Cornerstone Convenes Global Network in Warsaw for the 2026 Global Conference

Cornerstone International Group convened more than 60 leaders from across its global network in Warsaw, Poland from 27 to 30 May 2026 for its 2026 Global Conference. Held at the historic Hotel Bristol under the theme “Come and See,” the four-day program brought together partners from Cornerstone offices across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia for sessions on leadership, executive search, talent management, and the forces reshaping the profession.

For Cornerstone Hospitality — the Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Practice of Cornerstone International Group — the Warsaw gathering reinforced what makes the network distinctive for the senior hospitality leaders, owners and boards we serve: an integrated global firm with deep local partners, working under a shared standard.

A network gathered in a city of resilience

The host city was chosen deliberately: a capital destroyed and rebuilt in the last century, and a fitting backdrop for a network whose theme is resilience, trust and long-term partnership. The conference was hosted by Iwona Szybka and Joanna Kania of Cornerstone Warsaw, who guided colleagues through the city’s history and culture over four days of programming. Many attendees were visiting Poland for the first time; the host team paired the working agenda with a Chopin concert, a tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, and a closing gala awards dinner that recognised members’ outstanding performance.

Sessions and themes

Voices from the network

“As we conclude the conference, we return home with fresh perspectives, stronger global relationships, innovative ideas, and a renewed commitment to building an even stronger local organization backed by world-class global expertise.”

, Vijay Karkare, Cornerstone India

“This network is much more than a professional alliance. It is a community where relationships are built on trust, generosity, and a true sense of belonging. We return to our local markets with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and stronger connections than before.”

, Marina Sourmpaiou, Cornerstone Greece

“The true strength of a global network lies in the quality of its relationships, the trust built over time, and a shared vision to create meaningful impact. The future belongs to organizations able to combine human relationships, leadership, and technology.”

, Gonzalo Door, Partner and Executive Director, Cornerstone Mexico

“A Cornerstone Global Conference is always an experience to connect with trusted colleagues around the world, to learn from others, and to discuss strategies, programs, and market dynamics. All of it is ultimately about how we benefit our clients and our relationships.”

, Samuel Dergel, Cornerstone Montreal

“The real opportunity begins now: transforming conversations, learnings, and relationships into tangible results that help organizations identify, develop, and retain exceptional leadership.”

, Fabio Fonseca, Cornerstone São Paulo

“The importance of trust, partnership, and ‘human interaction’ in the executive search business underscores what we have observed over the last few years, and what the AESC, as the top regulatory body in our sector, has been studying.”

, Lydia Goutas, Cornerstone Vienna

Looking ahead

Members left Warsaw with new ideas, renewed relationships and a clear sense of the network’s shared direction, better prepared to serve clients around the globe. Cornerstone announced that the 2027 Global Conference, selected by members’ votes, will be held in Hong Kong.