On December 8-10, 2016 Karpacz hosted the 2nd Industry Forum, which was an opportunity to discuss key problems of the European industry. During three days there were many events: debates, plenary sessions, presentations of reports and thematic blocks, with the participation of over 700 guests including representatives of the largest industrial concerns, Members of Parliament, experts and economists from Central and Eastern Europe. Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry was represented by Żaneta Berus – CEO of Warsaw Expo XXI. Exhibitions and festivals are the driving force of the regional economic development Żaneta Berus took part in the discussion panel Festivals, exhibitions and mass events as a method to revive the local economic situation . An important element of development of each city and region is its efficient promotion and building a positive image. A well prepared cultural offer appropriate presentation of advantages of a particular region decides about its attractiveness. Food fairs, wine and culinary festivals, theatre performances, carnivals, music performances and colourful parades are just some of the possible forms of attracting tourists and inhabitants. More and more often we look for specific events in order to choose a tourist destination. Members of the discussion panel Festivals, exhibitions and mass events as a method to revive the local economic situation looked for an answer to the question: can we talk about festivals and exhibitions as a method to revive the local economic situation. The moderator of the panel was Zygmunt Waśkowski, the Prorector of the Faculty of Management, the Head of the Marketing Strategy Department of the Poznań University of Economics.