Does Human Work Still Pay Off? People, Skills and the Limits of Automation in the Factory and Warehouse of the Future
Date
September 17, 2026
Hour
9:30 am -3:00 pm
Location
Hennes Mauritz Logistics<br /> Gądki, near Poznań
On 17 September, the 4th edition of the conference Does Human Work Still Pay Off? People, Skills and the Limits of Automation in the Factory and Warehouse of the Future will take place – a joint SPCC and AHK event dedicated to the future of manufacturing, logistics and business.
What will the factory and warehouse of the future look like? What role will humans play, and what role will be taken by AI, automation and new technologies? During the conference, we will discuss the transformation of industry, upskilling and reskilling, and how companies are preparing for a changing labour market.
The programme will include, among others, the latest GUS data on workforce availability in the Wielkopolska region until 2040, practical examples of AI and digital twin applications, as well as a discussion among industry leaders on the factory and warehouse of the future. The event will conclude with a visit to the H&M distribution centre in Gądki.
Agenda:
09:30–10:00
Registration and welcome coffee
10:00–10:20
Opening session: Welcome remarks from H&M Logistics
- Ilona Balwińska, H&M Logistics
10:20–10:40
Demographic keynote: Wielkopolska 2040 – Who will be working?
- Jacek Kowalewski, Central Statistical Office in Poznań
10:40–11:10
Keynote: How long can people keep learning? – On adaptation, development and redefining one’s role in a changing business environment
- Iwo Zmyślony
11:10–11:35
Fireside chat: Reskilling, upskilling, offboarding – a business responsibility or just a convenient HR buzzword?
- Ewelina Gnatkowska, AHK – moderator
- Łukasz Janion, DHL Express
- Rainer Pauly, Deininger
11:35–12:00
Networking break
12:00–12:25
Presentation: The engine running in the background: How is AI transforming modern HR and payroll outsourcing into a protective shield for business?
- Damian Wigowski, SWGK
12:25–12:40
Technology case study: The digital twin: Safe decision testing or a costly illusion of control?
- Artur Gnieciak, Siemens
12:40–13:20
Panel: The factory of the future doesn’t end on the production floor
- Artur Olejniczak – moderator
- Ryszard Świderski, Phoenix Contact Polska
- Joanna Komarnicka-Słomińska, Nordec
- Barbara Robaszkiewicz, Beiersdorf Manufacturing Poznań
- Anna Drążkowiak, Volkswagen
- Karolina Adamiec-Vook, DSV Services
13:20–13:30
Closing remarks: People as a cost, a resource or a competitive advantage?
13:30–15:00
Lunch, networking and a factory tour
The event will be conducted in Polish.
Participation is free of charge for SPCC members; however, prior registration is required. Please register by 14 September.
Ilona Balwińska
Operations manager | H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Ewelina Gnatkowska
Regional Manager, Poznań office | The German-Polish Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Poland)
Jacek Kowalewski
Director of the Office | Statistical Office in Poznań
Iwo Zmyślony
Experienced business consultant, co-creative process facilitator, scientific researcher, and motivation speaker with excellent research, analysis, communication, and presentation skills, demonstrated by proven track record of working in the business consulting (7+ years), university education (15+ years), and service design services (10+ years).
Skilled in deep qualitative research, scientific research, complex data structuring, knowledge management, change management, P2P learning & unlearning, service design thinking, B2B Marketing, Entrepreneurial Selling, Future Thinking, Group Facilitation, Lecturing and Training.
Strong scientific background with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused on the psychology of creativity, scientific discovery, and tacit knowledge management from University of Warsaw. Happily contributes to the incremental development of innovation ecosystem at the crossroads between business, tech, science & culture.
Rainer Pauly
Managing Director | Deininger
- Managing Director of the subsidiary in Warsaw responsible for Central Eastern Europe
- Focus: Supporting German SMEs in filling management positions at C-level, area manager and department head levels.
- successfully completed projects primarily in the Baltic States, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Georgia and Bulgaria
Łukasz Janion
CIO | DHL Express Polska
Łukasz Janion, CIO of DHL Express Poland, has been developing technologies that support business operations and integrating IT systems for more than 20 years. A graduate in computer science from Warsaw University of Technology, he founded the Business IT team. He is responsible for digitalisation and the practical application of AI across the organisation.
Damian Wigowski
HR team leader | SWGK
An economist by education and a graduate of postgraduate studies in Accounting and Finance at the Poznań University of Economics and Business.
He has many years of experience working in the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), in the department responsible for payer audits. An expert in the practical application of labour law and employer obligations towards ZUS. He also serves as a lecturer, sharing his extensive professional experience in the field.
Artur Gnieciak
Key Account Manager | Siemens
Artur Olejniczak
Moderator
Ryszard Świderski
Phoenix Contact Polska
Ryszard Świderski is an experienced Machine Service Department Manager and OT Security Manager, with 16 years of experience in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. He leads a team of engineers at the Phoenix Contact industrial plant in Nowy Tomyśl.
In his work, he focuses on process optimization, developing the skills and capabilities of technical teams, and the effective implementation of new technologies in maintenance and production support.
Joanna Komarnicka-Słomińska
Business Manager Poland | Nordec
Joanna Komarnicka-Słomińska is a graduate of Wrocław University of Science and Technology and a civil engineer with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the construction industry. For over 12 years, they have served as a Business Manager at Nordec, responsible for developing the company’s operations and building relationships with key clients in the Polish market. Combining technical expertise with business experience, Joanna effectively supports the delivery of strategic construction projects and strengthens Nordec’s position in Poland.
Barbara Robaszkiewicz
Managing Director | Beiersdorf Manufacturing Poznań
Anna Drążkowiak
Head of Inbound Logistics & Customs | Volkswagen Poznan
Karolina Adamiec-Vook
Managing Director, DSV Services
Karolina Adamiec-Vook has been Managing Directo of DSV Services, a logistics company specializing in the placement of employees across European markets, for the past 10 years. She has nearly 25 years of experience in HR and is an expert in executive recruitment. She is a certified coach and Assessment/Development Centre assessor, and has been a long-standing member of the PFHR Management Board.
In partnership with:
