CONVENTA DAILY -2 by KONGRES MAGAZINE

2 CONVENTA NETWORKING DINNER WITH THE TASTE OF LJUBLJANA

CONVENTA AWARDS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

30 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE 2014

ABOUT LJUBLJANA

7 TH NEW EUROPE EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

22. 01. 2015

ONCE YOU WILL SEE WHAT CONVENTA CAN DO FOR YOU, YOU’LL NEVER WANT ANYTHING ELSE!

Katja Jemec

CONVENTA 2016 Don’t miss the leading business-tobusiness event for NEW EUROPE! See you in Ljubljana, at Conventa, from 20 to 21 January 2016.

WWW.CONVENTA.INFO

Emerging destinations of New Europe – balance between business and pleasure – amazing personal experience – networking at every step – filled with fun, laughter and experience – terrific time – saving ideas and simple sustainable format.

“As the host destination and a partner of the main organiser since its inception, we do not perceive the Conventa Show just as an important regional meetings industry business event that has established itself on the European market. Over these years we have strived to support Conventa’s development and growth and recognised it as one of our most important marketing projects at the destination level, through which Ljubljana is strengthening its brand and position on the international meetings industry market and wider.” Petra Stušek, Acting Managing Director at Ljubljana Tourism

CONVENTA SPECIAL

GoMice

MEET THE 007 TEAM Miha Kovačič

Exhibition Director miha@conventa.info What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? After one year of working on the show to welcome over 400 professionals from all over Europe. There is a special buzz around during Conventa. Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: Know your product, know your clients, be original, be relaxed, be interesting, have fun and do business. Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: Use this fantastic opportunity where you can personally meet selected regional partners. Do engage in discussions, network, relax, have fun and do business. Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: Work hard, play hard, being me. If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Global top innovative blue chip corporation. If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Winter/spring/summer/autumn/alone/with partner/family/friends/ weekend/week/month/year – How many answers may I give you? What always makes you smile? Friends and some colleagues but also passionate people. 007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry floor this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? Ahim Čičavok.

Gorazd Čad

Head of Marketing gorazd@conventa.info

Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa? Establish as many contacts as possible and make yourself interesting for the hosted buyers. Everything should be oriented towards attracting customers’ attention. Make sure you get enough media attention because Conventa offers many possibilities. We like to say that Conventa is a 365-day content marketing machine which must be used wisely. Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the range of meetings products and services at the show: Listen to our exhibitors’ stories. You will get to know one of the most interesting, authentic and undiscovered meetings industry regions in Europe. We will make our every effort to leave an impression on all your senses. The most successful events are based on stories and some of them will be presented during Conventa. Let’s get personal ... Three words that describe you best: Rock’n’roll. If you were not working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to try your hand at? As a geographer by heart, I would probably travel around the world and write travelogues about the most unusual places I visited. If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? I would travel through the length and breadth of Russia and explore the endless expanse of Siberia. What always makes you smile? The morning walks with my flatcoated retriever, whose name is Bodo. 007 Conventa is killing it in the meetings industry this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? 007 – The Balkan Spy

What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? The enthusiastic faces of the hosted buyers and satisfied exhibitors. I hope that everyone will see the effort and energy of the small organising team, which was working on the project all year long.

Natalija Bah Čad

Exhibitors and Social Programme Manager natalija@conventa.info What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? We have changed the concept of the evening receptions to provide best networking atmosphere for participants at Conventa. Let us see how this will work! Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: If you think that evening social events are not important for the business, you are wrong! Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: Walk around with opened ears and eyes. Let the local people tell you the best stories about their hotels, cities, destinations. And have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with them! Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: 3C: calm, creative, curious If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Hmm… if not a meeting planner, than I would probably try it as a designer. If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? I am dreaming about Africa What always makes you smile? Nice sunny mornings. 007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry floor this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? Cad… Natalija Cad

Polona Simšič

Content Manager marketing@conventa.info What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? I am looking forward to seeing the exhibition hall which will be bursting at the seams this year buzzing with satisfied people and the smell of business talk in the air. Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: First listen to what hosted buyers are say-

CONVENTA DAILY Editor-in-Chief: Gorazd Čad Design: Premedia, Andrej Juvan Printing: Demat d.o.o. Circulation: 200 copies Publisher, Production and Marketing: Toleranca marketing d.o.o. Štihova ulica 4, SI- Ljubljana T:+386 (0)1 430 51 03, F:+386 (0)1 430 51 04

www.conventa.info Issue date: January 2015-01-22 Daily is free of charge for all participants of Coventa

Conventa publications are printed on Xerox recycled paper, using environmentally friendly multifunctional printer Xerox ColorQube with revolutionary solid ink colours Solidink. Conventa publications thus reduce the adverse effect of waste on the environment by 90%, while cutting down on costs by 62%. As a sign of respect to the environment, we encourage you to recycle … and consider the ways in which it can be reused.

90% less waste

document printed on environment friendly ColorQube by Xerox

CONVENTA SPECIAL

ing and then present your offer in accordance to their demand. And don’t forget the golden rule: smile! Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: Stay open-minded. Meet with as many meeting providers as you can. More is more in this case! Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: Direct, organized and creative. If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? If you want a serious answer than I would stay in marketing, but those who know me really well know that it is hard for me to stay serious so writing children’s science fiction stories would be great! If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Tokyo, Japan. What always makes you smile? Animals and the crazy things they do. People and the crazy things they do J 007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry floor this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? January Connection.

Špela Jeruc

Hosted Buyer Manager Spela.jeruc@conventa.info What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? I would like to see all participants happy, satisfied and in harmony. Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: Be punctual. Respect your customers’ time. Be talkative, especially about your work. Don’t shy away from a great opportunity. Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: Be curious. Be ready to do business. Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: Charming, sociable and truly lovable. If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? I would like to be a radio personality. I could talk for hours J If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Definitely Tahiti and Bora-Bora.

What always makes you smile? Good music, good coffee and good….. 007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry filed this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? According to a fun website my International meetings spy name would be Sass Intrigue. My Code name: The Pirate I Reside in: Rio de Janeiro Why am I a good spy: I can talk my way out of anything :P

Ana Hotko

Content Marketing Manager ana@conventa.info What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? For the first time I will experience Conventa from the organizer’s point of view, so everything is still new and exciting for me. Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: Point out the attributes that make you different. Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: You will get the best opportunity to hear untold stories, so listen carefully. Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: Ambitious, forward-thinking, always a child by heart J If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Treasure hunter. If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Eternal Rome What always makes you smile? Watching my old videotapes.

007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry filed this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? Zephyr.

Tanja Smrzlić

Financial Manager Tanja.smrzlic@toleranca.eu What is the one thing you are most excited to see/experience at Conventa 2015? New knowledge and connecting with other people from the region. Your advice for the exhibitors presenting at the 7th Conventa: Make the most of the opportunity to be in the same room as high quality international and regional hosted buyers and organize as many one2one meetings. Your advice for hosted buyers exploring the meetings offer at the show: Use your time at the show to meet with as many exhibitors as possible and discover beautiful destinations and offers to make profitable business decisions. Let’s get personal... Three words that describe you best: uf…persistent, reliable, energetic. If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Director of a Bank. If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Jamaica. What always makes you smile? My daughter. 007 Conventa is killing it on the meetings industry filed this year. If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be? Black Panther.

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EVENTS REPORT

CONVENTA NETWORKING DINNER WITH THE TASTE OF LJUBLJANA

onventa networking dinner was held in CD Congress Centre Ljubljana. The evening started with the activity that made a pretty interesting statistic among Conventa participant. The dinner was prepared by Vivo catering and inspired by Taste Ljubljana. We had a chance to get to know with some of Ljubljanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional dishes that are still being prepared today, mostly using modern cooking methods. Great venue made an event even better.

Katja Jemec

EVENTS REPORT

KONGRES MAGAZINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MEETINGS INDUSTRY TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY

f you ever wonder who is married or taken, undecided or single, Conventa After Party gave us an answer! Attendees showed their availability with T-shirts in colours of traffic light. Manca Ĺ pik and The Subtitles entertained all music tastes and took care that everybody had to show their dance moves. Conventa after party sponsored by Kongres magazine really heat up the floor and gave us another great Conventa memory!

Taken or married to the meetings industry

Katja Jemec

Undecided or still searching for my calling

Single or ready to mingle

CONVENTA AWARDS

TODAY’S CONVENTA AWARDS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS PROGRAMME CONVENTA HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNERS

ith the award “Conventa Hall of Fame” organisers each year award an individual who has with his extraordinary and invaluable efforts made his mark and affected the development of the meetings industry. In the past Conventa Hall of Fame award went to:

Nikica Račić, Former Director of Croatian Convention Bureau (2011) Bogdan Lipovšek, Former Director of Union Hotels (2012) Barbara Vajda, Former Director of the Ljubljana Tourism (2013) Andrea Leitner, Director of Conventionland of Kärnten (2014) Tomaž Krušič, Director of Intours DMC Slovenia (2015)

09.00 - Registration 10.00 9.15 - Conventa morning energy 10.00 sessions, Urska 4 hall Žiga Novak, entrepreneur, lecturer and moderator: Igrifikacija v organizaciji dogodkov (in Slovene language) 10.00 - One2one meetings 13.00 10.30 - Press conference for 11.00 Skål International, Urska 4 hall 11.00 - Presentation of Skål 11.30 International, Urska 4 hall 13.00 - Working lunch 14.20 prepared by Kaval Group 14.20 - Kevin Kelly: “Build 14.50 friendships - not customer relationships; an xceptional approach”, Expert’s corner 15.00 - One2one meetings 17.20

AMBASSADORS OF CONVENTA

n 2014 Conventa Academy for the first time honoured a promoter of Conventa and granted him a title Conventa Ambassador. The award dedicated to Conventa’s longstanding partner and the greatest ambassador of the trade show Rok Klančnik (1966 - 2013). Klančnik since the beginning took care of promotion of the trade show as Head of the Slovenian Tourist

Board representation in Brussels and was the greatest ambassador of Conventa. The first international ambassador of Conventa became Timo Heinaro from the Finnish Agency Fincentive. This year the honour goes to Paul Kennedy MBE, Director and Owner of Kennedy Integrated Solutions.

17.20

end of the show

17.30

Departure for fam trips (for hosted buyers only)

EVENTS REPORT

FAM TRIPS 2015 LJUBLJANA pre-tour, 19 - 20 January 2015 Ljubljana, often named a hidden gem, still has an aura of newness despite being on the European conference map for more than 30 years. This welcoming city of a compact size with 280,000 residents has the elements of a boutique destination, offering authenticity and a quality of life that both leisure and business visitors appreciate.

BLED post-tour, 22 - 23 January 2015 Bled charms visitors at first sight with its beautiful lake, the idyllic island in its midst and the majestic cliff-top castle overlooking the blue waters of the lake. The unspoilt countryside is a magnet and a perfect backdrop for “green” meetings, while the vicinity of the destination to the airport and the main thoroughfares is a further advantage. In addition, Bled has a longstanding tradition in organising events, so professional infrastructure and services are guaranteed.

KRANJSKA GORA post-tour, 22 - 24 January 2015 pre-tour, 19 - 20 January 2015 Kranjska Gora is an ideal meetings and incentive destination. It features the best year round entertainment, sporting and recreational centre in the Julian Alps. This picturesque small town, surrounded by the impressive scenery of the mountains, lies on the outskirts of the Triglav National Park, very close to the intersection of three borders between Slovenia, Austria and Italy.

ZAGREB post-tour, 22 - 24 January 2015 Zagreb is easy to reach by air and road to all major European cities and beyond. It is a very compact, „people friendly“ city where all principal attractions, hotels, venues, museums and historical sights are within walking distance from each other and are centrally located.

PORTOROŽ post-tour, 22 - 24 January 2015 With its 130 years’ tradition in tourism, Portorož is a very popular and recognized MICE destination. It offers a range of different hotel accommodations, modern conference facilities, numerous event venues, delicious cuisine, relaxation facilities, cultural events and entertainment options. Besides all this, Portorož is characterized by the short distances between all the venues which allows visitors to reach all the activities, business, social and cultural sites on foot.

ISLAND OF LOŠINJ post-tour, 22 - 24 January 2015 The island of Lošinj is perfect for a healthy and active vacation, in every season. Lošinj inspires and empowers, it is a source of happiness and vitality where rich, green pine forests radiate tranquility, where a crystal clear blue sea invites you to jump in and refresh yourself, where aromatic herbs spread their relaxing scent.

EVENTS REPORT

Experts Corner:

THE EXCEPTIONAL KEVIN KELLY ABOUT XCEPTIONAL EXECUTION IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY Kevin Kelly, an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and authority on the success principles underpinning entrepreneurship, leadership, sales and motivation for which he has developed the cutting edge methodology of Xceptional Execution, has taken over Experts’ Corner. The brilliant Kelly once said “If you are passionate about what you do, you also want to be the best at what you do!” And who doesn’t want to be the best at what he/ she does?

Conventa gives away Kevin Kelly’s latest book! Because learning is a never-ending process all Conventa participants will get the book “DO! the pursuit of Xceptional Execution”. Listen to Kevin today at 2.20 pm in Experts’ Corner. And don’t forget to tweet! #letsmakeitxceptional

Katja Jemec

With the help of Kevin we are learning to become the meetings industry doers. Yesterday we listened to his lecture about how Xceptional Execution is the key to breakthrough in the meetings industry. Today we will learn how to Build friendships, not customer relation-

ships. Since the customer is dead, the sales person role has dramatically changed. Kevin will show us how to build winning sustainable relationships that last.

CONVENTA AWARDS

CONVENTA HALL OF FAME

onventa wants to encourage stakeholders in the field of tourism to contribute with their work, knowledge and ideas to the development of the meetings industry of South East and Central Europe. With the award “Conventa Hall of Fame” organisers each year reward an individual who, with his extraordinary and invaluable efforts, made his mark and affected the development of the meetings industry.

Conventa Hall of Fame

This year Conventa Hall of Fame gained a new member. Tomaž Krušič, director at Intours DMC Slovenia received recognition for his long-standing support of the project. His strong support within the industry and policy in Slovenia did not go unnoticed. With the expansion of the operations of his agency, Tomaž not only promoted the region, but made sure South East Europe knows and loves Conventa.

Tomaž Krušič: “This is a big honour, because Conventa is an important event, many renowned personalities from the business are visiting it. Since we were strongly supporting it from very beginning it’s also an award for persistence and vision. In a way I’m also taking it as an award for the whole Conventa project and its creators, an award for today’s status and position of this business event.”

CONVENTA AMBASSADOR

onventa Academy for the second time grants an award AMBASSADOR OF CONVENTA, an award dedicated to the longstanding partner and the greatest ambassador of the trade show Rok Klančnik, former Head of the Slovenian Tourist Board representation in Brussels (1966 2013). The Ambassador of Conventa award goes to Paul Kennedy MBE, Director and Owner of Kennedy Integrated Solutions. Paul has been the voice of Conventa and the region since day one. He has played a crucial and important part in the development of the show and its international integration.

Conventa Ambassador

which a destination and its supply chain can invest in. Conventa is in effect a long term business development investment and its simply essential for the public and private sectors to invest in it for years to come. From a personal perspective I have greatly enjoyed assisting in the development of the event and opening up my network of international industry contacts to what Slovenia and the region has to offer.” The first international ambassador of Conventa is Timo Heinaro from the Finnish Agency Fincentive.

Paul Kennedy: “I was both surprised and delighted to hear about being given the Conventa Ambassador Award. I have always admired the decision to launch Conventa (or Simex to give it its original title), as a strategy to accelerate recognition of Ljubljana, Slovenia and the whole South east Europe region as a genuinely good choice for international meetings and events. It is simply the most effective form of marketing and business development

CONVENTA PROGRAM

“Conventa is one of the leading MICE fairs in South East Europe, and gives suppliers the chance to meet professionals from all around the world interested in discovering this area’s opportunities. I would recommend the show to my colleagues, since the high profile of the hosted buyers is a plus and the worshop’s format, one to one pre-arranged meetings, gives the opportunity to meet interesting and really interested people.” Brenda Lee Fabro, Agenzia TurismoFVG, Italy

CONVENTA EXPERTS CORNER PROGRAMME Check today‘s programme at Conventa Expert Corner 10.40 - Pierre Fernandez 10.55 MPI: Key MPI research unveiled: Future of Meetings

»I love the fresh concept and.friendly atmosphere of.Conventa. Participating on Conventa feels like being a member of a family of event fans. Nice mixture of business and fun which makes networking easier.« Katarina Marić, Carnet de Voyage Winners of Conventa Wild Card 2015

11.00 - Amanda Marochko 11.15 ICCA: What ICCA is all about 11.20 - Mojca Gobina 11.35 Bernardin Group 11.40 - Maja Vidergar 11.55 Cankarjev dom Congress Centre Ljubljana 12.00 - Annamaria Ruffini 12.15 SITE 12.40 - Ana Rozman 12.55 TBA-Teambuilding Academy 14.20 - Kevin Kelly 14.50 Build friendships - not customer relationships; an xceptional approach 15.20 Andrea Leitner K ärnten Convention & Mitgesellschafter GsbR 15.25 - Gorazd Čad 15.40 Kongres Magazine

Attention Hosted Buyers!

ll hosted buyers, who will give their business card at registration, will be automatically placed in the dray, which will take place on Thursday during lunch brake. For today‘s draw, prizes were contributed by:

CONVENTA GOING GREEN 1,702

SEVEN YEARS OF RESULTS

HOSTED BUYERS FROM

888

EXHIBITORS FROM COUNTRIES

HOW SUSTAINABLE ARE YOU? COUNTRIES

s we mentioned in yesterday’s Daily, Conventa’s Sustainability programme highlights 15 sustainable practices imple mented at the Conventa show. We still invite participants to follow these actions. If you carry out at least three sustainable initiatives, you will enter our competition for a chance to win sustainable experiences in the region of South East Europe.

TOP TEN

REASONS TO EXHIBIT AT CONVENTA Part 2

FREE EDUCATION Conventa improves with every passing year and upgrades its education programme, which is free of charge for exhibitors.

Fact: We have brought global stars of the meetings industry to Conventa, among others Paul Bridle, Linda Pereira, Patrick Delaney, Angie Mason and many more. The average registration fee for such events is ordinarily 250 EUR. Conventa offers them to exhibitors free of charge.

In yesterday’s Daily we disclosed 5 of sustainable guidelines, the rest of ALLare YEAR them here.ROUND

PROMOTION OF During your visit of Conventa, take EXHIBITORS

the energy-saving option of not

Every year we are expanding our having sheets and towels changed every range of year-round promotional activities of the tradeIn show, which are included freecan of charge into the day. this manner you contribute exhibitors’ packages. The promotion is based on the constantly to saving laundry andandwater. And growing database of potentialenergy invited guests tools such as the SEE e-catalogue, Conventa andair the doMeet notin forget to turn off e-newspaper the lights, quickly growing social networks of the project.

conditioning and television when you Fact: B2B promotion is based on a leave your room. rapidly expanding database that has

reached 39,816 contacts with whom we regularly communicate and keep inadvantage Conventa formed onof thethe project and our partners.

39,816 Take

mobile page and help us continue CONTACTS

to reduce paper usage at the trade show. All relevant information, presentations CONTENT and trade show materials are available electronically for download. MARKETING

Conventa is well visited by proHelpand use fessional media theirreduce leading paper use and journalists. Many of them so browse thewere Conventa floor plan excited about the region that they on the interactive touch-screen boards. became media ambassadors and friends destinations. digital boards allow you The ofinteractive

to access the list of and check Fact: In five years Conventa hasexhibitors been visited by 87 leading professional media, who have brought 137 journalists to theof event out the floor plan without the use to spread the word of the meetings potential of the region to the paper. whole world. In partnership co-operation media contacts annually guarantee us free publications and other forms of content marketing to a total value of 65,000 EUR. GLOBAL STARS AT CONVENTA

TOP TEN

REASONS TO EXHIBIT AT CONVENTA Part 1 THE OPTIMUM UTILISATION OF TIME

Only at Conventa can you have on average 22 pre-arranged meetings in two days, the organisation of which would otherwise take a lot of your precious time. Fact: For the average sales meeting organi- SAVE AT LEAST sation you would spend at least 60 minutes, without counting time invested in market research and other time invested in finding customers. According to the Conventa survey, on average we save you at least 60 hours of valuable time that you would otherwise be spending searching for contacts, HOURS organising and executing of meetings.

LEADING PRO MEDIA

137

JOURNALISTS

A FIRST IMPRESSION COUNTS Conventa has in five years become a respected brand that among invited guests and exhibitors enjoys a high reputation and credibility. By participating in the trade show you can become part of the group of best meetings companies of the region.

HIGH Fact: We are trusted by global trade shows IMEX, EIBTM and UK LOYALTY Meetings Show, ICCA association, MPI and SITE, as well as all the major convention bureaus in the region. In addition, all the largest meetings players have been with us from the beginning. The degree of loyalty is extremely high, because from the beginning 98% of exhibitors have put their trust in us and they are joined every year by new exhibitors.

98%

SELECTED BUYERS These are the heart of Conventa. Only those who have a serious interest in the region and a real purchasing power are invited to the event. Every year we decline over 200 applicants who do not meet the strict criteria of qualification. Fact: According to Conventa statistics a minimum of 10% of all actual meetings are transformed sales in the long run. On average this means 2.2 AVERAGE YIELD successful meetings with us. Taking the assumption that it is a one day event with 50 participants, who PER EXHIBITOR according to Ljubljana Tourism analysis spend EUR 383,60 (without transport to the destination) per day, this means that specific yield of the trade show is on average at least EUR 57,540 per exhibitor.

€ 57,540

As a young meeting industry HIGH LEVEL region we are SOCIALISING in the course of Through various training- expanding our knowledge and forms of socialising gaining experiences in sustainable event Conventa enables you toadvice meet as many management. If you have any on invited guests as how to make further stepspossible. in organising The social events element of themeetings, trade show includes coffee breaks, sustainable we would lovea green to corner, working lunches and evening receptions. Conventa is hear it.trade shows that treats exhibitors and invited guests one of a few equally and offers this side of the networking in the package.

Fact: Conventa treats invited yourself SOCIAL Familiarize withEVENTS guests and exhibitors equally, ARE sustainable which is why all of the social management of events are an integral part of the Conventa trade show. For more the Conventa project and are free of charge for exhibitors, information visitasthe Conventa website they represent an integral part of www.conventa.info. achieving ROI FREE OF CHARGE

CARING FOR THE QUALITY OF THE TRADE SHOW Conventa always ensures a high quality of satisfaction of exhibitors and invited guests. Through the analysis of the overall results, participant surveys and individual meetings with every exhibitor we are taking care to improve the quality each year, understanding that this will increase the loyalty of partners and enhance the reputation of the trade show.

Join the #Conventa online and stay SATISFACFact: Conventa conversation achieves outstanding results in terms of quality. The TION updated on the latestGRADE news! average satisfaction grade of exhibitors was in five years 4.23 from a possible 5), with the average satisfaction grade of invited guests even higher, scoring the trade show with an average grade 4.44.

4.23

4.44

EXHIBITORS

INVITED GUESTS

IT SAVES YOU MONEY Investment in Conventa is equal to investment in a minimum 250 sales contacts (sales leads). In addition, Conventa is one of the few trade shows that provides exhibitors with a database of all participating invited guests after the event for the purpose of further marketing. Fact: Average cost per lead in Europe is, according to base estimates, 15 EUR per contact. At Conventa you are guaranteed 250 contacts, or a total value of EUR 3,250 far exceeding the investment cost of registration fee for participation.

15€ PER CONTACT

NO HIDDEN COSTS The registration fee for Conventa does not have concealed costs and includes a fully equipped stand to work on the principle “come, meet, win”. In addition, over the two days of the event and fully included in the registration fee, Conventa is one of only trade shows taking care of food for its participants. Fact: Normally, the costs of appearing at fairs and exhibitions in the basic package do not include different types of additional equipment such as chairs, tables, lighting, and more. Conventa offers all of this, as well as a year-round marketing package, for a single price. To the costs of appearing you need only add the cost of getting to Ljubljana and accommodation for your staff.

MARKETING PACKAGE

FOR A SINGLE PRICE

CONVENTA TOP

30 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE 2014 Kongres magazine’s readers have chosen 30 the most influential people in meetings industry in SEE for 2014! Candidates were assessed on the following key criteria: • Achievement of the best financial and other multiplier effects of the meetings industry in 2014 that was significantly above the average; • Implementation of the most demanding improvements and innovations in their field, which also includes successfully implemented projects that marked the year 2014 as a special one; • Help in enhancing the reputation and visibility of the meetings industry in 2014; • Innovations that facilitate the work of meetings organisers, or have shown the direction for the future.

TOP MEETING ARCHITECTS

8. Dimitrij ROTOVNIK, Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre 9.Miloš MILOVANOVIĆ, Serbia Convention Bureau 10. Gordana PLAMENAC, Serbia Convention Bureau

NEWCOMERS VOTED BY READERS:

Mladjan MIŠKELJIN, Serbia Convention Bureau Goran PAVLOVIĆ, Opatija Convention Bureau

Miha KOVAČIČ, Slovenian Convention Bureau Active for a decade as the director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, which enjoys an outstanding reputation abroad. The editorial board puts a particular emphasis on the Conventa project that, as a brand, has become synonymous with the SE Europe congress product and has significantly assisted with the placement of the region on meetings planners’ list of destinations.

TOP MEETING LOGISTICS

1. Daniel MARUŠIĆ, Dubrovnik Travel DMC Dubrovnik Travel is recognised in the market as an extremely marketing-oriented company that dictates the trends of regional DMCs. Daniel is heavily involved in the meetings space, as a member of peer associations as well as being the voice of the convention industry of Croatia. Romana VLAŠIĆ, TZ Dubrovnik Director of TZ Dubrovnik and with many concrete years of experience in business has given acceleration to the promotion of Dubrovnik. This is now the most recognisable congress brand of the region and a player in the first congress European league.

Nik RAČIĆ, Ex-Croatia Convention Bureau Nik Račić is the second winner of the IMEX Academy Award for lifetime achievement. As a former president of the Skal association he has done much for the development of the meetings industry of Croatia. 4. Zlatan MUFTIĆ, Zagreb Convention Bureau 5. Barbara VAJDA, Ljubljana Convention Bureau 6. Slaven RELJIĆ, Ex-Croatia Tourist Board 7. Tatjana RADOVIČ, Ljubljana Convention Bureau

2. Tomaž KRUŠIČ and Miro HRIBAR, Intours DMC

CONVENTA TOP

Intours reached its star moment in 2013, since when the company has been recording impressive business results, an increase of brand awareness and rapid growth. Tomaž is also active as president of the council of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, in which he is responsible for improving the visibility of the industry in Slovenia.

3. Sanja VUKOV COLIĆ, Spektar putovanja The most recognised Croatian PCO achieves excellent results on the market. They have been achieving quality management and setting high business standards since 1989. They have received the ISO 9001 – 2008 certificate, have reputable international partners and have organised over 20 conferences annually.

TOP MEETING INNOVATORS (MARKETING, TECHNOLOGY,….)

1. Davor BRUKETA, Bruketa & Žinić The Bruketa & Žinić agency is considered to be the best small marketing agency in the world (AdAge 2013) and the second most effective independent agency in the world (Effie and Cannes 2012). A ranking on the scale was earned by understanding the future of the meetings industry through the integration of creative industries with congress ones.

4. Martin JEZERŠEK, Jezeršek Catering 5. Bogdan LIPOVŠEK, Former CEO of Grand Hotel Union 6. Živorad VASIĆ, Crowne Plaza 7. Andrej PREBIL, Sava turizem d,d. 8. Tomislav POPOVIĆ, Maistra Hotels & Resorts 9. Jerneja KAMNIKAR, Vivo Catering 10. Snežana VEJNOVIĆ, Talas-M DMC

NEWCOMERS VOTED BY READERS:

Vesna PRITCHARD, Globtour Event Tanja BOGDANOV, DMC Vekol

3. Tomo RICOV, Pepermint The Weekend Media Festival has completely changed the face of marketing festivals of the region. By the number of participants as well as by the quality of content it became an institution in a very short time. Each year it gathers some 4,000 participants, among whom are all the key players in the field of communications industries. 4. Kosta PETROV, The P World 5. Jovan JELOVAC, Belgrade Design Week 6. Marko KRIŽNIK, Promo Agency 7. Dani POLAJNAR, Teambuilding Academy 8. Danica PURG, IEDC – Bled School of Management 9. Zmago NOVAK, Mesec oblikovanja 10. Milan CULIĆ, EIAT

NEWCOMERS VOTED BY READERS:

Danijela BREČKO, GV Educations

2. Anže ČOKL, Bohinj Park Eco Hotel Anže Čokl has earned considerable attention through the significant expense on so-called green eco-friendly measures. In the case of the Bohinj Park Eco Hotel, behind the word eco there is not only a well-cultivated green philosophy and technical perfection, but also a young and dedicated team that has internalised a green mindset and follows it at every level of the business.

Join the #Conventa online conversation and stay updated on the latest news!

CONVENTA SURVEY

Southeast europe meeting planner profile 2014 The Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine in past couple of months conducted and completed the first on-line survey on the habits of regional meeting planners. We received 167 answers and the survey is now completed. Text by Špela Jeruc

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SOURCES DO YOU USE TO FIND INFORMATION ON DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR MEETINGS? %

3.05 7.93

4.27

5.49 6.10

14.02

3.66 7.32

5.49 8.54

7.32 5.49

7.93 8.54

49.39

59.15

46.95

58.54

63.41

69.51

51.83

39.63

29.27

34.76

30.49

22.56

17.68

31.71

Convention Fam trips to Local meet- Meeting inBureaus destinations ing planners dustry trade / Tourist shows organizations

Meeting industry magazines

Venue find- Social media ing agencies

4.27 5.49

4.27

21.95

9.15

68.29

76.83

Google

Friends and colleagues

More than 75% find information’s for their meetings by asking friend and colleagues and 68,29% said they use Google. Venue finding agencies are used the least. Almost half of respondent said they don’t use Fam Trips to destinations and Meeting industry trade shows. Unfortunately, Meeting industry magazines are used the least.

THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA WITHIN MEETINGS IS EXPECTED TO?

9.76

YES NO SOMETIMES NA

1.22 31.71 67.07

The use of social media within meetings is expected to increase according to our respondants. Increase

Stay the same

Decrease

HOW LONG IN ADVANCE OF YOUR MEETING DO YOU BOOK THE VENUE? 3.32 9.31 3.64

12.63

20.27

More than 50 % said they book the venue of the meeting from 1 to 6 months ahead. A small proportion (3,32 %) book their venue more than 2 years ahead. 20,27 % of our respondent said they book the venue from 6 months to 1 year ahead.

28.57 22.26

Less than 1 week ahead

6 months - 1 year ahead

1 week - 1 month ahead

1 year - 2 years ahead

1 month - 3 months ahead

More than 2 years ahead

3 months - 6 months ahead

Part II

In your dealings with DESTINATIONS, what annoys you most? • Poor accessibility • More »first hand« information • Delay in response • Lack of flexibility • Not understanding the needs of the clients • Not respecting the budget • Non-commercial attitude in times of crisis • Destination does not offer good possibilities for farewell dinners, excursions for individuals • L ack of communication • L ack of flexibility of local meetings industry • Lack of special venues • Language issues • Late response to questions or remarks • Most Convention Bureaus / Tourist organizations tell you that they can help with "everything" but when it comes down to matters, the ability to help is minimal • Slow reaction time • Inflexibility • Unwillingness to adapt or search for common solutions • T he connection of Slovenia with the rest of the world • L ack of flexibility and initiative providers • L ack of involvement of the local environment • Lack of innovation and positive surprises • L ate and not detailed replies, especially when I am not familiar with the destination. • Excessive prices • Poor additional offer • T he assumption they know what we are looking for! Never assume! Just deliver quality! • T he can't do mentality: in our country we never do..... • Lack of CVB structure • Not listening to our demands • Unprofessional Staff • Unprofessionalism of local meetings industry • Incompetent transfer staff • Arranging transfer from point A to B

CONVENTA SURVEY

WHEN CHOOSING A DESTINATION FOR YOUR MEETINGS, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU? %

7.19

10.78

10.18 21.56

17.37

29.34

32.34 16.77

31.14

Climate

1.80

2.40

Accessibillity

Attractiveness for Tourism

Visa Requirements

28.14

20.36

12.57

20.36

16.77 Economic Stability

24.55

12.57

37.13

8.98

23.95

37.13

16.77

28.74

52.10

23.35

39.52

Professionalism of local meetings industry

12.99

34.13

40.72

24.55

55.69 34.13

21.56

11.98

16.88

41.92 40.26

32.34 7.19

14.37

12.57

5.99

4.19

Safety and security

Value for money

5.19

Image od the Internadestination tional Hotel Brands

NOT IMPORTANT

The most important things when they choose a destination is its accessibility (55,69 %) and value for money (52,10 %). The least important things are visa requirements (37,13 %) and climate (23,95 %). They give a lot of impact on the Image of the destination (41,92 %), attractiveness for tourism (39,52 %) and safety and security (28,14 %).

2 3 4 VERY IMPORTANT NA

WHEN CHOOSING A VENUE FOR YOUR MEETINGS, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU? % 26.35

30.54

31.14

2.99

49.10

57.49 37.13

36.53

9.58 2.99 2.40 Flexibility of space

8.38 2.40 Price

7.78 6.59 Proximity to airport and public transport

31.14

VERY IMPORTANT

24.55 7.78 3.59 Fast internet

16.17 1.20 4.19 Quality of the food and beverages

2 3

37.13 22.16

NOT IMPORTANT 78.31

33.53 47.31

31.74

45.51

10.18 0.60 2.99 Quality of services provided by venue

18.56

13.25

1.20 3.59

5.42 1.20 1.81

Speed of Professionalresponse of ism of the venue sales venue staff staff

The majority said that professionalism of the venue staff is very important when choosing a venue for their meetings (78,31 %). Everybody still watches for the prices (57,49 %) and quality of services provided by the venue (49,10 %). Proximity to airport and public transport is not really important and does not effect when choosing a venue (6,59%). More than 45% of them said that quality of the food and beverages is also an important fact.

In your dealings with VENUES, what annoys you most? • »This is like we have always done it« - attitude • L ack of flexibility lack of understanding our clients’ need • Change of staff which is responsible for the event • If the Convention centre is not well separated from the other activities of the hotel – spa facilities are intertwined with congress facilities • Staff is not enough responsive to last minute changes • Noise from the outside • Poor and outdated equipment • T hey don’t deliver what they promised • L ack of transparency in charging – additional item spend • Very high costs for IT/internet resources • Language issues • Multimedia problems • Non-operating of techniques • Inflexibility in different client’s wishes • Failure to comply with previously agreed service • Problems with access and free parking spaces • L ack of comprehensive information, including the presentation of the surroundings, facilities… • Lack of efficient attitude • Poor response time and unwillingness to recognise association budget constraints • Too low standards in organizing events • Slow internet • Standardized offer of hotels and other organizers and service providers often do not respond to the specific requirements and conditions for the organization of “minor professional meetings”, with 50 to 100 participants • Unclear rules • W hen they do not recognize the difference between the academic and business communities, for instance lunch break or lunch! • W hen venue stuff does not consider my event as an important event • W hen they do not dedicate enough time to details or preconference meetings • Not responding promptly to my emails • No flexibility with final delegates number (estimated over real number)

CONVENTA NEWS WHO WILL SERVE AT FOOTBALL LEAGUE IN UDINE

Combination of catering and local restaurants SORA Catering

GRAND HOTEL UNION WITH NEW PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

A good video can do wonders Union Hotels

Promotional Video Marketing has become one of the top forms of communicating benefits to a target audience. All businesses, small and large, are jumping on board to get their start with video – consumers demand it! “We think that a good video can do wonders for a business, that’s why we did it as well, « said Martina Marušić, marketing director of Union hotels, Ljubljana.

The Union Hotels group comprises four hotels - Grand Hotel Union, Grand Hotel Union Business, Hotel Lev and Central Hotel. In the city centre they offer 574 comfortable and pleasantly furnished rooms, where guests will be happy to return after a day of business obligations or sightseeing. WWW.UNION-HOTELS.EU/EN/GRANDHOTEL-UNION/ABOUT-HOTEL/ KAJ-PONUJA-GRAND-HOTEL-UNIONVIDEO-EN-US/

Football Club Udinese Calcio is based in Udine and currently plays in the first Italian football league Serie A. Upon their stadion reconstruction they also renewed their hospitality programme. Five levels of VIP hospitality services were named Udinese Club House. One of the novelties presented at the September re-opening was the new catering provider SORA Catering. This international catering company is in charge of three levels, Executive Club, VIP Club and Managers Club, while top two are rotationally catered by local restaurants. WWW.SORACATERING.COM

VILA VIPOLŽE WEBSITE AVAILABLE

New cultural and congress center in Brda Institute for Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sport Brda

CD CONGRESS CENTRE LJUBLJANA BURSTING WITH EXPECTATIONS

2015 will be a great year! CD Congress Centre

At the beginning of the year the CD Congress Centre Ljubljana is pro to announce that 2015 is a great congress year. For its part alone, CD is hosting 25 international meetings and congress-related events. And there are a few new (local) ones to be confirmed within a few weeks. This is an important piece of news that will boost the local economy and (hopefully) push Ljubljana and Slovenia higher on the ICCA ranks. More at: www.cd-cc.si/congress 16

Vila Vipolže, the brand new cultural and congress center, is now available on line. The website www.vilavipolze.eu was launched just before Conventa and gives a nice overview on the premises and

sorroundings, which just call for joyous meetings. A reservation platform will be added subsequently offering guests the possibility to design their own experience. One of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Slovenia located in-between the vineyards of the magic and sunny Brda region will open it`s doors in summer and will offer a unique venue for memorable gatherings.

CONVENTA NEWS TERME OLIMIA

Where business meets pleasure Terme Olimia The comprehensive and high-quality Wellness offer and the most prestigious Wellness Orhidelia, unique Selfness programmes, water adventures, pampering in the Sauna world, diversified culinary delights, recreational activities, fresh air and serenity are all important pieces that create a unique mosaic of business tourism in Terme Olimia Congress Center Olimia, location, away from the crowded city rush, is devised as a multifunctional space, appropriate for different types of meetings. A complex of eight excellent and technically equipped halls and meeting rooms is suitable for conferences, commemorations, meetings, seminars, exhibitions and presentations as well as motivational programs, receptions and other social events

such as banquets, fashion shows and formal banquets. All areas are equipped with the latest audio-video equipment for a high quality realization of your events and undisturbed work. Advantages and additional services are: professional help (organization, consulting), selected culinary offer, various spare time activities (excursion with a road train, view of the monastery in Olimia, tastings, chocholate butique, clay pigeon shooting, golf, …), wellness offer, free parking area, club for evening events, thematic events at the pool, incentive programs, teambuilding programs. In accordance with our wellness philosophy, any event is complemented with an excellent local food and selected wines, hospitality, sightseeing of natural and cultural sights as well as spoiling you at the prestigious Wellness Orhidelia.

NEW A350 FOR EVEN BETTER EXPERIENCE WITH QATAR AIRWAYS

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways welcomed a new chapter in its young history recently as it welcomed the world’s first Airbus A350 XWB into its fleet as Global Launch Customer. The A350 is set to commence service on the Doha– Frankfurt route on 15 January 2015. The A350 XWB features the very latest in aerodynamics, design and technology and will set new standards in passenger experience, operational efficiency and costeffectiveness. The A350 XWB will offer unprecedented levels of interoperability and a highly efficient solution to meeting long-haul passenger demands. The addition of this latest generation aircraft to the Qatar Airways fleet will strengthen airlines’ position as the World’s 5-star airline providing exceptional hospitality and seamless connectivity around the globe.

SPLIT GETTING MORE ATTRACTIVE CONVENTION DESTINATION BECAUSE OF BRITISH AIRWAYS?

Direct flights to Split Le Meridien Lav

According to British Airways Highlife magazine, Croatia is one of the most intriguing countries in the world. Starting May 1st 2015 BA is introducing direct flights to Split, hence making Le Meridien Lav even more attractive as a convention destination. Our Conference Centre boasts 2500m² on one level, hosting 800 guests in natural daylight, with panoramic sea views and latest technology. With eight additional meeting rooms and a 24hr Business Centre, the resort is the natural choice for your next event. Enjoy convenient parking in a covered garage on two floors, monitored 24/7 with space for 350 vehicles.

EXPERT MEETING SIOUG 2014 IN LJUBLJANA

Satisfied participant fro Plaza Hotel Ljubljana Plaza Hotel Ljubljana

Plaza Hotel Ljubljana was horned to host Expert Meeting SIOUG 2014 . The proposed agenda included several renowned domestic and foreign experts, presenting fifty-two lectures and two workshops. The meeting was attended by 200 participants from all over the world. We offered them comfortable rooms, exclusive food and venues equipped with the very latest technology. Our professional and friendly multilingual staff ensured a memorable stay. They say: “We will be back next year.” 17

ABOUT LJUBLJANA

LJUBLJANA FAQ crowns the many efforts and tangible improvements invested especially in the last decade. Service providers strive to stay tuned with the sustainability line by offering, among other, local products, using local produce for preparing meals as well as environmentally friendly services, which are also implemented in meeting venues and hotels.

Is Ljubljana a people-friendly city? As its residents and numerous visitors will tell you, Ljubljana is, indeed, a peoplefriendly capital. Categorised as a mediumsized European city, it offers everything a metropolis does yet preserves its smalltown friendliness. Visitors and locals flock into the picturesque Old Town that welcomes them as a cosy urban lounge. How do visitors see Ljubljana? The first impression a visitor gets of Ljubljana is that it is an exceptionally young city, dressed up in green. On a population of 285,000, twenty percent are university students. Classical blends with alternative, history walks hand in hand with urban trends, parks stretch into the heart of the city. Visitors also like to taste Ljubljana: as Slovenia boasts a number of regional gastronomies, the city’s numerous restaurants and inns offer a wide range of local delicacies, including traditional Ljubjana dishes. Not to mention superb wines. How can I get around Ljubljana? Ljubljana is compact, a true walking city by nature, and unless you need to visit somewhere outside of the city centre, you can manage easily without using public transport. Cabs have competitive prices and the city public bus network is widespread and efficient. To travel with them, buy an Urbana card. The city also has a 18

popular bicycle hire system BicikeLJ, with 30 docking stations around Ljubljana. How come the symbol of Ljubljana is a dragon? There has to be a fierce creature to protect the city from bad guys… and nothing scarier than a dragon! From a lead role, together with Jason and the stolen Golden Fleece, in a legend about the foundation of Ljubljana, the mighty dragon has centuries after found its permanent residence in the city’s coats-of-arms, seated atop the castle tower. Which river meanders through Ljubljana? The Ljubljanica is a fascinating repository of the entire history on the grounds where the city developed. Today, its redisigned riverbanks in the downtown / Old Town area are among the most popular spots for socialising, as they are lined with many cosy cafes and restaurants. Romantic walks are another option… Is Ljubljana a green capital? In June 2014, the European Commission named Ljubljana as European Green Capital 2016. Its sustainable development strategy document ‘Vision 2025’ focuses on the protection of the environment, sustainable mobility, sustainable energy provision, and electromobility, and

Why is Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, an ideal place for meetings? This welcoming city has the elements of a boutique destination, offering authenticity and a quality of life that both leisure and business visitors appreciate. Modern meeting facilites, professional know-how, a good choice of event space for social functions complemented by an excellent catering offer, as well as good language skills ensure that events are carried out according to the plan. On top of this, the feeling of well being, safety, relaxed efficiency and warm hospitality are often quoted as the lasting impressions that conference delegates and business executives carry from Ljubljana. And it definitely offers good value for money! And what about Ljubljana’s name? If you change just a letter in its spelling (Ljubljena instead of Ljubljana), it actually means »the beloved«. Nothing could define better the capital of a country that bears love in its name (Slovenia)!

ABOUT LJUBLJANA

LJUBLJANA’S HALLMARKS:

A FRESH, GREEN AND FUNKY MEETINGS DESTINATION – PART 2 CREATIVE PRODUCTS: as nature invisibly blends with the urban tissue, Ljubljana offers a span of very diverse experiences and activities that can be incorporated into incentive or team building programmes adapted to a different number of attendees. A brunch while elegantly cruising along the Ljubljanica river or kayaking across town? Baking a traditional cake or learning to do pottery in a museum? Photo safaris and treasure hunts with an “intellectual twist”? CSR programmes or wine tasting? “taste Ljubljana” at a standing lunch under the colonnades of the central market or…. ? The list could be much much longer – check it out with local DMC’s, event agencies or the Ljubljana Convention Bureau. INTERNATIONAL ACCOLADES: Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guide book publisher, has listed Ljubljana at No. 2 on its Best in Europe 2014 list among ten destinations considered by LP editors as the most worth visiting. Ljubljana made it to the list as ‘one of Europe’s greenest and most livable cities, with a vibrant cultural, café and nightlife scene that gives it the feel of a perpetual street party’.

The ultimate one: Ljubljana received the prestigious title of European Green Capital 2016. Among the five finalists contending for the title, Ljubljana, with its sustainable development strategy document ‘Vision 2025’, was the one that the jury, chaired by the European Commission, found the most impressive. The many visible improvements are already reflected in the quality of life, which can be appreciated by all visitors to our city, too. THE PEOPLE & THE DESTINATION SPIRIT: Dedicated and connected professionals in all the segments of meeting industry providers are the backbone of a destination, which we are aware of in Ljubljana. And many clients underline this as one of our assets. Slovenians in general are described as affable, open, fluent in languages, helpful, hospitable in a genuine way.. Your feedback is welcome! AND SO ARE YOU – FEEL MOST WELCOME IN LJUBLJANA! WWW.VISITLJUBLJANA.COM/MEETINGS

LJUBLJANA AMONG WTTC TOURISM FOR TOMORROW AWARDS FINALISTS 2015 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the 15 finalists for its 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and Ljubljana is a finalist in the category Destination Award beside Northeast and Yilan Coast in Taiwan and Sozopol in Bulgaria. The Awards aim to transform the Travel & Tourism industry, based upon sustainable tourism principles, by educating and inspiring travel & tourism businesses and destinations about how to improve the sustainability of the sector. With categories covering destination stewardship, community benefit, environmental management, workforce development and innovation, and a rigorous judging process, these Awards provide the highest accolade for sustainability in the global Travel & Tourism industry.

FINALIST 2015

ADVERTORIAL

THE BIGGEST COLLECTION OF INCENTIVE IDEAS IS HERE! 200 INCENTIVE IDEAS / 8 COUNTRIES After a positive response to the issue of Kongres Incentive Ideas Book in 2014, Kongres magazine now launches a brand new web site dedicated to seekers of incentive programmes in the region of South East Europe. The aim of the web site is to simplify the search process and to in one place offer the biggest database of South East European incentives. The website www.kongres-incentives. net already offers more than 200 incentive programmes with new programmes being added on weekly basis. You can start searching for your perfect incentive now!

their visibility and promote their programmes. Four different packages and a number of possibilities to advertise are available to them. For more information visit www.kongres-incentives.net or write to gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu.

The Kongres Incentives web site is also a great opportunity for agencies offering incentive programmes to increase

JAGUARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S F-TYPE CUT THE SILENCE OF NIGHT IN LJUBLJANA

lovenia was with its natural beauty, rural roads and urban centres several times shown on the map of automobile manufacturers who filmed the whole or parts of the promotional videos for new cars. Marketing team has of Jaguar visited Ljubljana in October 2014 and filmed new commercial for Jaguar F-TYPE. The elegant sports coupe has driven through the center of Ljubljana, BTC and past the World Trade Center buildings. The camera crew added the fog effects and carefully recorded every scene. Comercial is already released to the public. You can watch the result of work, which is full of beautiful night scenes of the car, Jaguar animal and the city centre of Ljubljana. www.kongres-magazine.eu/2014/11/ jaguars-f-type-motor-cut-silence-nigtljubljana/

ADVERTORIAL

JB RESTAURANT JB

Restaurant in downtown Ljubljana is the closest interpretation of a sophisticated pallet you will ever experience in this region. The menu, prepared by world renowned chef Janez Bratovž, is based on a relationship between the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, representing four tastes – sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. This family-owned restaurant is listed as one of S. Pellegrino’s Top 100 World’s Best Restaurants. JB Restaurant is place for those who want to try a distinct and sophisticated taste of extraordinary plates. They accept reservations for special private occasions, such as birthday celebrations, weddings, PR events and business meetings. WWW.JB-SLO.COM/EN

PATISSERIE LOLITA T he patisserie Lolita in the centre of Ljubljana has diverse offer from precious cakes to special chocolates. Everyone can find something for their taste. Lolita seduces and satisfies all senses. If you will enter into Lolita’s environment, you will succumb to its charms and smell of almonds, chocolate, fresh biscuits, vanilla, tea and coffee. Seated in a warm sofa, star-

ing through the large windows you can follow the movie that city center will play for you. You can stay even longer, and plunge into the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita. Definitely best choice for free hour in Ljubljana! WWW.SLASCICARNA-LOLITA.SI

Join the #Conventa online conversation and stay updated on the latest news!

Think out of the box. Surprise your clients. Exceed your goals. THINK BLUE.

www.meet-blue.com

CONVENTA AWARDS

Travel Zoom zooms to Croatia! The past four editions of Travel Zoom have successfully pointed out the gaps that occur as obstacles on the paths to achieving marketing goals in tourism. They have helped participants bridge those gaps by transferring new knowledge and showing them how to apply it to real-life business situations. More than 130 eminent speakers have helped with the education and more than 20 of the “hottest” experts coming from tourism, marketing, advertising and IT are now coming to Zagreb to show us how to become the true icons of tourism! The 5th Travel Zoom is promising an excellent educational programme held over two days on the great Travel Zoom stage set in Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, in Zagreb, Croatia. Key-note speakers will share their years of experience and open the door to the treasure-trove of knowledge. Hoteliers will tell the stories of success, creative gurus will present the latest out-of-the-box tourism campaigns, marketing geniuses will demonstrate the proper use of the newest marketing tools, the most popular destinations will reveal the brilliant marketing strategies and delegates will be able to network every step of the way. Last but not least, Travel Zoom will award the most creative, strategically sophisticated and effective tourism campaigns of 2014. Marketing secrets will be spilledt, the recipes for success will be told. Travel Zoom programme will satisfy the thirst for knowledge, while the competition will confirm the excellence. There are no more excuses. Gain the competitive edge, outshine your competition and BECOME AN ICON! Welcome to the 5th Travel Zoom conference held from 19 to 20 March 2015! For more information about the event visit www.travel-zoom.si.

CONVENTA NETWORKING

NETWORKING WITH TEAMBUILDING ACADEMY

BOOM TIME Conventa Academy started with music, which came from the »Boomwhackers« brightly coloured plastic tubes. Real music and team harmony took care for great energy before lectures.

SEVEN YEARS OF RESULTS

IN THE PICTURE On Tuesday at Conventa Welcome reception all participants were invited to take a photo. Photo shooting was fun, but nobody knew excatlly what will come next. The results came out yestarday at Networking dinner. Photos of all participant were shownEXHIBITORS in an attractive video that merged HOSTED BUYERS into Conventa logo. FROM COUNTRIES FROM

1,702 888 17 45

SIGNATURE HUNT Signature hunt was a great icebreaker and the best opportunity for meeting new people. Enjoyable activity created new contacts at Conventa Welcome Reception. Another interesting activity was at Conventa Networking dinner. Intersting statistics on meetings industry was announced. You can check the results on Conventa webpage.

COUNTRIES

TOP TEN

REASONS TO EXHIBIT AT CONVENTA Part 2 FREE EDUCATION Conventa improves with every passing year and upgrades its education programme, which is free of charge for exhibitors.

ALL YEAR ROUND PROMOTION OF EXHIBITORS

HIGH LEVEL SOCIALISING

Every year we are expanding our range of year-round promotional activities of the trade show, which are included free of charge into the exhibitors’ packages. The promotion is based on the constantly growing database of potential invited guests and tools such as the Meet in SEE e-catalogue, Conventa e-newspaper and the quickly growing social networks of the project.

39,816

Fact: B2B promotion is based on a rapidly expanding database that has reached 39,816 contacts with whom we regularly communicate and keep informed on the project and our partners.

CONTACTS

CONTENT MARKETING Conventa is well visited by professional media and their leading journalists. Many of them were so excited about the region that they became media ambassadors and friends of destinations.

TOP TEN

LEADING PRO MEDIA

Fact: Conventa treats invited guests and exhibitors equally, which is why all of the social events are an integral part of the Conventa project and are free of charge for exhibitors, as they represent an integral part of achieving ROI

SOCIAL EVENTS ARE

FREE OF CHARGE

CARING FOR THE QUALITY OF THE TRADE SHOW

Fact: In five years Conventa has been visited by 87 leading professional media, who have brought 137 journalists to the event to spread the word of the meetings potential of the region to the whole world. In partnership co-operation media contacts annually guarantee us free publications and other forms of content marketing to a total value of 65,000 EUR.

GLOBAL STARS AT CONVENTA

Through various forms of socialising Conventa enables you to meet as many invited guests as possible. The social events element of the trade show includes coffee breaks, a green corner, working lunches and evening receptions. Conventa is one of a few trade shows that treats exhibitors and invited guests equally and offers this side of the networking in the package.

137

JOURNALISTS

A FIRST IMPRESSION COUNTS Conventa has in five years become a respected brand that

Conventa always ensures a high quality of satisfaction of exhibitors and invited guests. Through the analysis of the overall results, participant surveys and individual meetings with every exhibitor we are taking care to improve the quality each year, understanding that this will increase the loyalty of partners and enhance the reputation of the trade show. Fact: Conventa achieves outstanding results in terms of quality. The average satisfaction grade of exhibitors was in five years 4.23 from a possible 5), with the average satisfaction grade of invited guests even higher, scoring the trade show with an average grade 4.44.

SATISFACTION GRADE 4.23

4.44

EXHIBITORS

INVITED GUESTS

ADVERTORIAL

OTOČEC CASTLE Visit a luxury 5* castle hotel on a river island with excellent cuisine! In the heart of unspoilt scenery, on an islet in the middle of a river, dominantly sits one of the most alluring hotels in Slovenia, the Otočec Castle Hotel*****. A member of the prestige Relais&Chate aux association, this boutique hotel also boasts an excellent restaurant noted for enriching gastronomic heritage of the region with the best of modern cuisine and spicing it with a touch of creativity. Indulge yourself in pure luxury of the castle gastronomy by going for their degustation menu or just enjoy a sweet treat at the castle café. WWW.CASTLE-OTOCEC.COM

Among

TOP 1ti0ng

Wellness & design

Hotel Balnea

Resort Mee Hotels 2014 – Premium!

Discover one of the top seven wellness hotels in Europe according to Trivago! Treat yourself to a couple of days of pure relaxation in one of the best spas in Slovenia with original design and amazing landscape! A perfect wellness break at the Balnea Hotel**** superior: 2 HB for 2 persons − 272 EUR Terme Dolenjske Toplice T: +386 8 20 50 300 E: booking@terme-krka.si www.terme-krka.si

Conference & Meetings World magazine CMW magazine is your specialist global window into the world of the international meetings industry. Published in London, CMW examines the issues of the day challenging global meetings planners, DMCs and other industry professionals.

Contact: Editorial: Paul Colston pcolston@mashmedia.net Tel: +44 (0)208 971 8282

Sales: Teodora Jilkova tjilkova@mashmedia.net Tel: +44 (0)208 971 8282

CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD

W W W. C - M W. N E T

ADVERTORIAL

LJUBLJANA DISHES WITH VIVO CATERING

esterday’s Networking Dinner at CD Congress Centre started with a catwalk. Dishes known by brand »Tastes of Ljubljana« were served. The same brand is also the highlight in new Vivo centre for inovative solution VIVO 125 placed at Dunajska 125 (D 125). Daily offer is complemented with the inovative offer. You can taste »Tastes of Ljubljana« every day from 11.-17.00. Dishes are served for groups and reservations after 17.00.

D125 HALL

D125 is a Centre of Innovations for events. The facility is a legacy of the architect Savin Sever, one of the most typical representatives of the Ljubljana school of architecture. A multi-functional hall on two levels can accommodate up to 400 people. After the renovation the building’s modernistic interior is exceptionally flexible and refreshing. It turned out its architecture is outstanding quality and that is particularly suitable for conferences and congresses.

MEET US at exhibition stand number 27. We are waiting for you to present you meetings experiences with autentic slovenian millet biscuit with honey. WWW.VIVO.SI

CONVENTA 2015

Thank you, Conventa partners! Conventa Team

SEVEN CONVENTA 2015 SUCCEEDS DUE TO

YEARS OF RESULTS

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