Smart cities are the future of modern agglomerations. The concept of smart cities has been appearing in the public debate for several years, but its significance changes along with technological progress and social trends. The new generation of cities is not only focused on the development of new technologies, but also on the needs of residents and their role in the cities of the future.

The X edition of the Smart City Forum was a response to the evolution of smart cities in Poland. During the two days of the congress, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the most important issues concerning smart cities. The agenda of the event was built in such a way as to convey the idea of the smart city to all city offices and enable them to manage cities in an ecological, modern, effective and economical way, regardless of size or number of residents. The methods of implementing smart city strategies that can be adapted to local specificity and scale were also shown. Debates with the participation of local government representatives, experts, and business representatives had brought current challenges and successes to individual cities. Speakers had also presented practical strategies and solutions in the form of practical case studies. Individual topics will be developed during a dynamic round tables session. Discussions in a small group with the participation of experts were an excellent opportunity for networking.

The event was a platform for exchanging experiences, presenting the latest smart city solutions as well as methods of implementation and good practices. The agenda of the event was shaped by the Advisory Board, chaired by Maciej Bluj, an expert in the field of smart city solutions, Deputy Mayor of the City of Wrocław 2007-2018. Those participating in discussions included:
●    Wojciech Jeszka, President of the Management Board, Smart Cities Accelerator
●    Beata Klimek, Mayor of the City of Ostrów Wielkopolski
●    Kordian Kolbiarz, Mayor of the Town of Nysa
●    Jerzy Muzyk, Deputy Mayor of the City of Kraków for Sustainable Development
●    Paweł Pisarczyk, CEO, Atende Software,
●    Artur Szymczyk, Deputy Mayor of the City of Lublin for Investment and Development
●    Artur Tusiński, Mayor of the Town of Podkowa Leśna

"The Smart City Forum is a platform for meetings between businesses and local governments. We have representatives of start-ups, large companies, big cities, small and medium-sized companies - all participants of what we call a smart city. It’s an idea that is just gaining momentum, requires support, promotion, networking, and translation. The Smart City Forum is a great place for all of these people to meet, explain how they understand the idea and think about what they can do together," said Bartłomiej Pawlak, Vice-President of the Management Board, Polish Development Fund.

The Smart City Forum is a conference that focuses on specific solutions that can be applied in any city in Poland. It shows examples of flexible cities that increase the awareness of residents and their involvement in urban life.

Congress was organized as part of the activities of MMC Polska, organizing prestigious congresses, conferences, workshops and business training dedicated to specialists, management staff and company boards.

All information about the Smart City Forum can be found on the official website of the congress: www.smartcityforum.pl and social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.