afternoon workshops!14:30-16:00 — WORKSHOP: The Ins and Outs of Making an NFT with Kristina Liburd
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
NFTs have become the biggest buzzword in media across different industries: in sports, music, in technology, and now it's coming to travel. Creators must learn to stay on top of new technology to ensure that they continue to be the trendsetters they can be. Travel influencers can now enter into the world of web3 or Web 3.0 and use their existing body of work for an additional stream of income by offering individual NFTs or creating collections using their amazing shots from all over the world. This workshop will provide a breakdown on how travel influencers can enter this space. Our session will go over what exactly is web3 or Web 3.0, how to set up an NFT plan, how to set up a wallet and which cryptocurrency to use, and getting started on an NFT marketplace.14:30-16:00 — WORKSHOP: Making Viral TikTok Videos with Nour Brahimi
Walking Workshop, Departs from Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Social media expert Nour Brahimi will help you understand the three key elements of viral short videos on TikTok, why it's important to jump in now, and most importantly how to do it effectively in a world where every platform is switching to short video content. You will learn how to come up with ideas, how to film them on the go, and how to edit even if videos are not your thing.14:30-16:00 — WORKSHOP: Photo Walk with Anna Gondek-Grodkiewicz
Walking Workshop, Departs from Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Join award-winning professional photographer Anna Gondek-Grodkiewicz for a photo walk around Gdansk. Anna is a lecturer in photography at the Department of Graphic Design at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Wrocław and a contributor to National Geographic Poland, among other publications. She’ll teach you how to identify photo opportunities on your travels and take great shots. Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone!16:30-18:00 — WORKSHOP: Developing A Winning Pitch with Yulia Denisyuk
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Want to pitch your favorite travel magazine but don’t know where to start? This workshop is for you! Join Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel photographer and writer, for an interactive session where you’ll learn the fundamentals of effective pitching, look at pitching best practices, and develop your own pitch. This is an interactive session so come ready to work on that story idea you have!16:30-18:00 — WORKSHOP: Maximizing Instagram Reels with Nour Brahimi
Walking Workshop, Departs from Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Social media expert Nour Brahimi will help you understand the key elements of viral short videos on Instagram, why it's important to jump in now, and most importantly how to do it effectively in a world where every platform is switching to short video content. You will learn how to come up with ideas, how to film them on the go, and how to edit even if videos are not your thing.16:30-18:00 — WORKSHOP: Group Gdansk Content Gathering Walk with Klaudia Połom
Walking Workshop, Departs from Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Join us to explore Gdansk as a group and gather some content on the way. Klaudia is a mobile photo and video creator who lives and works in Gdańsk. She’s been in love with her city all her life, and will take you on the best route to see the city.19:00 — Gdansk by Night
SASSY, Chmielna 10, 80-748
We invite you to one of the most popular places in Gdansk that’s visited after sunset. We’ll provide you with one coupon for a free drink so you can experience a great party and amazing atmosphere with a spectacular view from the rooftop. Sassy and Roof Top by Sassy are two complementary spaces that exude a clear-cut classification. A luxurious venue full of art and design, enjoy a modern visual sphere with music performances and events. A three-story building with a glazed panorama terrace on the top, the Roof Top functions as a café and a cocktail bar with an interesting snack menu. Bring your badge or a photo of it to receive the free drink coupon upon arrival! -
06:30 — Hotel Breakfast Opens
Breakfast Restaurant, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Those staying at our conference hotel, the Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk, enjoy a breakfast buffet as part of their room package. Come by anytime after it opens at 6:30 and keep an eye out for other WITS attendees! Note that other hotel guests will also be in attendance so there will be no programming during this time.09:00-13:00 — Registration Open
Conference Space Lobby, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Check in, get your name badge, and ask any questions you have about the conference. Our volunteers will be available most of the day to assist you!09:30-11:00 — WORKSHOP: Defining & Developing Your Voice with Janelle Hanchett
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
In this hands-on workshop, through reading, discussion, and written prompts and activities, you will be invited to define and explore your style of writing and receive (positive, guided) feedback on your writing voice. You’ll also receive insight into your unique voice and tangible suggestions for how to increase its clarity.09:30-11:00 — WORKSHOP: Optimize and Monetize Your Instagram with Emily Cooper
Room 8, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Have you been unable to grow or monetize your Instagram? Do you have a following, but they aren't engaged? In this workshop, Emily will walk you through how to optimize your Instagram profile in order to grow a community that actually wants to buy the travel products and services that you are selling, without needing to stress about the ever-changing algorithm.11:30-13:00 — WORKSHOP: Build Your Post-Gdansk Content Calendar with Janicke Hansen
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
You’ve spent all weekend walking the cobblestoned streets, eating all the delicious food, seeing all the incredible sights, and meeting all the wonderful people of Gdansk. Now what? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build a multi-month content calendar out of all the photos, videos, and information you’ve captured throughout the weekend. Come ready to brainstorm and spend some time planning your upcoming content!11:30-13:00 — WORKSHOP: Photo Editing with Anna Gondek-Grodkiewicz
Room 7, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Join award-winning professional photographer Anna Gondek-Grodkiewicz for a hands-on photo editing workshop. Whether you’re using a camera or smartphone, Anna will teach you how to identify your best shots and make sure they shine. Anna is a lecturer in photography at the Department of Graphic Design at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Wrocław and a contributor to National Geographic Poland, among other publications.11:30-13:00 — WORKSHOP: Advanced Keyword Research Tactics with Isabel Leong
Room 8, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Full-time travel blogger and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators get the most out of their online presence and financial freedom by ranking on Google faster with SEO. Join her for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to use competitors to do keyword research and find keywords to rank in a competitive space.13:00-14:00 — Lunch & Networking
Breakfast Restaurant, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Join the group for lunch at the hotel and some time to connect with your fellow event attendees before we close out the weekend. The restaurant is located on the same floor as the conference space, right across the hall.14:00-15:00 — Honesty is the Best Policy: How Travel Creators & Companies Can Embrace Radical Transparency with JoAnna Haugen
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Today’s conscious consumers expect creators and brands to consider people, planet, and profit. They want the people and companies they support to stand for something far more than the products they buy and the services they use. In the tourism industry, that is especially true. According to Booking.com, 83% of global travelers think sustainable travel is vital, yet only one-third of properties actively communicate about their efforts proactively to potential guests. It’s time for the tourism industry to embrace radical transparency in an intentional and meaningful way. In this session, we’ll discuss what radical transparency looks like in action, best practices for incorporating it in your travel work, and why it’s okay to make mistakes. Because the truth is, in today’s hyper-conscious consumer culture, you can’t afford to stay silent.15:00-15:30 — Closing Session: Where We Go From Here with Beth Santos
Rooms 4-6, Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
What new learnings and skills are we taking away from our time in Gdansk? What’s next for us as creators and for the future of the travel industry? Let’s reflect on what we’ve learned before we adjourn for the weekend.16:00 — Beer Crowling
Browar PG4, Podwale Grodzkie 4, 80-895 AND Brovarnia Gdansk, Szafarnia 9, 80-755
Beer is one of the oldest beverages in all of Europe. Over the centuries, our city of Gdansk has stood out from the international background in the production of many types of beer. The most famous drink was Japanese beer, which was exported to the entire European continent. Currently, there are many places in Gdansk that produce their own craft beers and can also boast of achievements in this field. We also recommend going to the famous Elektryków Street! An attractive place in the center of Gdansk, it’s the perfect place to spend free time both during the day and at night. There, you will eat well, listen to music, dance, watch a movie, taste art, and much more. The first 30 people can enjoy a free beer at Browar PG4 and the first 50 people can enjoy a free beer at Brovarnia! Use password WITS22 to claim! -
10:00 — Amber Adventure
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk10:00 — Guided Tour of the Women’s Trail in Gdansk
Departs from Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk