KONGRES MAGAZINE by KONGRES MAGAZINE

6th EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

SPECIAL ISSUE CONVENTA CATALOGUE

VOLUME VIII, ISSUE 1 // JANUARY 2014

CONVENTA =

ISSN 1 8 5 5 - 8 6 1 5

9 771855 861009

www.kongres-magazine.eu

ENGAGE EXPERIENCE EDUCATION EMOTIONS ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT

I FEEL INSPIRED BY WHERE WE MEET At the crossroads of Europe we come together to do business. Accessible, affordable with fine Slovenian hospitality, all you need to do is provide the people.

SLOVENIA. Green. Active. Healthy. www.slovenia.info #ifeelslovenia

CONVENTA SELECTION

CONVENTA SPECIAL ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS

Page 6 CONVENTA 6E 2014 The 6th Conventa highlights Experience, Engagement, Education, Emotions, Energy and Entertainment

MARJAN HRIBAR General Director of the Directorate for Tourism and Internationalisation

G www.facebook.com/kongres.magazine

Page 12-13 CONVENTA A-Z - A-D: Conventa participants - E-I: Adding value to your services - J-M: Networking opportunities - N-Q: Educational opportunities - U-R: Exploring the region - V-Z: Enriching the experience

ZORAN JANKOVIČ Mayor of the City of Ljubljana

Page 34-35 INSIDE AWARD Geoffrey waiter of the 21 century

KARMEN NOVARLIČ Head of Slovenian Tourist Board

Page 106 - 112 WHO IS WHO AT CONVENTA

Design Nenad Cizl dtp and prepress Premedia, Andrej Juvan Translation Danaja Besnard Printing Schwarz, Ljubljana Circulation 6000 copies ISSN Number 1855-8615

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MERI MATEŠIČ Director of Croatian National Tourist Board

MARK ANŽUR CEO of Adria Airways

Page 42-84 CONVENTA CATALOGUE Conventa programme / Floor plan / List of exhibitors / Page 100-105 INSIDE HOTEL The Secret life of Grand Hotel Union Exclusive reportage from backstage of famous Ljubljana hotel

Editor in Chief Gorazd Čad Assistant to the Editor in Chief Ines Klopčič, Danaja Besnard, Špela Jeruc Editor of Croatia Addendum Daniela Kos Editor of Kongres Telescope Robert Cotter Editorial Board Renata Balažic, Gorazd Čad, Anuša Gaši, Miha Kovačič, Viljam Kvalić, Srečo Peterlič, Tatjana Radovič, Maja Vidergar

Page 14-15 POSITIVE CONVENTA ENERGY Interview Andrea Leitner, CEO Fincentive Interview Timo Heinaro, Manager, Conventionland Karnten Page 20-30 MEETINGS STAR AWARD 2013 - TOP meeting destinations - TOP convention centre - TOP city meeting hotels - TOP resort meeting hotels

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The Kongres magazine is entered into the media register under sequence number 1423. Magazine issued in January; March; May; July; September; November Publisher, Production and Marketing Toleranca Marketing d.o.o., Štihova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, t: +386 (0)1 430 51 03 f: +386 (0)1 430 51 04 v e: kongres@go-mice.eu Issue date January 2014 For the content reproduction it is required to get the written editorial consigment.

CONVENTA ORGANISERS MIHA KOVAČIČ Miha Kovačič is known as a highly professional and motivated, zealous, positive, hearty and constructive colleague. Under his management, the Slovenian Convention Bureau became an important connecting point and an efficient marketing and promotional institution of the Slovenian meetings industry, which currently unites over 60 of the most important Slovenian providers of congress services.

Official magazine of the Slovenian Convention Bureau Member of

GORAZD ČAD Editor of Kongres Magazine has united his professional education and love of discovering new, lesser-known meetings destinations with a love and passion for the meetings industry. His special love is Conventa: “Conventa is simple, heartfelt, warm and attractive. Conventa brand invites you to a personal meeting for coffee and this sums up the essence and atmosphere of the project - hospitality. Through the brand we are trying to convince congress organisers what the DNA of the region in which we operate is like.”

ISSN 1 8 5 5 - 8 6 1 5

9 771855 861009 kongres magazine is media partner of

Start experience

IF YOU FOLLOW 6E’s SUCCESS IS INEVITABLE MIHA KOVAČIČ, Chief organizer of the Conventa

ENGAGEMENT EXPERINCE EDUCATION EMOTION ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT

he moto of the 6th Conventa are 6 E. You will ask yourself is this another marketing trick of the successul show? It is not just a marketing campaign it is the main frame of the 6th edition of the meetings show of the region of South East Europe that this years welcomes also the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. 6 E = Engagement, Experience, Education, Emotion, Energy, Entertainment Each E presents number activities aimed to maximise the tradeshow experience and to bring participant highest possible return on investment.

If you follow them success is inevitable.

PERSONAL

6E Success of every meetings show is measured by number and the quality of hosted buyers. Conventa team has invested much more ressources to bring Conventa to a higher level. First analyses have proved that we have achieved this. True results will be done after the show by the feedback of exhibitors and hosted buyers. I again will repeat the last part from my last year’s welcome. We’ve invested all of our knowledge, positive energy and passion to make this Conventa another success. Enjoy the moment and enrich Conventa 2014 with your energy. You can only really get it if you share it! Dobrodošli! (Welcome)

Studying the Conventa programme you will realise that the show will feature many novelties with the aim to bring more value to hosted buyers and exhibitors but also media and partners. Conventa 2014 thanks to ist strategic, regional and local partners for the partnership and their involvement to make 6th Conventa another success. These partners understand the true value of live marketing and opportunity to host such a prestigious group of clients from all over Europe and suppliers from the region on one place. 4

Which event do you think marked the year 2013? At major events I enjoy the moment when they are held otherwise I’m focused on the future. About what would talk a book that you would write? Benefactors. From simple to large ones. The world can be so beautiful. Let’s try to make it even more beautiful. Who are your role models and inspiration? Those who are honest and willing to share their knowledge and experience and have a positive view on the world and change. Where will be the congress Silicon Valley of the region? The region of Southeast Europe has wonderful opportunities, but only the region knows whether it will be able to change into Silicon Valley.

Start experience

ALPE ADRIA REGION WILL BE THE NEW CONGRESS EPICENTRE OF EUROPE GORAZD ČAD, Chief organizer of the Conventa text by Polona Simšič

efore us lies the sixth Conventa and for the editorial we talked to Gorazd Čad, who, together with Miha Kovačič, forms a part of the duo that have envisioned and executed all of the previous Conventa shows. Over the course of just a few years Conventa has developed from a small local trade show into a strong brand that is now replicated in many other places in Europe. These other shows themselves say that they are a boutique trade show, which builds on the advantages of its specific energy, which for us is today recognised by our 1,205 invited guests coming from 36 countries. “The trade show is a living project that always emerges from an analysis of the needs of exhibitors and the invited guests, with at its heart the high quality meetings and year-round contextual marketing,” responded Gorazd Čad to the question of how to organise the trade show so that it does not lose its reputation, attractiveness and accessibility. “Through the measurement of results, a survey of participants and personal meetings with our partners we provide for annual quality improvement, which strengthens the trade show’s reputation and the loyalty of its partners.” Precisely because of these reasons Conventa is achieving outstanding results in terms of quality. The average satisfaction rating of exhibitors after five years was 4,23, with the average satisfaction rating of invited guests even higher at 4.44. Conventa has in its five years achieved tremendous growth and development and has become a reputable brand that, between hosted buyers and exhibitors, enjoys a high reputation and credibility. “We are trusted by global trade shows IMEX, EIBTM and Meetings Show UK, ICCA, MPI and SITE and all major convention bureaus in the region,” agreed Čad. “Moreover, the largest congress players have been with us since the beginning. The loyalty rate is extremely high, because from the beginning we have been trusted by 98% of the exhibitors to whom each year new ones are joining, which ensures the growth of the project.” Conventa is also a communication machine that has notably helped put the entire region on the convention destinations map. The success of the project is in many places even more recognisable than some desti-

nations own largely contributed and precisely content marketing. “It would be good to adapt the well known statement ‘I communicate, therefore I am’ to convention destinations,” said Čad . “Every year we are expanding our range of year-round communication activities, which are based on one of the best databases of buyers in Europe, with over 39,816 contacts.” For exhibitors, the optimal added value of the trade show is in saving time and money. Exhibitors have on average 22 pre-scheduled appointments, for the organisation of which they would otherwise have to spend a lot of time. “For the average organisation of a sales meeting you would have to devote at least 60 minutes, without including time invested in market research and other time invested in finding customers,” explained Čad. “According to the Conventa survey we save you on average at least 60 hours of valuable time that would otherwise be spent searching for contacts and on the organisation of meetings.” At trade shows of this boutique-type small and large exhibitors are treated equally, which is much harder to achieve at the larger trade shows, where a restriction is already in the size of the exhibition space. “The registration fee for Conventa has no hidden costs and includes a fully equipped stand on the principle come, meet, win,” stated Čad. “Moreover, within two days of the event as one of the few trade shows we completely take care of the food for the participants, which is fully included in the registration fee.” Exhibitors can also take advantage of the various opportunities for communication with selected buyers that will be offered in 2014 through the various forms of socialising to enable exhibitors to learn about and build bridges with the greatest possible number of invited guests. “Conventa addresses invited guests and exhibitors equivalently, therefore, all social events form an integral part of the Conventa project and are free of charge for exhibitors, as they are an integral part of achieving ROI for exhibitors,” said Čad. Organisers have been working hard to ensure that Conventa 2014 will be yet another to get into your heart and to justify your trust in us. 5

PERSONAL: Which event do you think marked the year 2013? Surely the fifth anniversary of Conventa and challenges of strategic renovation of the project for a new five-year plan to 2018. About what would talk a book that you would write? The book has actually been prepared and will talk about the connection between rock’n’roll and the meetings industry. Who are your role models and inspiration? All congress organisers, who understand that we are here to satisfy congress participants. Because of them we absolutely exist and to them we are devoting. Where will be the congress Silicon Valley of the region? I personally believe that AlpsAdria will be the new congress epicentre of Europe, which will grow strongly and fast in the coming years. In addition, I believe in many fresh destinations of the New Europe.

Energy

The 6th Conventa highlights Experience, Engagement, Education, Emotions, Energy and Entertainment text by Polona Simšič Experience – A new trade show experience Conventa is not only a trade show offering providers a business-oriented platform to develop individual business relationships with targeted meeting industry audiences in a cost and time efficient manner, but it is also a South East Europe meeting point full of energy, warmth and South East European hospitality. It is a place where personal experience is what matters most, where business is flourishing, where knowledge is acquired and where a good time is guaranteed. All in all it is a whole new trade show experience! Engagement – It’s all about team work! When it comes to the satisfaction of hosted buyer and exhibitor needs, you can expect nothing less than the maximum engagement of the Conventa team. Best value for money and the satisfaction of Conventa participants have always been the top priorities of Conventa and a lot of effort has been put into making the 6th Conventa the best show yet. The trade show is built on a partnership model of creating synergies with official, regional, international and media partners. Their engagement also plays a crucial role in the success and development of the trade show and consequently also in the development of the meeting industry

in the South East Europe region. But it is not only about the engagement of the organisers and partners; each year Conventa participants also help shape the show with their feedback, suggestions and, last but not least, by coming to Conventa, conducting meetings and being a part of the Conventa magic! Education – Expanding the pool of knowledge Conventa offers numerous opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge and best practice examples throughout the entire event. The guiding principle is to share knowledge and experience that has been developed through years of tradition and professional practice with those that are and will be shaping the future of the meeting industry. The sixth edition has enriched the educational programme by upgrading the Conventa Academy, introducing Conventa morning energy sessions tailor-made for exhibitors and/or hosted buyers needs, and with the brand new Conventa Experts Corner, where short and more intimate sessions will be loaded with expertise and advice. Emotions – Don’t be afraid to show them! People from the South East European region are well known for their temper and for their love of life. Conventa tries to capture these different

emotions, history, culture and tradition, tries to connect people and represent South East Europe as one home. The show captures the joy, it elicits interest, it evokes hope and it leaves Conventa participants with many happy memories and a wish to return for the next edition of the show. Energy – Think positive! It’s all about the positive energy and positive energy is contagious! Notice the smiles on Conventa team members, the warm hospitality and the energy in the air. Soak it up, smile and make a positive impression on the potential business partners you meet at Conventa. Your business meetings will definitely be more fruitful. Entertainment – Enjoy the show! Hard work followed by a good time is what Conventa is all about. Imagine a place filled with your industry colleagues, a great atmosphere, live entertainment, good food and a fine glass of wine. Conventa turns this dream into a reality. The welcome reception will be transformed into a black and white masquerade ball; the red carpet will await you at the official reception and your dance moves will be tested at the Five-star after party hosted by Kongres magazine. Yes, we will certainly be mixing business with pleasure!

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Energy

Marjan HRIBAR, MSc., DG FOR TOURISM AND INTERNATIONALISATION Slovenia - sustainable-oriented meetings and incentive destination

Q: What is your vision for the development of Slovenian tourism? Our vision is enshrined in the Strategy for the Development of Slovenian tourism 2012 – 2016 »Partnership for Sustainable Development« and is: In 2016, the tourism in Slovenia will be based on sustainable development and will be a very successful economic sector of the national economy that will contribute to the social well-being and reputation of our country throughout the world. We want to develop Slovenia into a sustainable-oriented congress and »incentive« destination with an attractive offer, professional staff and with support at both the local and national level. Q: Will 2014 see any changes in the field of organisation of Slovenian Tourism? Slovenian tourism should regain its agency – the Slovenian Tourist Board – for the specific promotion of national tourism. It will therefore be necessary to make certain changes in the law…until then, the programme of work, which has already been adopted, will be fully implemented in collaboration with the public agency SPIRIT. Q: In your opinion, how important is integration in South-Eastern and Central Europe? To be competitive on the global tourism map, cooperation and integration of South-Eastern and Central Europe is very important. It is necessary to create at-

tractive joint tourist products, offer attractive tourist programmes, implement joint promotion, particularly in remote markets, and exchange expertise. A very successful example of such integration and cooperation in the region is the Conventa Trade Show of South East Europe, which is this year celebrating 6 years of successful operation. Q: How do you assess the role and importance of Conventa for Slovenian and regional tourism? I believe that the traditional implementation of this trade show in Ljubljana is an excellent promotion of Slovenia as a congress and »incentive« destination. I am particularly pleased that Ljubljana was at one of the preceding Conventa events proclaimed as the best congress destination in South East Europe and was awarded with the »Star of Congress«. At Conventa, an event regularly recorded in the calendars of many event organisers and congress service providers, participants from across the region exchange experiences, expertise and commonly promote the region as an attractive convention destination. In being this, Ljubljana is similar to other successful congress destinations and I sincerely congratulate the organisers for the excellent preparation and wish them a successful execution of this year’s Conventa, which will undoubtedly attract suppliers and buyers of congress services from wider Europe and the world and has already set guidelines for the following years.

Energy

ZORAN JANKOVIÄ&#x2020;, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana The Conventa trade show is very important in promoting and strenghtening the image of Ljubljana and Slovenia

Q: What most impresses conference guests when they come to Ljubljana? The best answer I believe the guests themselves can give. After a few days staying in Ljubljana they say that they are fascinated by our city. It is a combination of factors, among which are the architectural appearance, an attractive old town, the short distance between key places, which can be reached by foot, the tidy docks of the Ljubljanica river with extensive areas closed to traffic and a strong sense of security for which we are proud to say we have received an award in Barcelona.They are also impressed with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasant and lively atmosphere, which comes about through a number of events, a rich gastronomic offer and by our friendly citizens with their good knowledge of foreign languages. Q: Congress tourism is one of the development priorities of tourism in Ljubljana. What do you see the role of Conventa as being? The Conventa Trade show is very important to promote and strengthen the image of Ljubljana and Slovenia also as a congress destination. Since its inception Conventa has become an integral part of the marketing of tourism projects in Ljubljana. The

Municipality of Ljubljana with Ljubljana Tourism as a strategic partner supports the further development of Conventa with the desire that this event maintains its domicile in Ljubljana. Q: Which is your favourite special venue in Ljubljana? The jewel in the crown for the city is undoubtedly Ljubljana Castle, which in recent years has shined especially brightly in its renovated image and with many new features. It is also one of the most popular tourist spots in Slovenia, which recorded over a million visitors last year alone. The multipurpose rooms and a spacious courtyard enable the implementation of many types of events. All that and and the beautiful unique view of the city is what really stays in the memory. We also have to mention the famous KriĹžanke and a renewed Congress Square, which has become the center of many cultural and social events and together with the archaeological park revitalization project won an international architectural prize Gubbio. Many renovated streets and squares contain attractive special venues in the city center, which often surprise the foreign organizers. Q: As Mayor how can you help the organisers of major international congresses? I show my support from the very beginning at the stage of preparation of nomination and personally invite international associations to bring their event to Ljubljana. At the same time I highlight the key attributes that speak in our favour. I also gladly meet congress participants at the official opening, invite them to the City Hall, where together with our experts, who have helped bid for international Congresses, can exchange experiences and impressions. I am at all times committed that congress participants learn about our wonderful Ljubljana and experience all of its beauty, feel comfortable here and return home filled with new experiences. Many because of the warm welcome like returning to Ljubljana, which is for me the most beautiful city in the world.

Engage

KARMEN NOVARLIÄ&#x152;, Head of Slovenian Tourist Board Competitive advantage is in professionalism and hospitality of staff

important segment of tourism awaits a year of many events taking slight decrease in the total consumption and the number of participants in events.

Q: In your opinion what will congress year 2014 be like? Given the current indicators in Slovenian tourism in the year 2014 awaits us another year where we will work within the frames of intensified competition in the European and global market and within the frames of difficult economic conditions and falling purchasing power of households in the domestic market. Despite these harsh economic frameworks, I believe that ahead of us for the product of Slovenian business and congress tourism is a successful year. Ljubljana for example, is this year hosting some important events or large business conferences, which will no doubt also positively contribute to the overall balance of arrivals and nights of our capital city. Period ahead of the Slovenian business and congress tourism is also a period of many opportunities. Finally, current trends in the field of business and congress tourism speak in favour of what constitutes a competitive advantage of the Slovenian tourism: a positive relationship between price and quality offered, the demand for nearby convention destinations, new â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-traditionalâ&#x20AC;? offer, often associated with outdoor events, etc. According to the forecast for Europe this important and increasingly

Q: To where will the attention of the Slovenian Tourist Board be focused? Division for Tourism SPIRIT Slovenia will also in 2014 seek to maintain or rather improve the competitive position of Slovenian tourism at European and international map, and to achieve goals we have set for ourselves in the programme of work of SPIRIT Slovenia in the field of tourism: growth in the number of arrivals and overnight stays by foreign tourists in the amount of at least one to two percent, growth or at least maintenance of the number of arrivals of domestic tourists. We are going to approach marketing and promotion projects innovatively and intensify and upgrade partnership both at home and abroad. We are going to compete with successful and established destinations with a single and targeted performance in collaboration with the Slovenian tourism industry and other key partners of the Slovenian tourism. We will strive to maintain the share we have achieved over the years in key neighbouring tourism markets, the key to these efforts will correct positioning of tourism products. At the same time we will focus on global markets, particularly Eastern ones, showing high growth potential, such as the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and to overseas markets such as Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea. Q: What are the key opportunities and challenges of the regional meetings industry? The regional meetings industry is distinguished with several advantages, among them I would highlight good balance between price and quality, flexible and innovative offer, offer of services that are distinguished by high added value and professionalism of implemented events and congresses. A special competitive advantage over other destinations is in professionalism and hospitality of staff, which will continue to be at the forefront of our continuing efforts in the field of human resource development as one of the key competitive advantages of the Slovenian tourism. Opportunities and chal10

lenges are reflected in the further development and strengthening of the relevant air and other transport connections and further strengthening of the position of this important segment of Slovenian tourism in the region and beyond. Q: How important is for the Slovenian meetings industry trade show CONVENTA? CONVENTA for Slovenian tourism is of great importance, as it ranks among the top professionally implemented business events. This year the event is going to host more than 170 foreign participants from 25 countries and prove once again that quality made events each year are attracting the most important players of business and congress tourism in the region and beyond. The event with direct meetings between providers and buyers interested in the field of business and congress tourism in one place represents an excellent opportunity to consolidate existing and establish new business connections.

Engage

MERI MATEŠIČ, director, Croatian National Tourist Board

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In 2014 the identity of Croatian tourism will be reinvented

Q: What differentiates Croatia and makes it attractive to the meetings market? The MICE segment is one that presents many challenges to the modern tourism industry – in addition to excellent accommodation and competent and friendly staff, organizers and participants expect top notch congress facilities, equipped with high-tech gadgets, a variety of activities related to leisure, from team building to sightseeing across breathtaking nature and interesting cultural and historical sites, and easy and fast access. Croatia is proud to be able to offer all that. The Croatian National Tourist Board recognizes congress tourism as an important part of overall Croatian offer and continues to provide support to potential hosts through the so-called Ambassador program focused on mobilization of Croatian representatives in international associations and through participation at specialized fairs. Promotion, partnerships and cooperation with all local, regional and international stakeholders in attracting associations and companies interested in organizing their gatherings in our country are also a part of CNTB’s activities.

Q: What challenges are you currently facing in Croatia? Croatia has been widely recognized as a top destination for years and its identity as one of the last well-preserved parts of the Mediterranean has been stable. Now we are facing the challenge of rebranding – the 2014 will be the year in which the identity of Croatian tourism will be reinvented, striving to attract not only those who already know us well, but to present ourselves and to be interesting to tourists who search new experiences, preferably not only in high-season. We plan on achieving this through identification and promotion of our premium experiences and destinations attractive in the period of pre- and post-season, but also through implementation of a rebranding strategy which will be launched at the WTM in London. As far as the MICE segment is concerned, new investments in hotel and congress infrastructure are encouraged and expected, in order to make Croatia even more appealing. Q: What large events are coming to Croatia in near future? We are proud that several international associations have chosen Croatia to be the venue of their meetings in 2014 – Zadar will host the gathering of the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.), Europe’s largest automobile club; representatives of the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) will come on a study trip; while the EANA conference (the European Alliance of Press Agencies) will take place in Split, to name just a few. Q: What positive trend do you see in our region (SEE Europe)? We can expect the MICE sector to register recovery and growth after recession, even though our region may be slower in manifesting that recovery. As a consequence of increasing demand by companies, competition will be fiercer than ever, which should benefit high quality destinations and facilities, as well as encourage new investments. This could prove to be a growth engine for the entire region, if we successfully face the challenges of global competition.

Q: Where are you positioning your marketing efforts this year and next? Our objectives are clear and straightforward: Croatia traditionally attracts tourists for its beautiful sea and summer offer. We wish to raise the awareness of additional elements of Croatian offer, thus contribute to shift that demand towards our inland region and in periods of pre- and post-season. In order to achieve that, we will focus our integrated communication and PR strategy to convey messages related to our future brand values and the PPS-concept through all available communication channels, while DMOs and DMCs will be responsible for identification and development of high quality products and offers. Q: Where do you see Croatia meetings industry in five years’ time? With an increased number of investments and consequently of top venues and rich additional offer, Croatian meetings industry should be a strong contributor to our national strategic goal of becoming one of the 20 tourist most competitive countries by the year 2020. Q: What is the best part of your job?. It may seem predictable, but when your job is to promote a product which you strongly believe to be excellent, then receiving confirmation of that excellence from numerous satisfied and delighted visitors to Croatia is the most fulfilling part of what I do. Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world for a month, where would you go and why? I would like to travel along the famous Route 66 to discover the USA as it once was. My second destination of choice would be Australia. I must admit it’s hard to imagine a whole month at only one place.

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Conventa A-Z text by Polona Simšič

A-D: CONVENTA PARTICIPANTS Exhibitors Conventa exhibitors range from convention bureaux, tourist boards, PCOs and DMCs to congress centres, convention hotels, special venues, event agencies, airline companies and more. Exhibiting companies from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and the Czech Republic can present their meetings industry services to carefully selected buyers at the Conventa show. Hosted buyers Hosted buyers are carefully selected meeting planners from associations, corporations and event agencies. They organise, influence or make budgetary decisions for international meetings, incentive travel, conferences, product launches, staff training initiatives and events. Hosted buyers have a unique opportunity to personally meet the suppliers to the meetings industry of South East Europe under one roof, thus establishing new and maintaining existing business partnerships. Invited buyers Invited buyers are meeting planners from the corporate, government and association segments with an interest in South East Europe as a meeting and incentive travel destination. From the hosted buyer programme they enjoy free entrance to the Conventa trade show and access to the social events. Trade visitors Trade visitors are meeting industry professionals who attend the Conventa trade show to network with their colleagues and business partners. They are welcomed to the trade show and its social events, without the facility of arranging individual appointments. Media Media representatives visit the Conventa trade show to report on its highlights, exhibitors’ innovative products, the latest news and the development of the regional meeting industry market. The media can therefore raise the profile of the trade show, its exhibitors and the meeting industry as a whole. Guests Conventa guests are political, economic and diplomatic representatives with influence over the strategic development of the meeting industry, the tourism sector and/or the economy.

E-I: ADDING VALUE TO YOUR SERVICES Meetings Services Spot Providers of information technologies and systems, technical equipment, congress and promotional materials and marketing and event production can present their offer to their potential business partners at Conventa’s Meetings Services spot. The ‘Meetings Services’ spot gives providers of technology and event solutions a unique opportunity to reach and develop personal relations with new clients from South East Europe’s meetings industry. Conventa wild card The Conventa wild card programme aims to help new or emerging meeting industry providers to enter the global market and thus increase the competitiveness of the entire region. The Conventa free wild card grants the meeting industry providers coming from a South East European country with lower trade per capita, who had never before exhibited at Conventa, an opportunity to present their offer at the Conventa trade show free of-charge. The winners of the Conventa wild card programme 2014 are Avaz doo Radon Plaza hotel from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Tourist Organisation of Subotica from Serbia. Conventa E-Magazine Conventa E-Magazine, published as a part of the popular meetings industry magazine and Conventa media partner - Kongres magazine, presents the potential for meetings, congresses, events and incentives in South East Europe. The aim of the magazine is to get meeting planners excited about the region and advise them about the diverse meetings offer available. Meeting planners reading the magazine are able to explore, engage and experience the region through Conventa 2014 exhibitor’s stories. J-M: NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Conventa social and networking events In addition to providing a business platform for prescheduled one-to-one appointments, Conventa offers a wide range of social and networking events. On 21 January 2014, Conventa invites the participants to attend the Welcome reception held in Grand Hotel Union. We will upgrade last year’s Black and white reduta, the traditional masquerade ball that was one of the most exclusive events in Ljubljana at the beginning of the 20th century. The winners of Meeting Star awards will be celebrated. Join us in creating a carnival atmosphere and don’t forget to come dressed in black and white! 12

The Official reception will be held on the evening of 22 January 2014 at GR - Ljubljana exhibition and Convention Centre. Guests will include distinguished representatives of the political and economic society in South East Europe. Opening speeches and the award ceremony will be accompanied by music, exquisite food and a good glass of wine. The evening festivities will continue at Kongres magazine’s Five-star after party. Bring your dancing shoes! Hosted buyer ‘Chefs challenge’ Spice up your Conventa experience by joining the ‘Chefs Challenge’! Cookery courses and culinary workshops are the right choice for all who want to learn about the little secrets of master chefs. Join us on Wednesday, 22 January at 4pm and Thursday, 23 January at 2 pm. A kitchen surroundings will be created with all necessary appliances and ingredients. Selected number of participants will be divided into two groups and be assigned to one of the chefs. Teams will compete in making delicious culinary delights and be judged by the Conventa participants. You can register for Hosted buyer ‘Chefs challenge’ at SORA Catering stand (No 19) and Vivo catering stand (No 24). SORA Catering chefs and VIVO Catering chefs await for you! N-Q: EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Professional education Conventa has always followed the meeting industry trends and has dedicated a great deal of attention to professional education and trying to transfer new knowledge to meeting professionals. The sixth Conventa offers a fresher, stronger educational programme tailor made for exhibitors and hosted buyers. On the first day of Conventa, 21 January 2014, participants will be able to attend the traditional Conventa Academy. Exhibitors will also be able to listen to the “Leisure to MICE” forum. They will be joined by hosted buyers to learn about meeting design and brand design. Morning energy sessions with workshop on branding, energy in leadership and creativity in business will be held during the trade show days (22 -23 January 2014). The sessions will be followed by Conventa Experts Corner, short one-to-one sessions hosted by experts covering different meeting industry fields. IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum The IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum that encourages the best and brightest students to develop successful careers in the meetings

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and events industry will be held on 21 January 2014. The Forum presents a great opportunity for students from South East Europe to listen to top international speakers, learn about the meeting industry and meet industry leaders. Over 100 forums have taken place globally since 2003 with more than 6,000 students participating in the forums to date.

U-R: EXPLORING THE REGION Conventa fam trips Finding something new and different to offer to clients is easy at Conventa. Fam trips offer the opportunity for first-hand experience of the destination and a chance for hosted buyers to verify that the presentations given at one-to-one meetings are indeed accurate. Hosted buyers are invited to attend fam trips to the following destinations of the South East European region: Ljubljana, Bled, Zagreb, Carinthia, Trieste/ Friuli Venezia Giulia, Opatija and Portorož.

V-Z: ENRICHING THE EXPERIENCE Conventa TV During the Conventa trade show the programme will be enriched with updated videos, highlights, informative interviews with meeting industry professionals, personal presentations of destinations, meeting industry suppliers and planners from the South East Europe region and much, much more. We invite you to follow us and watch Conventa TV, available on Conventa’s official web site www.conventa.info. Conventa sustainable management Conventa is fully committed to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the trade show by implementing sustainable practices that benefit all participants and the local community. Winning the Sustainable Stand Award at EIBTM 2011, a global meetings & events exhibition, Conventa therefore considers this as a special honour. The participants are again invited to take part in our sustainable endeavours and participate in the Conventa sustainability programme. It doesn’t take a lot - participants can return their badges and lanyards at the end of the trade show to be re-cycled, use the recycling bins... just follow our lead!

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POSITIVE ENERGY: Interview with Andrea Leitner, Conventionland Karnten EXPERIENCE PURE NATURE: People behind the scenes make Conventa so successful Text by Ines Klopčič

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background? How did you get into the meetings industry? I started my career at the Four Seasons New York (3 years) followed by the Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, where I started working as a Conference & Banqueting manager. After 3 years I had the great opportunity to be part of the pre-opening team of the Rocco Forte Collection, The Charles Hotel in Munich. I was in charge of the entire Banqueting Sales and Catering Team. Next stop on my CV was the Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo, but unfortunately only 4 months due to the political issues in Egypt at that time. So I moved to Vienna to be Business Development Director for le Meridien Vienna and after over 10 years working in the Conference & Banqueting Hotel-industry I chose to change sites. I decided on being the head of the Carinthia Convention bureau, which I’ve done since June 2011. Q: Why do you think Kärnten is a great place for meetings and incentives? For me Carinthia is a so called Jewel-Destination. Here you have the possibility to get in contact with the people themselves. As a guest you are not ‘just a tourist’ - during your stay you will be overwhelmed by the charming Carinthian people and you will be part of the Alpe-Adriaspirit. During your meetings and incentives you will experience pure nature. The combination of our 200 lakes and our mountains makes your stay unforgettable. Q: What do you personally love about your destination? I love the quality of life here. People are still greeting each other in the supermarkets and if you decide to go for a hike, a bike tour, skiing or swimming everything is just around the corner. Q: What is on your list of “can’t miss” events and trade shows? My favourite trade show is Conventa, followed, of course, by the Austrian trade show ACCESS. Q: What do you think made Conventa so successful? The people behind the scenes. I can only congratulate Miha for his wonderful team. They are really organised and you can feel their spirit! 14

Q: What for you are the benefits of attending Conventa? Meeting the high quality of hosted buyers. Q: How can Conventa set itself apart from the other trade shows? The organisation of Conventa is already very special, very personal. What I like is also the set up and the character of appointments. Everything is very simple and easy to work with. The main focus is on business and networking – that makes Conventa so successful. Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge for people in the meetings industry today? For the hotels and the convention bureaus the biggest challenge is to arrange comparable prices and packages. Lots of companies started to organise their meetings in their own conference spaces or stay in their own area. The competition is huge and they all also have great proposals and possibilities. You have to be creative and engaged with your business to be at the top! Q: What was the key highlight for you or your business in 2013? ATB Experience Q: The most memorable event for you? The congress of plastic surgery in Velden, Carinthia. Being part of the organisation team. Q: Favourite European meetings city? Vienna and Munich.

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POSITIVE ENERGY: Interview with Timo Heinaro, FINCENTIVE WALKING THE TALK: Southeast Europe is an answer to the call for authenticity Text by Ines Klopčič

Q: What qualities make a great corporate event, meeting or travel planner? To start with: do you do things from the heart or by heart? You need to be passionate about putting yourself into the game. Can you create something truly unique or just recycle from off-the-shelf? Civilised creativity, being able to create and maintain versatile, quality networks, being reliable makes all the difference. Q: What do you think is the number one way to earn clients in our industry? Walking the talk. See answer to the previous question. Q: What frustrates you about the industry? Disloyalty. Clients unnecessarily shopping around wasting everybody’s resources (including theirs). Moreover, hotel inspections on FAM trips can be a real waste of time and, even more importantly, losing a good opportunity to leave a positive, memorable mark of a destination.

Q: How did you get into the MICE industry? Believe it or not but everything started because of what happened in Tianmen Square in 1989. I was stuck in Hong Kong trying to get to Beijing and met guys who had just evacuated themselves from there. They told me about having established an adventure travel company and needing a person to start running it. So, once back in Finland I found myself in the reins of the company – right when the previous recession started. Very soon we realised adventure travel lays no golden eggs and moved to the corporate side and, ever since, that’s where we have stayed. First it was outdoor team building, then extraordinary participative corporate events, pioneering in event marketing and soon delivering very special travel programs. Then I moved to run full-service incentive house operations. In the meantime I also spent a very interesting year in Russia developing top-of-industry DMC operations before returning to the present MICE business in, from and to Finland.

Q: The most memorable event for you? I feel blessed to have a lot of dreams-cometrue during the past twenty years. Creating a Lapland Village on an outdoor museum island in Helsinki with Aurora Borealis projected to the skyline, opening the historic fountains on a first drum beat by a navy orchestra in front of Peterhof (the Summer Palace of Peter the Great), walking with wild rhinos and travelling onboard a steam train in the dark African night like in a time machine, are all probably on the top of the list. But I never forget organising a Yugoslav-themed Party-Party dinner at Vila Bled, the former summer residence of President Tito. That was very special. Also building a beehouse for a handicap care centre during the IMEX Challenge in Slovenia is something to cherish for the rest of my life. Q: How do you find unusual MICE venues? Keeping my eyes and ears open. Taking part in trade shows, post-tours and FAM trips. Also travelling around and visiting new destinations, even when on my holidays. Thinking out of the box. I have found a fantastic venue solution even from a Lonely Planet guidebook, which turned a near disaster into one of the best events I have organized.

Q: Where do you think incentives will be in the next five years? Knowing that a new generation is entering the work world I believe ever more so in authenticity and adventure. Or, no matter what the age group, people appreciate the most real, unique, genuine, memorable experiences anyway. Instead of six star restaurants they may leave a lot happier from a million star meal by the campfire under the starry sky. Still luxury, but more than whatever amount of money can buy. Much bigger emphasis on special themes, adventure spirit, hands-on participation. Hopefully also more and more CSR elements Q: What have been some of your more challenging assignments? My first group to Russia amidst the economic chaos there in 1998. I could (and should) have written a book on what kind of obstacles, bureaucracy and last-minute surprises we had to overcome. All went extremely well, however, and we even got rewarded with the SITE Crystal Award, but boy it took a week to recover from it all! Q: What positive trend do you see in our region (SEE Europe)? South-East Europe is an answer to the call for authenticity. You have an amazing pot-pourri of history, an abundance of cultural heritage, excellent and even exotic local cuisines and great outdoors. Right now it is also one of the politically most correct destinations. If a client has redundancies, the Caribbean is out of question but South-East Europe is absolutely the opposite. As time remains a constraint I trust at least that European companies should look for new destinations closer-by and not waste their time, money and biorhythm in trying to impress the target groups with long-haul destinations. Q: What are your challenges and hopes for 2014? Making the iron hot again! We are introducing totally new incentive products to our markets and teaming up even more globally, so these will surely keep me away from mischief. Or, maybe not…

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Meet the team Miha Kovačič Exhibition Director miha@conventa.info

How did you get into the meetings industry? When working 15 years ago for the largest tour operator in the country, the M&IT department head invited me to join the team and I haven’t left the industry since then, despite a few years later changing to the convention hotel and eight years ago to the national convention bureau. A challenging but rewarding experience contributing to the development of the industry. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? It is difficult, almost impossible, to name the ‘most’ positive one. There are so many and they are connected to each other. Conventa is also a development project, so things are changing every year. One of them is definitely positioning Slovenia and South East Europe on the international meetings map. The next one could be uniting the meetings industry of the region and developing its product, its potential, but also demonstrating its value and contribution to national economies. Career high: I am in the middle of my professional career. The first half has been great, looking forward now to the second half. As Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gorazd Čad Head of Marketing gorazd@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? For the meetings industry I was first inspired at Cankarjev dom, where I worked as a student. It was then virtually the only convention centre and PCO in Slovenia, which has given me a lot of knowledge and connections. It was a long time infection that lasts to this day. In the meantime, I also tried my hand as a hotelier, but my passion for the meetings industry and organisation has led me to my own company in which in addition to other projects we are also co-creating Conventa. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? Definitely a special energy that we have managed to create at the event and for which much larger congress organisers envy us. Energy is the result of Conventa being prepared by highly experienced organisers who are trying to understand buyers’ needs as well as those of exhibitors. At the same time the whole event is conceived as a boutique experience. Career high: In the long career there have been a lot of events that could be described as peaks, depending on the period. Among congresses the highlight was definitely the largest congress in Slovenia’s history, the Apimondia Congress, which was organised in 2003 in Cankarjev dom. Today, the biggest challenge and at the same time satisfac-

tion is managing my private firm and I am especially excited by changes in the field of content marketing, which we are trying to promote through the production of the Kongres magazine. Natalija Bah Čad Exhibition Manager natalija@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? During my study at the Faculty of Arts I was working as a hostess in Cankarjev dom, the Congress and Cultural Centre in Ljubljana. At that time I first had a chance to get in contact with congress participants. It was a very interesting experience. When there was an opportunity to start working in the PCO department, I knew that this is what I want to do. And I stayed there for 10 years…. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? I was involved in the organisation of the biggest congresses held in Ljubljana with very complex logistics. But Conventa is special. First, because we did it from scratch. And every year it is a challenge how to make it even more effective for providers and hosted buyers. Career high: After 17 years in the meetings industry, I still see a lot of challenges. For sure I will continue my work as a congress organiser and share my experiences with younger colleagues that would like to work in the meetings industry as well. Špela Jeruc Hosted Buyer Manager spela.jeruc@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? It was pure luck. I got into the meetings industry through an internship and stayed because I love the team I’m working with. I’m studying management of tourist destinations, so I always knew that I was going to work with people. I especially wanted to work in the process of the organisation. How can anything be more interesting than that? I’m definitely staying in this business. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? I personally think the evaluation of Hosted Buyers. The Conventa team is always trying to get better and better buyers for exhibitors. Conventa puts so much effort into finding the right people from SEE, which you can’t see on other trade shows. We are very strict in the field of reviewing. At the end this means satisfied exhibitors and organisers. Career high: Well…because I’m so young I would have to say working for the company Toleranca marketing is my career high. They gave me an opportunity to show them what I’m

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capable of. Our team is small but very effective and passionate about every project. I especially enjoy working for Kongres Magazine. I think it is the most stylish magazine for the congress industry with great content. Jasna Flis Hosted Buyer Manager jasna.flis@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? I must say that it was somehow ‘by chance’ (although I’m convinced that everything happens for a reason). However, it has been quite a long way. After University I started my career at the Ministry working in the field of regional development. I continued at another public agency to then realise that the private sector must be much more challenging and exciting. After several years in Italy, where I used to work in the field of sales for different international companies, my way took me through a luxury real estate project to an experience in the hospitality industry, which has always been one of my ‘curiosities’. As ‘one door opens another’, now I’m a proud member of the Conventa team and a new entry in the (I can already say) fascinating meetings industry. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? I can say that “it’s all about people”, we are a young, enthusiastic and dedicated team with a nothing-can-stop-us spirit. I’m sure that with this positive approach we can overcome any limits and obstacles and make the 6th Conventa a unique and unforgettable experience! Career high: Every single experience has its small (or big) high, but the peak for me is definitely the recent start of my independent working path. Polona Simšič Content Manager marketing@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? Actually it was Conventa that first introduced me to the meetings industry. Three years ago organisers needed someone to help out with on-location press and Conventa TV, so I stepped in at the last minute. Agreeing to work on the project I did not know what to expect, but obviously I was pleasantly surprised, so I have been working on and for Conventa ever since ☺ What is the most positive thing about Conventa? I think the idea of connecting people in the SEE region. The business model might look complicated on the outside, but it is actually quite simple and works very well. Another thing I would say is the opportunity to mix serious business with pleasure. Career high: That’s a tough one. I am interested in so many things and you never know where life will take you. If I would have to pick one thing from the past that I hope to continue

working on I would choose the Intercontinental Advertising CUP – The CUP. I love the feed of creativity which I believe we are often lacking in life. Tanja Smrzlić Financial Manager tanja.smrzlic@toleranca.eu How did you get into the meetings industry? It was completely unplanned - I had an opportunity for a job interview and here I am working in the meetings industry for 8 months. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? Conventa is a large event, recognised in business tourism. I think that just mentioning the name Conventa is a synonym for an important event for exhibitors and hosted buyers from around the SEE region. The city of Ljubljana has the honour to host such an event each year. Career high: In a few years time I see myself as business analyst, financial advisor for large projects such as this one. Conventa is a large project and I shall take the opportunity and learn from the project as much as possible. Ines Klopčič Content Marketing Manager ines@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? I would say purely by chance. Conventa team needed some help with organization of Conventa 2014 and I was prepared to help them. So far, I simply like this job and I cannot wait for Conventa to start. What is the most positive thing about Conventa? For me, the most positive thing about Conventa is definitely meeting & networking with people from all around SEE. Happy faces of exhibitors and hosted buyers at the end of Conventa trade show will repay us for all effort and time we put into the event. Career high: My career high is at the moment definitely being a part of Conventa Team. Organising & planning events is something I love to do and is something I will definitely continue to do in the future.

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Conventa sustainable management Conventa is fully committed to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the trade show by implementing sustainable practices that add value to all participants and the local community. Winning the Sustainable Stand Award at EIBTM 2011, global meetings & events exhibition, Conventa therefore considers as a special honour.

COMMUNICATION

EXHIBIT

CATERING

ACCOMMODATION

VENUE

At Conventa 2014, a further step is made in implementing and assessing sustainable practices, among them: Sustainable commitment

In line with implementing of a number of energy efficient measures, Cankarjev dom commits to reduce energy consumption by encouraging Conventa participants to use stairs instead of taking the elevator.