Poznan is a place where the energy of the New Europe is merged with the civilization of the West. A metropolis with over half-a-million residents, Poznan is situated in the most economically developed region of Poland, closer to Berlin than to Warsaw. Poznanians can be counted on - they are well-educated, competent and welcoming.
The city is focused on achieving success, grounded on a 1000-year tradition of competence. The most ambitious of projects and the bravest of visions have a chance to succeed here. The state of Poland was born in Poznan and it was also the location of the Greater Poland Uprising, the only successful armed bid for independence in Poland and a proof of the exceptional resourcefulness of its citizens.
The people of this metropolis also stand out in terms of their spirit of enterprise, renowned for generations. During the great economic crisis at the beginning of the 20th century, Poznan managed to establish itself as one of the biggest trading areas in this part of Europe. Today, the Poznan International Trade Fair Centre successfully hosts large international events including the 2008 United Nations IPCC climate conference and a 2010 meeting of the delegations of 46 ministers of culture from Europe and Asia, under the auspices of the Asia-Europe Meeting.
The city's sports infrastructure allows for the organisation of major international sporting events. In the opinion of experts, Poznan has one of the most beautifully located regatta courses in the world and hosts one of the largest street races in Europe- the Poznan Marathon. Poznan is also becoming famous around the football stadiums of Europe for the passion of the fans of Lech Poznan-the best supported club in Poland.
Poznan cultural climate is formed by the wide range of entertainment on offer. Major international events hosted here include: Malta Festival - the biggest theatre festival in Poland, Dancing Poznan - which has been attracting dancers from all over the world for 17 years and the Made in Chicago Festival - the only festival of the Chicago Jazz School in Europe.
The programme is complemented by small but quickly growing events - the Animator Festival - the biggest festival of animated films in Poland, the Ethno Port Festival - recognised as one of the best 25 world music festivals in the world and Transatlantic - an event focusing on film scores.
By both realizing professional challenges efficiently and spending our free time creatively, we can look on Poznan as a City of Work and a City of Play.