XV Edition · Fear, Fun and Fire

Giraffe Awards Gala

An evening for leaders who believe in the power of authentic conversation. No stage, just stories shared around round tables. By invitation only.

When
26 November 2026
18:00 · Norblin Factory, Warsaw
Who
150 leaders
CEOs and managing directors of the largest Polish and global companies
Format
Tables of 12
Polish- and English-speaking

Look further. Listen with your heart.

About the Gala

An Evening Guided by Stories

Giraffe Awards Gala is an annual gathering of 150 CEOs from Poland and Central and Eastern Europe that places the power of authentic storytelling at the heart of business.

For over twenty years, CEO Round Table has consistently created a space for exchanging thoughts and experiences, where authenticity and generosity matter more than PR facades – this culture of trust makes the event a magnet for leaders and a benchmark for new leadership standards in the region.

Celebrating Storytelling

Stories That Shape Leaders

In CEO Round Table’s unique format, leaders share stories that have shaped them as individuals and as leaders.

These authentic narratives strengthen the ability to inspire others and build trust – fundamental competencies of true leadership.

At this year’s 15th edition, the round-table conversations will focus on the theme Fear, Fun and Fire.

Giraffe Awards

Statuettes for the Stories That Moved Us Most

At every table, one story receives the Giraffe.

The statuette is a tribute to Marshall Rosenberg, the creator of Nonviolent Communication, in which the giraffe symbolizes the language of empathy. It also carries a second meaning: thanks to its long neck, the giraffe sees further – just like a leader who sees the wider context.

Agenda

  • 18:00 Welcoming the guests
  • 18:30 Opening speech

    François Nail

  • 18:50 Evening buffet
  • 19:30 Storytelling CEO Round Tables
  • 21:10 Giraffe Awards
  • 21:30 Closing speech
  • 21:40 Networking Party
  • 22:30 End of the Gala

Partners of the XV edition

Voices of the participants

XIV Giraffe Awards Gala · November 2025

The ‘Giraffe Awards’ is far more than just another gala evening hosted by a CEO association. It is becoming a true hallmark — one that stands for authenticity, openness, courage to step outside one’s comfort zone, in a spirit of respect and mutual listening.
Fabien Goulmy
Fabien GoulmyManaging Director Cluster East, Renault Group
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
The Giraffe Awards is always a very special event, when business leaders let go of their professional posture to reveal their deep self… always inspiring and full of learnings.
Stephane Tikhomiroff
Stephane TikhomiroffManaging Director, Perfetti Van Melle Polska
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
Thank you CEO Round Table Team and François Nail for bringing more than 120 CEOs together to meet and share stories “Dancing in the Beauty of Chaos” reminding us we are all human and often face similar challenges.
Kiril Marinov
Kiril MarinovGeneral Manager & Board Member, Henkel Consumer Brands Poland
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
Indeed an amazing event, full of inspiring, touching and fun stories! Congrats to you François Nail and the whole CEO Round Table Team for creating space and environment which allows this magic to happen!
Ewa Łapińska
Ewa ŁapińskaGeneral Manager Poland & Baltics, Mars
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
François Nail and CEO Roundtable team, thank you for this fantastic event and for your effort in building such a great community!
Oleksandr Koliakin
Oleksandr KoliakinGlobal General Manager, Shell
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
A truly great event — inspiring discussions, powerful networking, valuable insights, and a very pleasant atmosphere. Thank you CEO Round Table team for bringing such an energizing group together!
Max Gontar
Max GontarCEO & Co-founder, Cody Solutions
LinkedIn comment · November 2025
01 / 06

Reserve your seat and join the Gala.

To reserve your seat, write to Anna Kerschke. Seats are limited.

Anna Kerschke

Membership Development Manager

+48 571 873 078