Planning a conference in Warsaw? Request an event security assessment.
Warsaw is Central Europe’s rising conference hub and a key location for NATO-adjacent defence events, EU policy summits, and Ukraine reconstruction planning. Poland’s ABW documents active Russian and Belarusian intelligence operations targeting Warsaw in these event categories. Polish licensing under the Act on the Protection of Persons and Property governs all deployed personnel. Counter-intelligence briefing and ABW-aware event security planning are standard elements for defence and Ukraine-sector events. For the broader Warsaw security picture see our Warsaw city page and bodyguard hire in Warsaw.
What does event security in Warsaw cover?
Warsaw Expo and Congress Hall Event Security
Warsaw's principal conference and exhibition infrastructure includes Warsaw Expo (Ptak Warsaw Expo), the Congress Hall (Sala Kongresowa) at the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Warsaw Marriott and Westin Warsaw convention facilities. The city hosts significant NATO-adjacent defence events, European Union policy conferences, regional business summits for Central and Eastern Europe, and Ukraine-focused diplomatic meetings given Poland's role as the primary NATO logistics hub for Ukraine support. Pre-event security assessments for Warsaw conferences evaluate perimeter management, counter-intelligence awareness requirements, and close protection needs for defence sector and government principals.
Polish licensing: the concession system
Private security in Poland is governed by the Act on the Protection of Persons and Property (1997, amended). Security companies must hold a concession from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration to provide physical protection services. Individual security officers must be entered on the list of qualified physical security staff kept by the Chief Commander of Police. Armed roles must fall within the forms of service set out in the company's concession. All deployed personnel at Warsaw events work for a concessioned company.
Counter-Intelligence and Hybrid Threat Awareness
Poland's ABW (Internal Security Agency) has documented active Russian and Belarusian intelligence operations targeting Warsaw, particularly around NATO-related activities, defence sector gatherings, and Ukraine-support logistics conferences. Sabotage and arson incidents linked to hostile state services have been documented in Poland. Pre-event counter-intelligence briefing for organisers of NATO-adjacent and defence sector events in Warsaw covers: communications security, device hygiene, attendee vetting considerations, and awareness of social engineering approaches from potential hostile intelligence contacts.
Ukraine Support Sector Events
Warsaw has become a significant hub for Ukraine reconstruction planning, Ukraine donor conferences, and private sector Ukraine engagement events given Poland's geographic proximity and its role as the primary NATO logistics route. These events attract high-profile delegates including ministers, senior officials from EU member states, and HNWI with Ukraine-linked business interests. Security planning for Ukraine-support events in Warsaw incorporates ABW-aware counter-intelligence measures, close protection for senior delegates, and awareness of the specific hybrid threat risk associated with this event category.
Okecie Airport (WAW) Delegate Transfers
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is located approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre, making it one of the more convenient European capital airport transfer routes. The transfer to principal conference hotels in the city centre, Wilanow, and Mokotow takes 15 to 25 minutes under normal conditions. Pre-arranged vetted transport from WAW covers the airport-to-hotel transfer and all subsequent event-related movements. A second Warsaw airport, Modlin, serves lower-cost carriers and is located 40 kilometres north of the city, requiring specific transfer planning.
Access Control for Warsaw Events
Access management for Warsaw conferences uses multi-tier credentialing proportionate to the event's risk level. For NATO-adjacent and defence sector events, pre-event delegate vetting against ABW advisory lists is an additional consideration. Physical access control uses x-ray screening and credential checking at all venue entry points. Counter-intelligence device protocols may be applied at events where device security is a specific requirement from the organiser or a government co-host.
Vetted operators. Local knowledge. Proven protocols.
Sources for this page
Licensing, firearms and foreign-operator rules for Warsaw, checked : Act of 22 August 1997 on the Protection of Persons and Property, consolidated text Dz.U. 2025 item 532 (Sejm); Act of 21 May 1999 on Weapons and Ammunition, consolidated text (Sejm). The full rules are on our Warsaw security overview.