UrbanOvation Celebrates Innovation and Connection at the Solal Awards 2025 in Warsaw!

UrbanOvation was thrilled to be a proud supporter of the Solal Marketing Conference and Awards Gala in Warsaw, held on June 17, 2025! 

This landmark event marked the first live celebration of the shopping center industry's most effective and innovative marketing campaigns since the pandemic, bringing together finalists from across Europe, Canada, and South Africa. 

The Solal Awards are renowned as the "Oscars of the marketing industry in the shopping centre sector," according to Alan Thornton, Chairman of the Solal Awards.

As a company at the forefront of urban innovation, UrbanOvation was delighted to contribute to an event that so strongly aligns with our values of progress and connection.

Our very own Michel Zalac had the honor of moderating a key session during the conference, focusing on "Retail Resilience – The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Today’s Retail Centres." This vital discussion, featuring insights from industry leaders like Chris Igwe, Julie Fitzsimmins, and Anita Stampfl, delved into the evolving landscape of retail and the strategies needed to thrive.

Furthermore, UrbanOvation was proud to present the "Emerging Technology" award at the gala.  This category recognized groundbreaking advancements in the industry, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all the finalists and especially to the Gold Winners in this category: Parc Central for their "Tarraco Experience" and Rødovre Centrum for "The Forgotten Women: Engaging Gen Z Through Emerging Technology" and "Wish Game"! We also celebrate the Silver Winners: Sandton City for "Future Icons by AI" and Eastgate Shopping Centre for "See you at Eastgate," as well as the Bronze Winner, Multi Corporation, for "Advanced Footfall Intelligence."

The entire event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. As Agnieszka Tomczak-Tuzińska, Marketing Director at Apsys Polska, highlighted, the Solal Awards provide an incredible opportunity to exchange experiences, understand diverse markets, and draw inspiration from outstanding global practices, while also fostering genuine human connections.

We were particularly moved by the special "Inspiration" Award presented to Nikolsky – Budhouse’s new development in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which bravely launched on the eve of the Russian invasion and was subsequently hit by a missile attack.  Dmytro Bushmakin's video presentation during the conference was a powerful and emotional moment that underscored the resilience and challenges faced by our industry globally.

The modernized gala format was a resounding success, resonating particularly with younger audiences and sponsors alike, as noted by HBB Centermanagement MD Andre Stromeyer. 

UrbanOvation is excited about the future of the Solal Awards and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that reward excellence and inspire a new generation of marketers. We extend our congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Solal Awards!

For more details on the winners and their innovative campaigns, be sure to visit www.SolalAwards.com!