Every year, in early June, Wisła attracts not only mountain hikers but also those who work daily in the world of specifications, tenders, and procedures. This picturesque town hosted the sixteenth edition of the Public Procurement School – an event that has for years brought together key players in the mining and mining-related sectors, legal experts, and practitioners from across Poland.

This year’s edition was held under the slogan “New Challenges, New Opportunities” and – as participants admitted – was not only a response to changing regulations but also a compass for those who navigate the complex world of procurement on a daily basis.

Electronicization – The Opening Theme and a Preview of the Future

The conference was opened by Marcin Kalmus, Director of the Appeals Office of the Public Procurement Office, presenting plans for the electronicization of the appeals process. His presentation generated considerable interest – not only due to the scale of the planned changes, but also the pace at which they will be implemented.

Digitalization isn’t just about technological advancements – it also means tangible improvements in the work of contracting authorities and contractors. Simplified procedures and greater transparency are goals that, as emphasized, have the potential to truly improve the quality of the market.

Contractor as an Active Participant

Dariusz Ziembiński, in turn, demonstrated that contractors are not passive participants in tenders, but active players who can and should influence the documentation. His lecture was a powerful reminder that imprecision in bid preparation can cost more than a lost case. The expert clearly emphasized that a well-prepared bid begins at the stage of analyzing the tender provisions – and that contractors have real tools to influence their design. In practice, this means fewer errors, fewer appeals, and greater efficiency throughout the entire process.

A little later, Dr. Maciej Gnela transported everyone to the world of EU subsidies and rigorous audits. His presentation on EU-refinanced procedures exposed the scale of the difficulties faced by contracting authorities. But it also showed that with good knowledge of procedures, money from Brussels does not have to be a burden, but an opportunity.

Workshops – Where Theory Meets Practice

In addition to the lectures, the workshops were very popular. Agnieszka Zaborowska led a workshop on estimating the value of contracts – both statutory and regulatory. Krzysztof Szyszko, in turn, introduced the participants to the topic of sustainable procurement and demonstrated how to implement environmentally friendly criteria without overcomplicating matters.

Controversy was also rife. Dr. Maciej Gnela led a workshop on abnormally low prices – a topic that still raises doubts in light of current regulations and case law. The question hung in the air: does cheap always mean good? Discussions continued long after the panel concluded.

Sustainable Development – ​​Not a Trend, but a Necessity

Environmental criteria in public procurement are a topic that sounded like a whim just a few years ago. Today, they are a real necessity. More and more institutions and companies are realizing that a green approach is no longer an optional extra, but often a requirement for participating in a tender. Krzysztof Szyszko, as specific and inspiring as ever, demonstrated how to implement sustainable development in practice without falling into ecological utopia. “It’s not about green slogans, but about real actions that make sense for both the environment and the budget,” he argued.

Law, Data, and Responsibility

The conference also couldn’t ignore the topic of personal data protection. In her lecture, Ewa Dziedziela demonstrated that GDPR is not just a “paperwork” issue, but a real shield protecting tender participants. Her presentation was one of the most practical items on the agenda—and likely one of the most underestimated until the first audit.

Support from Every Side

The School’s success stems not only from its content but also from its solid support base. The patronage of the Ministry of Industry and the Public Procurement Office lent significance to the event, and the partnership of companies such as Cobra Europe, the Powen-Wafapomp Group, and OMAG demonstrated that the private sector recognizes the importance of this space for dialogue.

Content, excitement, inspiration

“The Public Procurement School 2025 was an excellent opportunity to update our knowledge and learn about the latest changes in public procurement. Sustainable development, the digitalization of processes, and the growing role of ecology in procurement are challenges that will accompany us in the coming years. This year’s conference confirmed the importance of education in this area and the key role such events play in the development of this industry,” said Janusz Olszowski, President of the Mining Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in closing.

And it’s hard to disagree. It was three days of intense work, but also inspiring conversations. The conference not only showed where the world of public procurement is heading, but also allowed participants to look to that future with greater confidence.

See you next year – with even more knowledge, questions, and answers. Because one thing is certain – the world of public procurement isn’t standing still. And the Public Procurement School is the best place to keep up with it.