For leading entrepreneur Zbigniew Klonowski, one fact remains steadfast: this year’s 60 Million Congress Global Polonia Summit promises to be one for the books. Klonowski, a long-time technology pioneer and gatekeeper for Polish businesses, has been forging dynamic connections between Poland and the United States through the Congress’s annual summits, which serve as a robust platform for Polish businesses seeking to expand their impact and reach into the American marketplace.
Featuring a lineup of some of the most key figures in business and politics throughout Europe—including special guest and former Polish president, Lech Walesa—the Global Polonia Summits taking place in Miami and Chicago have proven to be successes since the organization’s founding in 2018.
Alongside his work with 60 Million Congress throughout the past five years, Klonowski has also been operating at the helm of technology and consulting management for nearly three decades, most notably as the CEO of Trias Group, a group of audio-visual companies dedicated to venue and event support and project implementation. Leading Trias AVI and Trias International, Klonowski has spearheaded a number of projects within the United States, particularly for interactive museums and science centers.
“At Trias AVI, we’ve had the opportunity to partner with global companies to deliver the best technological solutions to institutions such as Warsaw’s National Museum of Technology and the Museum of Technology and Transport – Art Depot in Szczecin,” shares Klonowski. “Our passion for executing standout events naturally spilled over into my work with the 60 Million Congress, and perfectly aligned with our mission of elevating Polish businesses on the international stage, particularly as we continue to collaborate with US-based companies.”
Over the past few years, the 60 Million Congress’s have forged an impact in the international business sphere, regularly hosting in cities such as New York, London, Berlin, Miami, Rzeszów and Gdańsk. These locations are chosen strategically to create a seamless avenue for Polish businesses to connect with their American counterparts and the broader international community.
Klonowski’s vision for the Congress is clear: “We’re always looking to expand. The impetus behind 60 Million Congress has always been to create opportunities for Polish and Polish-American businesspeople of all ages so that we can continue to collaborate with US-based ventures. We aim to foster connections across global boundaries, and that’s really what keeps us motivated to make each year bigger and better.”
In 2024 alone, Klonowski and fellow 60 Million Congress co-founders Kamil Szymański and Gregory Fryc are anticipating the upcoming Global Polonia Summit at Miami’s James L. Knight Center from February 1st-3rd, as well as a later Chicago summit set for October 18th-20th.
“The summits are three-day powerhouse networking events, investor meetings, and speaker-led panel discussions,” Klonowski explains. “We aim to provide a luxurious and stimulating environment for attendees from all over the world, and Miami, with its beautiful weather and bustling professional scene, is an ideal setting for that.”
Alongside former President Lech Walesa, this February’s exciting lineup of guest speakers and panel representatives include Chris Grabowski of the New York Foreign Trade Office, Harley Lippman from Genesis 10, professional racer Rafał Sonik, and many more.
As 60 Million Congress continues its upward trajectory, Klonowski is optimistic about the opportunities the new year presents, particularly for Polish companies to strengthen their presence in the American market.
“Polish companies have been progressively strengthening, especially in technology, and 60 Million Congress has played a significant role in this growth,” he notes. “By hosting in cities like Miami, New York, and Buffalo, we tap into a growing number of Polish-Americans looking to reconnect with their roots while also giving American businesses the chance to invest in leading Polish ventures.”
Looking ahead, Klonowski envisions creating more opportunities for second- and third-generation Polish-Americans to engage with 60 Million Congress members worldwide.
“Even five years down the road, our mission will continue to evolve as our impact grows,” Klonowski concludes. “We have so many exciting future plans for the Congress, with cities like Houston, San Francisco, and Toronto being considered for future Global Polonia Summits. We are poised to expand our reach more than ever, and it feels inevitable that we should continue to meet the demand.”
For more information about this year’s Global Polonia Summits in Miami and Chicago, as well as information regarding ticket sales, please visit 60 Million Congress’s official website.
