Welcome to the EGEA Annual Congress 2024 official website!
You can find out more about our sponsors, patronages and partners in the Sponsors section.
Get ready for the Polish experience of a lifetime! We’re expecting 180 excited participants, all thanks to the 21 super dedicated organizers who are working passionately to make this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to host you at our Congress and work to make it the best for you.
AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY:
EGEA WARSAW, EGEA KRAKÓW, EGEA OLSZTYN, EGEA WROCŁAW, EGEA TORUŃ
9 September from 10:00 to 14 September from 12:00 Europe/Poland
During the month of the
Open Call for Participants we have got…
of which there were unique…
from…
🫂 Registrations🫂
Participants’ Fee
| % fee to be paid | AC 2024 fee [EUR] | |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 100% | 203.94 |
| Group B | 80% | 163.15 |
| Group C | 65% | 132.56 |
| Group D | 50% | 101.97 |
Insight, how Annual Congress’ fee has been calculated, can be seen in official EGEA documents (APPENDIX C)
Austria
Belgium
Finland
France
Germany
Italy
Lithuania
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Croatia
Czech Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Russia
Slovak Republic
Türkiye
Serbia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo
Ukraine
Counting down to AC24!
Stay tuned and get ready for the excitement!
🌍 Scientific Programme 🌍
The proposed workshops shown below may differ later, and fewer will be chosen in the end. We will inform about every change!
Workshop themes brought to you by our #ScienceTeam
Theme of this EGEA year and theme of Change for the Future
With Agrifuture being EGEA’s theme for 2024, we believe there is no better time to look into the future. Agriculture has traditionally been a core element of Podhale’s economy and culture, yet its practices have continuously raised questions of sustainability. Now it’s time to brace it for the heavily changing environment surrounding it.
Moreover, all of us are aware of the dynamically altering conditions resulting from worldwide human impact and climate change. With extreme occurences and catastrophes that have been and are now happening in Europe, we want to provide insight and give room for diving further into these issues in a place filled with nature, deeply sensitive to unstable circumstances.
We also cannot forget the ever-so-important EGEA Regional Restructuring. In its spirit, we offer space to talk about the future of our Association. What does it look like with the new division just around the corner? What new challenges will we be faced with?
Proposed workshops
Special guests
to be announced…
Trainings
to be announced…
Proposed excursions
⚠️🌍 Proposed excursions may differ in the final programme of the congress 🌏⚠️
Calling all forest lovers! During this easy hike you will be able to reconnect with nature and find inner peace, which might come in handy after yet another of the crazy parties we have in store for you.
The hike will start directly from our accommodation, where you will head south and enter the Tatra National Park. Moving along the Mała Łąka Valley and the Nad Reglami Path, you will be able to hear the voices of the Podhale forests. Don’t you worry though, as amazing viewpoints are also planned. You will reach the Grzybowiec peak (1417), from where an incredible view of the Tatras can be admired. On the way back you will get the chance to see the beautiful three-part Siklawica waterfall, where many photos are bound to be taken. Following the Strążyska Valley and the Pod Reglami Path, you will then be taken back to Dom Wczasowy Harnaś II, with more fun activities awaiting.
If you ever considered visiting Poland in winter, you must have heard of Zakopane. The city, just east of our Kościelisko, is nicknamed Poland’s winter capital for a reason. During this excursion (the only urban one, may we add) two groups of EGEAns will see the many sides of Zakopane, a city vibrant regardless of the season.
Both groups will get to see the core area of the city, which now serves multiple functions. You will be able to experience both the traditional architecture of Podhale and the sharply contrasting new tourist facilities. The route will begin with Krupówki, Zakopane’s very heart and undeniably one of Poland’s most recognisable streets, and end with a climb up the peak of Gubałówka (1126) for panoramic views of the city. In between, you will be entertained by attractions depending on which group you choose. The first group will follow a path in the footsteps of local culture, while the other studies Podhale’s nature and sports legacy. More on that to be announced…
The most distant of our trips will bring together people of different interests, with the running theme being water. Here yet again two groups of EGEAns will head north in the direction of Nowy Targ, Podhale’s historical capital, to find themselves nestled right between two national parks – Gorczański and Pieniński. Our destination will be Lake Czorsztyn, one of the largest reservoirs in southern Poland.
Before you get there though, you will get to see sights such as the scenic Bór na Czerwonem (a peatland that is both a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 protected area) and short but expansive Białka gorge (functioning too as a nature reserve). Having arrived at the reservoir, you will split into two groups. One group will, to put it mysteriously, delve into the past and future of the area, while the other searches for traces of volcanic activity and looks at the area from high above. The two groups will then come together to conclude the trip with a very special surprise. Do we have your attention? Good, as that is all we can say for now…
One of the longer journeys will take us to one of the must-see points of the Tatra mountains. It is here that vast numbers of tourists from Poland and beyond walk up the classic road to marvel at the truly iconic, blue miracle of nature. You guessed it, you will get the chance to see the Morskie Oko, Poland’s most known mountain lake.
Before reaching the final destination, you will walk alongside the picturesque valley of Białka (Rybi Potok) river, which is also the border between Poland and Slovakia. During the excursion itself you will:
- learn the story about the Waterfalls of Mickiewicz
- talk about the potential risk for the surrounding nature coming from the mass tourism near the Włosienica pasture and Morskie Oko lake
- admire the views of the highest Polish mountain range
While most of the road from the starting point of our hike named Palenica Białczańska is quite easily accessible (it is a paved road after all), the last 2 km to the Morskie Oko are much harder, so please be prepared for possible slippery conditions! That is all we can say for now…
In comparison to the remaining hikes, this one is much less demanding, as it starts directly from our accommodation. Do not underestimate it though, as we have never heard of anyone who would be disappointed after visiting the famous Kościeliska Valley.
The hike will take place in the valley deriving its name from the village where our accommodation is located. The valley is one of the larger in the region and is known as a place where a lot of Polish Highlanders operate on local pastures, hence the ties to Agrifuture. Participants taking part in this trip will get to not only enjoy the balance between nature and human activity, but also see the cradle of the best oscypek cheese in the entirety of Podhale. Can you already taste it?
Does neither of the previous excursions satisfy your need for a truly mountainous experience? Do you have greater background in mountain hiking? Do you not mind getting downright sweaty and gritty? If so, join the utmost mountainous hike possible – the excursion to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy!
Sadly no glaciers are left in the Polish mountains now but many traces of their abundance in the past can be found. One of them is the titular Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, which is much different from Morskie Oko as it is far less exploited by tourists.
Given the conditions, during this workshop you will:
- take a longest hike possible…
- …which in return gives marvelous sights of Polish Tatras…
- …and the biggest of the Polish Tatras’ lakes
We know you are already excited about it – come join us on the trail!
Day schedule
⚠️🌍 Proposed programme may differ 🌏⚠️
Day schedule – explanations
coming soon…
📌 Location 📌
Region of Podhale
Podhale is a picturesque and culturally rich region in southern Poland, at the very base of the Tatra Mountains. Known for its natural beauty, Podhale offers a blend of lush valleys, towering peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Its cultural identity is shaped by the unique Highlander people (pol. Górale), who have preserved their traditional lifestyle, music and food.
Podhale in Poland offers an exceptional setting for hosting the EGEA Annual Congress 2024 due to its unique combination of geographical features, cultural richness and convenient infrastructure. The region’s stunning landscapes, encompassing the Tatra Mountains and picturesque valleys, provide an inspiring backdrop for diverse and absorbing workshops. Additionally, Podhale’s strong cultural heritage offers a distinctive experience that can enhance the congress’ atmosphere and provide participants with a deep sense of the place.
Town of Kościelisko
The beautifully located Harnaś II complex, with plenty of attractions at our disposal, proximity of hiking/biking trails and location in the center of Kościelisko is a guarantee of fantastic stay!
Accommodation of Dom Wczasowy Harnaś II
Nice atmosphere, highland hospitality, tasty food and traditional interior design will make everyone feel at ease here, which will encourage you to return to this beautiful nook below the Giewont Mountain.
- over 200 places
- double, triple or quadruple rooms
- restaurant and Big Hall for General Assembly and Night Programmes
- smaller rooms for workshops and trainings
- pool table, soccer and volleyball fields
& much more this place has to offer…
Kompleks Wypoczynkowy Harnaś II, Kościelisko; Source: https://www.noclegi-harnas.pl/
🚝 Transport suggestions 🚀
to be announced…
💛 Sponsors, Patronages and Partners💛
OnGeo.pl
Source: OnGeo.pl
(https://ongeo.pl/o-nas)
Tatra National Park
The Tatra National Park (TPN, not to be confused with its Slovak counterpart TANAP) is one of Poland’s 23 national parks, located in the Tatra County, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The park is headquartered in the town of Zakopane. The park, which stretches over the parts of the Tatra Mountains belonging to Poland, was established in 1955 as a direct response to the environmental hazards coming from the development of industry, intensive grazing, predatory forest practices and hunting. It covers over 211 km2, placing it as one of Poland’s largest national parks. About 70% of the park’s area is covered by forests and dwarf pine thickets, whereas the remaining 30% are alpine grasslands, rocks and water. Over 149 km2 of its area is under strict protection, including the entire floor of mountain pastures and crags, the floor of dwarf pine forests, and partly the floors of upper and lower montane forests. The iconic logo of TPN displays a Tatra chamois, a living symbol of the Tatra Mountains. It was and still is the hero of many folk talks, stories and songs. It is also the motif of numerous paintings and sculptures. Who knows, maybe you will get to see it during the congress?
Source: Tatra National Park
(https://tpn.pl/ and https://tpn.pl/pobierz-plik/b4c9c5927541f782850f01c0c2130f3c/Folder+TPN.pdf)
Jagiellonian University in Kraków
The Jagiellonian University is the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded on 12 May 1364 by the Polish king Casimir the Great. The Jubilee year 2014 marked the 650th anniversary of this remarkable event. Today, the Jagiellonian University comprises 16 Faculties, where nearly 4 thousand academic staff conduct research and provide education to almost 40 thousand students, within the framework of more than 150 different fields of study. The most unique large-scale projects run by the Jagiellonian University include the Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, OMICRON, and National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS. Yet another advantage of the Jagiellonian University is its location in the historic city of Kraków, the former capital of Poland and a great cultural centre, visited by millions of tourists. Some of the University buildings are major historical sites themselves.
Source: Jagiellonian University in Kraków
(https://en.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/)
Polish Geographical Society
The main goal of the Polish Geographical Society is comprehensive development of geographical sciences and the education and application of geographic knowledge in development of the society and economy. Polish Geographical Society initiates and conducts scientific research, promotes geography, and support geographic education. Main activities of Polish Geographical Society are publishing (including publishing “Journal of Geography”), organizing of scientific and educational conferences and seminars, and others, including promoting geography through organizing study tours.
Source: Polish Geographical Society
(https://ptgeo.org.pl/en/)
Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies of the University of Warsaw
The Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies of the University of Warsaw, as the first independent geographical faculty in Poland, as a faculty of the Warsaw University, always ranked among the top two best universities in the country, as a geographical unit with great scientific and teaching potential, should play a priority role in Polish geography, raise their prestige at the University of Warsaw and be recognized internationally.
Source: Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies
(uw.edu.pl)
Consultative Council for the Student Scientific Movement of the University of Warsaw
The Consultative Council serves as a guiding force for organizations and scientific circles at the University of Warsaw. With a mission to ensure transparency and excellence, the council meticulously verifies and oversees the reporting of scientific activities undertaken by student circles. Additionally, it provides invaluable support and resources to empower these movements in their academic pursuits.
Source: Uniwersytet Warszawski
(uw.edu.pl)
Council for Scientific Student Associations at the Jagiellonian University
The Council for Scientific Student Associations (RKN UJ) is an almost 40-year-old student initiative, consisting of about 130 active student associations functioning at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.
The Council supports scientific and didactic projects of its member associations, among others by providing financial support. Other perks for the members include the access to special venues, promotional materials and needed equipment.
EGEA Kraków, working closely with the Ludomir Sawicki Association of Geographers at the Jagiellonian University (KGUJ), has the right to apply for funding.
Source: Council for Scientific Student Associations at the Jagiellonian University (https://rkn.uj.edu.pl/o-nas)
“Bratniak” Foundation of JU Students and Alumni
The “Bratniak” Foundation of JU Students and Alumni is an entity functioning alongside the Jagiellonian University in Kraków since 1992.
The main goal of the Foundation, as stated in its charter, is the improvement of social and living conditions of the academic community, supporting scientific, cultural and artistic initiatives related to it.
Financial resources gained by the Foundation’s hotel business are relocated to improve the social support of the students, help them in finding employment, co-finance initiatives aimed at improving the students’ skills, qualifications and knowledge, develop the scientific activities and international exchange of students, among many others.
Source: “Bratniak” Foundation of JU Students and Alumni
(https://www.bratniak.krakow.pl/index.php?idPodstrony=1)
EGEA Regional Congresses of 2024
We are truly grateful for all the friends we’ve made along the way. Each congress organizer has played a crucial role in supporting us, whether through material assistance, valuable advice, or meaningful meetings.
Words cannot express how thankful we are for the assistance and adventures we’ve experienced both leading up to and during the congresses themselves.
Friends that we made along the way will survive really long time.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey
Logos: European Geography Association
(https://egea.eu/)
more coming soon…
👷Meet Our Orgateam👩💻
Julia Nejman
Main Organizer │ Finance Coordinator
#Finance #EGEAWarszawa
Hi! I’m Julia from EGEA Warsaw. My #EGEAAdventure started in 2019 and since then it has given me the most amazing memories and let me know incredible people. I love travelling, reading books, and going to concerts. Organizing this congress may be the biggest challenge in my life.
MICHAŁ PURTA
Main Organizer │ Participants Coordinator
#Participants #Promotion #NightProgramme #Finance #EGEAWarszawa
Hello there! I’m Michał from EGEA Warsaw. I come from a small town in the northeastern part of Poland – the region of Masuria, which is known for its thousands of lakes. Every now and then I come back to my hometown to calm down but honestly, my heart belongs to big cities. I love talking with people and discussing new ideas on topics of technology.
JENNIFER SADOWSKA
Promotion & Media Coordinator
#Promotion #Participants #NightProgramme #Science #EGEAKraków
Hey! I’m Jenny from EGEA Kraków, and what I love most are travelling, dogs and the beach. What got me into geography was probably my love for water and the environment. I crave new experiences and people, and if you ask me “do you want to go…” – the answer is yes!
ANIA NOZDERKA
Night Programme Coordinator
#NightProgramme #Environment #Participants #EGEAWarszawa
Hello, I’m Ania from EGEA Warsaw! My biggest dream is to visit every country in the world, but for now, I started in Europe, so EGEA helps me make my dreams come true. During the Congress, the easiest way to find me is on the dance floor, especially when ABBA is playing.
KAROLINA SENTYRZ-Kołodziej
Environmental Coordinator
#Environment #Finance #DayProgramme #Promotion #EGEAKraków
Hi! I’m Karolina from EGEA Kraków, and I’m an enthusiastic, optimistic person who isn’t afraid of challenges. Great people, friendly atmosphere, and many opportunities to get involved motivate me to be active in EGEA and live my life to the fullest. Besides EGEA, I love dogs, mountains, pizza, travelling, and discovering the world.
KAROL ZALEŚNY
Hotel Relations Coordinator
#Hotel #NightProgramme #EGEAWrocław
Ciao! I’m Karol from EGEA Wrocław. I love travelling, as befits a geographer. I satisfy my passion and fascination with airplanes by working at the airport. I love challenges, which is one of the reasons why I’m a member of AC24 OrgaTeam.
KUBA SŁOTWIŃSKI
Scientific Programme Coordinator
#Science #Finance #EGEAKraków
Hey, I’m Kuba from EGEA Kraków! I am an open and ambitious person who always tries to better themselves. Catch me in the kitchen or in the water. If not there, I’m probably trying to learn a new language. EGEA to me is the sum of its members, i. e. the best people in the world.
JUSTYNA ZYGADŁO
Day Programme Coordinator
#DayProgramme #Promotion #Hotel #EGEAOlsztyn
Hello there! I’m Justyna from EGEA Olsztyn, and I’m thrilled to be able to share this amazing experience of the Annual Congress with you! In my free time, meaning when I’m not doing EGEA or GIS stuff, I love horse riding and cooking.
MATEUSZ WÓJCIK
Scientific Programme Coordinator
#Science #MateuszTeam #EGEAWarszawa
Yo! I’m Mat from EGEA Warsaw, this is my second event in EGEA, which I’m proud to organise & my third time in the Tatra Mountains :). Three things that I’m constantly into (at least I’m trying to): hiking, cycling & doing GIS stuff. Can’t wait to see you in September!
TOMEK CUDAKIEWICZ
#Hotel #Finance #DayProgramme #EGEAOlsztyn
Hi! I’m Tomek from EGEA Olsztyn, usually ppl consider me an easy-going person. I love swimming, dancing, eating crisps and anything with garlic. EGEA gave me so many new adventures and it’s time to give something back. I enjoy learning about cultural heritage and urban planning.
KLAUDIA KURPIOS
#Environment #NightProgramme #Participants #Promotion #EGEAWarszawa
Hii! I’m Klaudia from EGEA Warsaw. I’m very excited to take part in organising this amazing event. Apart from geography, I love psychology and marine biology, but there’s nothing in this world that makes me happier than my friends, travelling, and going to concerts. Can’t wait to meet you all!
ANASTAZJA RYBA
#Promotion #Participants #EGEAKraków
Hi, I’m Anastazja from EGEA Kraków! Apart from geography, I love cooking and hiking, especially in the Tatra Mountains. I like organizing events, so I am very excited about AC24! I’m also a big cat lover!
KINGA MATEJA
#NightProgramme #Promotion #EGEAWarszawa
Hello there! I’m Kinga from EGEA Warsaw. That girl with curly hair and a headscarf is me! I love music, flowers, Polish folklore, Vans, and everything about DIY. See you at the AC (but especially at our Big Fat Polish Wedding).
MATEUSZ GAJDA
#Science #MateuszTeam #EGEAKraków
Hello there! I’m Mateusz from EGEA Kraków. I come from the Holy Cross Mountains which are kinda in the middle of Poland. Above all, I enjoy hiking off the trail in the mountains and wading through the swamps whenever I get a chance.
WIKTORIA RYCZKO
#Finance #EGEAOlsztyn
Hi! I’m Wiktoria from EGEA Olsztyn. I love adrenaline and flying, e.g. skydiving helps me to break away from reality, just like adventures in EGEA. I enjoy travelling and meeting new people – it’s a different, beautiful world. Now, I can’t imagine life without EGEA!
MATEUSZ SZKOPIAREK
#NightProgramme #MateuszTeam #EGEAWarszawa
HeeHey, I’m Mateusz from EGEA Warsaw – a cheerful, modest man who always smiles! I love travelling, football (especially when I’m the one sitting on a comfortable couch), and Polish weddings. A Polish classic says: “Sit deeply in an armchair, tighten your belts, and start with a massive hit”.
DOMINIKA DOROCIAK
#Finance #Science #Environment #Promotion #EGEAWarszawa
Hi! I’m Dominika from EGEA Warsaw, and my two favourite things are travelling and concerts. I say I’m broke, and then you see me catching a flight. What attracted me to EGEA was the opportunity to meet new, inspiring people. During CF, I will probably stand near every single cheese plate in sight.
OLIWIA BUŁCZYŃSKA
#Science #Trainings #DayProgramme #Participants #EGEAWarszawa
Hi, I’m Oliwia from EGEA Warsaw! It’s the first EGEA event I’ll be organizing, and I want to make it as wonderful as possible. I’m fascinated by the geography of development and regions. In my free time, I love to do art, especially with wood. See you!
MATEUSZ ROSIAK
#NightProgramme #DayProgramme #Participants #MateuszTeam #EGEAWarszawa
HI! I’m Mateusz from EGEA Warsaw. I am an open person and always willing to discover new things. I love sports, especially tennis. For me, being in EGEA is an opportunity to meet wonderful people and make dreams come true. Travelling is my passion, and dumplings are my love.
MATEUSZ Suwiński
#Science #MateuszTeam #EGEAToruń
Hi! It’s Mateusz from EGEA Toruń. My main interest is everything connected to glacial geomorphology. I enjoy going on trips in general, especially to the mountains. I’d love to discover something new about the quaternary past of Tatra Mountains at AC2024!
Patryk Grzywaczewski
#Science #EGEAToruń
Hello! I’m Patryk from EGEA Toruń. I love travelling, learning about other cultures, meeting people and discovering the world around me. Fun fact – I love fun facts!
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