CONVENTA CATALOGUE 2017 by KONGRES MAGAZINE

9th Conventa WITH CONVENTA, YOUR COFFEE CUP NEVER RUNS DRY 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19 january 2017

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SPECIAL ISSUE CONVENTA CATALOGUE

VOLUME XI, ISSUE 1 // JANUARY 2017

NEW EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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years of SUCCESS

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Be amazed by breathtaking natural wonders. Feel Slovenia, a country located between the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain. Green. Active. Healthy

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SLOVENIA

THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS ISSUE

OUR SELECTION Conventa Catalogue 2017

Page 06 Conventa 9 novelties in 2017

Page 14 Conventa Ambassador – Pádraic Gilligan and Patrick M Delaney, SoolNua

Page 16 Partners about Conventa

Page 18 Conventa Meet the team

Page 24 Conventa Experience – Try it, love it!

Page 36

GORAZD ČAD Editor of the magazine is in his profession a geographer and historian. He united his professional education and love of discovering new lesser-known convention destinations with love and passion for the meetings industry. In meetologues he will try to share his enthusiasm with the readers. NINA PRAPROTNIK A talkative perfectionist, intrigued with details and a bigger picture in all the things around her. A big hedonist, especially in terms of culinary treats, amazing Slovenian vines, travelling and life in general enjoys in creating beautiful stories for Kongres magazine, Conventa and taking care of other clients regarding content marketing. She believes in personal connection and touch in all aspects, in private and professional life.

Conventa Programme

Page 46 List of exhibitors Best of 2016

Page 94 Best apps, books, conferences and congresses, songs, movies and restaurants for 2016 by meetings industry experts

Page 98 TOP Regional destinations to watch in 2017 Views

Page 100 Eyes on the future - Quick talk with most influential people in New Europe Meeting Star 2016

Page 120 Best meeting destinations 2016

Page 133 Best hotels and Convention Centres 2016

Page 157 Conventa Best Event Award 2016

JURE KUTOŠ New member of the Kongres team who started working in the meetings industry while studying Tourism which he finished and found already new challenges in studying Media and Journalism. Loves helping others and is an amazing help for Kongres Magazine with web and magazine design. POADFGKDFGDFGAČDKFGGAKGKLAKD NATALIJA BAH ČAD An unforgettable member in the editorial board of travelogues, who at each destination adds her icing on the cake. She has insight into the soul of destinations based on many years of practical experience with the organisation of events. She is interested in everything from the history, geography and destination marketing to care for the tiny little things that make the big events. POLONA SIMŠIČ The knowledge and experience she accumulated with organisation of advertising festivals and conferences, she successfully transfers to the meetings industry. She tells stories of the project Conventa and takes care that they are always up to date and fresh.

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G www.facebook.com/kongres.magazine Editor in Chief Gorazd Čad Assistant to the Editor in Chief Nina Praprotnik Design Mateja Gale DTP and Prepress NUIT d.o.o. Proofreading Rob Cotter, Louise Chatwood ISSN Number 1855-8615 Photo credits: archive of Kongres magazine and partners destinations The Kongres magazine is entered into the media register under sequence number 1423. Magazine issued in January; March; June; September; November Publisher, Production and Marketing Toleranca Marketing d.o.o., Štihova 4, SI1000 Ljubljana, t: +386 (0)1 430 51 03 f: +386 (0)1 430 51 04 v e: gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu Issue date January 2017 For the content reproduction it is required to get the written editorial consigment.

Official magazine of the Slovenian Convention Bureau Member of

ROBERT COTTER Alongside his work for Kongres, Rob is a regular contributor to MPI’s One+ magazine as well as MICENET Asia and Eventbiz Japan. He attends international MICE events to seek out best practice and share this with the international meetings community.

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Conventa 2017

ZEITGEIST OF NEW EUROPE

ver year Conventa commences the congress year and after the New Year's relaxation and self-reflection announces that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now time for action. Over nearly ten years of the project, we could say that we became a kind of chroniclers who recorded events in the region and brought the attention of many buyers to new and still undiscovered destinations. Conventa was born in the economic crisis, was evolved through the crisis and nothing is changed today. Recent terrorism acts have significantly shaped the destiny of the European meetings industry and has influence the habits and behavior of the meeting planners. Individual destinations already measure the damage in billions. As organizers of Conventa we express the solidarity with our industry colleagues from Turkey and other countries affected by terrorism. Unfortunately the issue of security will continue to shape the fate of the meetings industry in 2017. Also in this troubled times, Conventa brings the region together. The geographical area covered by our show is not easily defined. Maybe the best definition would be that we cover destinations of the former Eastern and Southeastern Europe which we symbolically and substantively call New Europe. Interestingly, the structure of this year's exhibitors reflects the real situation on the market. The western part of the region (CE) has strengthen significantly and now represents the backbone of the event. The central part (the Balkans) is trying to follow. The eastern part is now facing one of the biggest meetings industry crises in recent years and that reflects in the number of exhibitors from that part of Europe as well.

Above all, it is important that the focus of Conventa remains on discovering yet undiscovered congress destinations. We are proud to say that this year we are in the company of many new destinations that have not yet been at Conventa. With us are the first time representatives of congress destinations from Krakow, Lviv, KoĹĄice and many others. What you will see and get to know are also new products, which are a kind of crossover between tourist resorts and special venues, such as Obonjan Island. Each year we are thinking about how to further improve the event and bring it closer to the spirit of time. This is what drives us forward. We are most excited to see the change in focus of meeting planners, who have realized that the New Europe is trending because it is just a stone's throw away from home, is still undiscovered, full of special venues and crazy incentive ideas, it combines old and new, is affordable, relaxed, safe, creative and also because it is a region in Europe that is developing the fastest and thus has the brightest future ahead. Conventa is definitely a place that combines different destinations. It is based on the idea of progress, creativity and equal opportunities, which are shown in the arrangement of the exhibition space and the overall design of the event. I wish you to feel the Zeitgeist and enjoy every minute of the show we, the organizers, have prepared for you this year. Have a great Conventa Experience! Gorazd Ä&#x152;ad Conventa Co-Founder

Conventa 2017

WHAT MAKES CONVENTA SPECIAL? THE PEOPLE • Hosted buyers,

• Exhibitors, • Conventa partners, • Guests and • The Conventa Team.

onventa is not another typical meeting show - it is a unique, boutique experience of New Europe.

What is 'New Europe', you may wonder. New Europe is an emerging region within the recognised European continent. We all know that delegates and meeting planners are constantly searching for new experiences, new stories and new destinations, and we believe that New Europe could be precisely what they are looking for. Conventa offers an amazing opportunity for hosted buyers from 35 countries to personally meet and network with exhibitors from 15 countries of New Europe in a professional but relaxed environment. To maximise the opportunity we know that it is essential to provide the right mix of business meetings and social networking with the right number of people, and that is what we have done. People believe in the personal experience – it is a top priority for the Conventa organising team. Over the two days of Conventa more than 4000 one2one meetings will take place. Right after the show, 11 destinations are looking forward to welcoming and presenting their meetings offer to interested hosted buyers, so we expect even more business meetings to take place.

In today's fast moving world we need to move quickly and always stay up to date with industry developments. I sometimes wonder whether it is possible to keep up to speed? Good events certainly make it possible, and Conventa is one such event that profiles the region and offers top knowledge provided by top professionals. New Europe wants to be ahead and stay ahead, and Conventa is helping it to do so. The slogan of Conventa is 'Explore, Meet, Create'. These three words say everything about the show. Finally, I want to remind you of a comment that I shared with you last year: "We have invested all of our knowledge, our positive energy and our passion into making this year’s Conventa another success. Enjoy the moment and give your energy to Conventa 2017. You can only receive it if you share it!" Miha Kovačič Conventa Co-Founder

Conventa 2017

THE 9TH CONVENTA BRINGS 9 NOVELTIES

9 9

th no

1. EXPERIENCE THE MEETINGS OFFER OF NEW EUROPE

Conventa welcomes a record number of hosted buyers from overseas destinations Every year, Conventa hosts more than 150 international hosted buyers coming to Ljubljana mainly from European countries. Last year a new record was broken when hosted buyers from 33 countries attended the show. In 2017, 10 percent of hosted buyers are coming from overseas destinations.

2. EXPERIENCE REGIONAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY CONNECTING

3. EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND THE LOCAL WORLD OF MEETINGS

Conventa reports a growing interest from regional buyers

A record number of fam trips available to hosted buyers

Next to international buyers, Conventa is proud to host also around 100 regional buyers coming from neighboring countries and Slovenian buyers that are each year more aware of the benefits Conventa offers to meeting planners. Conventa is proud to welcome buyers from Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Italy and Serbia.

Hosted buyers attending Conventa will upgrade their experience and personally get to know the region by going on a familiarization trip of their choice. A record number of 11 meetings destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Serbia and Montenegro extended their warm welcome to meeting planners.

Conventa 2017

4. EXPERIENCE NEW KNOWLEDGE

5. EXPERIENCE THE REFINED TASTE

Experts’ Campfire sessions, the wild nature of meetings

Craft Beer Tasting that quenches your thirst

Conventa Experts’ Corner has been transformed into a cozy meeting place where experts, exhibitors and buyers gather around the campfire to light up the meetings floor with their ideas, solutions and recipes for success. Don’t miss short 20minute presentations by meetings industry experts held throughout both exhibition days.

Do you know the difference between ales, lagers, stouts and porters? Everybody knows how to drink beer, but few know how to really taste it. After a long day of meetings visit the Craft Beer tasting corner to unwind and learn the difference between commercial and craft beers brewed by Slovenian and Croatian microbreweries.

7. EXPERIENCE PEACEFULNESS

8. EXPERIENCE INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Conventa, where WELLNESS meets MEETINGS Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Speaker, Facilitator, Radio Show Host and 20+ years International MICE industry veteran, Annemarie Puntschart, will show you how to revitalize and reenergize your own day on the trade show floor and pick up ideas on how to incorporate wellbeing into your meetings & events. Prepare to feel invigorated and walk away with a new understanding for this ever-growing trend where mindfulness meets leadership and yoga, meditation and wellness meet Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events. Join Annemarie in the Experts’ Campfire.

Conventa Crossover Workshops If you have missed Conventa Crossover Conference, the first international conference dedicated to the future of MICE and travel tourism, don’t despair. Morning energizers this time around dedicated to Conventa Crossover are back. In scope of Conventa educational modules, Slovenian and regional hosted buyers can attend “The art an value of moderation workshop” let by Jan-Jaap In der Maur, FounderModerator at Masters in Moderation and “Event StoryBoard Canvas Workshop” led by Martijn Timmermans, Co-founder, creative director, The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard. Learn why moderation is worth the investment and how to design a pitchable blueprint for your event.

6. EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS

Take a piece of Conventa home Photograph can be one of the best souvenirs imaginable. Conventa offers plenty of different settings where you can take that perfect photo to take home. We have it covered. No selfie stick needed. Go back in time and take a photo in our retro camper or stylish Conventa Crossover corner.

9. EXPERIENCE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Sustainable transport - Getting around the European Green Capital of 2016 Conventa is fully committed to reducing the negative environmental impacts of a trade show by implementing sustainable practices that add value to every participant and the local community. Conventa organisers aim to follow the 4R principles of rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle. From conception to planning and implementation, the Conventa team makes sustainable decisions to decrease the generation of waste, prefer products with a high recycled content and reuse or donate materials. In scope of sustainable measures, this year for the first time ever the local city transfers of Conventa guests are being carried out by LLP’s new environment friendly methane buses and hybrid midi-buses.

Conventa 2017

HONOURABLE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 9TH CONVENTA – TRADE SHOW FOR THE MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL OF NEW EUROPE Zdravko Počivalšek, Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia

am pleased to have the honour to express a warm welcome to all participants and distinguished guests of the 9th Conventa trade show, the region’s leading business-to-business MICE industry event. We are glad to notice that this event has been growing in recent years in terms of the quality of the programme and participants. We are honoured that Slovenia is a hub and central meeting point for actors from the MICE industry of Central and South-East Europe, and that every year we have some new participants from various countries overseas. To be able to discover Slovenia as an attractive and safe tourist destination oriented toward sustainable tourism and promoted as “Green. Active. Healthy”, the Conventa team and its partners organize interesting guided tours for all participants. Not only will visitors see the beauty and diversity of Slovenia, but will also be able to discover the attractiveness of our neighbouring countries and some other partner countries from the region. What is important in current circumstances is maintaining good relations among nations and international co-operation. The Conventa trade show is the event that builds co-operation and links MICE industry workers from the region and abroad with various tourism stakeholders. Growth in quality and not so much in quantity is the organizers’ motto. Nevertheless, the numbers are more than positive and promising; last year hosted buyers from 35 countries attended the Conventa trade show. This year 10% of hosted buyers come from overseas destinations. Over 400 participants and more than 4000 meetings are expected to take place over the 2 days of Conventa 2017. The organizers have 9 in store for the 9th Conventa trade show, among them a record number of trips for a record number of hosted buyers and co-operation in the WELLNESS and MICE industries. It is much appreciated that the organizers ensure sustainable transport in accordance with the principles of Ljubljana – the European Green Capital of 2016, and the first

Global Green Destination award that Slovenia received in September 2016. The interesting and innovative educational and social programme led by the best meetings industry professionals will offer opportunities for networking and gathering. During this event, to be held in Ljubljana on 18 and 19 January 2017, there will be many opportunities to exchange experiences, opinions, and best practice examples; many important agreements could be sealed, and many business relations can be born or strengthened. The MICE industry is a significant part of Slovenian and European tourism, which is an economic branch where innovations, attractive products, effective marketing, and international co-operation are of vital importance. I hope all the participants have successful and fruitful meetings, a lot of creative energy, and above all a pleasant stay in Slovenia. I hope that you will be able to feel Slovenia with all your senses, according to our national brand “I feel Slovenia”, and discover a wealth of new opportunities. Have a pleasant stay in Slovenia!

Conventa 2017

DEAR CONVENTA PARTICIPANTS! WELCOME TO LJUBLJANA, PROUD EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2016 Zoran Janković, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana

am pleased our city is hosting already the 9th Conventa business event, an important meeting point for the exchange of ideas and initiatives in the field of business tourism traditionally marking the beginning of a new year. In the past years the trade show significantly contributed to the strengthening of Ljubljana’s place on the map of top destinations for business meetings and fortifying ties between partners from different corners of the world. Ljubljana is a star on the European sky shining with incredible energy, namely, in the past years our city developed into a meeting place for people from all over the world and the participants of numerous business meetings in our city play an important role in spreading the good word about Ljubljana. Great personal experiences, high quality services, a beautiful city and friendly locals are the reason many participants of business events come back as tourists, and at the same time their recommendations in their domestic environment are invaluable. Ljubljana is a green, orderly, safe, clean and sympathetic city firmly following the path of sustainable development. Every day we strive to provide high quality of life for our citizens in symbiosis with nature. The prestigious title European Green Capital 2016, awarded to us by the European Commission, serves as additional incentive to persevere on this path in future as we are aware that it is our duty and responsibility to leave the environment at least as well preserved as it is now for the generations to come. Congratulations to the organisers of Conventa for the high quality and diverse programme they have prepared this year and at the same time I invite you to take some time for sightseeing in our beautiful city. In the past decade Ljubljana has blossomed immensely; from a sleeping beauty it transformed into a modern city tailored to people with respect for its history. Take a walk through the city centre which is a stone’s throw away from the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre and has in the

past years fundamentally changed its appearance. Join in the lively atmosphere of the city’s streets and squares open only to pedestrians and cyclists, stop in one of the cafés on the banks of Ljubljanica or enjoy a pleasant walk along the river. You can find peace even in the centre of the city in numerous green oases, in our central park Tivoli, or you can go to the highest point, the Ljubljana Castle, offering a charming view of the city and its surroundings. I am convinced you will be impressed by our Ljubljana and you will gladly come back on business and private trips. You will always be welcomed with open arms and new experiences which will most certainly not leave you indifferent! Finally, let me thank the Ljubljana Tourism team for their great results – namely, in 2016 Ljubljana had a record number of overnight stays, almost 1.3 million. Guests are enchanted with Ljubljana, they recognise it as the main green destination, a city of high quality services, amazing impressions and friendly people! Welcome to our Ljubljana, the host of Conventa, in my opinion the most beautiful city in the world!

Conventa 2017

DEAR GUESTS, BUSINESS PARTNERS AND VISITORS TO THE CONVENTA 2017 TRADE FAIR! Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board

lovenia is proud to be host of the Conventa trade fair for the ninth time and for it to once again take place in one of the greenest and most beautiful countries in the world. Today Slovenia is an excellent destination, climbing towards the top of the list of the best countries for hosting congresses and business events. Firmly on the European map of the best countries for hosting congresses and business events, Slovenia continually exceeds the expectations of its business guests. For 2017 the Conventa trade fair is yet again a »must-go-to« congress and business event for everyone in the industry, where over one hundred providers of congress services from across Europe have gathered to exhibit to clients from all over Europe and beyond, for the first time even from as far as the USA. Congress tourism is one of the key products of Slovenian tourism, which is supported for its high added value, the number of visitors specifically in this segment and for its clear multiplier effects. And what gives Slovenia’s business and congress offer a distinct advantage in Europe and beyond? It is undoubtedly the wide range of choice available in a relatively small but hugely varied geographical area, the quality of business and congress products and services on offer, the expertise and competence of those working in the tourism sector and, last but definitely not least, the great level of care that the providers of congress tourism devote to each and every one of their guests. In Slovenia we are very well aware that the offer that needs to be presented to you by the Slovenian tourist industry has to be infused with the qualities that set our country apart from other tourist business destinations. We are also well aware that the competition of the foreign market is increasingly more extensive and also of a high quality, which for us means the need for constant improvement in the quality of goods and services on offer in this area. For the Slovenian Tourist Board and for all of those

who work in Slovenian tourism this will require a commitment to the continued improvement in the quality of every aspect of congress and business events. It will also mean developing innovative and creative tourist products with a high added value and focusing on the strongly green and sustainable characteristics of the country. With all of this in mind the Conventa trade fair is offering you the chance to witness first hand the defined path of Slovenia’s development as a high-quality, innovative and sustainable tourist destination. With our commitment to delivering the highest quality, our attractive ratio of quality to cost, our ability to increase the value added for our guests, and our continuous development of a quality Slovenian brand with its very attractive and specialized offers that focus on the total satisfaction of our guests, Slovenia is firmly establishing itself as a high quality and highly competitive business destination in Europe, one with its own distinctive identity. And it is doing this with the full support of a strong partnership of its travel and tourism industry. I strongly believe that Slovenia is not only an attractive destination set between the Alps and the Mediterranean, but that it also becoming more and more so a concrete business opportunity not to be missed from your programmes. It sits comfortably amongst the best congress destinations that offer visitors the perfect authentic experience - not just an authentic experience for their today, but one they will carry into their future as well. I have no doubt that Slovenia will impress you too with its extraordinary diversity, amazing green nature, excellent location, its friendly people and the high quality of life. We can guarantee that your expectations will not just be met; they will be exceeded. Let me invite you to discover Slovenia as a green, active and healthy congress destination. We are delighted to have you here and we look forward to welcoming you again and again to our green country!

Conventa 2017

LJUBLJANA WELCOMES THE 9TH EDITION OF CONVENTA IN ITS GREEN EMBRACE! Petra Stušek, Managing Director of Ljubljana Tourism

ooking back at the first eight years of the Conventa Show, I can only praise the smart development and achieved quality of this specialised show that puts into the limelight the meetings & incentive offering of the New Europe. It comes as a coincidence that in this same period Ljubljana has gone through a remarkable makeover, which could be defined as a passage from »Cinderella City« to »Sexy LJ«, dressed in trendy green on top. This huge transformation and the way to success were paved by a clear vision, coupled by strong will and passion. Less than 10 years ago, the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, mapped the sustainable development master plan, Ljubljana 2025, defining the key projects aimed at improving the city's functionality and the quality of life of its residents and visitors alike. The gradual expansion of the traffic-free zone, the landscaping of the Ljubljanica riverbanks, which won the prestigious European Prize for Public Open Space 2012, and the further implementation of green policies are among many projects that not only changed the image of Ljubljana. They actually generated a series of other effects, such as positive attitude and pride, which turned local residents into proud ambassadors of their city, including a favourable reaction to tourism and the increasing number of foreign visitors. This visible process also had a strong impact on changing the perception of the city among the domestic and foreign public: from a rather “incognito” status it stepped among destinations on the bucket list to visit. The meetings industry sector also drew a benefit from this positive shift in Ljubljana’s image and stronger brand in the international arena. The many efforts invested were crowned by a series of prestigious awards that Ljubljana received over the last years. At the top of the list is the title of European Green Capital 2016, which the European Commission awarded Ljubljana because it has, in the shortest amount of time, introduced the largest number of positive changes in the quality of life, turning into a city that is environmentally and tourist friendly, and very liveable. Less than two years ago, at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) global summit, Ljubljana won the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award for 2015. As the jury explained: »Extensive pedestrian spaces, an eco-

logical zone and state of the art under-street recycling systems have greatly improved the city. Central to Ljubljana’s success is the partnership between Ljubljana Tourism and the Municipality, which is really a shared vision for the destination, with sustainability principles at the heart«. The growth of the tourism and meetings industry has given a boost to investments in the hotel sector, with refurbishments and upgrades of existing properties underway, new expansion plans and hotel openings announced, together with new contents, products, and improved overall services. There are many other initiatives that visitors to Ljubljana notice, or we are proud of: the only vehicles allowed to permanently enter the traffic-free zone have a kind name – Kavalir, or Gentle helper. The ride is free of charge and green, as they run on electric power. The Urban electric tourist train is a novelty in town. Our tap water is chemically untreated, retaining practically the same quality as at the very source. The BicikeLJ shared bicycle scheme is a success, and a car-sharing model of electric vehicles has been recently launched. Yet, the “green list” is much much longer. Coming to the meetings industry, for a city of its size, the venue options in Ljubljana are really ample. Two flexible and centrally located congress centres with a different space concept, a number of functional and well-equipped convention- and meeting hotels in historic or modern shells, plus academic venues are the backbone of Ljubljana's meetings facilities. One of its strong points is also the compact size – easy logistics and walking distances to many of the venues, the Old Town and other points of interest are appreciated by planners and attendees alike. Moreover, at least a dozen of special event venues are found within 15 minutes walking from the most central spot, the crown being one of the city landmarks - the Ljubljana Castle. Professional service with a personal touch is the name of the game in the destination.This “human factor” is what clients often stress as one of our advantages, plus the genuine hospitality that also participants to Conventa will undoubtedly experience. Ljubljana Tourism with its Convention Bureau, a proud partner of Conventa from the start, will do its best to contribute to the show’s success yet another year. And we already look forward to celebrating soon a round milestone -its 10th anniversary in 2018! 11

Conventa 2017

CONVENTA DIRECT RESULTS 2009 – 2017 NINE years or results 1,887 HOSTED BUYERS FROM 47 COUNTRIES 1,048 EXHIBITORS FROM 17 COUNTRIES 20,215 ONE2ONE PRESCHEDULED MEETINGS

The development of Conventa:

2007

• The first trade show hosted 35 exhibitors and 40 hosted buyers • First ‘Simex’, predecessor of the Conventa show • Development of One2One system for pre-scheduling meetings

2008

• 50 exhibitors and for the first time over 100 hosted buyers • Decision to expand the project across borders • First catalogue: Meet in SEE

2009

• 82 exhibitors and for the first time over 157 hosted buyers • The launch of the Conventa brand • Over 3,000 One2One meetings • The start of ‘Academy Conventa’

2010

• Exceeding 100 exhibitors • 266 hosted buyers • Conventa starts to recognise outstanding achievements by granting awards • The launch of the Meeting Services spot

2011

• 23 % more exhibitors from 9 SEE countries • 271 hosted buyers • The launch of the Conventa Wild Card programme • Conventa Hall of Fame award granted for the first time • 2,232 billateral talks

• Conventa wins Sustainable Stand Award at EIBTM • Introduction of ‘Eco Day’ and ‘Eco Village’ • Conventa hosted first IMEX-MPIMCI Future Leaders Forum

• The best and most extensive educational programme offered (3 days overall) • First Conventa Ambassador

2012

• Record number of hosted buyers (279) • 146 exhibitors • 3,365 One2One meetings • For the first time Conventa invites emerging destinations of New Europe • Congress destinations presented in the highest number so far (15) • Adding another E to the mix • Introducing Conventa Valley • Exhibitors at Meeting Services Spot get their own One2One system • More media partners than ever

• 142 exhibitors • 10 SEE destinations presented at the show • Conventa TV – broadcasting live for the first time • The launch of the Conventa mobile site • Conventa hosts Meeting Star Awards for the first time

2013

• Expanding the borders – Turkey joins the Conventa exhibitors • Hosting the SEEPCO meeting • Celebrating the 5-year anniversary – Conventa give me five! • Inside award granted for the first time at Conventa • Introducing Conventa mingling

2014

• The largest number of international meeting planners in the history of the show (over 200) • The highest quality hosted buyers (62.78 % were rated as good or excellent by exhibitors) • Introduction of 6 Es (Experience, Engagement, Education, Emotions, Energy and Entertainment) • Congress destinations presented in the highest number so far (12) • A record number of pre-arranged meetings (3,158)

2015

2016

• Conventa Best Event award for the first time • SITE conference • Society for Incentive Travel Excellence • New partnership with Turkish Airlines • Record number of participants from New Europe - New Conventa Coffee corner provided by the Bernardin Group

2017

• Record number of exhibitors (149), first time from Krakow, Lviv, Košice • 95 % of hosted buyers are new and they come from a record number of different countries (35) • Record number of fam trips (11) • Experts’ Corner transformed in Experts’ campfire • New sustainable ways of green transportation of Conventa guests • Conventa Crossover conference (summer 2016)

Conventa 2017

PROIZVODNJA Pot skozi tehnološki postopek. The path through the technological process. Trenutki okušanja in druženja. Moments of tasting and socialising.

Sprehod skozi zgodovino.

Pivovarna Laško Union d.o.o. | Celovška cesta 22 | 1000 Ljubljana |

A walk through history.

Pivovarna Laško Union d.o.o. Celovška cesta 22, Ljubljana

Ponedeljek - Petek / MON - FRI 12.00 (Muzej, Proizvodnja, Pivnica), 15.00 & 17.00 (Muzej, Pivnica)

Sobota / SAT 15.00 & 17.00 (Muzej, Pivnica)

13 www.union-experience.si

Conventa 2017

IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY PEOPLE GO THE EXTRA MILE ALL THE TIME Meet Conventa Ambassadors Pádraic Gilligan and Patrick M Delaney, Managing Partners at SoolNua, Ireland

Conventa Ambassadors Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner at SoolNua, Ireland He has over 20 years of leadership experience both nationally and internationally in the Tourism sectors growing and managing companies and business units. He has a proven track record in sales having co-founded Delaney Marketing Consultants with Patrick Delaney in 1994 and grown it by 2005 into Ireland’s largest conference and event agency with revenues of €20m.  Over the past 30 years he has served in a wide variety of leadership roles including Head of Department while teaching at Belvedere College SJ, Managing Director at Ovation Group, Global Vice President at MCI, Chairman of various pan-industry committees at Bord Failte / Tourism Ireland and International President of the association Site.  One of the highlights of his career thus far was the inclusion of Ovation among the Top 50 companies to work for in Ireland.to name” of their many activities.

Patrick M Delaney, Managing Partner at SoolNua, Ireland Following his degree in Hospitality Management, he worked for the Irish Tourist Board for many years in Ireland and the US. He returned to Ireland in the early 90s to run the highly successful Adare Festival and worked as Sales and Marketing Director for the five star Adare Manor.  He was the first non US international president of Site (Society of Incentive and Travel Executives). He was also the only Irish person to be recognised by Conference & Incentive Travel (UK) for inclusion in their Power 50 list; a directory of the most inspirational people in the UK and Ireland.  Patrick has been honoured with various awards at the meeting and events industry’s premier shows, EIBTM and IMEX. He has also been a speaker for a number of industry events and continue to give regular seminars and lectures across all five continents of the world.

Q: What does the title Conventa Ambassador mean to you? Conventa is a truly disruptive trade show for MICE that has built its uniqueness around creativity, innovation, building meaningful connections and being truly “boutique”. These are values that are at the heart of the SoolNua culture too so being ambassadors for Conventa is a natural extension of who we are. Q: What is the main thing you hope to accomplish as Conventa ambassador? We hope to highlight that culture of innovation, creativity and connectedness that’s at the heart of Conventa but also to draw attention to South East Europe as a series of wonderful destinations with amazing people, fresh experiences and great value. Q: You have been in the meetings industry for a very long time. What inspires you? I guess we’re inspired by the people we’ve met and the places we’ve been. It’s truly a privilege to work in an industry where relationships and connections are so front and central. To have met, worked with and forged friendships with industry greats like Roger Tondeur of MCI, Ray Bloom of IMEX, Christian Mutschlechner of the Vienna Convention Bureau, Martin Sirk of ICCA and so on is an extraordinary honour. Likewise we’re privileged to have been regularly and routinely in astonishing places that most people only dream of going to – Table Mountain in Cape Town, Victoria Falls in Zambia, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Vancouver, the Great Wall of China, Venice, Skellig Michael off the South West Coast of Ireland, the Las Vegas Strip, London, the Soča Valley in Slovenia, Barcelona … the list is endless! Q: How important is friendship and connectivity in the meetings industry? Friendships and connectivity are at the heart of the meetings industry. In fact it can often be a real challenge to separate private and professional life in the meetings industry as most people you encounter quickly and naturally becomes your friends! Business contracts tends to be way more than mere transactions in the meeting industry as, inevitably, you’re delivering a service or product to a person you genu-

inely care about and you’re loathe to let them down. In the meetings industry people go the extra mile all the time. Q: What changes would you like to see happen in the meetings industry in 2017? Having been DMCs for many years we’d love to see the intermediary / agency / third party sector of our industry respected and adequately remunerated for the real professional value they bring to events’ delivery. In a disintermediated market, it’s not acceptable that DMCs are often still expected to make a living on mark-ups and commissions. They provide a highly professional service and thus should be paid a professional fee, the same as if they were lawyers or accountants or PR specialists. Q: What is your prediction for the future of meetings? “Plus ça change, plus c’est la meme chose” – technology will continue to be front and central in events but so too will relationships. As we become more and more digital, there’ll be an equal and opposite return to analogue and relationships will become more and more vital in the supply chain. Like the waxing and waning phases of the moon, TR (tactile reassurance = relationships) will increase in importance as AR (augmented reality) and AI (artificial intelligence) decrease. Q: Greatest idea you have ever had? Pádraic: My own best idea was and still is to subtract 5 minutes from each day from Sunday to Friday and then add it back on a Saturday night giving us all an hour more in bed on a Sunday morning. It’s a genius idea but I haven’t been successful yet in persuading any government or EU leader to champion it. Patrick: I think the SoolNua #worldIceCreamindex was my best idea ever and I’m thrilled to see that it’s gaining great traction as it enters its third year. Q: Do you have any regrets in life, in your career? Patrick: I’m definitely with Edith Piaf – “Je ne regret rien” Pádraic: I finally read English novelist, George Eliot’s 19th century masterpiece Middlemarch in 2015 and I greatly regret not having read it sooner. It’s a wonderful, potentially life changing novel.

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I WOULD LIKE TO SEE TIGHTER COOPERATION WITHIN SOUTHEAST EUROPE Conventa Hall of Fame welcomes Danica Banjević, Director, Montenegro Convention Bureau Q: What does becoming a member of the Conventa Hall of Fame mean to you? I am very surprised and honored to have been included on the list of persons who have contributed to the development of the meetings industry. This nomination is an incentive and motivation, as well as an obligation to work more intensively on the further development of Montenegro as a meeting and incentive destination. I am also very excited that this award is given by Conventa, one of the region’s most important exhibitions for the meetings industry.

Conventa Hall of Fame

Danica Banjević, Director, Montenegro Convention Bureau Danica Banjevic has been the Director of the Montenegro Convention Bureau since 2008 and is the deputy director of the Montenegro National Tourism Organisation. She is in charge of planning, implementation and the coordination of marketing and PR activities for Montenegro. Previously she worked as a PR manager in NTO of Montenegro, and for a short period in the hotel industry. She graduated from the Faculty for Tourism and Hospitality in Kotor and is currently in Master’s studies in the international marketing field at the Faculty of Economics.

Q: You’ve been in the meetings industry for a very long time - what inspires you? As a relatively new destination for meetings Montenegro has up to now been mostly recognized as an ideal destination for incentive travel, due to its natural beauty and diverse offer. However, last year we carried out research and will start to bid more intensively for smaller international association congresses, in line with what our congress capacities can facilitate. New activities, meeting new people and implementing processes which show how a destination is changing and improving is what motivates me. In the past year Montenegro acquired several new hotel brands, including Hilton, CentreVille and Sheraton, which will attract new business guests and contribute to a much better destination image. Q: You have contributed a lot to the development of the meetings industry. What would you say has been your greatest achievement so far? Cooperation between the public sector and the tourism industry, and their mutual cooperation, is the key to the success of a destination. With our combined efforts we manage to get the best results. A good example of this was the organisation of the annual congress for the German Tourism Association, with around 900 professionals from the field of tourism who visit different destinations each year. Their assessment was that the congress held in Montenegro was one of the best they had ever attended. All of this is the result of joint efforts and good coordination with the local companies. This includes not just hotels, but also transport providers, local producers, guides and all of those involved directly in the organisation of events.

Q: What changes would you like to see happen in the meetings industry in 2017? I would like to see investment in the construction of a modern convention centre in Montenegro and I would like the Government to pay more attention to this type of tourism. We should take better care of environment, too. I would also like to see tighter cooperation within the region, or within Southeast Europe, and in 2017 to be able to already apply for joint projects to be financed from the EU funds. Q: What is your prediction for the future of meetings? Security and safety will certainly have a major effect on future events - we have witnessed that this year - and companies will be more careful in selecting destinations for their events. On the other hand, with new technological possibilities there will be the opportunity to quickly exchange opinions and information and have new forms of learning. Q: What has been the greatest idea you have ever had? I would not say that this was entirely my idea… but rather that it was the idea of an entire team working at a congress. Namely, it was an obligation for the destination to make bags for the congress delegates - specially designed congress bags that were made of wool and with details from the Montenegrin national costume. To make these bags 54 ladies were engaged from the mountain region of Montenegro, most of whom had been unemployed. In addition to our idea to provide congress participants with an authentic hand-made Montenegrin product, the initiative for this action resulted in the inclusion of handicrafts into the range of tourism products. Q: Do you have any regrets in your life or your career? I would not say that I have any specific regrets about my career; I am very happy with the way my career developed. Certain things I could have done in a different way, but all of these decisions shaped me into the person I am today.

Conventa 2017

PARTNERS ABOUT CONVENTA

Maja Pak Managing Director, Slovenian Tourist Board “On a global scale Conventa Trade show represents the key event in the field of business or B2B meetings between providers and buyers of business events.  This year, Conventa is held for the 9th time and each year the event gains an even stronger reputation among a targeted audience of professionals. Simultaneously it also represents a meeting point of more than hundred meeting providers from Southeast European region and buyers from the entire Europe and around the globe – for the first time this year also from United States of America.  Conventa is one of those key meeting events in Slovenian tourism that are contributing to Slovenia’s reputation of being a sustainable oriented country. At the same time the show is placed at the very top of professionally executed events. Abroad, Slovenia is more and more recognised as a great host of five star adventures in the field of business and congress tourism, while the professionally organized trade show Conventa is helping greatly and reinforcing the reputation. Due to the impact Conventa has on a global scale, the collaboration with Slovenian Tourist Board is of key importance. Also in the future we will continue to draw special attention to congress and business tourism since it has great effect on the entire tourism industry, builds reputation of the tourism profession at home and abroad, has great multiplying effect, congress and business guests contribute to the capital influx of foreign guests and last but not least, congress and business tourism contributes to the sustainable development of Slovenian tourism. With Conventa trade show we confirm that at a time of increased digitalisation, personal meetings between providers and potential buyers remain indispensible.”

Tatjana Radovič Congress Manager, Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau “As the host destination and partner of Conventa, we regard that this important regional meetings industry business event has firmly established itself on the European market and developed beyond a »classic trade show« format. With its concept and personal approach Conventa now stands for a complete experience: a high-quality and efficient business platform topped by informal networking opportunities between hosted buyers, exhibitors and other meeting industry players in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It also showcases the wide array of possibilities for holding meetings and events in Ljubljana, Slovenia and the wider area of Central and Southeast Europe, which still has untapped potential on the international market. Ljubljana Tourism therefore considers Conventa as one of its most important marketing projects at the destination level, by which both Ljubljana and Slovenia are continuously strengthening their brands and image abroad. And in 2018, it’s party time, with Conventa turning 10!”

Jerneja Kamnikar Managing Director, Vivo Catering “CONVENTA, junction of congress tourism in South-Eastern Europe, is a very important link in the promotion of

Slovenia as a congress destination. It is a combination of business and networking among people in one place and at the same time opening up of new opportunities for discovering new and attractive destinations. These are increasingly searched by meeting organizers. Vivo with our Center of innovative solutions D125 in Ljubljana takes part in Conventa and shapes it from the very beginning. “

Matevž Matic Vozlič Key Account Manager – Meetings & Events, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana "Why Conventa? It is simply the best. Boutique fair, where three elements are combined: new partners & friends, fun and above all, of course, new projects. I would definitely classify Conventa as one of the best MICE trade fairs in the EU."

Jure Jezeršek Business Director, Jezeršek gostinstvo d.o.o., SORA Catering “Jezeršek gostinstvo has the longest tradition of catering service in Slovenia. We are well aware of the importance that Converta exchange offers. With their presence in Slovenia they have accommodated business networking, setting innovative and trendy

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solutions for event, congress and incentive planning. It is of utmost importance to be a part of Conventa as it offers a unique opportunity to connect with other new businesses, as well as maintaining a good relationship with existing clients, exhibitors and partners. We recognize the effect each and every one of our business partners has on our success. Our partners, PCO and DMC, as well as others that provide quality services in this field, truly understand the specific needs of the MICE segment.Our goal is to ensure high quality creative culinary solutions that cater to our client’s wishes and a unique culinary experience which will surely make an unforgettable impression and a lasting memory no matter if presented here in Slovenia or abroad.”

Ana Božič Sales Manager of Events and Congress Department, GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre “GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre has been Conventa partner and main host venue of the show from the very beginning and is very proud and happy to have a chance to host such an important event again. Important not just for the GR, but for the whole region. Hosting over 170 international and 100 national meeting planners is a big opportunity for the whole GR team to show our excellence of the venue and the service we provide. Honestly, that is easy with the team of people I work with. “

Sandi Kovačević General manager, Hotel Cubo “Conventa trade show offers the opportunity to do business with buyers from around the world in a fun and efficient environment; at the same time also learning from the best in the industry and networking with peers. The place to be if you want to stay up-to-date with the meetings and events industry.”

Maja Vidergar Congress & Marketing Specialist, CD Congress Centre Ljubljana “The CD Congress Centre firmly believes in Conventa and has supported it from the very beginning. As a venue and a PCO we regularly participate in other meetings-industry related events throughout the world and we can safely say that Conventa is simply unique. Successfully covering the new Europe's market from the suppliers and hosted buyers’ point of view, it epitomizes the finest Slovenian approach toward organizing events – it is genuine, fresh, green but very warm and welcoming. We are looking forward to it!”

Nikola Avram General Manager of MK Mountain Resort “As MK resort group grows rapidly in the region, we could not find better opportunity to highlight our hotels and resorts on the Balkan map by attending and sponsoring this ever successful MICE event. Thanks to Conventa team’s passion, experience and dedication, we are happy to be here: business and fun, this is our motto.”

Sarah Skavron CMP, Knowledge and Events Executive, IMEX Group “It is the energy, flow and welcoming atmosphere that makes me look forward to attending Conventa every year. It is the perfect environment to catch up with industry friends, discover what is new in the industry and see trends implemented in this well-organised show.”

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WHO IS WHO AT CONVENTA They say that many hands make light work but in Conventa’s case we could say that few hands make work more personal. Meet the small team behind Conventa 2017 that knows how to create an unforgettable experience for exhibitors and hosted buyers.

is also a development project so things are changing every year. One of them is definitely positioning Slovenia and South East Europe on 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.

has given me a lot of knowledge and connections. It was a long time infection that still lasts to this day. In the meantime, I also tried myself 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 the Conventa.

Career high: I am in the middle of my professional career. First half have been great, looking forward for the second half.

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? Definitely a special energy that we have managed to create at the event and 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 the needs of exhibitors. At the same time the whole event is conceived as a boutique experience.

Let’s get personal... 4:

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. 5:

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? 6:

What always makes you smile? Friends and some colleagues but also passionate people. 7:

MIHA KOVAČIČ

Exhibition Director  miha@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? 15 years ago when working for the largest tour operator in the country, the M&IT department head invited me to join the team. Haven't left the industry since than despite few years later changed to the convention hotel and eight years ago to the national convention bureau. Challenging but rewarding experience contributing to the development of the industry. What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? It is difficult almost impossible to name the most positive one. There are so many and they are connected to each other. Conventa

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 satisfaction 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 Kongres magazine. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Rock'n'roll.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? As a geographer by heart, I would probably travel around the world and write travelogues about the most unusual places I visited. 5:

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 1:

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. 6:

What always makes you smile? The morning walks with my flatcoated retriever, whose name is Bodo. 7:

Conventa 2017

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? I am dreaming about Africa. 6:

What always makes you smile? Nice sunny mornings.

NATALIJA BAH ČAD

Three words that describe you best: Direct, organized and creative. If you weren’t working in the meet5: ings 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! 4:

Exhibitors and Social Programme Manager  natalija@conventa.info

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Tokyo, Japan.

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, 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 always makes you smile? Animals and the crazy things they do. People and the crazy things they do :)

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? I was involved in the organisation of the biggest congresses held in Ljubljana with very complex logistic. 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. 2:

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. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

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. 5:

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 organizers 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 :) 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? I think 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. 2:

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 to feed of creativity which I believe we are often lacking in life. 3:

Let’s get personal...

NINA PRAPROTNIK

Content & Marketing  nina.praprotnik@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? As with mayor events in my life, I believe that there are no coincidences. Looking back, I always say that some of my previous work experiences lead me to where I am today. After many experiences in public relations, marketing and corporative communications, you see that all is connected in some sort of way. 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? Meeting all the most important people in this industry under one roof! We are in constant lack of time and resources and this is truly the best way to optimize your time and business. And what better way is doing this at Conventa which is also strongly focusing on personal part of the business? As I say, business is still personal and the connections you get at Conventa truly last! 2:

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Career high: My personal life goal is to have a small B&B where I could personally express my personality – I love to travel and I think hosting people is a way you can bring the whole world to you. My goal is to manage and own a B&B where I could be focusing on extreme hospitality and friendliness, local food and amazing Slovenian wines, topped with activities with locals. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Talkative, direct, organized.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? All in all, I always say that you never know where life will lead you. But all things considering, owning and managing my own B&B is on top of my list for me :). 5:

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? Too hard question for someone who would go anywhere. But a location where wearing flip flops and reading a book, discovering good food, culture and people is always a good choice. 6:

What always makes you smile? Friendly people, spontaneity, enjoying good food and wine in good company. Just the small things that spice up the life. People too often forget that the smallest things can make a total difference – from sharing a smile to people and positive energy, saying hello to a stranger on the street, plain kindness. 7:

How did you get into the meetings industry? I started my journey in tourism in one of the leading tourist agencies in Slovenia as a travel counsellor. During my studying years I discovered my love for meetings industry and since then I wished to work in congress field. After graduation, a bit more than one year ago, opportunity came and I joined the Toleranca Marketing team which is also organizer of Conventa trade show. Since then I worked on many different and exciting projects and I just fell in love with the congress industry. 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? I would say the most positive thing about Conventa is that it is boutique. Small, energetic and passionate Conventa team that wants to make hosted buyers and exhibitors feel truly welcome in Slovenia and of course focusing on high personal note and productiveness. In the business, time is precious and with Conventa business model we try to make the participants time as productive as possible. 2:

Career high: My journey in meetings industry has just began and I am looking forward to new challenges. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Enthusiastic, vigorous, independent.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Since I like everything connected to sport, food and working with people, I would definitely be working somewhere in this area. 5:

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? That's an easy one. I would fly to Japan and discover its rural areas and beauties. 6:

What always makes you smile? Walk, hike or run in the woods - I have special connection with nature. But a delicious medium grilled burger is also never superfluous. 7:

NINA OZANIČ

Hosted Buyer Manager  Nina.ozanic@conventa.info

MATEJA KOREN

Production & Marketing  mateja@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? Getting hooked in college, after my first student job in Auditorium Portoroz and never stopped working in events and meetings industry ever since. I was heavily invested in getting to know all the aspects of tourism departments and worked on many cultural and tourism projects over the years. Being curious about future tourism and digital trends and striving to make positive changes in travel industry, being part of meeting industry is the right way to go. 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? It is bold, different and a bit futuristic. It shows the way how trade shows should be conducted and shows trends in this thriving business that could also be implemented on other business fields. Staying boutique in a world that just wants to get bigger and bigger, puts Conventa on every gourmet meetings planner list. I’ m proud to be a part of that. 2:

Career high: Well, it is a rollercoaster ride, sometimes you are high, sometimes low, but I do know that the dearest projects are still to come. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Versatile, innovative, cool.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Startup companies advisor. Or drummer in a rock band. 5:

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If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? The whole world is a playground and I love to explore it as much as I can and as often as possible. 6:

What always makes you smile? Every day something different, but it usually involves people, music and/or food. 7:

Insightful, flexible, pro-active. If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? With as many interests as I have, I would love to try almost anything, but if I had to choose, it would be something in the field of law, teaching or tourism. 5:

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? For a weekend escape: Scotland; week-long vacation; Iceland, four weeks’ adventure; Peru/Bolivia/Chile. 6:

What always makes you smile? Daily interactions, small gestures, curious questions and of course – baby animals. 7:

welcomed and offers everyone a chance to network with some of the most important people in meetings industry of South East Europe. Career high: I am just at a begging of my career path. Currently I am happy as things stands, because I was given a chance to develop my skills and learn something new every day. But who knows what the future holds for me. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Curious, honest, loves to help others.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? Anything related to football. 5:

SABINA ŠPITALAR

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? I would love to explore South America.

How did you get into the meetings industry? As I experienced at many different workplaces, the execution and overall effect of the product realisation varies depending on the amount of effort and practical skill that was put into organizing and management. I wanted to learn all there is to know about the back-stage processes that contribute to the best possible results, therefore I decided to acquire that knowledge from the best in the industry and started my internship with Conventa team at Toleranca marketing.

Hosted Buyer Manager  sabina@conventa.info 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? One of the most positive things about Conventa is that in its core the basic content stays unchanged, yet every year its participants are offered added value that is not measurable in quotas but in emotions, impressions and experiences. 2:

Career high: I would say there were no highs and lows, only things that made me the person I am today. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best:

What always makes you smile? The smell of coffee in the morning.

JURE KUTOŠ

Technical Coordinator  jure@toleranca.eu How did you get into the meetings industry? I started working in the meetings industry while I was studying Tourism. It started with smaller events at school, then I got an internship at Toleranca Marketing, the company that is a technical organiser of Conventa. For a short while I was working on some projects away from tourism, but in the end, the passion for events and meetings industry brought me back where I started as a student. 1:

What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? This year will be my first Conventa, so the expectations of the event are big. For me one of the positive things about Conventa is being a boutique show. This gives everyone involved in the project the feeling of being 2:

NIKA PIRNAR

Social Media Manager  nika@conventa.info How did you get into the meetings industry? Everything in my life happens by a real coincidence. While being a student I ran into a job opportunity in the tourism industry. As meetings industry represents a great part of tourism branch, it was a logical to grab the opportunity. For me, anything related to working with amazing people is always the right place to be at – so right now, the only right place is to be at Conventa. 1:

NEW EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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What is the most positive thing about the Conventa? Mixing serious business with real pleasure and discussing future cooperation over a cup of coffee and delicious breakfast, since business is supposed to be personal. Besides the personal touch, Conventa is fun, relaxed and boutique, where one can meet amazing people, get the experience of a lifetime and build relationships with great people that will last forever. 2:

Career high: Career life is a real roller coaster ride. At one point you are high, at another, you are low. When one door closes, another will open. Besides that, it is great to know life will steer itself into the right direction, so there is no reason to worry about it. 3:

Let’s get personal... 4:

Three words that describe you best: Curious, organized and very talkative.

If you weren’t working in the meetings industry what other profession would you care to attempt? That is quite a difficult question, since I am interested in literally everything. As long as we are not talking about me being a professional football player, I am in! Nevertheless, to be honest – would be a dream come true to become a Red Nose Clown Doctor. 5:

If you could fly off to any destination in the world which destination would that be? I would pick a flight ticket for round trip around the world. Globe trekking sounds as a great experience. 6:

What always makes you smile? Random acts of kindness, people smiling for no reason, calm and sunny mornings – they are the best. 7:

O R » T I W

Conventa 2017

CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF KONGRES MAGAZINE AT CONVENTA 2017 WE INVITE YOU TO:

KONGRES Conventa

After Party! When:

Wednesday, 18th January starting at 10PM

2017

Where:

Club CD, Ljubljana Why:

Because 10 years is a good reason to celebrate it! Music rock power by:

Cover Lover

Dress code: “Rock” *

*Don’t forget your “rock” outfit or props – may it be leather pants, headband, bandana, rock T-shirt, sun glasses, wigs, etc. Be creative and rock with us!

« G N I K C E O C N I S U O Y ! TH 6 0 0 2 Sponsored by KONGRES MAGAZINE

Conventa 2017

TRY THE CONVENTA EXPERIENCE DISCOVER THE 6 SENSES OF CONVENTA

true experience with an emphasized heightening of all of the senses awaits you at Conventa. Our wish is for you to create your own holistic sensuous experience that will fix in your memory and carry positive feelings with you when you return back home. Our approach is based on a unique formula for the synergy of an experience that we simply call the Conventa Experience. As many as 98% of our partners say they return to Conventa due to positive past experiences, soâ&#x20AC;Ś will you be one of them? In 2017 we want you to create your own personal experience through the six senses, an experience so good that we will look forward to seeing you again in 2018.

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SOUND

Music stimulates passion, affection, devotion, reassurance and warmth. To hear something you can remain passive, but to listen you have to be active. Sound is important because of its link with memory; music stimulates and awakens memories of our past and at the same time takes us into the future.

Conventa Sound: As we like to mix business with pleasure, we will definitely let loose at Conventa After Party sponsored by Kongres magazine - Rocking with you since 2006. Surrender to the rhythm of Cover Lover band and meet us at the dance floor. WHERE: Conventa After Party, Club CD, Top level WHEN: Wednesday, 18 January 2017 at 10 pm

Conventa 2017

TASTE

Taste is undoubtedly one of the ways in which we can feel love. It is not so unusual then that there is the old saying: “The way to the heart is through the stomach”. This doesn’t just mean to fall in love with someone because they might be a good cook, but it means that with our taste buds we can taste when someone has prepared a dish with genuine love and care. Conventa Taste: We have envisioned Conventa as a culinary marketplace of New Europe, so in addition to having a cup of excellent coffee, through its various forms of culinary gatherings Conventa also allows hosted buyers and exhibitors to meet and deepen their business relationship. Social events at Conventa include coffee breaks, working lunches and gala receptions. Conventa is one of the few trade shows that treats exhibitors and hosted buyers equally. The organisers make sure to schedule joint social events for all in order to create further opportunities for networking. This year next to great culinary creations prepared by Vivo catering, Sora Catering and Kaval Group, you will be able to taste unfiltered beer brewed by Pivovarna Laško Union and enjoy craft beer tasting by breweries Tektonik, Pelicon and Bevog. WHERE: Conventa Lunch, Conventa Evening Receptions, Beer Tasting WHEN: Wednesday, 18 January and Thursday, 19 January, 1.00 pm – 2.20 pm (Conventa lunch), 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm (Craft Beer Tasting) Tuesday, 17 January, 7.00 pm (Conventa welcome reception in Grand Hotel Union) Wednesday, 18 January, 7.30 pm (Conventa networking dinner and award ceremony, CD Congress Centre)

SMELL Even if you close your eyes and cover your ears, you will always smell the air as you breathe. You explore the smells all around you with every breath you take. The Conventa scent is one of new experiences as well as the scent of nostalgia, and most of all the scent of a freshly roasted coffee. Conventa scent: We like to share our passion for coffee, which is why we have joined forces with MK Mountain Resort, Partner of Conventa Coffee Bar. The coffee bar will welcome you with a morning coffee and keep you caffeinated all through the long two days of meetings. The Conventa atmosphere will be again filled with the lovely coffee aroma. Enjoy! WHERE: Conventa Coffee Bar WHEN: Wednesday, 18 January and Thursday, 19 January, all day

Conventa 2017

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TOUCH

‘Try before you buy’ is part of the Conventa trade show philosophy, so prying out the destination before offering it to clients is what we offer to hosted buyers. Conventa organisers believe in the personal experience of the destination and offer it by arranging fam trips to the great destinations in the region.

Conventa Touch: In 2017 hosted buyers will be able to personally experience a record number of destinations. A whooping 11 fam trips, some as pre-tours some as post-tours, are organized to chosen meetings destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Serbia.

WHEN: Ljubljana, Slovenia: 16 – 17 January 2017 (pre-tour) Maribor - Pohorje, Slovenia: 16 – 17 January 2017 (pre-tour) Brdo Estate, Slovenia: 19 – 20 January 2017 (post-tour) Bled, Slovenia: 19 – 20 January 2017 (post-tour) Portorož & Piran, Slovenia: 19 – 21 January 2017 (post-tour) Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: 19 – 21 January 2017 (post-tour) Zagreb, Croatia: 19 – 21 January 2017 (post-tour) Split, Croatia: 19 – 21 January 2017 (post-tour) Trieste, Italy: 19 – 21 January 2017 (post-tour) Montenegro; 20 - 22 January 2017 (post-tour) Belgrade, Serbia: 19 -21 January 2017 (post-tour)

Conventa 2017

SIGHT

Sight is the most important of the human senses, which often dominates other senses. The first contact with Conventa is through its brand and in its eight years Conventa has become a reputable, trustworthy brand wellknown by meeting planners as well as meeting providers. Conventa sight: You are in the company of the best! Meetings industry players! Supporting Conventa are global trade shows like IMEX, IBTM and UK Meetings Show, associations like ICCA, MPI and SITE, as well as all the main convention bureaus of the region. The biggest meeting players have followed Conventa from the very beginning and the degree of loyalty is also extremely high when it comes to our exhibitors - we can proudly say that 98% of them return to Conventa every year, while the show also annually attracts new meeting providers and destinations. So by participating at the trade show, you too become a part of the large group of the best meetings industry companies in the region. To save this moments, preserve and cherries them, take some photos in our retro camper, in the stylish Conventa Crossover corner or invite your colleagues to join you and form a band at Conventa After Party. The props for amazing photos you are able to find on location. But that is not all. A real ‘sight for sore eyes’ will be the visual performance by Event Theatre Serpentes. Enjoy the innovative web of Art, Entertainment, Promotion and Tourism. It will be a performance to remember for the rest of your life! WHERE: Conventa trade show, CD Congress Centre WHEN: Wednesday, 18 January 2017, 7.30 pm – 1.00 am

FEEL Exhibition equipment, decoration, furniture, heating, lighting and various elements of the set-up make the atmosphere at Conventa. The cherry on top is the great hospitality that fills the air and that can warm up even the coldest of the meetings industry players’ hearts. Conventa feel: Conventa is a meeting point of New Europe filled with energy, warmth and great hospitality. It is a place where personal experience is what matters most, where business is flourishing, knowledge is acquired and good time is guaranteed. This year we will take a step further and revitalize and reenergize our day on the trade show floor and pick up ideas on how to incorporate wellbeing into our meetings & events. With the help of Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Speaker, Facilitator, Radio Show Host and 20+ years International MICE industry veteran, Annemarie Puntschar, Conventa will be a place where WELLNESS will meet MEETINGS. WHERE: Experts’ Corner WHEN: Thursday, 19 January 2017, 2.20 – 2.40 pm

Conventa 2017

CHASING NEW TRENDS IN TRAVEL INDUSTRY

n the most central location of this vivid and charming capital city, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Slon - Elephant captures its surprising character and offers comfortable accommodation, multipurpose conferencing facilities combined with excellent cuisine. The look of the hotel lobby/reception and cafeteria was completely redesigned in 2016 - stylish interior design and 200 square meters of new social area is now dedicated to new travel demand - to socialize. Conference centre is made to fit the most demanding events. Day light, wooden floor, cosy atmosphere backed up with professional organization team are the reasons that convince the clients to choose BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Slon - Elephant for conferences and meeting. Best Western Premier Hotel Slon Slovenska cesta 34â&#x20AC;¨SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel.: +386 (0)1 47 01 156 Fax.: +386 (0)1 47 01 170 E-Mail: sales@hotelslon.com www.hotelslon.com

Conventa Meet Busters 2017

•Conventa Meet Busters• Congress myths that you did not dare to ask, or know whom to ask:

MYTH 1: CONVENTA IS THE WORLD’S FIRST TRADE SHOW. PARTLY CONFIRMED

MYTH 6: CONVENTA IS A HOSTED-BUYER DRIVEN SHOW.

Conventa is always the world’s first - the first to open the trade show season, that is. It is traditionally organised every January.

CONFIRMED Conventa is solely a hosted-buyer driven show where every exhibitor concludes on average 24 One2One meetings with quality hosted buyers.

MYTH 2: OVER THE YEARS CONVENTA HAS HOSTED AROUND 1,000 HOSTED BUYERS AND FACILITATED 10,000 MEETINGS.

MYTH 7: THE NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS AT CONVENTA HAS NOT INCREASED OVER THE YEARS.

In eight years BUSTED Conventa attracted 1.974 international hosted buyers from 46 countries and 1.037 exhibitors from 17 countries of New Europe. Over the years 21,160 one2one meetings have been held during the show.

MYTH 3: CONVENTA HELPS MEETING PLANNERS AND MEETING PROVIDERS SAVE MONEY. CONFIRMED

Only at Conventa can an investment of 55 EUR brings hosted buyers a VIP treatment worth 1.200 EUR, while exhibitors pay only 9 Euros for a lead, which is one-tenth of the price paid by the exhibitors at other major trade shows.

MYTH 4: CONVENTA ACCEPTS ONLY MEETING PROVIDERS FROM SOUTH EAST EUROPE.

After Conventa also BUSTED opened its exhibition floor to meeting providers coming from New Europe in 2015, exhibitors from Turkey, Greece, Germany and Russia have joined the show.

MYTH 5.: COFFEE AT CONVENTA IS ON THE HOUSE.

CONFIRMED Conventa invites every guest to a cup of coffee. In 2016, over 2,500 cups of coffee were served. The aroma of coffee will be filling up the room also this year when the sponsor of Conventa coffee break will be MK Mountain Resort.

to every participant and the local community. In 2011, Conventa won the Sustainable Stand Award at EIBTM. New in 2017 are local city transfers of Conventa guests that will be carried out by LLP’s new environment friendly methane buses and hybrid midi-buses.

MYTH 12: HOSTED BUYERS AND EXHIBITORS ARE SATISFIED WITH CONVENTA.

The number of counBUSTED tries meeting providers come from has doubled over the years.

CONFIRMED On a scale from 1-5, average satisfaction of hosted buyers with the show is 4.59. A whopping 88.9 % of exhibitors think investment in exhibiting at Conventa will pay off completely or at least partly. The reputation of Conventa has been rated with 4.52 points.

MYTH 8: HOSTED BUYERS AT CONVENTA ARE ALWAYS THE SAME.

MYTH 13: HOSTED BUYERS TRAVEL SHORT DISTANCES TO COME TO CONVENTA.

At Conventa more BUSTED than 80% of buyers are new every year.

MYTH 9: THE IDEA OF CONVENTA WAS A STRATEGIC DECISION MADE AT A PARTNERS MEETING. The idea of Conventa BUSTED was born in a more relaxed atmosphere - not while drinking coffee, but while drinking beer!

MYTH 10: CONVENTA EXHIBITOR STANDS ARE MADE OUT OF WOODEN CRATES.

CONFIRMED Conventa stands are made of wooden crates from naturally dried domestic pine that are re-used each year. It takes around 3,200 wooden crates to set up all of the Conventa stands.

MYTH 11: CONVENTA STRIVES TO BE AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE.

CONFIRMED Conventa is fully committed to reducing the negative environmental impacts of a trade show by implementing sustainable practices that add value 29

The farthest disBUSTED tance a hosted buyer travelled to come to Conventa is 9,212.69 km. To explore the 9th Conventa, a hosted buyer travelled 6,969.50 km air distance.

MYTH 14: IT NEVER SNOWS DURING CONVENTA. Conventa loves BUSTED winter time. Did you know that in Ljubljana the snow is typically at its deepest on January 25, with a median depth of 12.5cm; the depth exceeds 30.9 cm only one year out of ten. The snowiest Conventa was the 5th Conventa.

MYTH 15: ONCE IN A WHILE PEOPLE ALSO FALL IN LOVE AT CONVENTA. CONFIRMED Conventa is a matchmaking platform in every sense of the word. A hosted buyer from Italy who met a buyer from Russia at Conventa 2015 is now getting married to her in Slovenia.

Conventa 2017

FAM TRIPS, FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Hosted buyers attending Conventa have a chance to upgrade their experience and personally get to know the region by going on a familiarization trip of their choice

Ljubljana, Slovenia 16 – 17 January 2017

Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia 16 – 17 January 2017

Brdo Estate, Slovenia 19 – 20 January 2017

Mrs. Tatjana Radovič, Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau: “Our attentively designed programme is a shortcut to unveiling the many qualities of Ljubljana for meetings & incentives in just more than one day. Hosted Buyers are invited to embark on a 2-day journey to European Green Capital 2016. The concept is to showcase the destination in a different, experiential and fun way. Our guests will have the opportunity to see a selection of meeting- and special event venues alongside the main city attractions. Some time will be reserved for tasting the enticing local cuisine and the surprising Slovenian wines, even in a more “hands on” way. Small tasks and encounters with interesting personages from various backgrounds will spice up the Ljubljana experience. We do not wish to reveal all the details, but If we have awaken your curiosity and you are keen to discover a cosy and vibrant city do not hesitate to join us for a special welcome to Ljubljana!”

Ms. Sanja Simonič, Terme Maribor: “Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, by the river Drava, between Pohorje’s forests and wine growing hills, give the congress destination a special charm, and simultaneously offer abundant possibilities for relaxation, recreation, exploring and entertainment. Let the throb of the old town core with its thriving history and the rich wine tradition of the oldest vine in the world convince you that Maribor has an attractive soul, where history and tradition mix with dynamism. The Old Vine House will enchant you along with medieval towers, castle, museums and one of the largest wine cellars in Europe. Picturesque wine roads crisscrossing over vineyards await lovers of tranquillity, nature, culinary delights and exquisite panoramic viewing points. Top-level convention centre Habakuk and other capacities places Maribor in a society of European most attractive cities for meetings. Have a colourful business or congress day in Maribor! You will love to return here – on leisure also! “

Ms. Darja Remic, Brdo Estate: “Be next to experience top services at the Brdo Estate – the threshold of the Alps that has hosted the most eminent guests from around the world. An enchanting combination of picturesque nature and rich history, located between Ljubljana and Bled, just 10 km from the international airport Jože Pučnik. Brdo Congress Centre, venue for up to 550 guests, offers numerous possibilities for event organization and provides stunning views of the green spaces, lakes and bridges of the park Brdo. Our advantage is that we take care of everything – from planning to execution, topping it all off with superb cuisine and a wide range of incentive ideas. Brdo Congress Centre received “Brand Leader Award 2016” that recognizes leaders in setting new standards in professionalism, reliability and quality in the domain of MICE Tourism in SE Europe. Welcome to Brdo Estate, the domain of Delights.”

(pre-tour)

(post-tour)

Conventa 2017

A record number of 11 meetings destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Italy are extending their warm welcome to hosted buyers. Experience the local world of meetings on a two-day trip!

Bled, Slovenia 19 – 20 January 2017

Portorož & Piran, Slovenia 19 – 21 January 2017

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia 19 – 21 January 2017

Mr. Jaka Ažman, Tourist Board Bled: “With its emerald-green lake, church on an island, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and peaks of the Julian Alps, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular resort, drawing business and leisure guests who like to merge their stay with outdoor activities.In addition, Bled boasts excellent infrastructure for meetings and incentives with a Congress Centre accommodating up to 500 delegates and several state-of-the-art meeting facilities and hotels of all categories, reachable within a walking distance. With rich tradition of being present on the conference map for over 25 years, Bled’s meeting professionals ensure that every event in Bled turns into an inspirational story of success. Doubtlessly Bled is a synonym of a perfect destination for doing business with pleasure and creating iconic meetings with character. To get a taste of it, we warmly invite you to join us on Bled Fam Trip.”

Mr. Igor Novel, Tourist Board Portoroz: “Portorož & Piran easily fit your schedule. Don’t lose your precious time, here everything is at your fingertips. Enjoy your business meetings with a breathtaking view of the sea. It’s easy to achieve success and wellbeing surrounded by air full of natural scents that promote brain activity. And after business is done, you can restore your energy by taking advantage of one of the most comprehensive wellness offers in Europe, enjoying your favourite sports activities or simply savouring the beauty of the many natural and cultural gems of this charming region. Enjoy your business with “a pinch of the Mediterranean”.

Mrs. Tjaša Šuvak, HIT Alpinea: “Winter time in Kranjska Gora is really magical, with joining us on our Fam trip to Kranjska Gora, we will take you to our winter wonderland and offer you active time in Kranjska Gora with lots of outdoor activities, great food, casinos, hotels presentation, … We designed the Fam Trip to show you all the secrets of organizing a great event in Kranjska Gora, surrounded by mountains, nature, great people and traditional culinary adventures. We are warmly welcoming you to join us on our Fam trip to Kranjska Gora and discover 8 great reasons for coming to Kranjska Gora where business and nature go hand by hand.”

(post-tour)

Conventa 2017

Zagreb, Croatia 19 – 21 January 2017

Split, Croatia 19 – 21 January 2017

Trieste, Italy 19 – 21 January 2017

Mr. Zlatan Muftić, Zagreb Convention Bureau: “Allow us to present you Zagreb, one of the oldest European cities and since July 2013 the youngest metropolis of the European Union. By taking part in the Zagreb Fam Trip you will get a unique opportunity to explore and get to know Zagreb, its conference and event venues and facilities both historical and new, get fresh ideas for incentive programmes, see major landmarks, enjoy tasty local dishes, learn about Zagreb proverbial hospitality. We take pride in being your hosts and are looking forward to welcoming you in Zagreb!”

Mr. Ozren Kovačević, Le Meridien Lav Split: “Croatia’s second-largest city Split is always buzzing and has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage site) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been humming along for thousands of years. In a unique setting where a dramatic coastal mountains act as the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic see you can find Le Meridien Lav Split. The hotel provides you with a new way of seeing Dalmatia through a selection of unique experiences offered along this exciting coastline. Take advantage of approximately 2,500 m2 of total conference space including grand ballroom with natural light equalling 800 m2 and eight meeting rooms.”

Mrs. Brenda Lee Fabbro, PromoTurismoFVG, DMO Friuli Venezia Giulia Region: “We would be more than delighted to give you the opportunity to discover Trieste, the Italian city located in the centre of Europe, where you will breathe a multicultural atmosphere, which will charm you with historic cafés, art, heterogeneous architecture and enchanting sea. Trieste achieves a perfect balance of styles in its history, literature, art and architecture: Art Nouveau, eclectic and Baroque buildings stand cheek-by-jowl with Roman remains and solid, self-confident eighteenth-century Habsburg piles. But also, a journey on tastes where traditional dishes and amazing food rituals can give you a variety of flavours and aromas. The ideal destination where every event becomes an unforgettable experience, a wonderful place for everyone’s enjoyment.”

(post-tour)

Conventa 2017

Montenegro 20 – 22 January 2017

Belgrade, Serbia 19 – 21 January 2017

Mrs. Milica Antic, Montenegro Convention Bureau: “Montenegro – The country, with its area of only 13,812 square kilometres, provides excellent facilities for conferences, incentives and team building activities and being a relatively small country, this wide array of experiences – from sunny beaches to mountain hiking and white-water rafting – is no more than a day trip away from where ever you are staying. The topography of Montenegro ranges from dramatic coastline, to magnificent mountain ranges, to the world’s second deepest canyon (after the Grand Canyon), and, incredibly, the only Fjord in the Mediterranean. It is also home to cultural and heritage sites listed by UNESCO.”

Mrs. Ksenija Lubarda, Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, Belgrade: ,,We warmly invite you to join us in Europe’s unique new destination for meetings – Belgrade! It is here where the Sava River meets the Danube and old-world culture gives way to new vibrant city with tons of interesting sights and attractions, splendid architecture, great people, fast-paced nightlife, affordable shopping, as well as a thriving cultural and gastro scene. Belgrade is definitely a starting point of every successful business gathering, therefore with our dedicated program you will discover the matchless charm of the city that never sleeps and enjoy Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, multiple award-winning business and design hotel with unique historical background, diverse possibilities for events organization and exquisite local cuisine.Looking forward meeting you in 2017!’’

(post-tour)

Thursday 19 January 2017 at 1pm in the Podvodni MoĹž Hall

Conventa 2017

AN OFFICIAL EVENT DURING THE DAY, ENTERTAINMENT IN THE EVENING, A PERFECT EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT. Experience a new event concept in Hotel Lev’s conference and function hall. • STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS LAYOUT OPTIONS FOR EVENTS OF ALL KINDS • SECURE PARKING FACILITIES AND VALET PARKING • SUPERB DINING

T +386 1 308 7000 E lev@union-hotels.eu WWW.UNION-HOTELS.EU

Grand hotel Union Miklošičeva cesta 1 1000 Ljubljana

RESERVATIONS: event.sales@union-hotels.eu

Central hotel Miklošičeva cesta 9 35 1000 Ljubljana

Hotel Lev Vošnjakova ulica 1 1000 Ljubljana

Grand hotel Union Business Miklošičeva cesta 3 1000 Ljubljana

Conventa 2017

THE 9TH CONVENTA PROGRAMME

9 C th

onventa 16.30 – 17.00 Craft Beer tasting, Marmorna hall foyer 19.30 – 22.00 Conventa networking dinner and award ceremony, CD Congress Centre 22.00 – 01.00 Conventa After party sponsored by Kongres magazine, Pivovarna Laško Union, Club CD, Top floor

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

9.00 – 16.30 IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum (for students only), GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Urška 4 hall, 1st floor 19.00 – 22.00 Welcome reception, Grand Hotel Union

Wednesday, 18 January 2017 Venue: GR - Ljubljana exhibition and Convention Centre 08.00 – 09.00 Registration for exhibitors and set-up of exhibition stands 08.00 – 9.30 ICCA Breakfast: The new role of a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) and Association Management Organisation (AMO): How much value and ROI do they bring to the table? Grand Hotel Union, Red Room, Miklošičeva 1, Ljubljana 09.00 – 10.00 Registration for hosted buyers 09.00 – 11.00 Workshop for Slovenian and regional corporate buyers: The art an value of moderation, led by Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Founder-Moderator at Masters in Moderation, The Netherlands, Urška 1 hall, 1st floor 10.00 – 13.00 One2one meetings, Marmorna hall 10.00 – 17.00 Experts’ Campfire (presentations), Marmorna hall 10.00 – 10.30 Press conference for Slovenian media, Forum hall, 1st floor 11.00 – 11.30 Press conference for International media, Forum hall, 1st floor 13.00 – 14.20 Working lunch catered by Vivo Catering, Pivovarna Laško Union, Lower ground floor 14.20 – 17.00 One2one meetings, Marmorna hall

Thursday, 19 January 2017 Venue: GR- Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

8.30 – 10.00 Tea with Reason: How to make your corporate meetings and events innovative, engaging and impactful, organised by British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, Slovenian Convention Bureau and Conventa, Urška 4 hall, 1st floor 09.00 – 10.00 Registration0 9.00 – 11.00 Workshop for Slovenian and regional corpo buyers: Event StoryBoard Canvas Workshop, led by Martijn Timmermans, Co-founder, creative director, The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard, The Netherlands, Urška 1 hall, 1st floor 10.00 – 13.00 One2one meetings, Marmorna hall 10.00 – 17.00 Experts’ Campfire (presentations), Marmorna hall 11.30 – 12.15 Storytelling: A Sales Pro’s Most Powerful Sales Tool, lecture by Hugo Slimbrouck, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ovation Global DMC, SITE Past President, Belgium, Urška 1 hall, 1st floor 13.00 – 14.20 Working lunch catered by Kaval Group, sponsored by Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Lower ground floor 14.20 – 17.00 One2one meetings, Marmorna hall 16.30 – 17.00 Craft Beer tasting, Marmorna hall foyer 17.20 End of the show 17.30 Departure for fam trips (for hosted buyers only)

Conventa 2017

CONVENTA EDUCATION, ALL YOU NEED TO LEARN TO SUCCEED IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY

Experience the Power of Knowledge! 17 January 2017 9.00 – 16.30, Urška 4 hall

blueprint for your event. From goals, empathy mapping to customer journey and ROI, in just 5 steps. In this fast-paced workshop you’ll get tips and immediate feedback from the co-founder, who’ll be keen to share his knowledge and experience with you.

IMEX-MPI-MCI FUTURE LEADERS FORUM Intended for students

The Event Storyboard Canvas makes event design: Innovative: Create an impact with new & effective ideas Fast: Made with a focus on speed and usability Visual: Communicate the design of your event at a glance Memorable events always tell a story!

The Future Leaders Forum has been developed to encourage students to start a successful career in the meetings and events industry. The joint initiative by IMEX, MPI and MCI has taken place globally since 2003. By attending the forum students can gain a deeper understanding of the meetings industry and take the next step in their career. Participation fee for students is sponsored by Conventa and IMEX.

After the workshop you will: • Know how to quickly design meaningful, unique and innovative events • Practice of the ESB Canvas steps • Feel inspired to design events using co-creation & creative freedom

18 January 2017 9.00 – 11.00, Urška 1 Hall THE ART AND VALUE OF MODERATION WORKSHOP

About Martijn Timmermans: Martijn Timmermans co-founder and creative director of The Red Line Project, an Amsterdam based events experience design agency and Event StoryBoard. Martijn started his career in marketing at Disneyland, Marriott and Singapore Airlines. From there he moved into performance art as a storyteller with highlights performing during TEDX Binnenhof / Knights Hall in presence of the Dutch King & Queen. As a producer he toured throughout Europe for San Francisco based brand experience agency KenwoodX. In 2012 he started his own agency, The Red Line Project, www.TheRedLineProject.com, to design storytelling events.Martijn launched the Event StoryBoard Canvas #ESB, www. storyboard.events in 2015. An event design tool that synchronises event design with audiences’ needs, boosting both creativity and meaningfulness. For his views and experience on interdisciplinary event design, audience engagement and storytelling practices he is invited to speak frequently at platforms such as IBTM World, Fresh Conference, EuBEA, Eventex and Conventa Crossover.

Led by Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Founder-Moderator at Masters in Moderation, The Netherlands Intended for Slovenian and Regional Hosted Buyers Meetings and events become more and more interactive. This calls for effective moderation, making sure your objectives are met. In this hand-on workshop, you’ll learn why moderation is worth the investment, what great moderation is and how to find your perfect moderator. About Jan-Jaap: Jan-Jaap In der Maur is the founder of the Masters in Moderation agency. He is a firm believer that a carefully selected moderator-facilitator will make meetings more effective, more fun and definitely more worthwhile. His dream is to raise the standard of meetings worldwide, by providing them with the best moderators. His mission is to upgrade the moderator profession by training both professional and inexperienced moderators, offering personal coaching, in-company trainings and the very successful workshop Mastering Moderation. As a moderator, he’s well respected worldwide and believed to be one of the thoughtleaders on the subject.

19 January 2017 11.30 – 12.15, Urška 1 hall

19 January 2017 9.00 – 11.00, Urška 1 hall

STORYTELLING: A SALES PRO’S MOST POWERFUL SALES TOOL LECTURE

EVENT STORYBOARD CANVAS WORKSHOP

By Hugo Slimbrouck, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ovation Global DMC, SITE Past President, Belgium Open to all Conventa participants

Led by Martijn Timmermans, Co-founder, creative director, The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard, The Netherlands Intended for Slovenian and Regional Hosted Buyers

The goal of this track is to improve participants’ sales skills by addressing issues specific to selling incentive travel. Stories are universal in their use, appeal, and effectiveness—across cultures and across ages. In this course, participants will learn to craft and use compelling stories to sell incentive travel solutions to clients. Participants will learn to develop an audience profile to help

More and more corporate buyers see the benefits of co-creative and visual event design, but don’t know how to bring it to life in their daily work. This Event StoryBoard Canvas workshop can help!During this interactive workshop you will learn how to design a pitchable 37

Conventa 2017

tailor the story to the client, as well as components that comprise a compelling story to aid in development of the story. Finally, participants will consider positioning the story in a sales presentation and consider other sales opportunities where storytelling might be beneficial. Telling Your Story to the Incentive Market is appropriate for sales professionals who have more than five years of selling experience in the Incentive Travel industry. At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to craft powerful stories as a tool for selling incentive travel to specific clients. About Hugo Slimbrouck: Belgian born Hugo Slimbrouck spent his entire career in the hospitality and meetings industry. After years in hotel sales and marketing with some leading brands from 1976 to 1995, he moved to open the convention bureau of his hometown Bruges. Following this he joined the event agency sector as managing director of a medium sized agency in Brussels and moved to the MCI Group in 2006. Here he participated in the development of the Ovation Global DMC brand and is responsible for the entire worldwide network of strategic partners. Hugo Slimbrouck is a past president of SITE (the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence) and past chair of JMIC (the Joint Meetings Industry Council). 18 – 19 January 2017 10.00 – 17.00, Marmorna Hall EXPERTS' CAMPFIRE Open to all Conventa participants Experts’ Campfire sessions are short 20-minute presentations by meetings industry experts. Set in an intimate atmosphere, but still in the midst of the main trade show happening, Experts’ campfire sessions’ aim to provide information, consultation and advice to all interested parties. From destination presentations, introductions of meetings industry newcomers to technology solutions,… You are invited to attend all sessions that fit into your Conventa schedule. Meet One-on-One with the experts! WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2017 11.20 – 11.40 Elvira Krupić, Destination head of MICE sales, Sava Hotels & Resorts: Conventa Best Event Award: Kuwait dream wedding at Lake Bled 11.40 – 12.00 Žiga Novak, experience designer and manager of the Walnut Grove Group: The Era of Live Experience Design 12.00 – 12.20 Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Founder-Moderator at Masters in Moderation, The Netherlands: Moderation for dummies: ask anything on the art and value of moderation 12.20 – 12.40 Federico Toja, Chapter Business Director, Europe, MPI: MPI updates & Meeting Outlook 2017 trends 15.00 – 15.20 Deni Oreski, Relationship Manager, U Turn Tax Refund d.o.o., VAT REFUND - Recover your VAT harged on international business expenses

THURSDAY, 19 JANUARY 2017 12.00 – 12.20 David Bodor, Regional Director Europe, International Congress and Convention Association: How to win more association business 12.20 – 12.40 Martijn Timmermans, Co-founder, creative director, The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard, The Netherlands: How to create and sell meaningful meetings and events 12.40 – 13.00 Hugo Slimbrouck, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ovation Global DMC, SITE Past President: The Relationship between Incentives and Motivation 14.20 – 14.40 Annemarie Puntschart, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Speaker, Facilitator, Radio Show Host: Where WELLNESS meets MEETINGS: Meeting Trends 2017 14.40 – 15.00 Federico Toja, Chapter Business Director, Europe, MPI: MPI updates & Meeting Outlook 2017 trends

ICCA Breakfast Seminar

The new role of a Professional Conference Organiser and Association Management Organisation: How much value and ROI do they bring to the table?

Red Room, Grand Hotel Union Miklošičeva cesta 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Wednesday, 18 January from 8.00 – 9.30 am Transfers to Conventa will bring participants directly from the Grand Union to the show following the breakfast.

You’re cordially invited to participate in ICCA’s Breakfast Seminar on Wednesday, January 18th from 8:00 - 9:30 am at the Grand Union Hotel in Ljubljana. The topic of discussion will be “The new role of a Professional Conference Organiser and Association Management Organisation: How much value and ROI do they bring to the table?” This topic will address how PCOs and Association Management Organisations work in conjunction with venues, destination management companies, meetings support and transportation companies in order to facilitate association congresses, and how to integrate them into your own business models. It will examine trends within the association meetings market and how PCOs and Association Management Organisations undertake the ever-changing industry. This event is sponsored by the Grand Union Hotel and Conventa. Breakfast and transfers to the Conventa trade show will be provided.

David Bodor, European Regional Director of ICCA, will be moderating this seminar.

All ICCA members, associations, and those interested in learning more about the association meetings market are encouraged to attend.

Silvia Taurer, Region Manager Europe, RTC Events Management / BILT Conferences from The Netherlands and Michael Kern, Executive Director, Dekon Group from Turkey will be speaking at the seminar.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there, David Bodor and Antonia Petre International Congress and Convention Association

January 2017

“How to make your corporate meetings and events innovative, engaging and impactful”

at 830

Gospodarsko razstavišče hall Urška 4 (2nd floor)

Dear sir or madam, Slovenia Convention Bureau and Conventa are kindly inviting the members of the BSCC to a Tea with Reason, with the title

How to make your corporate meetings and events innovative, engaging and impactful which will be held on Thursday, 19th January 2017 at 8.30am in Gospodarsko razstavišče, Ljubljane, Hall Urška 4 (2nd floor). Research continually shows that live meetings and events outrank all other forms of corporate communications in terms of overall effectiveness. But how do you ensure that your meetings and events are innovative, engaging and impactful? Enjoy an up-close-and-personal meeting with global experts Patrick Delaney and Pádraic Gilligan as they share tips and tricks from more than 50 years working in meetings and events with global corporations. Participants are kindly invited to experience Conventa trade show, more information at www.conventa.si.

Pivovarna Laško Union d.o.o. | Celovška cesta 22 | 1000 Ljubljana |

Conventa 2017

DOBRODOŠLI WELCOME

Conventa 2017

ORGANIZERS AND CO-ORGANIZERS

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

SPONSORS

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

GROUP LEADERS

Conventa 2017

MEETINGS INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

............................................................................ Stand Cat. ................................................................................... № №

AUSTRIA

CROATIA

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Carinthia Convention ........................................................ 119 107 Convention Bureau Tirol....................................................103 107 Convention Bureau Upper Austria ...................................91 107 Convention Bureau Villach & Congress Center Villach........ 118 107 Convention Burgenland .................................................... 100 107 Design Center Linz & Tourist Board Linz...................... 92 107 Graz Convention Bureau / Graz Tourism......................107 107 Salzburg Convention Bureau ............................................ 93 107 Steiermark Convention...................................................... 106 107 Wörthersee Tourismus GmbH.........................................112 107 Congress & Exhbition Centres Congress & Messe Innsbruck GmbH .............................105 Congress Saalfelden............................................................. 96 Congress Schladming ....................................................... 108 Convention Bureau Villach & Congress Center Villach ....... 118 Design Center Linz & Tourist Board Linz...................... 92 Salzburg Congress ............................................................... 94 Salzburg Exhibition & Congress Center......................... 98

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Croatian National Tourist Board...................................... 65 Dubrovnik Tourist Board.................................................... 68 Zagreb Convention Bureau................................................. 66

DMC -Destination Management Conmpany DT Croatia DMC................................................................... 69 INTOURS DMC CROATIA.................................................10

Special Venues Amadeus Terminal 2 Salzburg Airport........................... 94 Casino Velden/Casinos Austria........................................ 116 Impulsquartier Loipersdorf.............................................. 101 Salzburgs Castles & Palaces............................................... 93

107 107 107 107

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Prague Convention Bureau................................................. 48 Congress hotels & hotels with Conference Facilities Best Western Hotels Central Europe GmbH.................40

DMC - Destination Management Companies Insight Events Ltd Bulgaria............................................... 88

120

HUNGARY

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Hungarian Tourism Agency............................................... 47

121

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Corinthia Hotel Budapest...................................................44 120 Danubius Hotels Group....................................................... 45 121 Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest.............................. 46 121 Other Services Providers Special Effects International Ltd...................................... 46

122

ITALY

DMC -Destination Management Conmpany PromoTurismoFVG.............................................................. 89

122

MONTENEGRO

114 114

BULGARIA

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Hilton Sofia............................................................................. 88

120

GERMANY

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Courtyard by Marriott, Sarajevo ..................................... 86 Hotel Hills Sarajevo, Congress & Termal SPA Resort...... 87

115 116

CZECH REPUBLIC

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities AQUA DOME - Tirol Therme Längenfeld.................... 104 111 Crowne Plaza Salzburg - The Pitter / IMLAUER Hotels...... 97 111 Das Alpenhaus Hotels & Resorts...................................... 99 111 Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences................................ 102 111 Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden.................................. 114 111 H2O Hoteltherme GmbH....................................................111 111 Hotel InterContinental Wien............................................. 90 111 Hotel Karnerhof................................................................... 115 111 Roomz Graz Budget Design Hotel...................................110 111 Seepark Hotel - Congress & Spa....................................... 113 111 Steiermarkhof...................................................................... 109 111 Tauern Spa Kaprun / Zell am See / VAMED Vitality World....... 95 111 Werzer's Hotels am Wörthersee...................................... 117 111 111

115 120 116

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Hotel Park............................................................................... 72 116 HUP-ZAGREB d.d.................................................................67 118 Istraturist Umag d.d..............................................................74 118 Le Meridien Lav Split............................................................73 117 Losinj Hotels & Villas by Jadranka hoteli LTD..............75 118 Park Plaza Histria .................................................................76 143 Plava laguna d.d......................................................................77 120 Sunčani Hvar d.d................................................................... 70 120 Valamar Hotels & Resorts ...................................................71 120

107 107 107 107 107 107 107

DMC - Destination Management Companies Saalfelden Leogang Touristik ........................................... 96

............................................................................ Stand Cat. ................................................................................... № №

114 114

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Montenegro Convention Bureau....................................... 59 Tourism organization of Budva..........................................61

122 122

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities CentreVille Hotel & Experiences ..................................... 63 Hotel Budva ........................................................................... 62 Regent Porto Montenegro .................................................. 60

122 122 122

Conventa 2017

............................................................................ Stand Cat. ................................................................................... № №

POLAND

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Krakow Convention Bureau............................................... 49

121

Congress & Exhbition Centres ICE Kraków Congress Centre............................................ 50

121

SERBIA

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Belgrade Convention Bureau............................................. 80 Serbia Convention Bureau.................................................. 79

121 121

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn Belgrade.............................81 116 MK Mountain Resort............................................................78 118 Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, Belgrade............................ 82 118

SLOVAKIA

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Bratislava Convention Bureau ...........................................51

121

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Austria Trend Hotel Bratislava......................................... 52 116 Other Services Providers Emerge......................................................................................53

115

SLOVENIA

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Bled Convention Bureau ..................................................... 25 Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau...........................3 Slovenian Convention Bureau............................................... 1 Slovenian Tourist Board.........................................................2 Tourist board Brda................................................................ 32 Congress & Exhbition Centres Bled Castle / Bled Convention Centre ............................ 20 CD Congress Centre Ljubljana.............................................9 Brdo Estate ............................................................................. 26 GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre .........6

............................................................................ Stand Cat. ................................................................................... № № Kempinski Palace Portorož ................................................35 116 Kompas Hoteli Bled d.d........................................................ 11 116 LifeClass Hotels & Spa ........................................................ 36 116 Maribor Pohorje - Terme Maribor................................... 43 116 Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana...................................13 116 Rimske Terme ....................................................................... 42 116 Sava Hotels & Resorts.......................................................... 23 116 Terme Čatež d.d. ...................................................................41 116 Terme Krka ............................................................................ 38 116 Terme Olimia ........................................................................ 39 116 TermeTopolsica.....................................................................40 116 Union Hotels ............................................................................7 116 DMC -Destination Management Conmpany ABC tourism - Europcar Slovenia..................................... 32 Collegium Mondial Travel ..................................................15 DT Slovenia DMC................................................................. 69 ETC Adriatic - incentive and team building agency..... 17 iDMC ........................................................................................19 INTOURS DMC .....................................................................10 Kompas d.d............................................................................. 24

115 116 116 116 116 116 116

Special Venues Bled Castle / Bled Convention Centre ............................ 20 Ljubljana Castle......................................................................16 The Walnut Grove Group.....................................................33

121 121 121

Other Services Providers Adria Airways d. o. o. ............................................................ 4 GoOpti d.o.o...............................................................................5 Kaval Group.............................................................................18 SORA Catering....................................................................... 20 Vivo catering...........................................................................14

115 115 115 115 115

PCO - Professional Congress Organisers GO.MICE / Toleranca marketing..................................... 22

115

TURKEY 121 121 121 121

Congress Hotels & Hotels with Conference Facilities Best Western Premier Hotel Slon...................................... 11 116 Bohinj Park ECO Hotel.........................................................27 116 CITY HOTEL LJUBLJANA...............................................21 116 Golte, hotel & mountain resort.......................................... 28 116 HIT Alpinea d.d..................................................................... 29 116 Hit d.d...................................................................................... 29 116 Hotel CUBO...............................................................................8 116 Hotel Paka .............................................................................. 30 116 Hotel Piran by Eurotas Hotels............................................37 116 Hotel Plesnik**** Logarska dolina ................................... 31 116 Hoteli Bernardin d.d............................................................ 34 116

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau .......................... 84

121

DMC -Destination Management Conmpany Tunes Travel Istanbul......................................................... 83

115

Other Services Providers Turkish Airlines.................................................................... 85

115

UKRAINE

CVB (National, Regional or Local Visitors or Convention Bureau Lviv Convention Bureau ......................................................61

121

Conventa 2017

MEETINGS SERVICES SPOT INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS ............................................................................ Stand Cat. ................................................................................... № № Organization

AUSTRIA

Bewog.........................................................................................X

CROATIA

U Turn Tax Refund d.o.o................................................ XIII

FRANCE

AVAILPRO................................................................................. I

Slovenia

Akustika Primožič............................................................ VIII Car Target............................................................................... IV Copia biro............................................................................... III Fotoprikolca ..................................................Marmorna Hall Golf in Slovenia.................................................................... XII Identix......................................................................................VI Pelicon .....................................................................................IX Tektonik................................................................................ XII Tourism Ljubljana..............................................................XIV VIP prevozi.............................................................................. II Video Kregar........................................................................ VII

ICCA.............................................................................................. 107 MPI - Meeting Professionals International ....................... 107 SITE - Society for Incentive Travel Excellence................ 107 THE MEETINGS SHOW ........................................................ 107

107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107

1. Join Experts’ Campfire. Our experts have set up a campfire. You are invited to attend all sessions that fit into your Conventa schedule. Let’s gather around the meetings fire to listen to experts’ tale 2. Are you a Conventa follower? Like our Facebook page to get the latest scoop on the trade show’s happening. 3. Follow us on Twitter to be the first to know what's happening at Conventa. Use #conventaexperience to share your personal experience with the Conventa tweeting crowd. 4. Download Conventa App! Connect with meetings professionals at Conventa by downloading the trade show app powered by Superevent. Search for “Superevent” in the Apple or Google app store. 5. Make the most of your Conventa Experience. Smile and take a picture to capture the moment. Creative photo booth backdrops are set on 3 different locations. The only question is: Are you a fan of camping? Have you finally made it in the Rock band? Are you enjoying a new “our of the box” meetings setting?

Conventa 2017

List of exhibitors by country

AMADEUS TERMINAL 2 SALZBURG AIRPORT

Contact

Amadeus terminal 2 is Europe's first multifunctional usable airport terminal which presents itself as a modern event Location with unique atmosphere. The event terminal has a seating capacity from 200 up to 1,700 guests across 2,600 m² presentation space and is suitable for all kinds of events. 800m² additional outdoor presentation area can be offered. A 600 m² window front provides an impressive view over the apron, the HohenSalzburg Fortress and the surrounding mountains. Carefully conceived concepts can be provided.

Innsbrucker Bundesstraße 95 Salzburg Austria

Austria

www.amadeus-terminal2.com

Contact person Ms. Daniela Brueggler-Minatti T: +43 662 8580 704 minatti@amadeus-terminal2.com

AQUA DOME - TIROL THERME LÄNGENFELD

Contact

The spa resort AQUA DOME offers a creative atmosphere for meetings and conferences. Conference members enjoy a combination with the termal spa for relaxing breaks. Here, you find everything under one roof - a four-star-superior hotel which combines alpine charm with the requirements of contemporary architecture at the highest level. In addition AQUA DOME spoils you with an inexhaustible variety of spa, wellness and sports activities. VAMED Vitality World is the market leader in Austria and operates 4*+ spa and health resorts in the most beautiful regions in Austria and Hungary.

Oberlängenfeld 140 Längenfeld Austria www.aqua-dome.at

CARINTHIA CONVENTION

Contact

Carinthia Convention Bureau is a central service point for all event planners who would like to organise any event in Carinthia. We help you finding the right hotels, locations, and incentive program. Comprehensively, flexibly and creatively. When you decide on Carinthia as a sustainable and unforgettable meeting location, you can bank on many benefits offered by the southernmost provice in Austria, the heart of the Alps-Adriatic region. If you would like to know more we would be happy to welcome you for a meeting at the Conventa show.

Voelkemarkter Ring 21 Klagenfurt Austria www.convention.kaernten.at

Austria

Contact person Mr. Sascha Rössel T: +43 5253 6400 7020 sascha.roessel@aqua-dome.at

Austria

Contact person Ms. Patricia Flatschacher T: +43 463 3000 96 patricia.flatschacher@kaernten.at

CASINO VELDEN/CASINOS AUSTRIA

Contact

A stylish atmosphere and a breath-taking view of the Wörthersee - at Casino Velden you can live the Vibrant life and refinded joie-de-vivre of this renowned Resort.Experience culinary excellente ot the Award-winning cuisine by Head Chef Marcel Vanic and his Team. Covering over 1.000 m², Casino Velden is the ideal Location for Events. As well as your thrilling and cosmopolitan range of gaming Options, you also have our efficient and skilled staff who are kenn to be of assistance in both organisational and technical matters.

Am Corso 17 Velden Austria www.velden.casinos.at

Contact person Ms. Karin Obkircher T: +43 4274 2064 112 karin.obkircher@casinos.at

Austria

List of exhibitors by country

CONGRESS & MESSE INNSBRUCK GMBH

Contact

In the center of the Alpine city of Innsbruck, surrounded by unforgettable mountain scenery, Congress Messe Innsbruck offers international conference facilities and ambiente combined with Tyrolean hospitality. Congress Messe Innsbruck offers at the three locations 39 multifunctional rooms for 20 up to 1,500 persons and 5 exhibition halls. In addition to state-of-the-art technical equipment and infrastructure our employees guarantee the success of your event with many years of experience and know-how.

Rennweg 3 Innsbruck Austria www.cmi.at

Austria

Contact person Ms. Sabrina Guggenberger T: +49 5125 9361122 s.guggenberger@cmi.at

CONGRESS SAALFELDEN / SAALFELDEN LEOGANG TOURISTIK GMBH

Contact

Congress Saalfelden - congress Center: The multifunctional congress centre is an integral part of the fascinating Saalfelden Leogang alpine region. The area is a destination for holidaymakers all year round, and offers plenty of variety regardless of whether guests are here for fascinating seminars, key meetings or for rest and relaxation. The seminar rooms of various sizes and the large hall with its own stage offer plenty of space for events from 5 up to 1,800 people.

Stadtplatz 2 Saalfelden Austria www.congress-saalfelden.at

Austria

Contact person Mr. Alfred Wieland T: +43 6582 7670011 alfred.wieland@congress-saalfelden.at

CONGRESS SCHLADMING

Contact

Congress Schladming was opened in 2011 as one of the most modern event centres. Equipped with state-of-the-art media and stage technology, the building served as a media centre during the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2013. The various rooms can be booked for any kind of events. Congress Schladming stands for modern architecture, environmentally friendly building technology and gastronomic perfection, in the heart of Austria. The combination of “days in the mountains” and a diverse recreational offer in a pristine natural landscape lends the desired balance for mind and soul.

Europaplatz 800 Schladming Austria

Austria

www.congress-schladming.com

Contact person Ms. Lena Reiter T: +43 3687 22033 info@congress-schladming.com

CONVENTION BUREAU TIROL

Contact

The non-profit Convention Bureau Tirol supports you with the planning of congresses and events of any kind. With our network of over 60 members, we place quality at first point in order to guarantee an outstanding service for our clients. Tirol – the Heart of the Alps: • Safe, clean and pure environment with majestic, enchanting mountain landscape • A successful mix of tradition and modernity • Regional products and excellent traditional cuisine • Unusual, extraordinary venues and outdoor activities • Fantastic flight connections (Innsbruck and Munich) • Great performance/fair price

Maria-Theresien-Straße 55 Innsbruck Austria www.convention.tirol.at

Contact person Ms. Veronika Handl T: + 43 512 5320 670 veronika.handl@tirolwerbung.at

Austria

List of exhibitors by country

CONVENTION BUREAU UPPER AUSTRIA

Contact

Consulting service for conferences & events We assist you in: - finding the ideal location for your next event, congress or incentive - finding the perfect hotels for your clients or guests - finding the right partners for catering, logistics, shows,... - finding the best partner for your social programme - organizing media contacts to push your event or congress.

Freistaedter Strasse 119 Linz Austria www.oberoesterreich.at

CONVENTION BUREAU VILLACH & CONGRESS CENTER VILLACH

Contact

Individual support and professional services provided from a single source – the contact for your event in and around Villach! Whether you’re organizing meetings, incentives, congresses or events – we guarantee the best support and solutions for the planning and realization of your event. At the CCV, an experienced and flexible team will be at your side to supply you with a non-binding offer to help you plan ahead. Whatever it takes to prepare, the CCV takes pride in providing the right solutions to make any occasion a success.

Toebringer Straße 1 Villach Austria www.region-villach.at & www.ccv.at

CONVENTION BURGENLAND

Contact

Convention Burgenland is the gateway to event and incentive destinations in eastern Austria. It is the one-stop option for a wide range of modern and traditional establishments suitable for your event location: -Advice on and help with selecting a suitable event location -Search by appropriate hotel capacity -Organisation of a sightseeing tour in Burgenland -Planning a customised fringe programme -Assistance with contacting individual providers.

Johann Permayer-Strasse 13 Eisenstadt Austria

CROWNE PLAZA SALZBURG - THE PITTER / IMLAUER HOTELS

Contact

New dimensions are opened up in the heart of Mozart´s city. Since 2014 EUR 20 Mio. were invested to renovate the renowned hotel and to build a brand-new event location and a rooftop restaurant. 1,200sqm and 13 function rooms form the Pitter Event Center. Its centerpiece, the “Pitter Saal” offering 450sqm, can be divided into 6 sections. 6 jewel-like glass domes, each 32sqm big, are unique in Austria. Enjoy natural daylight in all function rooms. Suitable for car presentations. Enjoy 180° views across Salzburg from the IMLAUER Sky - Bar & Restaurant.

Rainerstr. 6 Salzburg Austria www.pittereventcenter.com

Austria

Contact person Ms. Ingrid Krieger We help you to minimize your work by assisting you with our knowlegde for our region T: +43 732 7277-581 and help you to maximise the success of your event in Upper Austria! ingrid.krieger@oberoesterreich.at Looking forward to your inquiries!

Austria

Contact person Ms. Laura de Monte T: +43 4242 42000 53 demonte@region-villach.at

Austria

www.convention.burgenland.info

Contact person Ms. Anna Gettinger T: +43 2682 6338411 gettinger@burgenland.info

Contact person Ms. Julia Weber T: 43 66288 978 808 julia.weber@imlauer.com

Austria

List of exhibitors by country

DAS ALPENHAUS HOTELS & RESORTS

Contact

Under the motto of “…life close to the mountains”, the DAS ALPENHAUS HOTELS & RESORTS, with its hotels in Kaprun, Bad Hofgastein and on Katschberg, offers you regional authenticity. Modern Alpine spirit with authentic hosts and first-class pampering and service offerings in probably the most beautiful regions of Austria. Regenerate amid the meditative impact of the mountains entirely in the way you want – getting active or completely relaxing in our wellness areas. Allow yourself to be treated to culinary delights or simply follow your own rest rhythm. We look forward to welcoming you!

Schlossstraße 2 Kaprun Austria www.das-alpenhaus.at

Austria

Contact person Ms. Christiane Schlögl T: +43 65477647506 christiane.schloegl@das-alpenhaus.at

DESIGN CENTER LINZ & TOURIST BOARD LINZ

Contact

Linz’s central location – in one of Austria’s most economically successful regions, with excellent infrastructural connections – makes our city an interesting venue. About 90 % of Austria’s population lives within only 250 km of Linz. Even Munich, and the Danube cities Regensburg and Vienna as well as southern Bohemia and Prague, are all within our immediate vicinity.

Europaplatz 1 Linz Austria www.design-center.at

Austria

The Design Center Linz is a modern and multifunctional event location. Its glass roof Contact person creates daylight atmosphere indoors. Due to its versatility it stands out during conven- Ms. Lina Winkler tions, public and trade fairs and during galas. T: +43 732 6966 110 lisa.winkler@design-center.at

FALKENSTEINER HOTELS & RESIDENCES

Contact

As a family-run business, we have been committed to genuine hospitality for more than half a century, a trait that is clearly evident in all our hotels. Providing professional support for our partners is the utmost priority in relation to events. Our expertise and experience ensure that guests and organisers feel that they are in safe hands when preparing, organising and staging an event. Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences offers you superb experience in our family hotels in Italy/South Tyrol, Austria & Croatia and city hotels in Vienna, Prague and Bratislava.

Columbusplatz 7-8 Vienna Austria www.falkensteiner.com

Austria

Contact person Ms. Andjela Lovric T: +385 91 4532 286 andjela.lovric@falkensteiner.com

FALKENSTEINER SCHLOSSHOTEL VELDEN

Contact

Experience Carinthia's most luxurious side at the elegant palace Schlosshotel Velden. With a rich history and many longstanding traditions, it features princely rooms and suites and outstanding gourmet cuisine. The redesigned 3,600 sq m SPA area has well-trained personnel, there for your wellness, beauty and medical needs. Indulge and relax - pure luxury awaits you right beside Lake Wörthersee.Schlosshotel Velden is the ideal setting for celebrations and meetings, with its luxurious, modern, and perfectly equipped rooms, complemented by a panoramic terrace with spectacular views over the lake.

Schlosspark 1 Velden Austria www.falkensteiner.com

Contact person Ms. Denise Kunisch T: +43 4274 520005365 denise.kunisch@falkensteiner.com

Austria

List of exhibitors by country

GRAZ CONVENTION BUREAU / GRAZ TOURISM

Contact

Austria

Graz - Austria’s second largest City – is an ideal setting for successful meetings and Messeplatz 1 incentives. Every year approx. 45,000 participants of more than 150 international con- Graz ferences visit a conference in the City. Austria www.graztourismus.at/congress

The Graz Convention Bureau is the first point of contact for organisers and offers objective information and comprehensive Service for organisers of meetings, seminars, Contact person conferences and incentives in Graz. Mr. Heinz Kaltschmidt T: +43 316 80 75 0 hk@graztourismus.at

H2O HOTELTHERME GMBH

Contact

Located within the Styrian „Hügelland“ countryside the hotel with it`s connected thermal spa offers perfect business or holiday conditions for everyone. 4 newly build conference rooms are available for creative working, for converneces and events - to accommodate up to 250 people.

Sebersdorf 300 Bad Waltersdorf Austria www.hoteltherme.at

Austria

The converence center is ideally located directly in H2O-hotel and connected to the thermal spa. All rooms are equipped with modern sound and visualizing technology Contact person and wireless Lan. Ms. Doris Bader T: +43 3333 22144-535 verkauf@hoteltherme.at

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL WIEN

Contact

Ideally situated in the center of Vienna, the Hotel InterContinental Wien is the ideal starting point from which to explore this fascinating city. International atmosphere and Viennese tradition together with personalized service present a perfect harmony for a pleasant stay.

Johannesgasse 28 Vienna Austria www.ihg.com

Austria

458 guestrooms including 49 suites boast every comfort of a deluxe property, perfekt for leisure or corporate travel. The hotel offers one of the largest conference halls in Contact person Vienna - the 16 flexible function rooms can cater up to 800 people. Ms. Berenike Frantsits T: +43 1711 22128 berenike.frantsits@ihg.com

HOTEL KARNERHOF

Contact

The Karnerhof is situated on a gentle incline overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Faak, surrounded by 100,000sqm of meadows and gardens. The lake is Austria’s southernmost Alpine lake, close to the Italian and Slovenian border and offers a mild hint of the Mediterranean.

Karnerhofweg 10 Egg am Faaker See Austria www.karnerhof.com

4 conference rooms with daylight accommodate up to 140 participants. The lakeside terrace can be accessed directly from all conference rooms. Contact person Ms. Ursula Melcher After a hard day's work guests will enjoy exploring 3 indoor saunas, steam bath, fitness T: +43 4254 2188 room, indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools and the beautiful lakeside sauna. seminar@karnerhof.com

Austria

List of exhibitors by country

IMPULSQUARTIER LOIPERSDORF

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FRESH INSPIRATION FOR YOUR EVENT. Impulsquartier Loipersdorf is one of the most inspiring event locations in Austria, set amidst the uplifting green hills of the East Styrian spa region. The combination of contemporary architecture and technology, first class food and drink, and four-star hotel accommodation provides a breath of fresh air for meetings, presentations, seminars and social and cultural events.

Schaffelbadstrasse 220 Loipersdorf bei Fürstenfeld Austria www.iql.at

Austria

Contact person Mr. Lukacs Kimmel T: +43 3382 20000 7010 lukacs.kimmel@iql.at

ROOMZ GRAZ BUDGET DESIGN HOTEL

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There are 152 rooms in Vienna and 131 rooms in Graz in the categories style, family and handicap, which delight with lots of atmosphere as well as a high-quality equipment, with easily separating beds, safe, air conditioning, TV and video on demand, as well as free high-speed internet. Each room comes in one of the four color schemes – green, blue, brown and pink. At the à la carte restaurant “atelier” you’ll be able to enjoy freshly cooked Austrian and international cuisine. The hotel bar is open 24 hours a day and offers an appealing selection of coffee, cocktails and light meals.

Conrad von Hötzendorfstraße 96

SAALFELDEN LEOGANG TOURISTIK

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Saalfelden Leogang boasts extensive experience in the organisation of meetings, congresses, events and other corporate days - not least due to the anual Jazzfestival. The Saalfelden Congress and four partner hotels offer ideal event locations. Top locations as Europe's highest brewery - the AsitzBräu or "hendl fischerei" Mountain Club, attractions like the Flying Fox XXL, 2 climbing halls, ÖAMTC driving skills, Bikepark Leogang, Outdoor Adventures (Challenge Zone, archery, ...) and much more await you...

Mittergasse 21a Saalfelden Austria www.saalfelden-leogang.at

Austria

Graz Austria www.roomz-graz.com

Contact person Ms. Romana Janousk T: + 43 31690 2090 920 sales@roomz-graz.com

Austria

Contact person Ms. Sabrina Rieder T: + 43 6582 70660 25 sabrina.rieder@saalfelden-leogang.at

SALZBURG CONGRESS

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Salzburg Congress is one of Europe’s top venues for staging international medical and scientific congresses. The sophisticated design and high-end technical infrastructure of the facility enable the halls and rooms on up to five levels to be customise to the exact format of each congress. There are 1,200 hotel beds within walking distance, excellent rail and air connections, and a dedicated and experienced team qualified to deal with even the most complex and technical challenges, to guarantee your event enjoys the success it deserves.

Auerspergstrasse 6 Salzburg Austria www.salzburgcongress.at

Contact person Mr. Klaus Schmidhofer T: +43 6628 8987614 schmidhofer@salzburgcongress.at

Austria

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SALZBURG CONVENTION BUREAU

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The Salzburg Convention Bureau is the central platform for all matters concerning the meetings industry in Salzburg (city & province). Salzburg offers the best locations and infrastructure for any occasion – from small business meetings to large international events.

Auerspergstrasse 6 Salzburg Austria www.salzburgcb.com

Austria

Our free of charge - services include venue finding, information and inviting offers. Contact person Ms. Elisabeth Pfoess T: +43 6628 8987272 e.pfoess@salzburgcb.com

SALZBURG EXHIBITION & CONGRESS CENTER

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Salzburg Exhibition & Congress Center offers modern architecture, well-planned infrastructure and pioneering technology to accommodate trade fairs, congresses, corporate and show events. The 10 halls are arranged in a large circle and, together with the congress area and the Salzburgarena, the venue can stage a full range of events. It is ideal for congresses and congress fairs for up to 5,000 participants. Distances on the premises, and to the city of Salzburg, are very short for organisers, exhibitors and participants.

Am Messezentrum 1 Salzburg Austria

Austria

www.messezentrum-salzburg.at

Contact person Mr. Gregor Gritzky T: +43 6622 404 13 gritzky@messezentrum-salzburg.at

SALZBURGS CASTLES & PALACES

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Priceless moments require an unusual ambiance – we offer the perfect solutions for group tours, incentives and events Out of the Ordinary Places for Special Functions. Invite your customers to wander through the marble portals of the Salzburg Residence and to take a glance in the Venetian mirrors. Or give your seminar participants the opportunity to explore the battlements of the Hohenwerfen Fortress or the Kuenburg Bastion at the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy memorable celebrations in the medieval ambiancof Mauterndorf Castle.

Mönchsberg 34 Salzburg Austria www.salzburg-burgen.at

SEEPARK HOTEL - CONGRESS & SPA

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Located in the exquisitely lagoon on the shore of the lake Woerthersee, Seepark Hotel – Congress & Spa combines business and holiday life in the most fascinating way and offers hotel guests a perfect position between the city of Klagenfurt and the lake. Happy seminar customers are important to us. You’ve heard it a thousand times. We’ll rather let the facts speak for us. Our 5 seminar rooms can host up to 200 attendants, further there is a 3,000 sqm park outside and our 142 rooms are perfectly suited for business customers. Welcome in the heart of Carinthia.

Universitaetsstrasse 104 Klagenfurt Austria www.seeparkhotel.at

Austria

Contact person Ms. Birgit Meixner T: +43 6628 46181 meixner@salzburg-burgen.at

Contact person Ms. Patricia Stampfer T: +43 4632 04499732 patricia.stampfer@seeparkhotel.at

Austria

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STEIERMARK CONVENTION

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Steiermark Convention is your expert service agency for any question regarding the best way to organise your conference in Steiermark! We and our experienced partners are here to give you excellent advice and support in comprehensively planning and expertly staging your event. Our services are professional, fast – and free!

St.-Peter-Hauptstraße 243 Graz Austria

Austria

www.steiermark-convention.com

Please visit us and inform yourself about our 49 professional conference providers Contact person throughout Steiermark from one hand! Ms. Andrea Taxacher T: +386 311238584

andrea.taxacher@steiermark-convention.com

STEIERMARKHOF

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Steiermarkhof is a convention center and hotel in Graz, Austria. With 20 meeting rooms, the “styria hall” (for up to 400 people), a cooking training centre and over 1,330m2 of dedicated space for exhibitions and events, clients will find the perfect surrounding for a successful event. In fall 2017, Steiermarkhof will celebrate the new opening after a few months of reconstruction and renovation.

Krottendorferstraße 81

What's new at Steiermarkhof? - 8 new meeting rooms - a brand new restaurant for up to 250 People - Café with garden terrace - 1,5 ha green & garden area

Contact person Ms. Teresa Unterrieder T: + 43 0316-8050-7111

TAUERN SPA KAPRUN / ZELL AM SEE / VAMED VITALITY WORLD

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VAMED Vitality World is the market leader in Austria and operates 4*+ spa and health resorts in the most beautiful regions in Austria and Hungary. The resorts provide the perfect surroundings and offer room to evolve for your incentives, teambuildings, events, presentations, conferences or meetings up to 900 delegates.

Tauern Spa Platz 1 Kaprun Austria www.tauernspakaprun.com

Austria

Graz Austria www.steiermarkhof.at

teresa.unterrieder@steiermarkhof.at

Austria

Near Salzburg TAUERN SPA Zell am See 4-star-superior resort hotel contains meeting facilities for up to 240 people, comprising four conference rooms each with over 60m² Contact person floorspace additional two 31m² break-out rooms. Mr. Matthias Classen T: + 43 6547 20403135 m at t h ia s .cla s s en@ t auer n spakaprun.com

WERZER'S HOTELS AM WÖRTHERSEE

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All three Werzer's Hotels are located directly by the lake (Wörthersee) and boast a Werzerpromenade 8 unique and beautiful atmosphere. Pörtschach am Wörthersee Austria Each hotel offers individual seminar and conference facilities, special venues, excellent www.werzers.at parking facilities and first class accommodation, spacious wellness areas and numerous incentive possibilities. Contact person Ms. Sigrid Kirchner T: +43 4272 2231-108 sales@werzers.at

Austria

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WÖRTHERSEE TOURISMUS GMBH

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Austria

Villacher Strasse Velden am Wörthersee MICE & more Wörthersee is a co-operation of 3-5* hotels, meeting & congress facilities Austria and incentive providers. We offer you the (free-of-charge) service of venue finding, we www.mice.woerthersee.com provide you with programme & activity suggestions and make sure to find the perfect place to be for your meeting & event. Contact person Ms. Petra Nestelbacher T: +43 6602 828164 The region "Lake Woerth" is a 365 days, 24/7, all year round destination!

nestelbacher@woerthersee.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, SARAJEVO

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Enjoy comfortable accommodation and convenient location in Sarajevo City Center during your stay at the Courtyard Sarajevo hotel. Our hotel offers an unbeatable location on the coast of Miljacka river in Sarajevo City Center, directly across Eiffel Bridge. Our Sarajevo hotel offers Unique S One Sky Bar that offers a variety of snacks and beverages, with breathtaking view of Sarajevo and The Market for various sundries. Hose planning a meeting here in Sarajevo can book one of our light-filled conference rooms, the largest of which can seat 120.

Skenderija 11 Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina www.courtyardsarajevo.com

HOTEL HILLS SARAJEVO, CONGRESS & TERMAL SPA RESORT

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Hotel Hills, Thermal & Spa Resort Sarajevo is a new five star Hotel that has attractive location in the center of the green oasis of Sarajevo and within 2 km from the International Airport Sarajevo. Hotel Hills includes 260 sophisticated comfort and luxurious rooms and suites, all with balconies, multi-purpose Congress center with modern conference technology, Thermal spa’s, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Adrenalin park for children and adults, Wedding hall's, restaurants. Capacity of large Conference hall is 1,500 seats. Other congress halls are capacity of 180, 150 and 100 seats.

Butmirska cesta 18. Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina www.hotelhills.ba

HILTON SOFIA HOTEL

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Leading 5-star Business Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria: -245 rooms -8 meeting rooms -Maximum capacity: 320 guests -Year of opening: 2001 -Last renovation: 2012

1, Bulgaria Blvd Sofia Bulgaria www.sofia.hilton.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contact person Ms. Vildana Velić T: +387 33954503 vildana.velic@marriott.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contact person Mr. Nermina Sefer T: +387 33773100 info@hotelhills.ba

Contact person Ms. Nelly Dimitrova T: + 359 2 933 5027 nelly.dimitrova@hilton.com

Bulgaria

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INSIGHT EVENTS LTD BULGARIA

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Bulgaria

Insight Events is a young DMC in Bulgaria with proven experience and innovative vision. Ovcha Kupel 1, Blvd. Lincoln, Our team strives to give you variety of quality options for an unforgettable event. Block 431, Office 17 Sofia With creativity, enthusiasm and out-of-the-box thinking we are able to fulfill every ex- Bulgaria pectation for a fresh and unusual experience. www.insight-events.bg/en We offer all the classic places as well as the unexplored gems of our country while Contact person providing full range MICE services for you and your clients. As a result you get once-in- Ms. Alexandra Yankulova a-lifetime experience. T: +359 886108052 a.yankulova@insight-events.bg

CROATIAN NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD

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CROATIAN NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD is a national tourist organization founded with a view to promoting and creating the identity, and to enhance the reputation of, Croatian tourism. The mission also includes the planning and implementation of a common strategy and the conception of its promotion, proposal and the performance of promotional activities of mutual interest for all subjects in tourism in the country and abroad, as well as raising the overall quality of the whole range of tourist services on offer.

Iblerov Trg 10/IV Zagreb Croatia www.croatia.hr

Croatia

Contact person Ms. Iva Pudžak Mihajlović T: +386 12307400 iva.pudak@htz.hr

DT CROATIA

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DT Croatia – Dubrovnik Travel, specializes in the organization and orchestration of meetings, incentives, exclusive groups and events. With its 45 highly trained, multilingual and experienced young professionals, in their Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb offices, DT provides complete support to clients and partners throughout Croatia and its neighboring countries.

Obala Stjepana Radica 25 Dubrovnik Croatia www.dt-croatia.com

Croatia

Since its establishment in 1998, Dubrovnik Travel has successfully operated all contract- Contact person ed programs, delivering a full range of service to its clients, while bringing innovative Ms. Ivana Marusic Zubovic ideas to the table in order to exceed expectations. T: +385 20 313 569 iva n a .m a r u sic.z ubov ic@ dt-croatia.com

DUBROVNIK TOURIST BOARD

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The Convention Bureau within the Dubrovnik Tourist Board was established in order to assist organisers of business meetings, congresses, and incentives and to facilitate the realisation of their projects. The bureau offers assistance and advice in the organisation of gatherings and special events. It helps in the choice and booking of venues and locations, in the preparation of offers, in the organisation of inspection trips, and it also provides free promotional materials on Dubrovnik.

Brsalje 5 Dubrovnik Croatia www.tzdubrovnik.hr

Contact person Ms. Romana Vlasic T: + 385 20323887 romana.vlasic@tzdubrovnik.hr

Croatia

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HOTEL PARK

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Hotel Park is a story that you want to experience. At least once in a lifetime. The flagship hotel in the city and region, completely renovated, offers a superb standard and very unique atmosphere. Upon entering the hotel, accompanied by notes of the piano coming from the restaurant along with the warm reception of our staff and champagne, every guest is overcome by a feeling that this is the moment moving towards a new and personal story.

Hatzeov Perivoj 3 Split Croatia www.hotelpark-split.hr

Croatia

Contact person Ms. Davina Ljubičić Dirlić T: +385 21406406 dav i na .ljubicic- d i rl ic@hotelpark-split.hr

HUP-ZAGREB D.D.

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The HUP Zagreb DD in Zagreb and Dubrovnik hotels are the best choice for the organization of a conference or a business event. In addition to spacious and elegantly decorated halls for receiving guests, organizers have at their disposal top-quality audio-visual and technical equipment and an excellent catering and gastronomic offer. When organizing a conference, the hotels also offer the services of a consultant who will ensure that every business event is unique.

Trg Krešimira Ćosića 9 Zagreb Croatia www.hupzagreb.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Slaven Kušina T: +385 16108155 slaven.kusina@hotel-international.hr

INTOURS DMC CROATIA

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Intours DMC stands as a synonym for professionalism and quality of services in delivering à la carte incentive and corporate meeting programs in Croatia and larger Adriatic Region. The team of event professionals carefully listens to the requirements of incentive and conference organizers, seeking out of the box solutions to ensure success of each event. The unique combination of destination expertise, flexibility and outstanding customer service enables our clients to meet their business goals and return time and again to Intours DMC.

Bihačka 2a Split Croatia ww.intours-dmc.com

ISTRATURIST UMAG D.D.

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Croatia

Contact person Mr. Ante Lacman T: +385 91 174 10 28 ante@intours.hr

Istraturist is a Croatian company with 50 years tradition in rendering tourist services in Jadranska 66 hotels, apartment resorts and campsites. The recognisability and success of Istraturist Umag are results of its long-standing orientation towards high quality tourism. Croatia www.istraturist.com

Contact person Mr. Jasmin Salihbegović T: + 38520323887 jasmin.salihbegovic@istraturist.hr

Croatia

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LE MERIDIEN LAV SPLIT

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Discover Split with New Eyes Le Méridien Split is a five-star hotel in Split, Croatia with an inspirational seafront location just the right distance from the historical Split city centre. Croatia is the hottest new European destination; why not afford yourself the experience of exploring it from our modern, luxury hotel. Our modern rooms are amongst the largest on Croatia's coast. Explore our beaches, outdoor pool or the amazing SPA and Wellness centre. Our Conference Centre boasts 2,500 sqm of modern meeting space. Our main conference hall Grand Dalmatia accommodates 850 delegates.

Grljevacka 2a Split Croatia www.lemeridienlavsplit.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Ozren Kovačević T: +385 20500620 kovacevic.ozren@lemeridien.com

LOSINJ HOTELS & VILLAS BY JADRANKA HOTELI LTD

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We have 6 Hotels and Villas with 5* and 4* on the Island of Losinj. Our Luxury hotel Bellevue***** have 7 meeting rooms and a conferece room up to 360 pax in theatre style. Luxury boutique hotel Alhambra***** have a meeting room up to 40 pax. Conference hotel Aurora**** has a meeting room up to 400 pax in theatare style.

Drazica 1 Mali Lošinj Croatia www.losinj-hotels.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Milan Pejić T: +385 51 661 155 milan.pejic@jadranka.hr

PARK PLAZA HISTRIA

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Situated on the beautiful south coast of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, Park Plaza Histria Hotel features state of the art facilities. The resort occupies a stunning seaside location offering breath taking views across the Adriatic sea. The Park Plaza Histria has at its disposal a large congress hall that can seat 700 and four smaller rooms that can seat 30 to 100 people.Naturally lit rooms with beautiful views and with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment provide an inspiring backdrop to your business meeting or social gathering at the Park Plaza Histria Pula.

Verudella 17 Pula Croatia www.parkplaza.com

PLAVA LAGUNA D.D.

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The name Laguna Poreč has already been associated with Poreč for half a century. Our hotels, apartments and campsites of different categories are designed and equipped to provide the ideal holiday. At any given time, we can look after 23, 000 guests while still maintaining very high standards. A collection of prestigious business and ecological awards is clear evidence of Laguna Poreč's reputation and its leading position amongst Croatian hoteliers – as are millions of satisfied guests from all over the world!

Rade Končara 12 Poreč Croatia www.lagunaporec.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Tomislav Korosec T: +385 52590704 tkorosec@pphe.com

Contact person Ms. Sandra Jurić T: +385 52410229 sandra.juric@plavalaguna.hr

Croatia

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SUNČANI HVAR D.D.

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The island of Hvar, labelled as the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, is located off the magical Adriatic Sea coastline. As a destination blessed with ten centuries of incredible architecture, Hvar offers a number of event opportunities amid the magical atmosphere of its sites. It is a true year round destination and inexhaustible source of experiences and adventure. Drawing our inspiration from the island, Sunčani Hvar Hotels designed some of the most desired venues on Croatian islands, offering countless possibilities for conferences, team buildings, incentives and special events.

Ive Miličića 3 Hvar Croatia www.suncanihvar.com

VALAMAR HOTELS & RESORTS

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Valamar Riviera operates 25 hotels and resorts, and 13 camping resorts, of which 41% are premium and upscale, 36% midscale and 23% in the economy segment. In the forthcoming period we plan to increase the number of premium and upscale products targeting guests with higher purchasing power. With an extensive selection of prime seafront hotels, renowned Croatian hospitality and highly professional staff, Valamar is your premium choice for all MICE and celebratory events, whichever location you choose; Poreč or Rabac in Istria, island Krk or the enchanting city of Dubrovnik.

Miramarska 24 Zagreb Croatia www.valamar.com

ZAGREB CONVENTION BUREAU

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Zagreb Convention Bureau promotes Zagreb as an ideal destination for international meetings, conferences, incentives and events. Our free services include: - venue finding - preparation of bid documents - fam trips/site inspections - DMC/PCO suggestions - suggestions for social and partners programs, pre and post tours - promotional materials

Kaptol 5 Zagreb Croatia www.meetinzagreb.hr

PRAGUE CONVENTION BUREAU

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The Prague Convention Bureau is the official convention bureau of the city of Prague. We are a non-profit organization working alongside other Czech tourism authorities in offering a one-stop-shop service for organising a conference, meeting, seminar, exhibition or incentive event in Prague.

Rytirska 26 Prague Czech Republic www.pragueconvention.cz

Croatia

Contact person Ms. Tomislava Vrgoc T: +385 21750011 tvrgoc@suncanihvar.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Zrinka Madunić T: +385 1 63 12 777 zrinka.madunic@valamar.com

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Zlatan Muftić T: +385 1 48 98 555 zmuftic@meetinzagreb.hr

Our mission is to strengthen positive awareness of the city of Prague as one of Europe’s leading conference destination. Our assistance is free of charge to any national or inter- Contact person national organiser of meetings, conventions and incentives. Mr. Roman Muska T: +420224233166 roman.muska@pragueconvention.cz

Czech Republic

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BEST WESTERN HOTELS CENTRAL EUROPE GMBH

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts is a quality-oriented, international hotel chain with over 4,000 hotels in more than 90 countries. All Best Western hotels worldwide are independent and individually managed. The Best Western Hotels Central Europe GmbH has a total of more than 230 hotels in ten countries. All of the hotel's conference, city and holiday hotels guarantee uniform quality standards throughout the world while retaining their individual style and entrepreneurial independence. Best Western Hotels & Resorts presents a total of seven individual brands.

Frankfurter Strasse 10-14 Eschborn Germany www.bestwestern.com

Germany

Contact person Mr. Alexander Klöckler T: +43 1 505 47 06-14 alexander.kloeckler@bestwestern.at

CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST

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First opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest remains one of the grandest hotels in the city. This impressive landmark, with an imposing Neoclassical façade was meticulously renovated in 2003. It houses 439 luxurious rooms, including 31 suites and 26 apartments. Corinthia Budapest boasts the largest conference facilities of any of Hungary’s five star hotels. The building’s rich history seamlessly blends with state-of-the-art facilities and modern technology.

Erzsébet körút 43-49 Budapest Hungary www.corinthia.com/en/

Hungary

Contact person Ms. Lilla Vancsura T: +36 1 479 4721 lilla.vancsura@corinthia.com

DANUBIUS HOTELS GROUP

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Largest hotel group in Hungary and one of the leading regional hotel companies in Europe with over 40 comfortable spa&wellness, city&business and resort hotels and excellent meeting&conference facilities in Hungary (Budapest and country side), Czech Republic (Marienbad), Slovakia (Piestany&Smrdaky), Romania (Sovata/Transylvania) and United Kingdom (London).

Szent István tér 11. Budapest Hungary www.danubiushotels.com

Hungary

Contact person Ms. Zsuzsanna Fekete T: +36 1 889 4176 zsuzsanna.fekete@danubiushotels.com

HUNGARIAN TOURISM AGENCY

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The Hungarian Convention Bureau was established to help meeting planners from all Kacsa utca 15-23. over the world to get acquainted with Hungary and its conference and incentive facilities, Budapest to provide assistance in finding local partners and staging really memorable events. Hungary conference.gotohungary.com

Contact person Ms. Júlia Csesznok T: +36 14888644 julia.csesznok@mtu.gov.hu

Hungary

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KEMPINSKI HOTEL CORVINUS BUDAPEST

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Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest*****Superior Modern and luxurious Kempinski Hotel Corvinus located in the heart of Budapest, offers 349 elegant rooms, including 33 suites. The hotel has become a lifestyle and gastronomy hub of the city. It features a stunning fully re-vamped ground floor with remarkable culinary attractions such as ÉS Bisztró, Blue Fox Bar, and Nobu. 10 lovely redesigned salons and meeting rooms for up to 450 delegates are suitable for conferences, meetings, lunches, dinners, weddings, exhibitions, and fashion shows, most of them feature daylight and located on one floor.

Erzsébet Tér 7-8. Budapest Hungary

Hungary

www.kempinski.com/budapest

Contact person Ms. Alexandra Schmidt T: +36 1 429 3575 alexandra.schmidt@kempinski.com

SPECIAL EFFECTS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

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We are a full-range event production company, delivering services all over the globe offering one-stop-shop solution for events with dedicated project managers, interior and graphic designers and own state-of-the-art equipment. We cover all audiovisual needs (projection, sound, lighting, interpretation, IT, voting systems), frame design and installation concepts (tailor-designed conference, stage and exhibition sets, stylish event furniture) and digital background with live streaming. We are members of prestigious international AV supplier networks too – Congress Rental Network and AV Alliance.

Wysocki u. 1. Budapest Hungary www.speceffect.com

Hungary

Contact person Ms. Aniko Boriszov T: +36 307300300 aniko.boriszov@speceffect.com

PROMOTURISMOFVG

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Friuli Venezia Giulia, located in the heart of Europe, is an ideal and increasingly qualified Region to host congresses and meetings, rich in charming locations and ideal for people looking for unique emotions. It is an ideal partner for all your projects thus ensuring their success on all occasions. An accessible region served by Trieste international airport, just an hour from the international hubs of Venice and Ljubljana, a perfect destination to host congresses, meetings and also incentives and team building activities, thanks to the excellent structures throughout its territory.

Via Carso, 3 Cervignano (Udine) Italy www.congressfvg.it

Italy

Contact person Ms. Brenda Lee Fabbro T: +39 0431 387122 brenda.fabbro@promoturismo.fvg.it

CENTREVILLE HOTEL & EXPERIENCES

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CentreVille Hotel & Experiences is new boutique-hotel in Podgorica, located within the popular Capital Plaza complex in Podgorica. Encased within this unique structure are six floors and a total of 122 guest rooms and luxury suites, lounge&dining The Living Room, state of the art meetings and events centre and The Rooftop, terrace on the 6th floor that commands some of Podgorica's most spectacular views. CentreVille has modern minimalistic style replete with elegance.

Cetinjska 7 Podgorica Montenegro www.cv-hotel.com

Contact person Ms. Dusica Carapic T: +382 20 684 004 dusica.carapic@cv-hotel.com

Montenegro

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HOTEL BUDVA

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The Tourism Organisation of Budva creates and promotes the identity of Budva and enhances the reputation of Budva’s and Montenegrin tourism. We are responsible for marketing and promotion of Budva’s tourism product in Montenegro and abroad. Through our global reach and organisation of various cultural, entertainment and sporting events we aim to attract more potential visitors in our destination, raise the overall quality of the whole range of tourism services, improve Budva’s ranking in the eyes of international visitors.

Slovenska obala bb Budva Montenegro www.hotelbudva.me

Montenegro

Contact person Ms. Irina Tomić T: +38233422000 irina.tomic@hotelbudva.me

MONTENEGRO CONVENTION BUREAU

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Montenegro is the right choice for organizing business meetings,large conferences and trips, numerous incentive as testified by the commercial companies,national and international organizations and associations that have traditionally had their meetings and events held on the Montenegrin coast.The advantages are many:in addition to hotels with great elite accommodation capacities and theaters equipped with the latest technology,Montenegro offers Mediterranean climate,outstanding natural,cultural and historical attractions,excellent relaxation and leisure activities as well as rich cuisine.

Bulevar Sv.Petra Cetinjskog 130

Montenegro

Podgorica Montenegro www.mice.montenegro.travel

Contact person Mr. Milica Antić T: +38277100020 milica.antic@montenegro.travel

REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

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Nestled between the mountains and the bay, Regent Porto Montenegro offers a magnificent venue for your most exclusive events and special occasions, where the views are inspiring and the service impeccable. Experience the seamless blend of elegant surroundings and state-of-the-art amenities that ensures productive meetings and memorable social gatherings. Meeting Star – Top Luxury Resort Meetings Top 10 car launch destinations in South-East Europe Robb Report: The 21 luxury destinations to be visited in 2016

Porto Montenegro Obala bb Tivat Montenegro www.regenthotels.com

Montenegro

Contact person Ms. Murisa Jašarević T: + 382 32 660 660 murisa.jasarevic@regenthotels.com

TOURISM ORGANIZATION OF BUDVA

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The Tourism organization of Budva, Montenegro

Mediteranska 8/6 Budva Montenegro www.budva.travel

Contact person Ms. Jelena Gluscevic T: +382 33402814 jelenag@budva.travel

Montenegro

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ICE KRAKÓW CONGRESS CENTRE

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Over 36,000 m² of conference space, an Auditorium ready to host almost 2,000 people, a spacious and multifunctional foyer adapted for activities such as hosting of exhibitions and sponsor and exhibition stands; additionally, the building’s excellent location in the centre of Krakow – these are only some of the assets of the multifunctional ICE Kraków Congress Centre.

ul. Marii Konopnickiej 17 Krakow Poland www.icekrakow.com

Poland

Contact person Mr. Ryszard Strojnowski T: +48 123542312 strojnowski@icekrakow.pl

KRAKOW CONVENTION BUREAU

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Krakow Convention Bureau as a part of Krakow Municipal Office, operating in structure without members, we offer services free of charge. With great pleasure we’re offering knowledgable and prompt support. And last but not least, we are looking forward to meeting you and show, that all you need is Kraków! Building Krakow's image and presenting its resources and values, owing to which the City is an important player in the international meetings industry.

pl. Wszystkich Swietych Krakow Poland www.convention.krakow.pl

Poland

Contact person Ms. Natalia Kulec-Gren T: +48 12 616 19 51 Natalia.Kulec-Gren@um.krakow.pl

BELGRADE CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

The Belgrade Convention Bureau (BCB) is a non-commercial entity that promotes Belgrade as an international meetings destination focusing on securing conventions for Belgrade. The staff of the Belgrade Convention Bureau is ready to assist you in planning your next event; from selecting the appropriate venue, to helping you chose the best service providers. Services to Meeting Planners: • Bid Assistance • Arrange and support site inspections to Belgrade • Advice on destination issues ( facility selection, pre and post touring, social programs) • PCO's and DMC's selection assis

Francuska 24 Belgrade Serbia www.tob.rs

CONVEO SOLUTIONS

Contact

We offer scalable, robust, seamless, and inter-operable iPad/iPhone/Android applications. Experienced and skilled at tools and frameworks, our developers can deliver standalone aps for your website. Content management system which can be implemented for creating and maintaining even the most complex sites and portals. Talk B2B is web and mobile platform, and belongs to the category of B2B matchmaking events (brokerage events) software. It is the perfect tool for trade fairs, conferences, networks and specialist groups

Via Carso, 3 Belgrade Serbia www.conveosolutions.com/

Serbia

Contact person Ms. Dragana Babovic T: +381 36 25 060 dbabovic@tob.rs

Contact person Ms. Ana Antić T: +381 600312396 ana.antic82@gmail.com

Serbia

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CROWNE PLAZA & HOLIDAY INN BELGRADE

Contact

Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Belgrade- 4 star properties, both part of international hotel chain Intercontinental Hotels Group, located in the main business area of New Belgrade, 13 km away from the airport "Nikola Tesla". Holiday Inn Belgrade- 140 rooms, 7 meetings rooms, capacities from 10-180 people. It is directly connected to the multifunctional hall Belexpocentar, venue with 2500m2. Crowne Plaza Belgrade- 416 rooms, 12 meeting rooms capacities from 15-800 people, SPA centre (swimming pool, saunas, gym). Directly connected with Sava Centre, the biggest Convention centre in Serbia.

VladimiraPopovica 10 Belgrade Serbia www.ihg.com

MK MOUNTAIN RESORT

Contact

The MK Mountain Resort was founded in 2008, under the holding company MK Group, one of the most successful business systems in Serbia, which consists of more than 35 related companies in the country and abroad. The Resort make the Grand Hotel & Spa ****, Hotel Angella **** and Konaci Sunčani Vrhovi - Angella Residence****. All facilities are located in the middle of the tourist center and the National Park at 1770 m asl.

Takovska 45a Belgrade Serbia www.mkresort.com

Serbia

Contact person Ms. Dragana Vuković T: +381 648104053 dragana.vukovic@ihg.com

Serbia

Contact person With more than 1,300 beds, the MK Mountain Resort is the biggest hotel complex in Mr. Marko Keserović Kopaonik. T: +381 648714050 marko.keserovic@mkresort.com

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL, BELGRADE

Contact

Our hotel in Old Belgrade lies near the banks of the Sava River, minutes away from city centre, New Belgrade, Belgrade Fair and the train station. The Belgrade Airport is just 16 kilometers from the hotel. The city's first designer hotel in an international chain preserves the heritage of the 19th-century Old Mill and mixes it with an industrial-chic aesthetic. Each of our 236 rooms and suites boasts floor-to-ceiling-windows and paintings by the Strauss & Hillegaart artistic society. Hotel boasts with 6 meeting rooms, the largest of which accommodates up to 225 delegates in theater style.

Bulevar Vojvode Mišiča 15 Belgrade Serbia www.radissonblu.com/en/

Serbia

Contact person Ms. Ksenija Lubarda T: +381 11 6 357 357 ksenija.lubarda@radissonblu.com

SERBIA CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

S erbia Convention Bureau, with a strong network of convention industry partners (hotels, venues, agencies and other service providers) has a mission to develop, market and position Serbia as a leading business travel destination in Southeast Europe; Our services include, but are not limited to: • Providing information about MICE opportunities in Serbia • Liaison with PCOs and DMCs • Negotiation with hotels and venues • Site inspections and FAM trips • Strategic marketing • Bidding process • Management expertise • Creativity solutions • Contact and support of governmental institutions

Cika Ljubina 8 Belgrade Serbia www.scb.travel

Contact person Mr. Dejan Crnomarković T: +381 116557103 scb@serbia.travel

Serbia

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AUSTRIA TREND HOTEL BRATISLAVA

Contact

Everyone knows that ideas and content can make or break an event. But the setting has also a decisive role to play. We understand that your guests have to be at ease for your event to truly strike the right note. Which is why the Austria Trend Hotel Bratislava is the ideal place for gettogethers of all kinds. It offers an exclusive setting with its 333 m² seminar area – joining 4 versatile meeting rooms and Executive Saloon, all with a technical equipment. Furthermore, we offer 199 rooms, Restaurant, Lobby Bar and Executive Lounge. You can relax at our wellness area - fitness and sauna corner.

Vysoká 2/A Bratislava Slovakia www.austria-trend.at

Slovakia

Contact person Ms. Veronika Ivančíková T: +421 2 5277 5800 v eronika.ivancikova@austria-trend.at

BRATISLAVA CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

The Bratislava Convention Bureau, as a department of our official Destination Marketing Organization, the Bratislava Tourist Board, is a one-stop-shop for planners of meetings, incentives, congresses and events who are considering Bratislava as a destination. Providing a full range of services for buyers of MICE, BTB also co-ordinates, initiates and manages all aspects concerning the development of MICE and Business Events in our destination.

Primacionálne námestie 1 Bratislava Slovakia www.visitbratislava.com

Slovakia

Contact person Ms. Nina Erneker T: + 421902985508 erneker@visitbratislava.com

EMERGE

Contact

EMERGE is premium conference and event organizer ensuring high quality services, always providing customized solutions to meet the demanding requirements of the modern competitive market. EMERGE focuses primarily on organizing conferences and meetings, including post/pre conference tours (www.givemefive.sk), operating in the Central Europe with site in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. We appreciate new technologies and innovations in meeting industry, creativity and fresh ideas, and the ethical business principles.We are supporting sustainable development and green solutions in industry.

Urbankova St. 19 Bratislava Slovakia www.emerge.sk

HOTEL YASMIN

Contact

Let yourself be tempted by the elegance and efficiency of a modern lifestyle. You are looking for a comfortable business hotel in the city center or a romantic place for weekend getaway? Hotel Yasmin Košice **** is the right place! Yasmin Hotel will enchant you with a harmonious interior design, modern facilities and excellent quality services.

Tyršovo nábrežie 1 Kosice Slovakia www.hotel-yasmin.sk

Slovakia

Contact person Ms. Zuzana Jezerska T: +421 907 070 437 zuzana@emerge.sk

Harmony of nature style Yasmin is carrying around the corridors of the hotel, which was Contact person put into operation on 23 March 2009. Ms. Jana Tomková T: +421 55 795 1120 jana.tomkova@hotel-yasmin.sk

Slovakia

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ABC TOURISM - EUROPCAR SLOVENIA

Contact

ABC TOURISM is a DMC specialising in inbound tourism services, predominantly in Slovenia, where the company is based, but also in Central and Southeast Europe. Backed by over 20 years of experience, our creative team, committed to excellence, can provide tailor-made and personalised solutions, where flexibility is of great importance. In 2001, we joined the Europcar network, so we can provide mobility solutions to fit your individual needs. We also design steam train rides and rides with regular trains, our special product is "Steam train rides on the Bohinj Railway".

Celovška 268 Ljubljana Slovenia www.abc-tourism.si

ADRIA AIRWAYS D. O. O.

Contact

Adria Airways is slovenian national carrier, more than 55 years on the market The member of STAR ALLIANCE

Zgornji Brnik 130 H Ljubljana Slovenia www.adria.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Ajda Perko T: +386 (0) 59 070 510 ajda.perko@europcar.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Damjana Osterc T: +386 4 259 49 22 damjana.osterc@adria.si

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL SLON

Contact

The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Slon is situated in the very heart of Ljubljana city centre, conveniently close to business, shopping, main city´s attractions and a short walk from many important institutions, such as Cankarjev dom - Cultural and Congress Centre, Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre. This modern 4-star superior hotel has 170 comfortable and well-appointed rooms with all modern facilities and amenities. Deluxe rooms and suites offer luxurious accommodation.

Slovenska cesta 34 Ljubljana Slovenia www.hotelslon.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Branka Janković T: +386 1 470 1155 branka.jankovic@hotelslon.comi

BLED CASTLE / BLED CONVENTION CENTRE

Contact

BLED CASTLE, one of the oldest and most visited castle in Slovenia (more than 300,000 visitors in 2014), perched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled. Bled Castle offers two courtyards for outdoor receptions, restaurant, coffee shop, museum, wine cellar, printing works and castle forge. BLED CONVENTION CENTER, situated on the lake shore and within easy walking distance of all major hotels, the center seating 512 is ideally located for all types of top-level corporate and entertainment events. It offers 3 smaller halls for work in sections and exhibition hall.

Cesta svobode 11 Bled Slovenia www.kongresni-center-bled.si/en/

Contact person Ms. Špela Repnik T: +386 45729770 spela.repnik@zkbled.si

Slovenia

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BLED CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

Bled Convention Bureau is your strategic partner in the destination Bled. We would like to introduce you our destination as a MICE destination. We are the central contact point for event organizers who are looking for proffesional information and advice about the destination, the congress service providers and other options at our destination. Free of charge, of course. We will gladly provide all necessary assistance from idea to final event.

Ljubljanska 27 Bled Slovenia www.bled.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Lili Ošterbenk Janša T: +386 4 5780 506 lili.osterbenk@dzt.bled.si

BOHINJ PARK ECO HOTEL

Contact

Nestled in the heart of Slovenian Alps you will find Slovenia's premier ECO resort with 102 rooms, 7 seminar rooms, bowling center, cinema hall and Aquapark (sauna park, pools, spa). BOHINJ ECO HOTELl is a perfect starting point for summer and winter sports activities: bicycle or hiking trips, climbing, river rafting, adrenalin park experience, skiing and more. Our efforts target all areas of sustainability: energy-water-waste consumption and re-use, working with locals, promoting local culture, heritage, landscape, ...

Triglavska cesta 17 Bohinjska Bistrica Slovenia www.2864.si

BRDO ESTATE

Contact

Brdo Estate is an enchanting combination of picturesque nature and regal history. It is located in the heart of Slovenia.The destination is a great opportunity for MICE business and is distinguished by its closeness to the capital city of Ljubljana and its Airport. The venue offers the MICE sector a distinctive advantage of elegantly designed venues for a range of functions, from intimate business networking sessions to larger board room meetings. Brdo also offers its services in nearby Strmol Castle and the Vila Bled Hotel in a serene part of the Slovene Alpine resort Bled.

Predoslje 39 Kranj Slovenia www.brdo.si

CD CONGRESS CENTRE LJUBLJANA

Contact

The largest convention centre in Slovenia, CD is a world-class venue with a vast array of auditoria, halls and meeting rooms, making it suitable for a diverse range of events, from conferences, trade fairs, congresses and seminars to smaller corporate or private gatherings. CD is situated in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, only 21 km from the airport. It offers 22 halls of varying sizes (the main plenary room with a capacity of up to 2,000 seats) with 4,000 m2 of exhibition space, which can be complemented by a vast outdoor exhibition area. CD is a proud member of ICCA and IAPCO.

Prešernova cesta 10 Ljubljana Slovenia www.cd-cc.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Nataša Andlovec T: +386 (0)8 200 4100 natasa.andlovec@2864.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Darja Remic T: +386 4 260 16 61 darja.remic@brdo.si

Contact person Mr. Luka Zajc T: +386 12417200 luka.zajc@cd-cc.si

Slovenia

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CITY HOTEL LJUBLJANA

Contact

The City Hotel Ljubljana has around 200 rooms, perfect to rest your weary feet after a long day of exploring the capitol. Here, we offer much more than just comfortable rooms and attentive service. The hotel also features a sunny terrace with plenty of greenery, a spacious fully-equipped conference centre with four meeting rooms, a fitness room, a restaurant and a fully-serviced bar. Free high-speed Wi-Fi within the entire hotel.

Dalmatinova 15 Ljubljana Slovenia www.cityhotel.si/

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Ana Ahačevčič T: +3861 239 01 53 ana.ahacevcic@cityhotel.si

COLLEGIUM MONDIAL TRAVEL

Contact

CMT group as outgoing and incoming tour operator offers the best and most comprehensive range of tourist services in the region of Central, Eastern and the Mediterranean part of Europe. Thanks to our dedicated professionals and offices in more then 10 countries, our customers and partners are always in good hands. We have 20 years of experience as one of the leading providers in the region for specialized programs and organizing and supporting events of bigger and lower scale, corporate groups, Tailormade tour for leisure,....

Šmartinska 152 Ljubljana Slovenia www. cmt-travelgroup.com

DT SLOVENIA DMC

Contact

The DT Slovenia DMC team consists of experts that have many years of experience in planning & organising event programs for groups. Each event is tailor made to your particular requirements. Slovenia is a small European country, but with great potential! We know Slovenia from top to bottom. So, please feel free to send us your requirements and get ready for a unique and memorable event.

Modra Hiša, Bravničarjeva 13 Ljubljana Slovenia www.dt-slovenia.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Dubravka Smoljanič Cvijič T: +386 31398262 dubravkascvijic@cmt.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Taja Maček T: +386 1 6209654 info@dt-slovenia.com

ETC ADRIATIC - INCENTIVE AND TEAM BUILDING AGENCY

Contact

ETC Adriatic is your best choice for team building and incentive in the region. We offer great programmes, complete organisation of events and we can make your event the best one possible. Contact us for a custom and unique offer for your preferred location in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy).

Podgorje 39 Kamnik Slovenia www.etc-adriatic.com

Contact person Mr. Matjaž Jug T: +386 31226763 matjaz.jug@etc-adriatic.com

Slovenia

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GO.MICE / TOLERANCA MARKETING

Contact

Go.Mice / Toleranca marketing is a young and flexible team being active in various fields within the meetings industry. Beside the professional organisation for both association and corporate events, they also act as consultants and moderators facilitating the transfer of knowledge to achieve optimal results. With the professional technological tools they take over the registration of participants, their hotel reservations, on-line payments and abstracts handling. Go.Mice are the proud co-organiser of Conventa!

Štihova 4 Ljubljana Slovenia www.go-mice.eu

GOLTE, HOTEL & MOUNTAIN RESORT

Contact

Hotel Golte**** is a perfect host for business meetings, when you want your business challenges enriched with new dimension of unspoiled nature and lively pulse of mountain resort activities. Resort is located in Kamnik & Savinja Alps, on altitude of 1410 meters. You can reach the best mountain hotel in a few minutes by cable car or by road. Modern and fully equipped conference hall can accommodate up to 120 people. The conference hall can be divided in two equally equipped smaller halls. After hard work guests can enjoy the spa and fitnes facilities. We organise teambuildings and events.

Radegunda 19c Mozirje Slovenia www.golte.si

GOOPTI D.O.O.

Contact

GoOpti is a leading transportation specialist present in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary... GoOpti offers complete logistic support whether you book transfers for your clients, organize some meetings, incentives, congresses, events or just need a transfer as individual.

Tehnoloski Park 18 Ljubljana Slovenia www.goopti.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Natalija Bah Čad T: + 386 14305103 natalija.bah.cad@go-mice.eu

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Mitja Škrabl T: +386 3 839 11 00 mitja.skrabl@golte.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Urška Kozamernik T: +386 13204525 urska.kozamernik@goopti.com

GR - LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

Contact

GR is the leading events centre in Slovenia. Its position is in the heart of Ljubljana, walking distance from majority of the hotels. It is a world-class venue providing a fully serviced platform to support events of all sizes, comprising 20 multifunctional halls that occupy a surface area of 12,323 sqm, which are complemented by 8,844 sqm of external space. The halls can welcome events up to 2,200 delegates. GR is very proud of more than 60 years being active in the field of different national and international tradeshows, meetings, congresses, conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, etc

Dunajska cesta 18 Ljubljana Slovenia www.gr-congress.si

Contact person Ms. Ana Božič T: +386 1 300 26 39 ana.bozic@gr-sejem.si

Slovenia

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GR - LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

Contact

Dunajska cesta 18 Ljubljana Slovenia www.gr-congress.si

HIT ALPINEA D.D.

Contact

Kranjska Gora, 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. Congress tourism has long tradition in the Hit Alpinea hotels. Five hotels with more than 600 rooms have as many as 17 conference halls and smaller meeting rooms that can host up to 1200 participants. Kranjska Gora offers business guest great venue with personalized services in combination with different activities and spending time in pure nature.

Borovška 99 Kranjska Gora Slovenia www.hit-alpinea.si

HIT D.D.

Contact

The Hit Group ranks among the largest entertainment providers in Europe: • 6 gaming and entertainment centres • 1 turistic resort • 1 casino • 2 slot halls • 10 hotels • 1 travel agency • Over 2,200 hotel beds • 2000 seats in the conference center • Over 3,400 slot machines • 216 gaming tables

Delpinova 7/a Nova Gorica Slovenia www.hit.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Mojca Slapnik T: +386 1 300 26 54 mojca.slapnik@gr-sejem.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Tjaša Maucec Suvak T: +386 45884 548 mojca.slapnik@gr-sejem.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Lucija Sila T: +386 5 336 4388 lucija.sila@hit.si

HOTEL CUBO

Contact

Hotel CUBO is a small design hotel located in the heart of the Ljubljana city centre. We are offering 26 luminous and spacious rooms, decorated with particularly good taste in a warm contemporary style using only the highest quality materials and amenities. In addition, we also offer conference facilities - 3 meeting rooms with minimalistic design, strategically placed lighting and latest audio-visual equipment. The new conference halls which have been opened in December, can easily accommodate up to 50 participants.

Slovenska cesta 15 Ljubljana Slovenia www.hotelcubo.com

Contact person Mr. Luka Ocvirk T: +386 1 425 6000 luka@hotelcubo.com

Slovenia

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HOTEL PAKA

Contact

Gorenje Gostinstvo is a company who who owns several restaurants, well known Vila Herberstein with 6-times awarded Michelin Star Chef, catering services and a hotel. Hotel Paka is a modern business and conference hotel, located in the centre of Velenje and has 53 rooms and 6 conference rooms equipped with all the technical resources - its spatial capacities and technical equipment allow excellent implementation of seminars, symposiums and conferences. It has a patisserie known for its excellent pastries and an à la carte restaurant with an excel,lent culinary offer.

Partizanska 12 Velenje Slovenia www.hotelpaka.com

HOTEL PIRAN BY EUROTAS HOTELS

Contact

Eurotas Hotels, since 1873, is a slovenian hospitality company, operating Hotel Evropa, Hotel Piran, Hotel Celeia, restaurants, bars and caterings, a shareholder of Casinos Portorose, which is operating Casino Portoroz, Casino Lipica, Casino Riviera and Casino Bernardin, rapidly growing and developing projects in the tourism sector.

Krekov trg 4 Piran Slovenia www.hotel-piran.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Jasna Petan T: +386 3 899 0714 jasna.petan@gorenje.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Dagmar Pečovnik T: + 386 51 607 366 dagmar@hotel-piran.si

HOTEL PLESNIK**** LOGARSKA DOLINA

Contact

Hotel Plesnik offers escape to pure nature. We are small boutique, wellness and family runned hotel, with more than 80 years of tradition in tourism. When we make an offer for you, we include destination experiences with local offer. Based on our unique location, which offers splendid view to the Alps, friendly staff and quality services gives us an opportunity to host the presidents and prime ministers, as well as some international incentives. Our goal is to satisfy the guest and we try to reach it with tradition, local connectivity and sustainability.

Logarska dolina 10 Logarska Dolina Slovenia www.plesnik.si

HOTELI BERNARDIN D.D.

Contact

St. Bernardin is one of the most important player in the SEE region as a Mediterranean meetings industry supplier. Ideally located at the top of the Adriatic Sea, between the medieval town of Piran and modern Portoroz, offers three hotels and convention centre. Promoting Istria and the Slovene Riviera as a destination worth visiting and in order to meet expectation of business guests,

Obala 2 Portorož Slovenia www.bernardingroup.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms Nina Plesnik T: +386 38392300 nina.plesnik@plesnik.si

Contact person Ms. Mojca Gobina Mravlje T: +386 5 690 7302 m ojca.gobina.mravlje@bernardingroup.si

Slovenia

List of exhibitors by country

HOTELI BERNARDIN D.D.

Contact

Obala 2 Portorož Slovenia www.bernardingroup.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Nataša Bobovnik T: +386 5 690 7500 n atasa.bobovnik@bernardingroup.si

IDMC

Contact

iDMC stands for reliable, knowledgeable and experienced DMC in region of Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. It also stands for a way of life. It stands for a business partner that will handle your project with energy, passion and smile. That will handle your challenges with care and add ideas to make your event an unforgettable experience.

Stegne 3 Ljubljana Slovenia www.idmc.eu

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Jelena Petkovič T: +386 59017747 jelena@idmc.eu

INTOURS DMC

Contact

Since 1995, Intours DMC has proven to be creative, different and innovative. Our conference & incentive programs are individually designed to the demands of the clients and reflect passion and in-depth knowledge of Slovenia, Croatia and the larger Adriatic r egion. Our clients and among them Jaguar, HP, Goodyear, Vodafone, Microsoft, Novartis, Toyota, Samsung and OMV attest to the first-class services and attention to detail of Intours DMC.

Breg 10 Ljubljana Slovenia www.intours-dmc.com

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Tomaž Krušič T: +386 1 430 35 50 tomaz.krusic@intours-dmc.si

KAVAL GROUP

Contact

Kaval Group has been with you since the year of 1999. It connects 16 venues that create a culinary story acknowledged by tradition, uniqueness, excellence and the high level quality of services. With great Chefs, known for their exceptional culinary creations, Kaval Group is the recipient of countless culinary awards. Welcome to try out culinary stories with Kaval catering services at: Restaurant Strelec and Castle caffe on Ljubljana Castle, Restaurants Element, Angel, Kaval, Favola or Paviljon at Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, &Scaron;pica Cafe, Cafe Bienale in park Tivoli.

Grobeljska 35 Ljubljana Slovenia www.kaval-group.si

Contact person Ms. Dada Jerovšek T: +386 41684248 rok.hribar@kaval-group.si

Slovenia

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KEMPINSKI PALACE PORTOROŽ

Contact

The Kempinski Palace enjoys a unique location in the very heart of Portorož with a fantastic view of the Adriatic Sea.The 5 star Superior hotel boasts 164 Superior and Deluxe rooms and 17 exclusive suites . Conferences, seminars, team building, product presentations and gala dinners – the Kempinski Palace avails six meeting rooms, a selection of breakout rooms, a unique ballroom and a private 5000 sq m park for car launches. State-of-the-art facilities and our dedicated team will ensure that your event becomes an unforgettable experience.

Obala 45 Portorož Slovenia

Slovenia

www.kempinski.com/portoroz

Contact person Mr. Tomislav Hrala T: +386 5 692 7661 tomislav.hrala@kempinski.com

KEMPINSKI PALACE PORTOROŽ

Contact

Obala 45 Portorož Slovenia

KOMPAS D.D.

Contact

What comes first for you? Friendly professional advice based on 65 years of practical knowledge or an innovative and thinking-out-of-the-box approach that always leads to a fantastic results? Be excited as we are – we can offer you both! We specialise in the Slovenian and Croatian markets, our home turf, where Kompas’ established local teams deliver innovative, daring, creative, best quality and low-risk travel products in the Meetings area of expertise. We have a proven track-record of company meetings, conferences and team-building exercises, accompanied with the incentive programs.

Prazakova 4 Ljubljana Slovenia www.kompasmeet.com

KOMPAS HOTELI BLED D.D.

Contact

2 hotels in the heart of charming Bled. Hotel Kompas offers visitors unforgettable views across Lake Bled and the castle. There are 5 halls suitable for organizing business meetings, seminars and conferences and they can accommodate up to 220 participants. BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Lovec with his Panorama Hall boasts the most beautiful views across the lake and the island.The hall can accommodate up to 140 persons in theater-style and has a tailor-made foyer for coffee breaks.

Cankarjeva cesta 2 Bled Slovenia www.kompashotel.com

Slovenia

www.kempinski.com/portoroz

Contact person Ms. Emina Glavas T: +386 5 692 7661 emina.glavas@kempinski.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Irena Smrkolj T: +386 1 200 6386 irena.smrkolj@kompas.si

Contact person Ms. Ana Kajin T: + 386 46205100 ana.kajin@kompas-lovec.com

Slovenia

List of exhibitors by country

LIFECLASS HOTELS & SPA

Contact

The international hotel chain LifeClass offers excellent accommodation, culinary, wellness and congress services. Together with its rich and varied top quality additional offer. LifeClass Hotels & Spa are characterized by high-quality services and products, with a strong personal touch when it comes to dealing with our guests. Our staff is famous for its hospitality, precision, expertise and devotion to our guests.

Obala 33 Portorož Slovenia www.lifeclass.net

Slovenia

Contact person Mr Mitja Žnidaršič T: +386 5 692 90 29 mitja.znidarsic@lifeclass.net

LJUBLJANA CASTLE

Contact

A mighty medieval fortress, a symbol of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana is an interesting tourist point, the idyllic grounds for long strolls just a glance away from the lively city centre. The Ljubljana castle offers many cultural, historic and entertaining events throughout the year. Protocol events, press conferences, receptions, gala dinners, seminars, concerts and exhibitions can take place in our ten venues.

Grajska planota 1 Ljubljana Slovenia www.ljubljanskigrad.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Maja Pangršič T: +386 5 690 7302 maja.pangrsic@ljubljanskigrad.si

LJUBLJANA TOURISM / CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

Ljubljana Convention Bureau team is the source of impartial & expert advice on meeting venues, suppliers and services in the capital of Slovenia and offers support to a prospective client in identifying the best solutions for an event. With its insider’s destination knowledge and a network of professional and dedicated destination partners, we can contribute to reaching the set objectives. In addition, our services are free of charge.

Krekov trg 10 Ljubljana Slovenia www.meetinljubljana.com

Slovenia

Why organize an association meeting, corporateor incentive event in Ljubljana? Contact person Safe. Compact. Car-Free. Good value for money. European Green Capital 2016. Ms. Tatjana Radovič T: +386 13064584 tatjana.radovic@visitljubljana.si

LJUBLJANA TOURISM / CONVENTION BUREAU

Contact

Krekov trg 10 Ljubljana Slovenia www..meetinljubljana.com

Why organize an association meeting, corporateor incentive event in Ljubljana? Contact person Safe. Compact. Car-Free. Good value for money. European Green Capital 2016. Ms. Neža Lipanje T: +386 13064584 neza.lipanje@visitljubljana.si

Slovenia

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MARIBOR POHORJE - TERME MARIBOR

Contact

Company Terme Maribor d.o.o. is an important tourist service provider in Slovenia. A rich and versatile tourist offer enables us to satisfy even the most demanding wishes and needs. The hotels (Habakuk, Piramida, Bellevue, Arena, Bolfenk, Videc, Orel, and Uni hotel), Travel Shops at state border crossings and catering service “Pri treh ribnikih” Restaurant provide hotel offer, congress activities, medical activities and wellness. Maribor is wonderfully nestled in the embrace of the green Pohorje Mountains on one side and wine-growing hills on other.

Ulica Heroja Šlandra 10 Maribor Slovenia www.termemb.si

RADISSON BLU PLAZA HOTEL LJUBLJANA

Contact

The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Ljubljana is the premier accommodation choice in the heart of the city’s business and shopping district. The city airport is only 30 kilometers away. The Radisson Blu is within walking distance of the Atlantis Water Park. Choose from 237 spacious rooms equipped with a range of comfortable amenities, like Free highspeed, wireless Internet. The on-site restaurants include an innovative eatery serving gourmet cuisine and the Plaza Cafe, the perfect place for a cup of coffee or cold cocktail. Host both business and personal events in the hotel’s 15th-storey congress.

Bratislavska cesta 8 Ljubljana Slovenia www.radissonblu.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Sanja Simonič T: +386 41394255 sanja.simonic@termemb.si

Slovenia

Contact person Mr Matevž Matic Vozič T: +386 30605708 matic.vozlic@radissonblu.com

RIMSKE TERME

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Rimske Terme is located in one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia (only one hour from the capital city by car), Rimske Toplice, where rich tradition and modern tourist services go hand in hand. The thermal resort offer relaxation in healing water, pampering wellness treatments and premium congress service. Rimske Terme is situated in an idyllic location, where you can take a walk through the intact nature and see the beautiful surrounding. Anyone who appreciates private surrounding and the beauty of nature should make an event in Rimske Terme.

Toplice 10 Rimske Toplice Slovenia www.rimske-terme.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Mojca Juhart T: +386 3 574 2096 mojca.juhart@rimske-terme.si

SAVA HOTELS & RESORTS

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Sava Hotels & Resorts brings together 6 exciting destinations in Slovenia where modernity, excellence and diversity connect in a creative atmosphere in harmony with nature. Bled, with its idyllic lake and enchanting island and the 5 thermal oases represent renowned congress destinations. With 14 hotels of different categories, 41 meeting rooms, high level conference services, professional support in all related activities we assure the provision of services of the highest level. Additional attractions include: thermal spas, wellness centres, golf courses, local and high end culinary delights.

Dunajska 152 Ljubljana Slovenia www.sava-hotels-resorts.com

Contact person Ms. Mateja Legat T: +386 4 5791 142 mateja.legat@hotelibled.com

Slovenia

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SAVA HOTELS & RESORTS

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Dunajska 152 Ljubljana Slovenia www.sava-hotels-resorts.com

SLOVENIAN CONVENTION BUREAU

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The Slovenian Convention Bureau (SCB) is a member-based organisation that focuses on the marketing and promotion of Slovenia as a destination for business events including meetings, incentive travel experiences, conferences, events and exhibitions. SCB features more than 50 members, including convention centres, hotels, PCO's and DMC's, the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, incentive and other hospitality service providers. SCB acts as a professional intermediary between meeting planners and suppliers, assisting organisers to select the most appropriate solution for their event.

Vošnjakova ulica 1 Ljubljana Slovenia

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Janette Poglajen T: +386 4 5791 142 janette.poglajen@sava.si

Slovenia

www.slovenia-convention.com

Contact person Ms. Jasna Jasič T: + 386 46205100 jasna.jasic@slovenia-convention.com

SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD

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Dimiceva 13 Ljubljana Slovenia www.slovenia.info

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Lucija Jager T: +386 5898 545 lucija.jager@slovenia.info

SORA CATERING

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Our main business stream is event catering and party services. We offer our Creative Culinary Experience at any location and destination of choice: If it is in Slovenia or abroad, at one of our own venues, forest clearings, karst caves or even in a cable car the sky is the limit for our offer.

Sora 1a Medvode Slovenia www.jezersek.si

The main advantage that we offer a complete service package; from planning before, assistance, equipment, decorations, service during and the clearing and follow up Contact person after the event. At each location we work to ensure personalised services. Mr. Primož Križnar T: +386 5 690 7302 primoz@jezersek.si

Slovenia

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TERME ČATEŽ D.D.

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Topliška cesta 35 Čatež ob Savi Slovenia www.terme-catez.si

Slovenia

The main advantage that we offer a complete service package; from planning before, assistance, equipment, decorations, service during and the clearing and follow up after Contact person the event. At each location we work to ensure personalised services. Ms. Petra Močan T: +386 7 620 70 92 petra.mocan@terme-catez.si

TERME KRKA

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Terme Krka is one of the leading companies in the tourism field in Slovenia. We take great pride in the high quality of our services and our personal approach to every single individual and have so for many years. Terme Krka offers a wide range of services, ranging all the way from health, leisure, food and beverage, and sports to holiday and congress options. We help our guests in their quest to lead a more pleasant, creative, successful, and healthier lifestyle at our locations in Otočec, Dolenjske Toplice, Šmarješke Toplice, and Strunjan. Invite your partners to Terme Krka.

Novi trg 1 Novo mesto Slovenia www.terme-krka.si

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Nataša Mihajlovič T: +386 41394255 natasa.mihajlovic@terme-krka.si

TERME OLIMIA

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Providing you a care-free stay at Olimia Spa are two four-star hotels: Wellness Hotel Sotelia, which has been awarded the Plečnik Prize, and the renovated Hotel Breza. Both have been designed for those who demand the best and wish to be in close contact with nature. Also available are the four-star Aparthotel Rosa and Nature camp site, as well as a three-star apartment settlement Vas Lipa. Terme Olimia is the perfect choice for one-day or longer congresses, conferences, seminars, and all other business and also social meetings.

Zdraviliška cesta 24 Podčetrtek Slovenia www.terme-olimia.com

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Andrej Pust T: +386 30605708 andrej.pust@terme-olimia.com

TERME TOPOLSICA

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Terme Topolšica hot springs and spa have been attracting lovers of nature and health since the 16th century. Today Terme Topolšica is a modern health and wellness resort offering an interesting and relaxing range of accommodation facilities, coupled with a myriad of recreational activities and medical treatments. Terme Topolšica’s accommodations are structured in the following manner: Hotel Vesna, Hotel Mladika, Wellness Centre Zala, Zora Aqua Park and apartment settlement Ocepkov Gaj.

Topolsica 77 Topolsica Slovenia www.terme-topolsica.si

Contact person Ms. Davorin Aram T: +386 3 89 61 06 davorin.aram@t-topolsica.si

Slovenia

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THE WALNUT GROVE GROUP

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The Walnut Grove group includes a special venue in Ljubljana, a catering service and an experience design agency. We are a one-stop-shop for special boutique events and extraordinary experiences in the region. The venue is an eco-chic place popular for conferences, incentives, team buildings and weddings. The catering service supports the venue and projects in other locations. We are highly adaptable to your needs and specialize in show cooking and local, seasonal cuisine. The experiential agency is a world-leader in Live Experience Design methodology, which can be applied to any event.

Obrije BŠ Ljubljana Slovenia

TOURIST BOARD BRDA

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Tourist board Brda represents the magical region of Brda, a fairytale land in the western part of Slovenia. Known for excellent wines, tasteful fruits, olive oil and delicious culinary, this little hilly and sunny region is full of tempting flavours, which need to be scooped with a large spoon. With many boutique hotels, restaurants, agritourisms, farms, wine cellars, a renaissance villa venue and natural wonders Brda makes a perfect destination for leisure, active tourism, business meetings and a story full of adventures, memories and joyous gatherings. DISCOVER, TASTE, EXPERIENCE - Brda

Trg 25.maja 2 Dobrovo Slovenia www.brda.si

UNION HOTELS

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The Union Hotels group comprises four hotels (the Grand Hotel Union, the Grand Hotel Union Business, the Hotel Lev and the Central Hotel) located in the very centre of Ljubljana. Altogether we offer 574 elegantly furnished hotel rooms of the various categories and 30 conference halls and meeting rooms with modern technical equipment.

Miklošičeva ulica 1 Ljubljana Slovenia www.union-hotels.eu

Slovenia

www.orehovgaj.si/walnut-grove/

Contact person Ms. Sandra Zidar T: +386 4 5791 142 sandra@orehovgaj.si

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Aljaž Filej T: + 386 8 20 554 20 aljaz.filej@brda.si

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Marko Zidar T: +38613081042 marko.zidar@union-hotels.eu

UNION HOTELS

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Miklošičeva ulica 1 Ljubljana Slovenia www.union-hotels.eu

Contact person Ms. Mateja Kodermac T: +386 1 308 1959 mateja.kodermac@union-hotels.eu

Slovenia

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VIVO CATERING

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Over more than 20 years of tradition, the Vivo catering company has become one of the most recognizable trademarks of high quality on the Slovenian as well as on the European market. Our growth and development have been continuously linked with creative solutions in the field of food and beverage with high added value. Vivo catering carries out the feasts at solemn protocol banquets, large media events and international congresses.

Dunajska 125 Ljubljana Slovenia www.vivo.si

Our venue VIVO D125 http://www.vivo.si/d125/

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Mateja Pohlin T: +386 1 54 61 657 mateja.pohlin@vivo.si

ISTANBUL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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Founded in 1997 as Turkey’s first destination marketing bureau, ICVB is a non-profit organisation that offers a wide range of services designed to: – Help promote Istanbul as a congress, meeting & incentive destination – Assist organisers in creating fabulous events in the city – Arrange site inspections for association representatives & meeting planners – Support the congress candidature process of Istanbul by preparing official bids – Provide promotional materials & marketing support – Coordinate the support of local and national authorities

I TO Ek Hizmet Binasi, Resadiye Cad., No:7 Eminonu Istanbul, Turkey www.icvb.org

Turkey

Contact person Ms. Tugce Memisoglu T: +90 212 522 55 55 tugce@icvb.org

TUNES TRAVEL ISTANBUL

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INCENTIVE TRAVEL & YACHTING IN TURKEY & GREECE; Tunes Travel Istanbul is a full service and innovative DMC with extensive experience and progressive ideas. Provides exclusive organization and implementation of incentive programs with the highest level of personal attention, professionalism, creativity and flair. Endless possibilities to view and sample the diverse culture, 2000 year history, cuisine & entertainment. The goal is to reach further than the conventional to create a truly outstanding program that that will surpass all expectations with faultless implementation.

Bagdat Cad. 191 Ciftehavuzlar

TURKISH AIRLINES

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Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is a four-star airline flying to 285 cities around the world. One of the fastest growing airlines, it received several “Passenger Choice Awards” from APEX. In 2015, Turkish Airlines has been chosen "Best Airline in Europe" in last five years and awarded “Best Business Class Onboard Catering”, “Best Business Class Lounge Dining” by Skytrax in 2015 World Airline Awards. Turkish Airlines flies to more countries in the world than any other airline according to UMB’s Official Airline Guide.

C umhuriyet Caddesi No:123 K:3 34373 Elmadag Istanbul, Turkey www.turkishairlines.com

Turkey

Istanbul Turkey www.tunestravel.com

Contact person Ms. Serra Tunaman Parlakisik T: + 90 2164785678 serra@tunestravel.com

Contact person Ms. Evrim Acar T: +90 212 368 6363 conventions@thy.com

Turkey

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LVIV CONVENTION BUREAU

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Lviv Convention Bureau promotes Lviv as a new Eastern European Meetings' Industry destination. Our services include, but are not limited to: • Tailoring the best package for our customers • Coordinating the cooperation of local MICE industry participants • Negotiating with hotels and venues • Providing support from governmental institutions and local media Lviv Convention Bureau – your No. 1 partner in planning your next convention!

1 Rynok Sq Lviv Ukraine

Ukraine

www.lvivconvention.com.ua/en/

Contact person Ms. Lina Ostapchuk T: +38 32 254-60-99 lina@lvivconvention.com.ua

SPLIT CITY BREAK great value a cultural break in Split If you are staying in Split for a weekend from October to the end of March for 2 nights, City break offers a cultural break in Split with: free theatre, events, concert tickets and sightseeing.

The imperial city

SPLIT CITY MEETINGS fabulous incentives If your group is staying from October to the end of March for at least 3 nights (over 100 people), Split city meetings offers a free guided tour and evenings of a capella singing and folklore.

www.visitsplit.com

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INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS ICCA

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PARTNERS

International Congress and Convention Association- is the global community and www.iccaworld.org knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. ICCA represents the main specialists in organising, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events, and comprises over 1,000 member companies and organisations in almost 100 countries worldwide. ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication Contact person channels, and business development opportunities. Ms. Antonia PetreT: + 386 41 720 041 info@akustika-primozic.si

MPI - MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL

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PARTNERS

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event indus- www.mpiweb.org/EMEA try association worldwide. Founded in 1972, the organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has more than 90 chapters and clubs in 24 countries. Contact person MPI in Europe counts about 1400 members and has 13 Chapters. Mr. Federico Toja +33.610245377 ftoja@mpiweb.org

SITE - SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE TRAVEL EXCELLENCE

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PARTNERS

Founded in 1973, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is comprised of www.SITEglobal.com 2,000 members and 28 local chapters. Their members are incentive travel professionals who know from experience that incentive travel works. It works to reward, retain and motivate employees! The SITE global member community, which represents over 90 countries is on a mission to strengthen and inspire this extraordinary industry. Contact person

THE MEETINGS SHOW

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The Meetings Show is held annually in June at Olympia London and aims to connect www.themeetingsshow.com meetings professionals for three days of face-to-face business and valuable networking opportunities. We offer exhibitors and attendees the chance to source new suppliers, learn from our free education programme and hold meetings with people that will make a real difference to your business. With more than 600 of the finest destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and technology providers under one roof in the heart of London along with 1000 top quality hosted buyers from around the world, it's the must-attend event in the meetings industry. Held from the 13-15 June 2017, make sure you're there.

Contact person Mr. Jack Marczewski T: +44 (0)20 7970 4367 jack.marczewski@centaurmedia.com

PARTNERS

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MEETING SERVICES SPOT AKUSTIKA PRIMOŽIČ

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Over fifteen years of experience and continuous investment in the latest equipment and a professional team means that all of our events are top-notch. We strive to serve all of our customers based on the three-step principle of dreams, plan, and realization. We do our best to meet customers’ wishes and make their dreams come true using the latest technology on the market. Our range of work includes organizing small events, such as conferences, speeches, receptions, social gatherings, and small concerts, as well as concerts held at stadiums and other large events. We take care of all customers’ needs personally, listen to their wishes, and make them come true together.

Kajakaška 54 Ljubljana - Šmartno Slovenia www. akustika-primozic.si

AVAILPRO

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Founded in 2001, Availpro is a leading provider of e-booking software solutions which allows hotels to increase their occupancy and revenue while saving costs. Availpro provides innovative and critical tools to help managers operate their on-line distribution, maximize commission-free bookings from their official website and facilitate decision-making processes regarding price optimization and guest satisfaction. Availpro partners with more than 300 companies around the world including largest OTA's, meta-search portals, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), PMS, RMS & CRS providers. With 10 offices in Europe and North America, Availpro is a leading technical provider of on-line hotel rooms distribution solutions.

14, boulevard Poissonniere Paris France www.availpro.com

BRAUHAUS BEVOG GMBH

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Bevog microbrewery is the fruit of inquisitiveness and aspiration towards discovering new beer-drinking experiences; it is the result of enthusiasm, love and zeal. We brew beers with character and soul. Our goal is to transcend the limits of the known and ordinary. We have had enough of a monotonous beer offer and the belittling of beer. Beer can be and is much more than that.Bevog brewery is dedicated primarily to beers of top fermentation, more commonly known as ales. The ales we brew basically originate from England. Despite the English roots of ales, we here at Bevog are very creative and do not stick to the established norms. We design our beers in our own way, the way we know is right.

Gewerbepark B 9 Bad Radkersburg Austria www.bevog.com

CAR TARGET

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WE MAKE RENTALS SIMPLE. That’s the motto of Car Target Group – umbrella brand of two companies with two business models; Vehicle RentÔ which is focused on end consumers – offering them affordable car rental deals all around the world, and Car TargetÔ which was designed for everybody in travel business, especially for travel agents and tour operators.

Brnčičeva ulica 13

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Žiga Papler T: + 386 41 720 041 info@akustika-primozic.si

France

Contact person Mr. Mihael Veberic T: +386 51 260 327 mihael.veberic@availpro.com

Austria

Contact person Mr. Janez Zlebic T: +43 (0) 3476 41543 janez.zlebic@bevog.com

Ljubljana Slovenia www.cartargetgroup.com

Car Target car rental broker platform offers you 3 different rental solutions that can be Contact person completely adjusted for your business, market and correspond to your specific demands. Mr. Arturs Zantmans T: +386 30 648 433 Meet us at the exhibitors’ stand and we’ll discuss how we can unleash your business arturs.zantmans@car-target.com potential and increase your revenue in 2017!

Slovenia

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COPIA BIRO

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Slovenia

Copia biro d.o.o. is Canon Premier Partner for Advanced office solutions (Document Tehnološki park 22a Management Solutions and Management Systems), Large Format Solutions and Ljubljana Production print in Slovenia Slovenia www.canon.si

Over 30 years of experience, more than 1,000 partners, over 2,000 devices, which are maintained by certified service technicians, ensure that we are the best partner for your organization. In the past 10 years we have received more than 30 awards for our succesfull results from our bussines partners and Canon Europe. We are one of the most successful partners in Adria and CEE region and we would like to share our knowledge and experience with you.. This cooperation will bring excellence to your business.

Contact person Mr. Niko Vlastelica T: +386 51 390244 niko.vlastelica@canon.si

FOTOKOPIRNICA PHOTOTRAILER

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Fotoprikolica phototrailer is used in promotions, events, team buildings and weddings. It has possibility to be used as photobooth, where photos are printed on the spot. With changing backgrounds and layouts all photos are prepared to meet organisers needs. With WIFI hotspot all photos could be shared also to social media.

Tabor 5a Cerknica Slovenia www.fotoprikolica.si

Slovenia

Fotoprikolica phototrailer could be brought to selected locations, even though there is no electricity. With its vintage image it is really eye catching and fun. Contact person Mr. Bojn Zrimšek

Fotoprikolica could be rented for one event or for series with different locations, T: where it is enough flat place. fotoprikolica@gmail.com

GOLF IN SLOVENIA

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Golf Slovenia – Golf business interest association is your professional link to the Slovenian golf tourism. We represent golf courses, hotels, destination management companies, and tour operators in Slovenia. We help you get all information to build your programs, sales, find your partners and services in the golf tourism in Slovenia.

Šmartinska cesta 152 Ljubljana Slovenia www.bevog.com

Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Aleksandra Kravanja T: +386 40466900 akravanja@mac.com

IDENTIX

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We are card and RFID solutions provider developing innovative solutions for card identification systems, RFID solutions, event management & loyalty solutions. We live for identification and personalization. From ID products, such as ID cards, card printers, ID accessories, as well as advanced and scalable RFID solutions. However, these solutions are meaningless without personalisation. In order to understand these needs, we must know what the customer wants. Knowledge of Business analytics is therefore crucial for our work.

Nova pot 124a

Brezovica Slovenia www.identiks.si

Contact person Mr. Jure Triller T: +386 30 648 433 info@identiks.si

Slovenia

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PELICON

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We are a craft brewery located in the heart of Vipava Valley, a town called Ajdovščina. We love to drink the beer we brew and along the way we love to spread our enthusiasm for great beer among others. Our brewery sent its first beer out in 2013 and now we are awarded best Slovenian craft brewer. Our mission is to continue to produce beer that excites.

Lavričeva 1 Ajdovščina Slovenia www.pelicon.beer

Slovenia

Contact person T: + 386 41 720 041 info@pivovarnapelicon.com

TEKTONIK

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Slovenia

Likozarjeva ulica 1 Ljubljana When we talk about beer, we become very serious. Almost deadly serious. Our main Slovenia goal is to offer a quality beer, which should be perceived as an exceptional gastronomic www.tektonik.beer enjoyable event. Each sip, that touches the tongue and slides down the throat, melts into pleasure, for which you want to be lasting forever. We are just in love with beer! Contact person A wide selection of top quality goods that we receive from globally renowned producers Mr. allows us to create a virtually unlimited range of flavors and aromas, which satisfies even T: +386 51 260 327 the most demanding drinkers. info@tektonik.beer Deadly serious beer.

LJUBLJANA TOURISM

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Ljubljana Tourism is the official destination marketing organization in charge of promoting and marketing the Slovenian capital and the Region of Central Slovenia. It is a professional source of objective and comprehensive information for both the B2B and B2C client segments. We are pleased to provide our ample knowledge on tourism products in the leisure and business travel segments as well as contacts of potential partners. Our aim is also to present the wide array of tour programmes and special experiences that can be booked through us, also online. A department within Ljubljana Tourism specifically deals with the sales of products and services, including a vast choice of Ljubljana-branded souvenir lines that can be a good choice for giveaways at business events.

Krekov trg 10 Ljubljana Slovenia www.visitljubljana.com

SUPEREVENT

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Slovenia

Contact person Ms. Mateja Škrlj Groznik T: +386 (0)1 306 46 97 mateja.skrlj@visitljubljana.si

Superevent is the ultimate event app for all your events. As attendee of one of the www.superevent.com Superevent events you have all event information right here in your phone. Connect to your peers, chat with them and meet up! Participate in interactive sessions by voting or asking your questions in the Q&A. Download the app now and be amazed!

Contact person Mr. Marcel Wassink marcel@superevent.com

Netherlands

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U TURN TAX REFUND D.O.O.

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U Turn Tax Refund d.o.o. as a part of global mother company UTTRCo (UTTR) provides tax consultancy & services for businesses to recover VAT on overseas cost. We are committed to helping our clients succeed and are passionate about providing comprehensive service. With some of the world's highest profile multi-national companies as our clients we have gained an unmatched knowledge base of complex cross border tax expertise and business practices. UTTRCO is proud of being fully transparent and provide impartial and personalized service ensuring that you receive the best possible results for your business. Our local presence spans across 4 continents of the world and our clients are based in over 90 countries.

Radnička cesta 52 Zagreb Croatia www.uttrco.com

VIP PREVOZI

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D rive with Style. Business people, tourists, a group on the way at home or abroad? Going to a fair, event… VIP prevozi offers you a reliable, pleasant, comfortable and relaxed ride with high class vehicles and we bring you safely to your desired destination! They provide you a carefree ride of your group with high class vans all over Slovenia and Europe. Pleasant and comfortable travelling is enabled by spacious safe vehicles and experienced drivers, who offer you the highest level of services and politeness.

Stara Vrhnika 2 Vrhnika Slovenia www.vip-prevozi.si/en

VPK PRO D.O.O.

Contact

VPK PRO was established in 1991 as a small production company focusing on producing corporate films for local companies. V PK PRO is the biggest independent TV production house in the region. C ompany locations are in Ljubljana, Zagreb and joint venture company in Belgrade. There are around 50 people employed and more than 150 permanently contracted. VPK PRO won many awards for the best documentaries and touristic films on international festivals. We produced many TV movies and TV serials. Among other entertainment TV production we have produced weekly TV show called “Na Zdravje” ( Slovenian version of “Musikantstadl”) in prime time for more than 7 years. VPK PRO was awarded as the best Slovenian TV commercial production house on Slovenian advertising festival in Portorose 2011.

Kranjčeva 22 Ljubljana Slovenia www.vpk.si

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Deni Oreški T: +385 914343137 doreski@uttrco.com

Slovenia

Contact person Mr. Blaž Drašler T: +386 51 390244 vip.prevozi@gmail.com

Contact person Mr. Mitja Kregar T: +43 (0) 3476 41543 mitja@vpk.si

Slovenia

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MEDIA PARTNERS ACE OF MICE TURKISH

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ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition by Turkish Airlines is being organized since 2014 and with its global communication campaign; it aims to increase the perception and awareness of Turkey MICE industry globally. The exhibition’s professional hosted buyer program aims to gain new clients and markets and the “Business Network” and “AMEzing” parties within the exhibition aims to provide togetherness and motivation within the industry. Exhibition’s sessions and seminars have the goal of raising the bar every passing year.

F atih Sultan Mehmet Cad. Akbey Sok. Istanbul, Turkey www. akustika-primozic.si

Turkey

Contact person Ms. Gokce UCA T: +90 216 465 95 56-57 gokce@turizmmedya.net

BLOGGER AP

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Serbia

Aleksandra Petrovski is Idea Woman. Content Strategist, Social Media Manager, Video www.alex5rovski.com Editor, Journalist and Blogger from Belgrade. Co-founder of www.write.rs - web content creation training center. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of alex5rovski.com - blog about new media and comunications, inspirative faces and places, adventure travels and lifehacking. Contact person Ms. Aleksandra Petrovski alexandra5rovski@gmail.com

CIMUNITY

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Germany

CIM - Conference & Incentive Management is a leading European specialist KG Hilpertstraße 3 magazine on congresses, events and incentives Darmstadt Germany www.cimunity.com

Contact person Ms. Ellen Hellbusch T: +49 176/139 07-921 e.hellbusch@cimunity.com

EUBEA

Contact

EuBea Festival, the International Festival of Events and Live Communication, is an initi- www.adcgroup.it ative launched in 2006 by ADC Group to affirm and develop the culture of live communication across the world. The Festival features a cultural programme and a contest to award the best projects, event agencies and companies of the year. It also represents the perfect platform for event professionals to network and get an update on the industry. The 2017 edition will be held in Porto next November thanks to the partnership with Apecate. For the first time, the Awards will be open to the whole world, and not only to Contact person European agencies, with a special chapter called EuBea World. Ms. Brenda Debiasio brenda.debiasio@adcgroup.it

Italy

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EVENT POINT

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Event Point is the leading magazine for the Portuguese meetings industry. Quarterly, we produce, in Portuguese, reports, interviews, suggestions for all those who work in the industry. With Event Point International, our English edition, we show our readers around the world the best of the global meetings industry sector with a special focus on the countries and territories that are culturally and historically connected to the Portuguese language: from Portugal to Brazil.

Rua da Fรกbrica Social Porto Portugal www.eventpoint.com.pt

Portugal

Contact person Mr. Rui Ochoa rui@eventpoint.com.pt

EVENTCV

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Estonia

EventCV is groundbreaking platform that allows live event professionals to post www.eventcv.com their CVs and to be connected with incredible employers. EventCV gives employers and event organizers access to thousands of eager, qualified candidates. Finding the right job or the right employee is now just a few clicks away. Event CV is not only revolutionary, it is also already the go to resource for anyone serious about the event industry anywhere in Europe. Contact person Ms. Mary Kirillova mary.kirillova@eventcv.com

EVENTOPLUS

Contact

Spain

Grupo eventoplus is the largest meeting resource group in Spain. From online www.eventoplus.com to print media, Grupo eventoplus also organizes conferences and a trade show with innovative and play formats and the latest topics for meeting professionals.

Contact person Mr. Albert Gauchia +34 93 272 0927 info@eventoplus.com

MASH MEDIA

Contact

Mash Media is the leading publisher of magazines and directories for the event, www.mashmedia.net exhibition, meetings and conference sectors.

Contact person Mr. Iain STerling T: +386 30 648 433 istirling@mashmedia.net

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MASTER MEETING

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Communication Agency, a publishing house specialized in editing Italy’s leading meeting and tourism industry magazines, stands out for its prestige, endless innovation, a profiled database containing 85,098 records, along with the quality of its editorial products, covering the entire industry through four main communication channels: print, web, mobile, live events. Master Meeting, an opinion magazine dedicated to mice&bleisure tourism, is a b2b publication that places qualified supply (facilities, locations, destinations) to qualified demand (executives, MDs, corporate event managers, PCOs, travel managers, incentive houses), through current reports, interviews with key figures and special coverage news.

Via Giuseppe Prina, 11 Milan Italy www.mastermeeting.it

Contact person Ms. Irena Vergani T: +02 49468978 vergani@ilvfactory.com

MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL With articles covering key industry issues , strategic meetings management, (SMM), CSR, procurement and return on investment (ROI), through to supplychain management and benchmarking, we help meeting planners develop strategies, content and events that really make a difference.

Italy

Sweden Box 224 271 25 Ystad

Sweden www.meetingsinternational.se

Contact person Mr. Roger Kellerman r oger.kellerman@meetingsinternational.se

PLACE2GO CROATIA & SLOVENIA

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Place2go is a media group that has seven travel magazines: main Croatian edition – Place2go, and 5 franchise editions: German – World Horizons, French – Horizons Monde, Slovenian – Place2go, Serbian – Putovanja za dvoje and Bosnian-Herzegovinian – Putovanja za dvoje. The magazine is issued 4 times a year and offers our readers first-hand information about top destinations in the world and top tourist facilities which they offer.

Andrijevićeva 12 Zagreb Croatia www.place2go.hr

Croatia

Contact person Mr. Roberto Radič roberto@place2go.hr Ms. Vita Vlašič vita@place2go.si

KONGRES MAGAZINE

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The Kongres Magazine is a leading media for meetings and events industry in New www.kongres-magazine.eu Europe

Contact person Mr. Gorazd Čad gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu

Slovenia

List of exhibitors by country

THE MICE BLOG

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The MICE Blog was established in 2011 as a way of connecting with the global on-line www.themiceblog.com community of event planners and to showcase the work done within this sector. The aim of this blog is to educate, inspire, share insights and network with other event professionals globally. The MICE Blog works collaboratively with global Convention Bureaux, venues, event planners, exhibition organisers and SMEs, supporting them with social media, strategic content creation, live blogging opportunities, FAM trips and sponsored posts. Contact person Ms. Joanna Axinte events@themiceblog.com

TMF DIALOGUE

Clever solutions for congress and meetings marketing. 20+ years ahead of the game in supporting destinations to create strong bonds with meeting planners in key source markets. We know how to make messages relevant and contextual. As meeting industry content experts, key focus is on congress and meeting promotion, destination business development, communication and content marketing as well as facilitating CVB development and trainings. Focus in India on MICE and events. Wide network of owned media and social/digital channels.

TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD

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Germany

Veitshöchheim Germany www.tmf-dialogue.com

Contact person Ms. Ulrike Kiesel u.kiesel@tmf-dialogue.com

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Spain

Grupo eventoplus is the largest meeting resource group in Spain. From online w ww.travelandtourworld. to print media, Grupo eventoplus also organizes conferences and a trade show com with innovative and play formats and the latest topics for meeting professionals.

Contact person Mr. Andrea das m arketing@travelandtourworld.com

TU! MAGAZIN

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Our magazine is dedicated to tourism and HoReCa business in Serbia and the region. Our goal is supporting and enhancing tourism and HoReCa business in our region, transferring the best work practices from the global scene and, also, telling what the world can learn from us. Our reading audience is the owners, managers and employees of hotels, restaurants, cafes, wellness centers, tourist orga-nizations/agencies and food&beverage manufacturers and distributors. We want to connect people, ideas, small family-owned businesses and large corporations; we want to create and strengthen the relationship between hotels, restaurants and cafes with suppliers, agencies with destinations, and fairs with exhibitors and visitors. The magazine is published periodically, on a bi-monthly basis (with a total of 6 issues per year) and a circulation of 8,000 copies.

Vojvode Stepe 26/I ulaz/6

Belgrade Serbia www.simplemedia.rs

Contact person Mr. Miroslav Mladenovič miroslav.mladenovic@simplemedia.rs

Serbia

CONVENTA CROSSOVER Conference will again look into the future of MICE and tourism marketing. It is the first event, dedicated to marketing in tourism and will focus on the areas of content, social, digital and experience marketing. Participants will have an amazing opportunity to hear about latest digital trends and successful stories in tourism and meet some of the best experts in the area of marketing and tourism. THE CONFERENCE IS INTENDED FOR Event organizers, providers of congress services, congress venues, all in the Alpe Adria region, who are closely related to working in marketing and tourism or are interested in working in this field. CREATIVE AND FRESH CONFERENCE FORMAT The â&#x20AC;&#x153;out of the boxâ&#x20AC;? conference will ensure a deepened personal engagement, a more authentic experience and live interaction with speaker by offering different programme formats.

28. - 29. avgust 2017 Hotel Lev, Ljubljana www.crossover.si

Inside Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA, A CHAMPION IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM, WELCOMES THE CONVENTA SHOW 2017!

Text by Tatjana Radovič

very special year, when Ljubljana bore the prestigious title of the European Green Capital 2016, awarded to the city by European Commission for having made the largest number of sustainable changes in the shortest period of time, has just come to an end. Yet, this year has left a legacy for the future and also enhanced the existing awareness on the importance of sustainable tourism, whose aim is to reduce its adverse impacts on the local environment and population, and to ensure that the development leaves a positive mark on the city. In the last decade Ljubljana has closed the city centre for traffic, introduced a complimentary public transport option - an electric-powered vehicle named Kavalir (Gentle Helper) and has increased the number of city buses running on methane, which has visibly contributed to reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, Ljubljana Tourism started reviving the traditional local cuisine through the Taste Ljubljana culinary project that involves and connects a number of local caterers and food producers. It has also introduced in its offer guided tours with a green focus, such as the Bee routes tour, Treasures of Tivoli Garden tour, Guided tour with elements of Nordic walking and Jogging tour of Ljubljana – some of them can be even activity options for corporate / incentive programmes. In the recent years Ljubljana has received numerous other awards and titles as a result of its green heartbeat and development. In September 2016 it was featured for the second time among the Top 100 sustainable destinations in the world, which was announced at the Global Green Destinations Day international conference in Ljubljana. In June 2016 the World Association of Journalists and Travel Writers FIJET awarded Ljubljana with the "tourism Oscar" title – the Golden Apple Award for outstanding achievements in the development of tourism, preservation of cultural, natural and historical heritage, its inclusion in the tourist offer and outstanding examples in introducing the principles of sustainable development in

tourism. In May 2016 Ljubljana was honoured by the European Commission in the category »Environment and accessibility as a basis for sustainable and responsible development, with an emphasis on accessibility for people with disabilities«. Additionally, Ljubljana won the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award for 2015 conferred by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which pointed out that in recent years the city has been completely redesigned with sustainability in mind. This recognition is regarded to be the highest accolade for sustainability within the global travel and tourism industry. With its sustainable agenda, Ljubljana is not only concerned with the welfare of the local population but also attracts more and more foreign visitors, the number of which has doubled over the past 10 years. Some of the sustainable practices that contributed to the mentioned recent successes will be also presented to a group of Conventa hosted buyers attending the Ljubljana fam trip prior to the show. The programme will pinpoint the many qualities of the Slovenian capital for meetings & incentives in just more than one day. It will showcase the destination in a different, experiential and fun way, combined with professional knowledge. Some time will also be dedicated to tasting the enticing local cuisine and the surprising Slovenian wines, even in a more “hands on” way. As Ljubljana is a true walking city, hopefully some crisp & sunny winter weather will serve as a backdrop to making its discovery a most enjoyable experience!

www.meetinljubljana.com

TH NEW EUROPE EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

Explore the emerging destinations of Europe over a cup of coffee

THE BOUTIQUE MEETINGS MARKET IS BACK AND THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL Once you’ve seen what CONVENTA can do for you in two days you’ll never want aything else.

WWW.CONVENTA.INFO

24 - 25 JANUARY 2018, Ljubljana—Slovenia

Column

»POWER TO THE MEETINGS« THE METHODOLOGY FOR CREATING MEMORABLE EVENTS Text by Gorazd Čad

Photo Shutterstock

very events planner’s wish is not only to satisfy the participants’ needs but also to inspire them. The power of events lays in the co-creation and the contact of participants with the organizer’s idea. The moment when a spark of creative energy is lit between participants and organizers is limited and therefore requires careful planning. The process of planning events at our agency is simply called "Power to the meetings." Even with events we need a very strong skeleton for good composition. The methodology that we use is based on many years of experience and is inspired by the Danish methodology Meetovation. In order to develop the positive experience of the participants we follow the logical phases by using a variety of tools integrated in every event led by certain rules that can only be learnt by time and through experience.

EACH EVENT MUST HAVE ITS OWN COLOR THE SOUND. Successful event organizers know how important it is to organize an event with love and positive energy. You need to know how to create the flow of energy between the organizers and participants, the speakers and the audience, the sponsors and the crowd. The event venue has to have a flow as well, like rock festivals or large airports. Above all, to create good energy we have to check the three basic event elements. First is the element of surprise. Some also call it a first impression. The second element is communication that is before, during and after the event transmitting the energy all the way up to the heights of modern hybrid communication of social media. Third and last element is an effective dramaturgy, which includes the ambience of the venue, design of the stage, light and for the true congress rockers also great rock riffs or in other words: each event must have its own color the sound.

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1. CONTENT Secret and essence of events remains good stories. The best are simple, clear and sincere. Because it speaks to the heart and soul, the basic story must grab the participants at the first glance. The stories are those that separate meetings logistics experts from the meetings architects. The first are adherents of the beaten tracks, while others are looking to create something new, passionate and exciting. Practical tool: Event content canvas

7. CO-CREATION We learn the most if we do it ourselves. In our opinion a precondition for the active involvement of the participants is to use the method of experiential learning. Before that we have to explore and get to know the participants needs and wishes. This stage of the process requires careful planning starting from the content that we through different methods (workshops, hand zone) and technical devices bring closer to participants (Sli.do). Practical tool: Disposition of experimental points of the event

2. PARTICIPANT JOURNEY In this phase we come up with the concept for participants’ experience. Step by step we guide participants through all the experiences that are written in the form of a script. In it we include also the user experience in the field of communication. We finally test the scenario on a group of test participants. Practical tool: Scenario of user experience

8. AUTHENTICITY Genuine is all that is authentic. We all love to look and create unique experience that are nothing else than authentic and slightly spiced up nostalgic stories. Authentic cuisine, music, special historical sites and cultural history are at the core elements of every successful event; from incentives to big congresses. Participants like to return back to nature, get to know the authentic way of life, feel the real feelings, smell the original smells and experience the special venues. Practical tools: Matrix "Off the beaten MICE track"

3. BRANDING Branding is a tool for construction of visibility of the event by using the name, image and symbols as a kind of fingerprint of the desired identity. It is a part of exhistance as it is understood or decoded by the participants and it represents an important part of the event development. The result of a carefully planned branding is the reputation as a clear measurement for brand and image of the event. Practical tool: Brief for brand of the event

9 GREEN THINKING Our agency is the author of recommendations for organizing green meetings, which are used as standards by the Slovenian Convention Bureau. We urge the clients to plan, execute and evaluate the sustainable measures together. Sustainable measures are implemented in the venue decision, transport of participants, the culinary offer for participants, communication, materials and the technical execution of the event. Practical tool: Matrix of sustainable measures for the organization of events

4. RHYTM With rhythm we gather parts of the event and put them into a meaningful chronology. Instead of tones we use programme segments with greater and lesser attention of participants. People react instinctively to rhythm, so thinking about the rhythm of the event is one of the elementary duties of the organizer. Practical tool: Programme scheme

10. ROI Participation in the event is under the microscope, marketing budgets are shrinking and directors require maximum ROI. That which cannot be measured, cannot be managed. So how do we do it? We carry out targeted surveys among stakeholders to regularly check the satisfaction of key stakeholders.Heaving participants in mind, it all starts with clear goals and expectations. If there are no goals, it is easy to say everything went well. Setting goals is a must as only this way you can truly measure what has been achieved. An important part of ensuring high profitability is also generating a feeling of quality. Practical tool: Surveys for the measurement of ROI of events

5. CREATIVE SET UP You need to maintain an appropriate environment to start the debate among the participants. Speakers are mostly the motivators and provocateurs. Different venue set ups like “open space”, "open fishbowl" or "word caffee" will instantly improve the communication and set it on a higher level compared to the classical classroom set up. In collaboration with the architects we visualize our experiences and prepare them for implementation. Practical tool: Visualization of space (floor plan, 3D animation) 6. SPEAKERS MANAGEMENT As organizers we have to make sure the speakers are informed and prepared. In the forefront is not only the transfer of knowledge and experiences. It is important for the speakers to include in their work also the interaction with the participants. Depending on what we want to active, we advise the usage of different programme formats (Pecha Kucha, TEDEx, elevator pitch,…)Having an appropriate moderator that will connect the programme segments is also crucial for the success of the event. Practical tool: Instructions for speakers

MORE INFORMATIONS: Natalija Bah Čad TOLERANCA MARKETING d.o.o. T: + 386 (01) 430 51 03 E: natalija@toleranca.eu

Best of

BEST OF 2016 Best apps, books, conferences and congresses, songs, movies and restaurants for 2016 by meetings industry experts.

3 BEST CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES 2016 Dan Rivlin, KENES GROUP, CEO Fifty years of knowledge, experience and market expertise have led Kenes Group to the forefront of global conference management and to becoming one of the world’s leading Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs). 1. With ESPID 2016 the challenge was to deliver a smooth and technological experience for 2,500 delegates. The team had to think creatively with the client and experiment with new ideas. Creating multiple platforms to disseminate knowledge and enhance networking is key to attracting different generations. 2. ICS 2016 challenged us to organize the event in Tokyo, where the local culture and potential had a great impact on the meeting.  Adapting meetings to a region or country is key to keeping international associations relevant to their community. 3. ECCMID 2016 presented another challenge – the unstable situation in its initial location forced us to move this huge event to Amsterdam only 4 months before its beginning. Crisis management is key to the sustainability of associations. It is no longer a residual risk, but a practice that should be dealt with on a regular basis.

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3 BEST APPS 2016 Corbin Ball, Corbin Ball & Co. Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, DES, MS is an international speaker, consultant and writer helping clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity. Named as one of "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry" for 2012 by Successful Meetings magazine, having received this award four times previously. Named as a Meetings Trendsetter 2015 by Meetings Focus Magazine, one of Top 30 CMP Influencers by the CIC. and #5 in Bizzabo's 60 Most Influential Event Professionals To Follow, July, 2016. 1. Grip: This event app combines natural language processing, advanced algorithms and deep neural networks to "match" people at events. In addition, other event applications and registration providers can integrate with the Grip AI engine to make it easier to meet the right people at the right time and place. They have an application programming interface (API), so that other event apps can integrate this advanced AI into the products. 2. GruupMeet: This fully mobilized destination management, group check-in and event communication system fills a helpful niche for many corporate events. 3. EventGeek: Enabling teams to collaborate and manage event logistics, including venues, vendors, printing, shipping, travel and budgets. Also, plugs into the channels (such as Twitter and Salesforce) to measure ROI and boosting team productivity. Among the features are integration with Slack, Hubspot, Eventbrite, GoToMeetings, Expensify, Salesforce, Zapier, Mailchimp, Google Drive, social channels and more.

3 BEST MOVIES 2016 Henrik von Arnold, Henrik von Arnold & Co, ENITED Business Events A Swede living in Vienna and in love with Vienna (and of course his wife). A partner to ENITED Business Events, act as a speaking partner to politicians, organisations and companies on how to develop meeting destinations– beyond tourism. Picking three movies out of the 75-100 I’ve seen this year is not easy. And my choices are very diverse: 1. The Revenant – a true story about a man with almost supernatural strengths, driven by a desire to get revenge. Leonardo DiCaprio at his best. A not so feel good movie … 2. A Man Called Ove - a film about a man who seems to hate everyone and everything. But does he really? And I do not pick it because it is a Swedish film. A “feel good” movie … 3. Casablanca – why try to describe something everybody should already know? It premiered 75 (!!) years ago … and still going strong. ” Play it, Sam”. The Movie … 95

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3 BEST RESTAURANTS 2016 Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner at SoolNua, a specialist agency working with destinations, hotels and venues.

The best restaurants for me are the ones that immediately attune to the dynamic of the guests and deliver a hospitality experience where the guest is front and centre, not the food, the service or the restaurant itself. This is easier said than done, particularly for restaurant owners and chefs who have Michelin star aspirations or those who prefer food to people! 1. Majerija, an agritourism farm and restaurant in the Vipava valley in Slovenia is my first choice after one of the simplest and best meals I’ve ever had with astonishingly good wine, all prepared and served by owners Matej and Nataša Tomažič. 2. Vancouver has many great restaurants but local #eventprof Tahira Endean suggested Forage as an example of what’s happening gastronomically in Vancouver. Located in the city’s west end, Forage represents Chef Chris Whittaker’s vision around building and supporting local communities and farm to table sustainable dining. 3. Forest Avenue in Dublin has settled into one of the city’s best and most consistent restaurants serving amazing fusion-style food that’s prepared before your eyes by chef John Wyer and his team.

3 BEST SONGS 2016 Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Founder-Moderator at Masters in Moderation Jan-Jaap In der Maur is the founder of the Masters in Moderation agency. He is a firm believer that a carefully selected moderator-facilitator will make meetings more effective, more fun and definitely more worthwhile. His dream is to raise the standard of meetings worldwide, by providing them with the best moderators. His mission is to upgrade the moderator profession by training both professional and unexperienced moderators, offering personal coaching, in-company trainings and the very successful workshop Mastering Moderation. 1. Do I ever, Kensington 2. Wolves of Winter, Biffy Clyro 3. Can’t stop the feeling, Justin Timberlake 96

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3 BEST BOOKS 2016 Christian Mutschlechner, VIENNA CONVENTION BUREAU (CB), Director Christian Mutschlechner is Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau, established in 1969. He has more than 30 years of experiences in the meeting industry, first as a PCO then with the Vienna CB. He is living and experiencing a lot of dramatic changes, adapting the strategy of the Vienna CB to upcoming new technologies and to the changing market place. Excellent congress infrastructure, high standard of conference support services and the cultural attractions of the city, make Vienna one of the top destinations for international conferences worldwide. 1. Leif G.W. Persson: Between Summer's Longing and Winter's End - a fantastic criminal book, good to relax. 2. Gerrit Heijkoop, Paula Vos: Trending Topic - We have to do something with Social Media .... #But What? - a nice management novel describing issues related to Social media. 3. Josef E. Stiglitz: The Price of Inequality - a book from this Nobel Prize Winner is always inspiring.

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TOP 10 REGIONAL MEETINGS DESTINATIONS TO WATCH IN 2017 We predict the top 10 hottest, newest and freshest meeting destinations in New Europe for 2017 Text by Gorazd Čad

Photo credit Kongres Magazine

n the shadows of the most familiar destinations of the region, which have already firmly established themselves on the international market, we predict some of the new destinations that are just sprouting onto the well-tended congress lawn but that we think will make a name for themselves. We have listed them below, having taken into account their ability to provide suitable infrastructure for various events and their descriptive index. These destinations are currently much less well known amongst meeting planners and so are perceived as fresh congress destinations…for now…

1. VYSOKE TATRE, Slovakia WARM YOUR HEART High Tatras are an extreme surprise and one of the undiscovered European incentive jewels. In the shadow of much more notorious Zakopane in neighboring Poland they offer at least as wide incentive offer, which is besides that packed in a very favorable financial package. As the main tourist resorts are close to mountain resorts, ski resorts and scenic walking trails, it is downright perfect destination for a more sports inspired i ncentive groups. We recommend organizing e vents in spring and autumn months, when p laces aren’t flooded with the annual mass winter tourist migration. Prices in Slovakia are significantly lower than in central Europe and the destination is only a few hours of driving on motorways from major Central European cities away. 2. SCHLADMING, Austria MEETINGS IN EMBRACE OF ALPINE BEAUTIES  In the last decade tourism in Styria struck swift development. Schladming is a big skiing centre, the scene of the best slalom races of the season a s well as other internationally known sport competitions. Besides that it is also an excell ent congress venue and a place, which stays i n fond memory of every guest. We can say without a doubt that the tourist development i n Schladming is a success story and we are certain that will also be the case in the future. Contributing to the success was mostly sporting events, on which they have built extensive-

ly. With event organisation, the destination has gained a lot of experience, which can now be transferred into the congress field. Recipes for success are also constant investments in tourism and the tourist infrastructure, which have been mostly private and because of that well thought through and pointed in the right direction. 3. SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina BETWEEN EAST AND WEST  T he brand ‘Sarajevo’ is one of the strongest trademarks in the region. It gets its character from the dramatic juncture between East and West. In the meetings industry the brand and destination are completely unexploited despite their immense potential. With proper positioning and investments in the meetings industry Sarajevo can quickly catch up with other destinations in the region. A special asset for the development of the meetings industry is the attitude of the people of Sarajevo, who are known for their humor, tolerance and understanding. 4. SUBOTICA, Serbia COLOURFUL CONGRESS VARIETY Subotica has a soul. It is a city where it seems that time has stopped. The proud town centre merges almost imperceptibly into the surrounding melancholy plains. Economically and culturally Subotica is one of the most developed cities in Serbia. Congress guests will be impressed by the multicultural spirit and European charm, which is reflected in a large number of special venues in a small area. Well-developed albeit not connected is the offer of various incentive programmes. Subotica has a functioning Congress b ureau, the hotel facilities are good and the culinary tradition is an extra plus. All of this represents an exciting congress package calling out for more penetrating international or at least regional marketing to exploit the full potential of the city. 5. OSIJEK, Croatia OVERLOOKED DESTINATION T o most people, the extreme northeastern p art of Croatia is the most marginal, border, multi-faith, multicultural and the most poorly k nown region. Its character is carved by the Drava and Danube rivers along with its symbolic, functional and aesthetic value. Its self-image 98

is one of isolation and the feeling of living on a desert island of convention tourism, in, which only a small number of meeting planners and organisers are interested. Because of its geographic position, it is economically and politically far from the capital and as a consequence also undeveloped as a convention destination. The focus of the problem is a stereotypical feeling of neglect. Overlooking this, Osijek is one of the freshest and most sustainable Croatian meetings destinations with no real competition in the region. 6. PULA, Croatia URBAN MEETINGS With its soaring tower, grandiose façades, stylish staircases, atmospheric arcades and attractive c hapel, Grafenegg has become an emblem of Lower Austria. For events you can hire a medieval castle next to a futuristic open-air stage or a 19th century riding arena next to a brand-new concert hall. 7. RIJEKA, Croatia A CITY WITH CHARACTER The extended region of Kvarner has the huge p otential to become a leading meetings dest ination. Individual congress cities together with the islands of Opatija, Lošinj and Cres are the heart of a very rich product. It is a complex offer, more suitable for associations as well as c orporate events. In contrasting Rijeka with S plit it’s possible to see just how quickly the t ourist-congress transformation can happen. W ith its Mediterranean–industrial character R ijeka has no competitor in the Adriatic; the urban scene is so very alive and contains a rich cultural offer. Plenty of latent congress stories are just waiting to be discovered. 8. PODGORICA, Montenegro REGION’S WARMEST CITY For now, Podgorica can rarely be found on the meetings industry map. Considering the outstanding potential it will over time come to have all that is necessary to be a true meeting destination. Among its advantages there is its strategic position, which enables easy access to the most attractive parts of Montenegro for incentives. Among the weaknesses we have to point out the current state of the meeting infrastructure and its transport isolation. Being an air travel desti-

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nation it is highly dependent on the number of f light connections, including low cost ones. A convention bureau for the town would greatly help in positioning the destination, which it deserves as a capital city. The town is developing quickly and is looking for the right image, torn between the classic tourism flow and the idea of development into a meeting destination. 9. TIRANA, Albania DIVERSE AND DYNAMIC Stereotypes about Tirana couldn't be further from the truth, as the city is very dynamic, has the youngest population in Europe and is full of building sites, showing its dash for the future. In ‘the land of the old Mercedes’ you can also find many great congress hotels that compare well to the European competition. Improved airline accessibility and cheap prices are one of the assets of this increasingly popular Albanian capital. Getting in touch with the city's history is made possible by the many incentive programmes, featuring explorations of genuine pearls such as the town of Berat. On the congress organiser’s radar Tirana may still be an undeveloped destination, but you will have a difficult time finding a destination as diverse and interesting as Albania. 10. LOŠINJ AND CRES, Croatia LOW-CARBON INCENTIVE ISLAND L ošinj and Cres are the only Adriatic islands that successfully deal with sustainable tourism and are amongst the more eco-friendly islands of Kvarner. They differ from the more famous Dalmatian isles, such as Hvar, Brač and Krk, with their nature preservation, systematic sustainable development and cultural heritage. All these activities are well managed and present a huge opportunity for the development of a limited and exclusive sustainable meetings industry in harmony with the capabilities of the islands. The key challenge is the invisibility of the islands’ image on the meetings industry radar, lacking the recognisable incentive brands to build the high quality boutique and intimate stories that can raise its profile. If local suppliers can develop from these points and their programmes can continue to be socially responsible, they will be able to benefit from the current trends in the industry. I am certain their first clients will be the existing loyal guest of Cres and Lošinj. With a high added value the islands can also become the eco-incentive oasis of the Adriatic.

Views

EYES ON THE FUTURE Quick talk with most influential people in New Europe

EXCITING TIMES!

KEEP YOUR AUTHENTICITY

Davor Bruketa, Bruketa & Žinić OM

Veronika Handl, Convention Bureau Tirol

“We will continue to grow and develop our digital staff with more specialists in content, media and user experience, and our new project Startaparat, a specialist agency in Vienna helping the startup scene in the region. We will also be helping companies to develop their innovative products and services and their internal innovative and creative culture through our new Design Thinking Croatia joint project with sense Consulting.“

“The world is small, social media are having a huge influence, to meet the “right” people at the right place becomes easier. In return, the personal contact will still be important and to keep the balance, recreation, regional authenticity and uniqueness will influence the venue finding.”

FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT Sandi Kovačevič, Hotel Cubo "As it is already happening, safety and security are essential for future travelers. Slovenia was voted many times as one of the safest places to travel. Trends that will be shaping meetings industry are evolving in new types of events."

WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR DESTINATIONS Heinz Kaltschmidt, Graz Convention Bureau “We had a good congress year with more than 150 conferences in Graz with more than 45.000 participants, including several international conventions with more than 1500 participants from all over the world. The MICE business has once again decisively contributed to the fact that Graz was able to reach a million overnights again.”

YEAR OF COOPETITION Christian Mutschlechner, Vienna Convention Bureau

>>> Read full interviews on www.kongres-magazine.eu 100

“It was always my intention to give back as much as possible to industry colleagues, newcomers and young people starting in our industry so I see this selection also as a recognition of these activities.”

Views

FUTURE BRINGS MORE CONTEXTUAL CONTENT MARKETING Robert Vincze, Slovak Convention Bureau “Our content marketing campaigns exceeded all expectations, also thanks to Kongres Magazine. Communication with destinations was never better, our industry network never stronger. We managed to target priority markets, secondary markets and long haul markets as well. This level of engagement was never before reached in history of Slovak MICE industry.”

SUCESS LIES IN A GREAT TEAM EFFORT Nina Erneker, Bratislava Convention Bureau “Thanks to a great team of people I was honored to work with, we have managed couple of great projects this year, that were very warmly welcomed by international buyers, as well as by local MICE community.”

THE CITY IS BURSTING WITH EVENTS Leonidas Alagialoglou, Thessaloniki Convention Bureau “The successful establishment of a new CB internationally during the Greek financial crisis was a great challenge. We have managed to establish the city on the global conference map and transform the region into a local point for business and the destination has climbed up in the ICCA ranking.”

CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANING IS CRUCIAL Krzysztof Celuch, Poland Convention Bureau “Looking into the future excites me. So, cross-cultural understanding, dialogue with next generation of meeting professionals and time, which means deadlines are crucial. Overall trend is motivation and

GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY Danica Purg, President of the IEDC-Bled School of Management “Regarding what will shape the meetings industry in 2017, I believe everything depends on actual political and economic situation in the Region. And on intuition of the leaders in the meeting industry. My wish to myself and all of you is good health and inspiration to make the world more beautiful.”

PEOPLE ARE THE CARRIERS OF THE EXPERIENCE Dani Polajnar, Teambuilding Academy “My wish is that our team will maintain the high-quality work we do in helping people learn how to work better together. And in that way, support the corporate world with proper understanding of the strategic importance of teamwork as a prosperous priority. “

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2017 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR Georg Unterkircher, Falkensteiner Punta Skala “Croatia is perceived as safe country, not to mention other competitive advantageous such as crystal clear sea, unspoiled nature and rich cultural heritage. In region, we operate Punta Skala resort, we have all of that which is highly appreciated amongst international events planners. Punta Skala resort will be on the outlook of all new opportunities creating innovative approaches to MICE industry requirements that come our way.”

STAY FOCUSED ON ONE2ONE MEETINGS, LOOKING IN OTHER PERSONS EYE AND BEING ABLE TO SHAKE THEIR HAND Irina Tomić, Hotel Budva “First event I will attend this year is of course Conventa, as I believe it is the most important platform for business exchange in our region. It is one of the investments well paid off. One cannot only develop new relationships, but we also get the insight of new trends and issues in tourism in the region and worldwide. It is also a great way to promote your business and to spread the words about the destinations. “

Interview

WE DO EVERYTHING WITH THE SMILE, WHILE ALWAYS TRYING TO DO THE BEST Interview with Mr. Nesih Gümüş, General Manager of Slovenia, Turkish Airlines

Q: How important is MICE segment for your airline? R ecognizing the importance of international events and meetings, Turkish Airlines has developed Turkish Conventions which offers benefits for both international event organizers and participants. For all international events, meetings, seminars, congresses or fairs in any type of industry with over 100 International participants, Turkish Airlines can provide exclusive offers t hrough an online application. To underline the importance of the MICE segment, Turkish A irlines not only developed a MICE specific product but formed a department responsible only for MICE. With a single point of contact – M.I.C.E. Department, Turkish Airlines works proactively with Star Alliance, ICCA, ICVB and other Visitor’s Bureaus. Q: Do you think consumers only choose airlines based on price? Price is always an important factor. But it’s not the only one for sure. When passengers choose a low-cost carrier, they know they can’t expect much more than just a plain transfer from point A to point B. But when it comes to choosing a carrier like Turkish Airlines, who is proud to be chosen six times as the best airline in Europe, and awarded in many times with its unmatched s ervice approach and offerings, they expect more than just that. They know that they can p ack their bags and not have to worry about s evere additional charges at check-in. They don’t have to worry about on-line check-in, as it is free at the airport. Awarded on-board catering is also included in the price, so is the seat selection as well, they get their miles on their advantageous Miles&Smiles Cards, and they can choose the connecting flights on a long list, etc.. All these factors are important when choosing an airline. When customer is well aware of good services provided by an airline, he or she will likely choose this airline for next trips as well. If the airline offers good connections, allows passengers to travel with more luggage, has a good reputation, good customer service and excellent service on-board, customers are more likely to return and fly with this airline again, even if the price is not the lowest one at that moment. Q : What makes the Airline experience unique? When flight attendants took care of your every 102

w him, and you didn't have to worry about b aggage fees, booking charges or competing with other passengers for limited bin space, etc. are the primary items that come to mind at first in this regard. Air travelling became much more affordable in the last decades and airlines have to balance between offering comfort and pleasent experience to customers and compete on a harsh market filled with competitors. So, the airlines have to consider their product from very beginning in order to satisfy their passengers. This

“Turkish Airlines serves the most countries in the world which means that we are an airline that really tries to further develop the global market with also underdeveloped markets in the sense of air traffic and travel.” p rocess starts from making a reservation to collecting your bags at arrival and leaving an airport. Some of the steps leave bigger impression on/ among people than others. Searching for your flight either via internet, on sales desk or with an agency is the first step where people are introduced to an airline. This step is very important and should be made very easy for a passenger. Check-in to your flight and proceeding through the security procedure can sometimes be a bit stressful so the airline needs to ensure that it is done fast and as smooth as possible. The most important part of the whole experience is the actual flight. Turkish Airlines is trying to make this substantial experience unforgettable b y offering fresh meals from globally known traditional Turkish Cuisine and other delightful cuisines around the world as well, comfortable seats on modern aircrafts which constitutes one of the youngest fleets of the World, a variety of toys for its little passengers and many more of

Interview

course. Since we always believe that airline business is mainly managed with the personal touch, we do everything with smile while always trying to do the best. I would say that this might be the most important part of every flight experience.

“Since we are very proud of the motivating feedbacks that we consistently get from our esteemed passengers about our wide product range and offerings we are constantly looking for new ways to reinvent ourselves, enhance our market share, enlarge our customer base and spread our network.”

Q : In terms of Airline’s marketing, what keeps you up at night? The main »issue« that keeps me occupied at all times in terms of Airline's Marketing is the priority target of being the best in each area that w e serve and also being the most preferable choice among whole worldwide airlines by this way. Other important components are to keep the brand equity in a higher level and to develop the product and also the brand to be up to date modern, more widely accepted and even better k nown while preserving what the colleagues before our time built. The main point is to make the customers feel familiar with the brand and product, and enhance these two subjects to be more state of the art, competitive and ideal in comparison with its global rivals of course.

Q: Conventa is New Europe show with main focus on the Central and South East Europe Region. How do you perceive this region in term of air travel? The market is still somehow underdeveloped, but it offers great opportunities. The customer base is growing and traveling is starting to be really popular comparing with the past years. The region is also multinational and has a lot of diaspora which is a very good advantage for air travel. The downside is the existing economic situation which is not stable for all countries. But if this economic situation gets better in 2017, the travel and tourism industry will have the opportunity to offer more in this area and also to enable the market to develop faster. Q: What are your airline plans for 2017? A s you know we have a kind of a tradition of being the best European airline, now already six years in a row. We are honored to have this title and we are doing our best to earn and keep it also in the future. Turkish Airlines serves the most countries in the world which means that we are a n airline that really tries to further develop t he global market with also underdeveloped markets in the sense of air traffic and travel. We are working very hard to invest in local tourism outgoing and incoming. Our plans for 2017 are to keep all the good we have been able to achieve u ntil now and also develop even further. We are developing constantly our product, add new destinations, cooperate with local and internat ional companies and provide passengers the best flight experience both on ground and on board, support and service on the highest level possible. Since we are very proud of the motivating feedbacks that we consistently get from our esteemed passengers about our wide product range and offerings we are constantly looking for new ways to reinvent ourselves, enhance our market share, enlarge our customer base and spread our network.

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“Price is always an important factor when choosing airline. But it’s not the only one for sure. When it comes to choosing a carrier like Turkish Airlines, who is proud to be chosen six times as the best airline in Europe, and awarded in many times with its unmatched service approach and offerings, they expect more than just that.”

Interview

WE WANT THE CUSTOMERS TO FEEL THE PASSION. OUR TASK IS TO MAKE THE EXPERIENCE UNIQUE. Arno Schuster, Managing Director, Adria Airways

this. Air travel does not only offer travellers a great opportunity to reach far destinations in a relatively short time and in a very convenient way, but it also offers a unique experience: being above the clouds, looking down on landscapes and cities, or to see amazing sunsets or sunrises. Air travel never gets boring or cease to be fascinating.

Q: How important is MICE segment for your airline? MICE is a very interesting segment for Adria as it gives us the chance to introduce our services to a very interesting segment of consumers and allows us to support diverse stakeholders i nside and outside of Slovenia. We see great efforts already taken from various stakeholders and are excited to be part of MICE segment development. Q: Do you think consumers only choose airlines based on price? C ustomers choose airline provider based on many factors, among them is connectivity, availability, convenience, safety, reliability, quality of service, landing airport and price. The importance of each of these factors depends on the type of passenger. We believe very much in the quality and convenience of our product. We get repeatedly positive feedback from our consumers who value how well we perform in all of the relevant categories. However, we are never satisfied and are working constantly to improve our service. Recognizing also the needs of the price sensitive customers, we offer early booking fares and special tickets with limited flexibility, both with great value for money. Q : What makes the Airline experience unique? Airline travel has been considered something special for decades and will continue to have this effect on passengers. The fascination of air travel is also something that keeps our own staff excited. I think we can all very much relate to

“The MICE segment is rapidly growing which positively contributes to the number of people travelling in the region. Adria recognized the trend, therefore, we strive to provide good connections and time frames for the MICE segment. Adria’s good connectivity to Central and South Europe have allowed us to meet the requirements of the meetings industry, making corporate travel more convenient and affordable.” Q : In terms of Airline’s marketing, what keeps you up at night? I n my opinion Airline marketing is so much m ore than simply offering tickets to a great variety of destinations – it is the excitement that comes with travelling. We want the customers to feel the passion. Our task is to make the experience unique. What keeps us awake at night? To find new ways how to show this passion. And not only to sell a trip but with it also a dream that comes with the desire to travel. 104

Q: Conventa is New Europe show with main focus on the Central and South East Europe Region. How do you perceive this region in term of air travel? The MICE segment is rapidly growing which positively contributes to the number of people travelling in the region. Adria recognized the trend, therefore, we strive to provide good connections and time frames for the MICE segment. Adria’s good connectivity to Central and South Europe have allowed us to meet the requirements of the meetings industry, making corporate travel more convenient and affordable. As a member of the Star Alliance, we can offer to our passenger’s access to 27 great airlines. Together we connect 1,316 destinations in 192 countries. B esides that, Adria also offers Conventa Plus program which allows our passengers to book discounted fares directly via an online booking tool. Q: What are your airline plans for 2017? Adria is currently going through a very exciting chapter of its history. In 2017, we will continue to improve customer experience with the aim to gain and retain customer loyalty. This does not include only the provision of shorter connection times and a great network overall but also all our efforts to fulfil high expectations of each of our customer. We recognize that a journey does not start at the airport but when a person contemplates the trip; and it does not end on the landing strip but long after the destination has been reached. In 2017, we will continue to launch new products catering to various types of customers and, of course, we will keep the very high level of reliability.

BEST ONL

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STORY UNION HOTELS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY Ljubljana

WWW.UNION-HOTELS.EU

New Spaces

ALPINE CHIC RENOVATION OF HOTEL GOLF, Bled, Slovenia

he Bled Hotel Golf has started the renovation of hotel rooms and lobby, which will greatly change the character of the legendary Bled congress hotel. They will renovate hotel rooms, reception, hotel lobby and add a series of authentic details. The hotel will welcome its guests again in the beginning of April, while the reception will be renovated in autumn. The hotel rooms will shine in new image, which is inspired by t ypical motifs from the local environment of beekeeping, blacksmith tradition of Kropa and gingerbread tradition from Radovljica. Focusing on details and the use of natural materials. Special emphasis will be on details for business guests, such as spacious working areas and everything for their comfort. After the renovation, the lobby will become much comfortable with lots of greenery. Its specialty will be a luxurious fireplace and renovated refreshed reception. www.sava-hotels-resorts.com

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New Spaces

BOUTIQUE MEETINGS IN THE LIVING ROOM CREATIVE USE OF SPACE IN HOTEL CUBO, Ljubljana, Slovenia

he boutique hotel Cubo follows modern trends in design meeting and believes that the power of the event lies in the active co-creating and contact of participants which is also encouraged by arrangements of conference rooms. Experience with open formats of conference facilities were used in the recent renovation of their two conference rooms. The results are two modern connected halls renovated i n Cubo style. The smaller is decorated in a classic management board style and the bigger is minimalistic decorated with furniture that organizers can re-organize for their needs and format. Various tiny details, designer furniture and contact with the city's main street through large glass surfaces, create an intimate atmosphere with reminiscent of a living room. www.hotelcubo.com

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Advertorial

TEKTONIK When they talk about beer, they become very serious. A lmost deadly serious. Their main goal is to offer a quality beer, which should be perceived as an exceptional gastronomic enjoyable event. Each sip, that touches the tongue and slides down the throat, melts into pleasure, for which you want to be lasting forever. They are just in love with beer! A wide selection of top quality goods that they receive from globally renowned producers allows them to create a virtually unlimited range of flavours and aromas, which satisfies even the most demanding drinkers. LISTEN TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXPERIENCED Niko Bregantič,Tektonik “I started brewing at home, excited by all the possibilities that brought, having the enormous combinations of malt, hops and yeast and always making a different beer or a different style of it.” CONTACT INFO: Tovarna Pivovarna d.o.o. Likozarjeva ulica 11000 Ljubljana info@tektonik.beer +386 40 473 219

>>> Read full interviews on www.kongres-magazine.eu 108

Advertorial

PELICON BREWERY A craft brewery located in the heart of Vipava Valley, a town called Ajdovščina. Love to drink the beer they brew and along the way love to spread their enthusiasm for great beer among others. Pelicon brewery sent its first beer out in 2013 and was awarded in 2014 as best Slovenian craft brewer. Their mission is to continue to produce beer that excites. I N A QUEST TO MAKE A GREAT BEER Anita Lozar, Pelicon “ As any great love, our love for beer started the second we tasted real beer for the first time. It set us up for a quest to find great beer around the world but i n the end, it was the same quest that m ade us open a small brewery in our hometown Ajdovščina.” CONTACT INFO: Pivovarna Pelicon d. o. o. Lavričeva 1 5270 Ajdovščina , Slovenia info@pivovarnapelicon.com www.pivovarnapelicon.com

BEVOG MICROBREWERY Bevog microbrewery is the fruit of inquisitiveness and aspiration towards discovering new beer-drinking experiences, it is the result of enthusiasm, love and zeal. They brew beers with character and soul with goal to transcend the limits of the known and ordinary. Dedicated primarily to beers of top f ermentation, more commonly known as ales. Despite the English roots of ales, Bevog is very creative and do not stick to the established norms. They design their beers in their own way, the way they know is right and for this they have received awards and prizes. REAL QUALITY COMES FROM DEDICATION AND LOVE Janez Zlebic, Bevog “Some people still think that wine is superior to beer, but this is in my opinion not true. Beer is even more versatile and has in the meantime more variations than wine. I love to drink great bottle of wine, but if I would have to go and live on a deserted island, I would take great amount of craft beer with me.” CONTACT INFO: Brauhaus Bevog GmbH Gewerbepark B 9 A-8490 Bad Radkersburg - Austria office@bevog.at +43 (0) 3476 41543 www.bevog.com

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Advertorial

ETC Adriatic Presents

12 34 56 7

7 TEAM BUILDING TRENDS FOR THE 2017 In the past year, we were carefully watching the responses of the participants / clients in the domestic and foreign markets. So, what will be the hot topics this year?

Culinary events

Cuisine and everything to do with food and drinks is »in«. For instance, teams can build their own food stands, create their offer and arrange it for sale. The participants have to be well organized under the pressure of time and apart from cooking skills they have to focus also on marketing and sales skills.

Use of technology

How to attract and motivate millennials? The use of new technologies is very welcome for this, but we must not get carried away so it's the sole reason to attend the event.

Business simulations

Constant turmoil in the business world demand a constant competence development. The participants are equipped with real tools and real challenges. The goal is to generate results in a very limited timeframe, if you want under stress. Team coordination and communication are strengthened through this.

Glamping

What, if we organize your next multi-day team building in nature so you sleep in a mobile home, tent or on a tree? Multi-day events in nature deepen relationships, trust and enable a better insight into the team.

Yearly planning of events

Educational, fun of recreative events? The right combination of everything in optimal sequence, events have to be carefully planned with the organization goals in mind. A bit of everything in the right proportion.

Charity

Ever wanted to give something back? Charity projects have immediate positive effects as the participants see the results of the activity on the spot. They also improve the reputation of the organization and how the employees sees it.

»Non-business« competence development

Do you want your employees to learn how to manage personal finances, eat healthy, be in top condition? This are all areas that can also contribute to your employees getting better in all aspects of life. Do you see yourself in these trends? Matjaž Jug, Managing director, E-mail: matjaz.jug@etc-adriatic.com, www.etc-adriatic.com 110

NEW EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

TOPICS AND DATES / Published 6 times per year Kongres Magazine is far from being just a magazine. It is the only provider of integrated marketing communications, with which you can make effective dialogue with the meeting planners. Because we know what meetings industry payers really need and how to ensure their longterm loyalty, we can make above-average, high-quality, relevant, independent, in-depth and interesting meetings industry stories. In 2017 they will be dedicated to you and your customers even more.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2017 SPECIAL ISSUE 1 January 2017 KONGRES SLOVENIAN EDITON

The magazine intended for Slovenian event organizers with an emphasis of Slovenia on the way to the first congress league, presentation of special congress locations and best incentive ideas. The magazine will not be lacking interviews with major congress players and international examples of good practice. Space close: 16.12.2016 Materials due: 23.12.2016 Delivery: 09.01.2017

SPECIAL ISSUE 2 January 2017 CONVENTA 2017

Special edition, published as a catalogue of Conventa together with extensive destination presentations, presentations of participating partners and exhibitors. In terms of content this is the most comprehensive overview of the meetings industry in the region of New Europe. Space close: 30.12.2016 Materials due: 10.01.2017 Delivery: 18. - 19.01.2017

2017 CONTENT FOCUS: IMPERSONAL WAS REPLACED BY PERSONALITY We will not only talk, but we will also listen to you About how are we, the event organizers capable to respond to the needs of modern congress participants. About what kind of experience participants expect from us. About how the brands and the event organization are linked by successful and well-known brands. About how to create a sensual, emotional and substance filled events. About how to develop a dialogue with participants in the virtual space. These are all topics that we will be focusing on, in addition to the standard sections in the magazine in 2017. And of course, stories spiced with a dose of creativity and with view outside the frames, which are our trademark.

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TABLET AUDIENCE TOTAL KONGRESAUDIENCE: by the Numbers / PRINT Our AUDIENCE Audience Includes. 18.000 1.200

ONEONE AUDIENCE

- 12,000 of9,000 60.700 readers Monthly

meeting planners

Unique Visitors

150K

meeting planners

Yearly 29,65 % Page Views of total number

7,900+

49,580+

Followers 1.98 % on Social Networks of total number

SPRING ISSUE March 2017

34.000

meeting planners

RETHINK MEETINGS:MEETING DESIGN IN 2017

June 2017 DESTINATIONS ON THE RISE: MEETOLOGUE

2017

Since 2010, Kongres magazine has been publishing CONGRESS TRAVELOGUES, which were renamed MTLG - MEETOLOGUES. International meeting planners thus discover little-known European convention destinations. All existing travelogues of the NEW EUROPE will be issued in a special issue of Kongres magazine, which will be released prior to IMEX trade show. With high-quality editorial content, travelogues completely replace the tedious and irrelevant catalogues of meetings suppliers. Digital versions of MEETOLOGUES are currently the most read sections of the Kongres magazine Space close: 26.05.2017 Materials due: 16.06. 2017 Delivery: 30.06.2017

Supplement: MEETINGS STAR 2017 Hotspot: MEETINGS TOP 50

AUTUMN ISSUE September 2017 LIFE WITH BRANDS: EXPERIENCE MARKETING

Experiential marketing offers the answers to the impersonal intrusive marketing that we were used to in the past. Key tools are events that create communication with customers where they want. The central topic of this issue will review non-traditional practices and events, guerrilla marketing and presentation of stories by congress participants. Space close: 25.08.2017 Materials due: 15.09.2017 Delivery: 29.08.2017

Supplement: BEST BRAND EXPERIENCE MOMENTS 2017

Hotspot: EVENT STAR-UPS 2017

WINTER ISSUE

November 2017 C ONVENTA 2017

Better communication between employees, personal learning, motivation, improvement of creativity, greater loyalty, better working atmosphere - these are all the objectives of events, which we must learn to properly measure and evaluate. To evaluate the effectiveness of events, setting measurable goals and choosing the appropriate method of measurements is very important. This are topics that we will fully focus on November issue. Space close: 27.10.2017 Materials due: 10.11.2017 Delivery: 26.11.2017

Supplement: HIDDEN GUEST SURVEY 2017 Hotspot: WHAT NEXT - KONGRES MAGAZINE FORECAST 2017

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meeting planners

Magazine e-news of total number of total number

Supplement: KONGRES INCENTIVE GUIDE 2017 Hotspot: CREATIVE VENUE DESIGN AND NEW INFRASTUCTURE

SUMMER ISSUE

appr. 7.500

Subscribe 56.01 % to Kongres 12,36 %

Point of differentiation in the market today are mainly experiences and personal communication. Events are the key tool for this. In the spring issue, we will analyse the methods and techniques for encouraging creative potential at events. Emphasis will be placed on the activation of potentials that are hidden in the participants of your events. And potential is best encouraged exactly with the tools and techniques of meeting design. Space close: 17.2.2017 Materials due: 03.03.2017 Delivery: 31.03.2017

WEB AUDIENCE

AT A TIME WHEN CAMPAIGNS ARE TAKEN OVER BY OUR BUYERS, APART FROM CONTENT MARKETING THERE ARE FEW TOOLS AVAILABLE THAT ENABLE COMMUNICATION THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS. Delivery

DIGITAL

SPECIAL ISSUE 1 January 2017

SPECIAL ISSUE 2 January 2017

SPRING ISSUE March 2017

SUMMER ISSUE June 2017

AUTUMN ISSUE September 2017

WINTER ISSUE November 2017

CZECHREPUBLIC

56th ICCA Congress 12 – 15 November 2017 Find your bridge to Prague and win valuable prizes!

2017

PRAGUE

Take a photo or shoot a video with the element of a bridge. Use your imagination, let´s be creative! Share your photos and videos on Twitter or Instagram under hashtags #ICCAworld and #BridgetoPrague until 30th April 2017. Looking forward to see you in Prague! In the town where the first stone of the famous Charles Bridge was placed 660 years ago. Let´s celebrate together! More on Twitter via #BridgetoPrague.

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www.pragueconvention.cz

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Meetings Star 2016

TOP MEETING HUBS OF NEW EUROPE KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2016

MEETINGS STAR 2016 AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY: Connectivity is the metric by which airports live – the more connected an airport is to the wider world, the more attractive it becomes to its users and the greater the value it provides to the community and local, regional or indeed national economy it serves. ACI Europe, 2016

MEETING HUB VIENNA: KEY TO SUCCESS

Population: 1,826,030

Airport connectivity: 7.562

Population: 1,826,030 / Airport connectivity: 7.562 With the richest and most groomed congress tradition in Europe imperial Vienna is leading the game across many different scales of the congress industry. Over the past decade Vienna has also broadened its modern content and offer. As a bridge between eastern and western Europe, Vienna is known as a starting point and a central hub, which many other destinations are trying to mimic.

Meetings star final mark: 4.93 5

SALZBURG: SALZBURG GIVES YOU WINGS

Population: 146,631

Airport connectivity: 891

Austrian efficiency and organisation infused with the baroque charm of its city is for Salzburg the formula for success in the field of medium-sized congresses of up to 2,500 participants. The cosmopolitan mix of visitors and the local population straddle its charming tradition and the fast pace of the 21st century. Meetings star final mark: 4.39

LJUBLJANA: EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2016

Population: 282,994

Airport connectivity: 1.026

ZAGREB: WHITE ZAGREB TOWN

Population: 1,107,623

Airport connectivity: 1.923

Ljubljana is renowned for making an extremely good first impression, something that is partly attributable to some of the ‘preconceived’ ideas of how it might be as a city in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Against any such ideas visitors find a congress destination that is friendly and favourable to the meetings industry, whilst also competitive in terms of price and quality. Of all the regional capitals it also has a very good image that has been strengthened thanks to the annual Conventa Trade Show.

Within the wider region Zagreb has best managed to maintain the Central European culture that is reminiscent of Vienna and create a special atmosphere from it. In addition to this, it is a ‘pocket-friendly destination’ that offers a lot for reasonable little money. It is the ideal combination of a metropolis with charm and a small town atmosphere. Everything is seasoned with the right dose of metropolitan character and the friendliness of the locals.

Meetings star final mark: 4.36

Meetings star final mark: 4.38

DUBROVNIK: PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

Population: 42,615

Airport connectivity: 570

BUDAPEST: CONGRESS QUEEN OF THE DANUBE

Population: 1,757,618

Airport connectivity: 3.427

Dubrovnik is the flagship of regional tourism and for meetings organisers we meet daily it is their first association with the region. The world class destination is once again attracting well-known names and world class events. In the meetings industry it is the strongest brand of the region, and a brand that rarely disappoints or leaves one feeling indifferent. Dubrovnik is love at first sight.

Simply put, this is a city that offers the best value for money. According to research carried out by Magyar Turizmus, 1 EUR spent in the congress industry in Vienna is worth 2 EUR in Budapest. On top of this Budapest is also a fresh and new destination compared to some of the more tried and tested competitors still in the market.

Meetings star final mark: 4.43

Meetings star final mark: 4.41

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Meetings Star 2016 10 BRATISLAVA: MEETOSLAVIA Population: 411.228

Airport connectivity: 7.562

PRAGUE: SLAVIC PARIS

Population: 1,259,079

Airport connectivity: 4.437

Bratislava is undiscovered European congress capital which slowly and steadily penetrates into the congress market. It represents a novelty for international congress market which impresses due to the kindness and sympathetic of city centre but also because of not excessive commercialization. Bratislava has long lived in the shadow of neighbouring Vienna and Prague but today as fresh and full of new energy invites international meeting planners.

The city with a rich cultural heritage, warm friendliness of its locals and countless congress options drops its anchor deep into the heart. Every street and house tells its own story, which gives the city a special touch. Prague maintains and builds on its high-quality romantic reputation. Looking at the position of Prague regionally, it will not take primacy over Vienna, but it certainly has all the conditions in place to remain the prime congress destination among East European capitals for a long time to come.

Meetings star final mark: 4.13

Meetings star final mark: 4.60

BELGRADE: A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Population: 1,166,763

Airport connectivity: 2.011

Belgrade bases its congress story on a rich culture at the crossroads of East and West, the central position in SouthEast Europe and a lively social scene. It is a city on the rise and for now a rough congress diamond that has enormous development potential, one that geo-strategically can be placed side by side with other world congress capitals if it can improve its infrastructure and handle the entire meetings sales chain. Meetings star final mark: 4.45

ISTANBUL: SIZE DOES MATTER

Population: 14,025,646

Airport connectivity: 9.729

Caught between traditional and Western cultures the city offers one of the most authentic congress experiences anywhere in the world. Leaving aside the political instability and security challenges, it is one of the most competitive destinations in the world, characterised by the genuine hospitality of the locals and their natural aptitude for business. Meetings star final mark: 4.61

ATHENS: BRIDGING THE GAP

Population: 3,090,580

Airport connectivity: 5.458

A historic city with excellent connectivity to the rest of the world and where you will find infrastructure befitting a major European capital, but with better weather and in a more interesting location. The Athens congress industry definitely has a clear vision and enough reserves of energy for a second break into the premier congress league, but for the moment it has been a little bit set back by the crisis. Once this finishes, Athens will be able to hit the heights once again. Meetings star final mark: 4.43

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Meetings Star 2016

EVALUATING AND DEFINING ‘THE BEST’ IN THE BUSINESS

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2016

FROM Meeting planners, FOR Meeting planners Key criteria for evaluation Destination evaluations are based on thorough analyses of different criteria. They have developed from interviews and surveys with over 1,200 event organisers from across Europe, work that showed us that congress destinations are comparable and helped us to form a unique model of evaluation. A mixture of factors that we have been evaluating since 2010 can affect the entire meeting experience for both congress organisers and participants. During our years of assessment, three basic categories were formed, which are related to the size of a destination: • National Meeting Destinations - destinations with more than 150,000 inhabitants • Regional Meeting Destinations - destination with less than 150,000 inhabitants • Local Meeting Destinations - destinations with less than 20,000 inhabitants Each category has its own standards, with important professional and other comparable criteria also playing a major role. Main groups of criteria have been divided into subgroups as listed below.

A. NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS

D. MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Natural diversity 2. Climate and Weather 3. Social environment 4. Cultural heritage 5. Natural experience index 6. Historical sites 7. Architecture 8. Accessibility to nature 9. Sustainability satisfaction 10. Quality of ecosystem

1. History and references 2. Variety of meeting suppliers 3. Quality of meeting hotels 4. Convention and exhibition centres 5. Ratio of 4 and 5***** hotel rooms 6. Incentive programmes 7. Professionalism of meetings industry 8. Diversity of offer 9. Effective convention bureau activities 10. Support services

B. GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

E. SUBJECTIVE GRADE

1. Destination safety 2. Accessibility - road 3. Accessibility - air 4. Accessibility - rail 5. General public services 6. Airport 7. Public transport 8. Financial institutions 9. Internet access 10. Pollution index

1. Political stability 2. Security ratings 3. General support to meetings industry 4. Cost/Value 5. Destination competitiveness 6. Personal experience 7. Local hospitality 8. E-services 9. First impression 10. Destination image

C. TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE

F. MARKETING BUZZ

1. Restaurant scene 2. Variety of bars and coffee shops 3. Nightlife 4. Leisure activities 5. Adrenaline activities 6. Sports activities 7. Shopping 8. Fun parks, casinos 9. Theatres, musical venues, cinemas 10. Tourist information system

1. Destination brand perception 2. Brand and corporate identity of CVB 3. New or innovative 4. Destination advertising 5. Direct communication 6. Digital communication 7. Mobile communication 8. Content marketing 9. Events 10. Social network and community

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Meetings Star 2016

YOU DON’T EXPECT HIM OR HER COMING. WHO IS THE MYSTERY MEETING PLANNER? A professional person who has years of experience as meeting planner. Required skills and competencies to ensure objectivity are:

MEETOLOGUES 2016

• Min. 15 years of international experience in the meetings industry • K nowledge of international standards and specific knowledge of control standards (DIN (Deutsche Industry Norm), and others; • Knowledge of trends in the meetings industry in both the domestic and international markets; • Identifying the specific needs and preferences of meeting planners • Knowledge of all the necessary elements for guest satisfaction (technical specifications, catering services, additional services, security etc,).

Constant updating of the methodologies

In addition, our examiners have a checked reference in the field of quality assurance of their own work in the meetings industry, which provides an unbiased view on behalf of the client and the maximum reliability of the method. Our hidden meeting planners are objective, fair, accurate and reliable, as well as being well-organised and paying attention to detail.

ith different destinations we evaluate over 70 criteria that are described in detail below. They form the final destination grade or the 'MEETINGS EXPERIENCE INDEX', as we like to call it. The best destinations are annually recognised on the main stage of the Conventa Trade Show. A. NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS Factors that are vital for the development of the meetings industry, because events are usually focussed on the more appealing destinations. We grade everything from regional diversity, climate conditions and social attractiveness to architecture, historical sites and the attitude towards continual development of the market. The whole picture gives us an image of the diversity of a destination and is an important criteria for its attractiveness. B. GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE This includes analytic assessment of infrastructure and public realm tidiness, which reflects the quality of living for residents and consequently also for congress guests. In this section we test everything from destination safety to road, air and rail connections. Other important criteria include public infrastructure, the network of financial institutions, internet access and a healthy and respectful attitude towards the enviroment. C. TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE Without appropriate tourist infrastructure, the development of congress tourism is nearly imposible. The assesement shows if there is an appropriate quality and accessibility of hotel capacity, restaurants, cafes and nightlife. We also grade the recreational/sport offer as a basis for incentive programmes. On top of that, the cultural offer, tourist information and destination managment are also given full assessment.

D. MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE For many the most important part is grading the congress capacity. In this section we evaluate the standard palette of congress providers, congress hotels, congress centres, exhibition centres and focus on their quality. We want to know the number of appropriate 4 and 5 star hotel room providers and, above all, that the incentive offer, business attitude and professionalism of congress providers is supportive of congress services and the activities of their local convention bureau. E. SUBJECTIVE GRADE Within the remit of subjective grading are a number of combined criteria that include political stability, destination safety and the attitude taken to congress tourism. We also assess the ratio between quality and price, the competitiveness of the destinaton, local hospitality and the destination‘s overall image. A lot of this boils down to the personal experience of the assessors. F. MARKETING BUZZ Despite impressively fulfilling the other criteria, proactive marketing can be the element that sorts the good from the great. This is why we assess the development of the entire marketing infrastructure in the field of direct, digital, social and traditional marketing. An added value of our project it that we can then offer recomendations and suggestions on the further positive development of the destinations reviewed. After evaluation, the destinations are then assigned one of five categories as follows: 5 excellent meetings destination 4 quality meetings destination 3 recommendable meetings destination 2 average meetings destination 1 so-so

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E very year the e ditorial board o f Kongres maga zine aims to f urther refine t he Meetologue methodology in order to assure the most authentic score reflecting the genuine situation of congress destinations. In 2015, we added the NUMBEO index of quality of life to the existing criteria, but as in recent years the quality of congress destinations has become heavily dependent on security, this year we went a step further and have included the most relevant assessment, the Global Peace Index, in the comparison. This index has classified countries according to 24 factors, including the prevalence of violence, organised crime and military expenditure. Norway, a country known for promoting peace in the world, is at the top of the list and closely followed by New Zealand and Denmark, with countries like Iraq, Sudan, Israel and Russia at the bottom. The research carried out for the Economist Intelligence Unit, which is associated with The Economist weekly, was supported by among others the Tibetan Dalai Lama, the f ormer US President Jimmy Carter and the US economist Joseph Stiglitz, all three Nobel Prize winners for peace. Also new is a more realistic application of the ICCA methodology. When classifying destinations we took into account the tenyear average number of events and participants, which was compared with the actual results for the year 2015. In doing this we have produced a scale that we believe reflects the actual situation. More information about this part of the analysis can be found in Kongres magazine. T he best congress destinations will receive a Meetings Star 2016 award at Conventa 2017, the boutique trade show for meetings, events, congresses and incentives. Furthermore, we believe our assessments are truly objective and can assist event organisers, whilst also enabling destinations to improve the areas where the current situation is not at the level it should be.

Meetings Star 2016

REVEALING THE TOP MEETING DESTINATIONS OF 2016

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2016

KONGRES MEETING STAR AWARD 2016 68 meetologues of New Europe 19 countries 400 new features and attractions from destinations for 2016

And the Best Destinations of 2016 are: TOP 10 NATIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS 1.

PRAGUE

4.51

ISTANBUL

4.39

BUDAPEST

4.37

ATHENS

4.18

LJUBLJANA

4.17

With travelogues we literally cross the boundaries of space and time and absorb specific knowledge about meeting destinations. Each travelogue is an experiment of an objective interpretation of the current situation through the eyes of our reporters.

BELGRADE

4.15

ZAGREB

4.14

BRATISLAVA

4.13

KRAKOW

4.12

We are bold enough to claim that we were the first to develop a sub-genre of the meeting travelogues – meetologues – in which we discover and analyse new meeting destinations based on extensive field research. We want to get as close as possible to real-life situations, which is why our reporters use a special matrix that we have called the ‘Experiential Index of Meeting Destinations’. This is a reference system that we have used from the outset and it offers the framework to make a real comparison of the destinations over time. To ensure this is done fairly, properly and professionally, we are committed to the actual conditions, truthfulness, verifiability and objectivity. Each year we have therefore revised the grades and meetologues to supplement them with current information that we receive from the field. In 2015 we have reconfigured the data to reflect the current classification of the ICCA scale and the data available on quality of life (Numeo).

10.

WARSZAW

4.11

The Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine has completed the evaluation process of meeting destinations, which has been carried out continuously since 2010.

TOP 10 REGIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS

From our very first meanderings with Meetologues right up until today, we have accumulated a total of 68 of them. Given this large number, they have had to be classified into comparable categories and in doing so we took into consideration various criteria, including the size of the city: 1. Cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants are large country or region capitals 2. Cities with 15,000 – 150,000 inhabitants are medium-sized and smaller regional meetings centers 3. Cities with less than 15,000 inhabitants are smaller tourist destinations that have developed a congress product

DUBROVNIK

4.33

SALZBURG

4.26

KLAGENFURT

4.12

VILLACH

4.10

PIRAN

3.93

MARIBOR

3.84

ZADAR

3.82

RIJEKA

3.77

SIBENIK

3.76

10.

UDINE

3.75

TOP 10 TOURIST TOWNS MEETING DESTINATIONS

Awards will be granted to the Top Destinations at Conventa networking dinner and award ceremony held at CD Congress Centre.

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OPATIJA

4.05

SCHLADMING

4.04

BLED

4.03

PORTOROŽ

4.02

ROVINJ

4.01

KRANJSKA GORA

3.96

VYSOKE TATRE

3.95

SAVINJA VALLEY

3.94

SOČA VALLEY

3.93

10.

HVAR ISLAND

3.92

Meetings Star 2016

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1. Prague final mark

4.51

2. Istanbul final mark

4.39

3. Budapest final mark

4.37

Meetings Star 2016

1. PRAGUE

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING DESTINATIONS 2015

WHAT‘S HOT 2017 1. The 56th Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) - The Czech capital will welcome meetings professionals including top planners from all over the world between 12 and 15 November 2017.

SLAVIC PARIS

2. Prague Spring – The Prague Spring International Music Festival belongs to key cultural events held in Prague. This year’s, already 72nd edition will host around 45 concerts accompanied with a broad and wide range of events from 12 May to 2 June 2017. 3. SIGNAL (Prague Light Festival) – Every year for the four nights, SIGNAL Festival changes the look of Prague streets, public spaces and historical buildings into the objects d’art. The fifth edition of the festival will light up the Czech capital from 12 to 15 October 2017.

4.51 Final Score

The spirit of Central Europe is in the best way caught in this beautiful city, which is an excellent convention destination because of its cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, liveliness and a tireless nightlife. What is the secret of the Prague congress tourism? What are they doing differently? It is a combination of circumstances and wise development policies. Elegantly and sustainably they are working to be among the top ten European congress cities. Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective tgrade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4,54 4,59 4,90 4,65 4,61 4,85 4,12 4,10 4,25

DESTINATION MARK:

4,51

Comparisons with the region Prague has for a long time not been an Eastern European gem, but a true European tourist metropolis with a diverse and comprehensive offer, luxury hotels and sometimes too high prices. The story is reminiscent of Škoda, of which the Czechs are very proud and is one of the oldest automotive brands in Europe. Reputable, solid and reliable pre-war limousines were after the war changed by cars that were behind the times. Today, Škoda shines again and again puts the Czech manufacturer where it once was. The same can be said for the meetings industry, where Prague began to seriously falter against the locations top of the European league. If we look at the position of Prague regionally, Prague will not take primacy in the region over Vienna, but it certainly has all the conditions to remain for a long time the first congress destination among East European capitals.

4. Designblok (Prague Design and Fashion Week) – The largest design and fashion show in Central Europe, presenting contemporary furniture and interior accessories, industrial design, lights, fashion, and jewellery. Next edition of the show will start on 26 October 2017. 5. Volkswagen Prague Marathon – One of the most beautiful marathons in the world is held annually in the historical heart of Prague. Runners will enjoy the view of Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and historical streets of Prague from 6 to 7 May 2017.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Glass Decoration - visit a famous glass gallery in Prague, where you can admire beautiful works of art and create your own piece of art using your artistic flair whilst painting a piece of glass.

DID YOU KNOW Why Prague is called “Golden Prague”? This name was given to the city during the reign of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, when the towers of Prague Castle were covered in gold. Another theory is that Prague was called ‘Golden’ during the reign of Rudolf II, who employed alchemists to turn ordinary metals into gold.

PRAGUE AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY (ACI Europe) Direct Total

122

1.291 4.651

Indirect 3.359 Hub 1.458

Meetings Star 2016

2. ISTANBUL

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING DESTINATIONS 2015

WHAT‘S HOT 2017 1. FIBA EuroBasket 2017: (August 31 - September 17)Istanbul will welcome the basketball lovers from all around the world with the 40th edition of the FIBA European Basketball Championship!

SIZE DOES MATTER

2. Istanbul Shopping Fest: (July 1-31)There is no better time to shop than during Istanbul Shopping Fest. In July 2017, glamorous city of Istanbul is hosting the 7th Istanbul Shopping Fest, offering a vacation to remember with fabulous discounts at up to 70 %, great deals on just about everything. 3. 15th Istanbul Biennial: (September 16 November 12)A must see... Has been chosen as one of the five exhibitions worth travelling in the world in 2017 by Newsweek! 4. ACE of MICE by Turkish Airlines: (February 22-24)Congress, meeting and event industry will gather at AME Exhibition for the 4th time! 5. World Tourism Forum: (February 16-18) World Tourism Forum brings highly recognised leaders of tourism industry to participate for invaluable sessions.

4.39 Final Score

Does size matter? ‘Absolutely’, argue the meetings industry representatives of Istanbul. Distances and size are all relative in this city of superlatives where even five minutes, which is maybe a measure of distance from your destination, can easily be converted into a completely different travel experience. Today Istanbul is some kind of a congress hybrid between regulated western destinations and more exotic congress destinations, and a hybrid between the old and the new that follows you in this incredible city at every step. Options for the organisation of social events are unparalleled elsewhere in Europe. Cosmopolitan Istanbul has come back in full shine and has become one of the top global congress cities. The destination is back in the limelight and is the new global success story. We believe that the meetings industry of Istanbul will be the new congress success story, for it has already fulfilled almost every condition and at the same time it is still relatively inexpensive. Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective tgrade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4,79 4,85 5,00 5,00 4,75 4.92 4,43 3,60 2,15

DESTINATION MARK:

4,39

Comparisons with the region Current support of local politics and the economy in the region is more an exception than a rule. Although the country has recently found itself in a whirlwind of protests and political instability, it seems that this does not affect the meetings industry and the Turkish congress tiger is relentlessly growling and overcoming everything set in front of it. If personal hospitality could be combined with the proverbial German precision, the route to congress superstardom would be completely open. Professionalism and entrepreneurship when they are competing for international events is not lacking and they could be setting an example to other convention bureaus. Perhaps the biggest rival is Barcelona, which with its facilities and overall support is also able to host the biggest events.

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BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Home to a diverse culture and vibrant crowd, Istanbul offers an infinite number of possibilities for incentive ideas. Having the Bosphorus dividing the city and the continents, a boat tour on a beautiful Istanbul evening promises breath-taking scenery for your guests.

DID YOU KNOW British author Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” at Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY (ACI Europe) Direct Total

4.454 9.602

Indirect 5.149 Hub 34.392

Meetings Star 2016

3. BUDAPEST

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING DESTINATIONS 2016

CONGRESS QUEEN OF THE DANUBE

WHAT‘S HOT 2017 1. VinCE Budapest Wine Show / March 2017: The biggest wine expo of the region where visitors can see the world’s first wine dispenser and preservation system that can be operated with a smart phone, and taste 1,000 kinds of wines from 182 wineries. 2. Brain Bar Budapest / June 2017: Central Europe’s one-of-a-kind festival, set to debate various issues that influence our future, including the complex and evolving relationship between technology and humanity. A unique space of inspiration, where top trendsetters, decision makers, and fresh challengers exchange ideas in unrestrained conversations. 3. Red Bull Air Race World Championship / July 2017: Thousands of visitors from all parts of the world conquer the Danube banks to see the world’s best pilots competing in a highspeed, low-altitude, and extreme maneuverability race, using the fastest, most agile, and lightweight racing planes ever.

4.37 Final Score

Budapest has always belonged to the tradition and culture of the West and the enforced stay in Eastern Europe is already quite a faded memory. Specific added value are bestowed on the city by the extremely professional and positive professionals who, because of their Finno-Ugric linguistic connection, are reminiscent of their Scandinavian relatives. Once you agree all of the details everything will work like clockwork and without any unnecessary problems. It’s no wonder that it is always attracting meeting planners. Destination mark: QUALITY + MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective tgrade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4,54 4,61 4,91 4,71 4,76 4,78 3,53 3,60 3,86

DESTINATION MARK:

4,37

Comparisons with the region If we put congress destinations of the New Europe in a football perspective, then in the premier league Vienna dominates, which is immediately followed by Prague and Budapest. This is also shown on our scale, on which among the larger cities Budapest ranked third. The city has no shortage of picturesque special venues or the most luxurious hotels, not to mention the crazy and diverse incentive locations. If Prague and Dubrovnik are a love at first sight, then Budapest is love in the long run. In addition to the selection of 16 five-star hotels, from Intercontinental to Kempinski, and 61 hotels with four-stars, it impresses with the unique specialty of historic spa resorts. All this has been for many years an excellent and well-established MICE destination and a well-oiled congress machine. In addition, Budapest, unlike its rivals, is also a very pocket friendly congress destination.

4. Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix / July 2017: Since 1986, Budapest hosts one of the world’s biggest motor-sports events – the annual Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring racecourse, located just outside of the Magyar metropolis. 5. Sziget Festival / August 2017: One of Europe’s biggest alfresco gigs at the Island of Freedom. Week-long musical extravaganza with international superstars and acclaimed local performers of all genres. Blasting concerts, artful acts, and extravagant entertainment, alongside loads of chill zones and psychedelic settings.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Budapest Danube river dinner cruise – This programme is created for those who would like to enjoy the wonderful views of the city bathedin light whilst having dinner in a romantic, candlelit atmosphere on aboat with live music.

DID YOU KNOW "Budapest is hot" – literally! The city has more thermal springs than any other capital city in the world. An amazing 70 million litres of thermal water rises to the surface daily. The hot springs have given birth to dozens of medicinal baths and to a bathing culture dating back to Roman times. BUDAPEST AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY (ACI Europe) Direct Total

124

853 3.533

Indirect 2.680 Hub 97

WELCOME! YOU ARE KINDLY INVITED TO EXPERIENCE OUR FIRST-CLASS SERVICE, WHICH AIMS NOT ONLY TO MEET YOUR EVERY REQUIREMENT BUT ALSO SURPRISES YOU WITH THAT LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA.

HOTELS LOCATED IN THE VERY CENTRE OF LJUBLJANA

574

ELEGANTLY FURNISHED HOTEL ROOMS OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES

CONFERENCE HALLS AND MEETING ROOMS WITH STATE-OF-THEART TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT FOR EVENTS OF ALL TYPES

SECURED PARKING SPACES

Certificate of Excellence 5-time WINNER

WWW.UNION-HOTELS.EU Grand Hotel Union

Grand hotel Union Miklošičeva cesta 1 1000 Ljubljana

Grand hotel Union Business Miklošičeva cesta 3 1000 Ljubljana

Hotel Lev Vošnjakova ulica 1 1000 Ljubljana

Central hotel Miklošičeva cesta 9 1000 Ljubljana

Meetings Star 2016

TOP 10 NATIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS 1.

PRAGUE, Czech Republic

Individual grades

4.51

SLAVIC PARIS • Prague has for a long time not been an Eastern European gem, but a true European tourist metropolis with a diverse and comprehensive offer, luxury hotels and sometimes too high prices. The story is reminiscent of Škoda, of which the Czechs are very proud and is one of the oldest automotive brands in Europe. Reputable, solid and reliable pre-war limousines were after the war changed by cars that were behind the times. Today, Škoda’s shine again and again puts the Czech manufacturer where it once was. The same can be said for the meetings industry, where Prague began to seriously falter against the locations top of the European league. If we look at the position of Prague regionally, Prague certainly has all the conditions to remain one of the most popular congress destinations for a long time.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.54

Global Peace Index:

4.59 4.90 4.65 4.61 4.85 4.12 4.10 4.25

Individual grades

4.39

Natural and cultural factors:

4.79

ISTANBUL, Turkey

SIZE DOES MATTER • The Turkish congress tiger is relentlessly growling and overcoming everything set in front of it. Professionalism and entrepreneurship when they are competing for international events is not lacking and they could be setting an example to other convention bureaus. Congress Bazaar of Istanbul offers everything that a meetings organizer needs, in addition to 7 convention centers, 3 fair grounds and almost 100.000 hotel rooms, and the excellently organized Convention Bureau of Instanbul. The quality of life in Istanbul is improving as well as the general infrastructure; Turkish airlines has become the fourth largest airline in the world.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.85 5.00 5.00 4.75 4.92 4.43 3.60 2.15

Individual grades

4.37

CONGRESS QUEEN OF THE DANUBE • Budapest enjoys a very favorable position in Europe, at the crossroads between the East and the West. It is one of just a few cities in the world that literally lies on thermal springs and to which the Danube River gives a special experiential value. The city has no shortage of picturesque special venues nor the most luxurious hotels and crazy and diverse incentive locations. If Prague is love at first sight, then Budapest is love on the long run. In addition to the selection of 16 five stars hotels, from Intercontinental to Kempinski, and 61 hotels with fourstars, it impresses with unique historic spa resorts. All this has been for many years an excellent and well-established MICE destination with well-oiled congress machinery. In addition, Budapest is also a very pocket friendly and safe congress destination.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.54

Global Peace Index:

4.61 4.91 4.71 4.76 4.78 3.53 3.60 3.86

Individual grades

4.18

Natural and cultural factors:

4.65

BUDAPEST, Hungary

ATHENS, Greece

BRIDGING THE GAP • A historic city with excellent connectivity to the rest of the world and where you will find infrastructure befitting a major European capital, but with better weather and in a more interesting location. The Athens allure includes 300 days of sunshine a year, more than 30,000 hotel rooms in 439 hotels, 95,000 sq.m of conference space, 1,000+ restaurants and 200,000 flights per year. All major hotels in the city underwent a refurbishment for the 2004 Olympics.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.51 4.75 4.23 4.65 4.51 3.52 3.70 3.08

Individual grades

4.17

Natural and cultural factors:

4.45

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia

EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2016 • According to its conference and accommodation infrastructure, Ljubljana belongs to the group of capitals suitable for medium-sized and smaller meetings (up to 2.500 participants). It is positioned side by side with the new EU member states and geographically in the region of the Western Balkans. With two top-level convention centers and a very well developed hotel meetings offer, Ljubljana is the region’s leading congress destination. At the end of last year in order to give Ljubljana a new sales and promotional momentum, a partnership called Ljubljana Strategic Bidding Team (LSBT) was established; it is composed of interested partners from both the private and public area. The city is extremely safe and one of the region’s most sustainably-oriented.

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General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4.15 4.55 4.85 4.47 4.41 2.41 4.20 4.07

Meetings Star 2016

BELGRADE, Serbia

Individual grades

4.15

A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS • Belgrade bases its congress story on the rich culture at the crossroads of East and West, the central position in the South-East Europe and a lively social life. It is a city with remarkable cuisine, world-class nightlife, world events and positive vibrations, which makes it a very dynamic and attractive tourist destination. Belgrade is a city on the rise and a rough congress diamond, which has enormous development potential. With the establishment of the Serbian Convention Bureau in 2007, co-operation and promotion has thoroughly improved and now Belgrade has in terms of management a unique opportunity to take advantage of its benefits, provided so the complete infrastructure can be thoroughly renewed. With that the city can easily be geo-strategically placed by the side of world’s congress capitals.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.29

Global Peace Index:

4.81 4.88 4.61 4.90 4.91 2.31 3.40 3.25

Individual grades

4.14

WHITE ZAGREB TOWN • It can be said that Zagreb has a great congress future. As well as Belgrade, Zagreb is also progressing steadily on the chart of development meetings destinations; the final breakthrough of the intire region is intertwined and dependent on the marketing of mayor regional congress cities in the international market. In the last ten years Croatia has radically improved road infrastructure and thus its accessibility. Significantly improved is also air accessibility via Zagreb Airport, which accepts over 40 % of all air traffic in Croatia. The hotel infrastructure with new acquisitions fully satisfies modern congress guests and is perhaps at this moment the best among regional capitals. Zagreb is a pocket-friendly destination that offers a lot for reasonable money.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.45

Global Peace Index:

4.75 4.68 4.41 4.59 4.71 2.04 3.90 3.70

Individual grades

4.13

MEETOSLAVA • The city of four rivers defines the Danube river with its tributaries and with the mighty Renaissance castle above the intimate and compact old town. Bratislava is undiscovered European congress capital which slowly and steadily penetrates into the congress market. It represents a novelty for international congress market which impresses due to the kind and sympathetic city center but also because of not excessive commercialization. The city is close to the congress organizers mainly due to a more personal congress experience – the city is very friendly and there are no problems with the safety. The city center is full of pubs, restaurants and shops and the hotel offer includes the best known hotel chains. Many special venues like Eurovea city center are the ideal choice for larger and scenic demanding events.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.25

Global Peace Index:

4.87 4.78 4.59 4.52 4.70 1.76 3.80 3.88

Individual grades

4.12

PROUD CITY • Of all Polish cities Krakow is the one with the greatest soul and is the most fraught with history. In Poland, Krakow will be the destination of the new generation, which will soon be recognized as a high quality, compact and most versatile meetings destination in Poland due to the cultural heritage, hospitality of the locals, new meetings capacities and because of its huge scientific potentials. Krakow has a variety of hotels services and an exceptional number of tourist attractions. Being the main tourist city it has excellent conditions in place for the development of congress tourism. With the construction of the new convention center ICE it has also received a real affirmation. Krakow’s recipe is successful and a case of good practice for other more traditional central European destinations.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.52

Global Peace Index:

4.05 4.72 4.52 4.35 4.48 2.62 3.90 3.93

10.

Individual grades

4.11

Natural and cultural factors:

4.25

ZAGREB, Croatia

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia

KRAKOW, Poland

WARSZAW, Poland

NEW URBAN PULSE • Today Warsaw is one of the fastest growing capitals in the EU and a city that can pride itself on a mix of new and old architectural styles. Its growth in infrastructure was strongly boosted when Warsaw was the host of the UEFA European Championship in 2012 and many new hotels were opened. The biggest congress hotel, the Hilton Warsaw with a hall for 1,600 participants, is one of thebiggest in Europe, but The Palace of Culture with its 40 congress halls is also an interesting option.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

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4.38 4.71 4.45 4.15 4.15 3.07 3.90 3.93

Meetings Star 2016

TOP 10 REGIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS 1.

DUBROVNIK, Croatia

Individual grades

4.33

PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC • Dubrovnik is the flagship of regional tourism and is commonly the first association of meetings organizers we meet daily. It is the closest in the region to renowned Mediterranean convention destinations Cannes and Monte Carlo, and it will be even closer after the completion of the convention center. So far the center is successfully replaced by modern and well-equipped centers at hotels such as Dubrovnik Palace, Excelsior, Bellevue, Grand Villa Argentina, Importanne Resort, Dubrovnik President, Valamar Lacroma and Radisson Blue. Well-developed is the entire conference infrastructure including destination management and creative agency scene. The city is safe and one of the tourist icons of the Adriatic and justifiably the most painted tourist skyline with unprecedented experiential diversity for conference guests.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.99

Global Peace Index:

4.59 4.98 4.78 4.75 4.96 2.24 4.00 3.70

Individual grades

4.26

SALZBURG GIVES YOU WINGS • Salzburg offers all the characteristics of a congress destination and a cosmopolitan mix of visitors. With its location in the heart of Europe and because of the high quality of life, Salzburg has a great starting point in congress tourism. For current logistics and transport restrictions of the city, medium sized congresses with up to 2.500 participants are the best suited. Two top-quality, modern and high tech congress centers are together with a top quality conference hotel infrastructure a foundation for this congress destination. In this area they will offer you a superior product wrapped in superior packaging. Although you will find Mozart on every step of your way and it seems that the clock stopped in the times of the famous composer, Salzburg is a very modern and cool tourist destination with extraordinary culinary scene.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.63

Global Peace Index:

4.48 4.41 4.53 4.29 4.25 2.06 4.90 4.79

Individual grades

4.12

Natural and cultural factors:

4.49

SALZBURG, Austria

KLAGENFURT, Austria

CONVENTIONLANDE • Klagenfurt is a likable alpine congress destination with rich cultural heritage and high experiential diversity. Key advantage is definitely fairy tale like well-maintained and pleasant environment, quality offer that is above average in regional sense, and professionalism of suppliers. Position at the crossroads of important routes is also an important factor in competitiveness of this destination. The city is an important inter social and European transit region that is easily reachable thanks to modern highways and rail connections. Klagenfurt as the center of Carinthia with its tidiness, safety and ratio between price and quality is one of the best convention destinations in the wider region. The city builds its meetings offer on a sustainable development.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.12 4.89 4.12 4.36 4.29 1.09 4.90 4.79

Individual grades

4.10

THE ALPINE LAKES EXPERIENCE • Villach is the second largest city of Carinthia and its tourist sights attract an enormous amount of visitors. Villach has also become established as a small Silicon Valley in the Alps, with an international character reflected in the town‘s infrastructure. The main reason for a meetings industry in this part of Austria are the numerous incentive programmes, all of which you can engage with in a very clean enviroment. The most charming aspects are the Carnithian way of life, cultural diversity and a general sense of casualness. In our opinion the main advantages are the size and the feeling of familarity, along with a modern congress infrastructure. Locals also like to emphasise the border location, sat at the crossroads of three nations, which hasn‘t been totally picked up in a congress sense. It is an inspiring mixture of meeting facilities, atmosphere, modernism and a high quality of life and services at any time of the year.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.48

Global Peace Index:

4.12 4.85 4.07 4.36 4.29 1.02 4.90 4.79

Individual grades

3.93

Natural and cultural factors:

4.82

VILLACH, Austria

PIRAN, Slovenia

C ITY OF SALT • Medieval Piran is definitely one of the most portrayed cities on Slovenian tourist postcards. The city owes its prosperity to the over a thousand-year long respectful coexistence between the saltpan workers and their natural environment. Where once a monastery stood, today you will find the St. Bernardin hotel located only a 15-minute walk away from Piran. The Bernardin Congress Centre is the first and the largest hotel congress centre in Slovenia. Its multifunctional design sets the standards for all similar centres in the region. For quite some time the city has been living in the shadow of its notorious tourist neighbour Portorož; the truth is, however, that in the future Piran will stand out if it decides for the right differentiation.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

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4.15 4.02 4.15 4.26 4.66 1.02 4.20 4.07

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MARIBOR, Slovenia

Individual grades

3.84

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE • Maribor is one of the most promising meetings destinations in Slovenia. The city is historically, ethnically and culturally extremely interesting. It gives an impression of familiarity and warmth. Transport infrastructure, mostly because of the inactive Maribor Airport, is the weakest part of the Maribor meetings industry offer. Otherwise the city is safe and pleasant to live in. Its speciality is an extraordinary access to nature. The additional tourist offer is well developed, especially for sports and recreation. Congress offer of Maribor is concentrated in company Terme Maribor and their hotels Habakuk, Piramida (Pyramid) and Bellevue. The town is very rich with additional convention programmes suitable for incentives, but unfortunately a comprehensive offer of Pohorje and the town is under-utilised and not well presented.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.23

Global Peace Index:

4.15 4.15 4.12 4.14 4.35 1.19 4.20 4.07

Individual grades

3.82

A COOL MEETINGS DESTINATION • Zadar with over 4000 beds, several campgrounds and resorts is a developed summer destination for leisure and a yachting paradise. The charming city with thousand years of cultural heritage, the proximity of the islands, five national parks and improving flight connections has a number of good reviews by foreign media describing it as a cool convention destination. The city is an ideal destination for organization of smaller conferences and incentives for up to 100 participants. Currently, the main drawback are congress facilities that are not offering enough space for bigger business events, as well as congress infrastructure which is not yet built and in function. Once everything is in place, Zadar will certainly be an important congress player.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.25

Global Peace Index:

4.24 4.44 4.15 4.25 4.23 1.10 4.00 3.70

Individual grades

3.77

Natural and cultural factors:

4.51

ZADAR, Croatia

RIJEKA, Croatia

A CITY WITH CHARACTER • The extended region of Kvarner has the huge potential to become a leading meetings destination. Individual congress cities together with the islands of Opatija, Lošinj and Cres are the heart of a very rich product. It is a complex offer, appropriate for associations as well as corporate events. Comparing Rijeka to Split it’s possible to see just how fast the tourist-congress transformation can happen. With its Mediterranean – industrial character Rijeka has no competitor in the Adriatic; the urban scene is so very alive and contains a rich cultural offer. Plenty of congress stories are just waiting for discovery.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.18 4.29 4.05 3.99 4.15 1.09 4.00 3.70

Individual grades

3.76

Natural and cultural factors:

4.54

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

ŠIBENIK, Croatia

THE HEART OF DALMATIA • Šibenik very rarely raises any association with the meeting industry. In the process of transition from an industrial city into a tourist destination it has not yet asserted its image among competing cities. Despite this it is a fact that it has excellent conditions and is somehow considered to be a hidden jewel of the Croatian congress offer. For ease of accessibility it may be a suitable location for small association conferences as well as a variety of incentive programmes.

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.14 4.23 4.05 3.94 4.22 1.04 4.00 3.70

Individual grades

3.75

Natural and cultural factors:

4.12

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

10.

UDINE, Italy

CONGRESS ELEGANCE WITH FRIULIAN CHARM • It is a unique world in which the Latin elements from the period of Roman Empire are mixed with those of Lombard, Venetian, Austrian and Slavic. History touches you at every step, which is the perfect backdrop for a variety of innovative incentive programs. Udine has a rich quality of life, being one of the most economically developed Italian region. The city is perfectly accessible via highways, rail and air. There are plenty of hotel facilities in the city and the surrounding areas, which are a true shopping paradise with superb cuisine and some of the best Italian restaurants with Michelin stars. In the middle of one of the most important Italian wine regions you can organize you event in wineries, renovated industrial buildings or palaces. The whole offer is quality linked by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Tourist Board.

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General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4.39 4.21 3.98 4.10 3.71 1.06 4.70 3.45

Meetings Star 2016

TOP 10 SMALL TOURIST DESTINATIONS 1.

OPATIJA, Croatia

VINTAGE MEETINGS • 170 years of tourism tradition is based on the positive energy of the riviera and the exceptional natural conditions. This is a great sign for the revival of Opatija congress tourism, which has recently relaxed slightly in comparison with the hyperactive Croatian Adriatic competitors. The city already boasts the entire infrastructure, but it is beaten mostly by an unfavourable image and somewhat slow adjustment to the new congress market conditions. A change of the structure of hotels is also necessary, as ‘cosmopolitan’ Opatija today only boasts three hotels in the 5-star category, whilst in Dubrovnik there are now 14.

Individual grades

4.05

Natural and cultural factors:

4.55

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.29 4.85 4.65 4.59 4.58 1.22 4.00 3.70

Individual grades

4.04

Natural and cultural factors:

4.55

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

SCHLADMING, Austria

MEETINGS IN EMBRACE OF ALPINE BEAUTIES • In the last decade tourism in Styria struck swift development. Schladming is a big skiing centre, the scene of the best slalom races of the season aswell as other internationaly known sport competitions. Besides that it is also an excelent congress venue and a place, which stays in fond memory of every guest. We can say without a doubt that the tourist developement in Schladming is a success story and we are certain thatthat will also be the case in the future. Contributing to the success were mostly sporting events, on which they have built extensively. With event organisation, the destination has gained a lot of experience, which can now be transfered into the congress field.

BLED, Slovenia

THE IMAGE OF HEAVEN • As a recognisable brand Bled stands out among other congress destinations in the region. It most closely resembles Dubrovnik, which caught up with the pre-war congress tempo by taking the right steps. Currently the biggest disadvantage is the lack of a clear focus towards quality rather than mass tourism. This is most clearly seen in the restaurant, night life and shopping offer. As a result the current perception of quality is lower than with largest competitors. In Bled the saying ‘Less is more’ is very true. The potential for the meetings industry is immense, it just needs to be harnessed in the right way.

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.02 4.61 4.35 4.12 4.02 1.00 4.90 4.79

Individual grades

4,03

Natural and cultural factors:

4.94

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.39 3.98 4.22 4.47 4.65 1.34 4.20 4.07

Individual grades:

4.02

Natural and cultural factors:

4.62

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

PORTOROŽ, Slovenia

PORT OF ROSES • The historic laurels of the leading Adriatic congress destination are slowly starting to gather dust. Portorož is still in hard competition with Dubrovnik, Opatija and new Adriatic congress destinations that are developing all the time. A rich congress history, tradition and the existing infrastructure are a competitive advantage. The meetings industry is by no means a tree to sleep under and simply harvest its fruit of wealthy congress participants. Despite that, Portorož has proven resilient and adaptable many times in the course of history, so some innovativeness and marketing opportunities should ensure it has a bright future.

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.25 4.39 4.15 4.26 4.66 1.61 4.20 4.07

Individual grades:

4.01

Natural and cultural factors:

4.58

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

5. ROVINJ, Croatia

ISTRIA STAR MEETINGS • If at the destination you have owners who have clear goals and who look at congress tourism strategically, then in a short time you can do a lot. It is possible to revitalize the old factory premises and build a superior conference hotel. Maistra in Rovinj has undoubtedly left its mark. Taking into consideration the geographical location of Rovinj as one of the closest Mediterranean congress destinations for Central and Western Europe, the future of this industry is guaranteed. Missing is only a convention bureau, which would know how to step out of corporate governance of the destination and would be able to serve as attorney of the meetings industry. Otherwise, forecasts of mayor Sponza that Rovinj will be more exclusive than Dubrovnik, can be realized.

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General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

4.05 4.49 4.71 4.59 4.87 1.14 4.00 3.70

Meetings Star 2016

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia

Individual grades:

3.96

GOOD WILL IS THE BESTS • The most important winter sports centre in Slovenia has among the Slovenian ski resorts the strongest brand, which is known worldwide mainly due to the Cup Vitranc. It has stayed n the company of places like Kitzbuhel, Cortina, Garmisch and Wengen for many years. In recent years, Kranjska Gora successfully defied the green winters and economic hardship of key hoteliers. Slowly and steadily it has also developed a summer tourist offer, which enables the development of congress tourism. Both seasons are now virtually in balance. With the latest changes in the field of hospitality it will surely strengthen its position as an important centre for the implementation of incentive programmes and small conferences. Due to the recognition of the ski jumps in Planica and Vitranc Cup it has a high priority over other rivals in the region. It is an important boutique congress destination for quality mid-size corporate events up to 350 participants.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.58

Global Peace Index:

4.42 4.29 4.15S 4.28 4.59 1.03 4.20 4.07

Individual grades:

3.95

WARM YOUR HEART • High Tatras are an extreme surprise and one of the undiscovered European incentive jewels. In the shadow of much more notorious Zakopane in neighbouring Poland they offer at least as wide incentive offer, which is besides that packed in a very favourable financial package. As the main tourist resorts are close to mountain resorts, ski resorts and scenic walking trails, it is downright perfect destination for a more sports inspired incentive groups. We recommend organizing events in spring and autumn months, when places aren’t flooded with the annual mass winter tourist migration. Prices in Slovakia are significantly lower than in central Europe and the destination is only a few hours of driving on motorways from major Central European cities away.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.79

Global Peace Index:

4.49 4.61 4.40 4.59 4.00 1.03 3.80 3.88

Individual grades:

3.94

OF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK • Upper Savinja Valley is one of Slovenia’s natural jewels of. Its tourism offer is undoubtedly getting more diverse with every passing year, but still many of its foreign guests are not getting a comprehensive source of information about the full range of events and activities offer. The valley can be compared with the Soča Valley, which in many respects has a similar congress offer and the advantage of a functioning destination organisation (LTO Sotočje). Both valleys are two uncut diamonds of the Slovenian meetings offer that we believe will sooner or later be discovered by European event organisers. Given the advantages of this valley that is really impressive with its diversity, its natural resources and the charms of the Savinja river, it will undoubtedly succeed.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.72

Global Peace Index:

4.20 4.42 4.05 4.51 4.30 1.00 4.20 4.07

Individual grades:

3.93

Natural and cultural factors:

4.76

VYSOKE TATRE, Slovakia

SAVINJA VALLEY, Slovenia

SOČA VALLEY, Slovenia

EPICENTRE OF INCENTIVE INSPIRATIONS • In the narrow micro-region the Soča Valley is currently not facing increased competition. On the Italian side in Friuli Venezia Giulia, incentive tourism is underdeveloped and the development of the product in Brda and Nova Gorica is also at the beginning stages. A more serious competition is in Istria and neighbouring Carinthia, as well as within the wider Slovenian Julian Alps. The main advantage of the destination is a developed incentive product, gastronomy and preserved natural and cultural heritage, which is unequalled.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

General and transport

Global Peace Index:

4.21 4.41 4.02 4.40 4.31 1.02 4.20 4.07

Individual grades:

3.92

Natural and cultural factors:

4.82

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

10.

HVAR, Croatia

ROOM WITH A VIEW • None of the more than 1,000 Croatian islands has such karma and recognition as Hvar. Definitely a “must” Croatian destination, right b ehind Dubrovnik. Distance from the mainland gives it a touch of boutique smallness.

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index:

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3.82 4.45 3.79 4.75 4.91 1.00 4.00 3.70

KOPAONIK - TRULY NEW EXPERIENCE

K Mountain Resort is situated at Kopaonik, the most prestigious ski resort in Serbia, 290 km from the capital of Belgrade. MK Mountain Resort includes four stars Grand Hotel & Spa and Angella Hotel & Residence with a total capacity of more than 1300 beds. All facilities are located in the very heart of tourist center and National Park of Kopaonik, at 1770 m above sea level. Merging a range of hotel facilities and exceptional natural environment, resort offers unique possibilities for organization of different events, team buildings, congresses and seminars during the whole year. Convention center has 10 quite modern conference and meeting halls with a different set ups. An innovative approach provides access to all necessary facilities and the possibility of accommodation of the participants in one place. Spa & wellness center, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, bars and restaurants, a bowling center with 8 lanes, fitness center, sports courts, as well as a multifunctional sports hall, are just part of the services that resort offers to its guests. Resort is one of the leading MICE resorts with over 250 events yearly, including national and international meetings in the fields of medicine, agriculture, economy, IT technologies, business, government projects and many others. Company has won numerous awards in the field of tourism industry of which highlights "Superbrands" for the best corporate brand in the segment of "tourism" for the year 2015. and SEE Btm business award for the best conference Resort in SE Europe.

MK Mountain Resort

Conference & Event Sales Department T +381 11 655 75 90,Â M +381 64 8714 079 congres@mkresort.com www.mkresort.com

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BEST HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES 2016

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GOOD, BETTER, THE BEST.

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2016

SOO GOOD THAT WE COULDN’T IGNORE IT! Based on 133 hidden guests’ ratings, which have been published in the Kongres Magazine, we have selected the winners of the MEETING STAR AWARD 2016. • 5 categories, 12 hidden guests • 465 evaluation criteria • 45 City Meeting Hotels evaluated • 38 Resort Meeting Hotels evaluated • 16 Spa Meeting Hotels evaluated • 16 Boutique Hotels evaluated • 18 Congress and Convention Centres evaluated For quite a long time now it has been a wellknown tourism truth that the meeting planners are the most demanding guests and with the highest purchasing power. They spend a longer amount of time in the hotel, they have greater levels of contact with the personnel and they avail themselves of more of the hotel services. They also expect a higher level of service and, therefore, it is fair to say that they deserve the utmost attention. So, which hotels were most highly rated by the hidden congress guests sent out to the field by Kongres magazine throughout 2016? On the following pages you can find the results of the biggest regional testing of congress centres, hotels and destinations undertaken for the purpose of acknowledging and awarding the best in the business. THE MEETING STAR AWARD has been organised for the sixth successive year and the principle remains the same - the winners are selected by hidden congress guests, who make an independent evaluation of the quality of the hotel, congress, restaurant and other services. The hidden congress guest is an experienced expert in the field of congress organisation and who has knowledge in hotel and restaurant management. To guarantee objectivity the following knowledge and competencies are required for the hidden congress guest:

• at least 15 years of experience in the field of congress and event organisation • e xpertise in Slovenian and internationa l meeting tourism standards with spec ific knowledge of standards’ control ( DIN – Deutsche Industrie Norm, ICCA – International Congress and Convention A ssociation, IAPCO – International A ssociation of Professional Congress O rganisers, APEX – Accepted Practice Exchange, AIPC – International Association o f Congress Centres, MPI – Meetings Professionals International) • familiarity with meeting industry trends on the Slovene and international market • recognition of specific needs and wishes of participants • knowledge about key factors that influence the selection of a congress venue location • f amiliarity with all elements required for s uccessfully holding a congress (technical requirements, catering services, extras, security, protocol etc.) All hidden congress guests have verified references that allow them to give an impartial opinion on behalf of the client and ensure maximum reliability of the method. Most importantly, they are objective, fair, precise, reliable, well-organised and pay attention to detail. Nothing escapes the eye of the hidden congress guest.

The evaluation process is the following. The evaluator visits a randomly selected hotel or participates in one of the hotel's or congress centre's events, where they evaluate the performance of the hotel’s services using an evaluation sheet. At certain points of the evaluation sheet personal comments and pictures or video evidence can be added to the rating. The evaluation sheet includes over 465 measurable evaluation criteria, which are divided into the following categories: A. First contact with the customer B. General impression upon arrival at the hotel C. Entry hall – lobby D. Employees’ attitude E. Reception F. Hotel room G. Hotel bed H. Bathroom and restroom I. Hotel breakfast J. Hotel bar and restaurant K. Congress halls L. Extras M. Sales procedures and communication Each category is evaluated based on how well it meets prerequisites and an average score – this way individual criteria can be improved. Additionally, to the framework of the evaluation sheet a subjective assessment is provided, which can be used to improve performance in the following areas: • Architecture and aesthetics • Reputation and credibility • Communication • Price • Extras • Location • FLOP - negative surprises • TOP - surpluses

The HIDDEN CONGRESS GUEST section is not paid for. The selection of hotels, which are evaluated by the hidden congress guest, is left to the editorial board. The hidden guest visits the hotels without prior notice. The hotels are rated by the HIDDEN CONGRESS GUEST, who are professional people with years of experience in the meetings industry and the extra knowledge of hospitality management. The evaluation matrix consists of more than 450 measurable evaluation criteria that are divided into different categories, such as first contact with the customer, general impression upon arrival, behaviour of employees, as well as many others. Each category is assessed by the proportion of conditionality and an average rating, which in itself allows for the improvement of the quality of the individual criteria. 134

Meetings Star 2016

The winners in the individual categories for the year 2016 are: CITY MEETING HOTEL LUXURY

CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST

Budapest

Hungary

4.94

PREMIUM

CROWNE PLAZA BELGRADE

Belgrade

Serbia

4.50

RESORT MEETING HOTEL LUXURY

HOTEL REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

Tivat

Montenegro

4.91

PREMIUM

VALAMAR LACROMA

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.50

PREMIUM

HOTEL SPLENDID

Budva

Montenegro

4.50

Langelois

Austria

4.75

Rovinj

Croatia

4.87

Krakow

Poland

4.90

SPA MEETING HOTEL BOUTIQUE

LOISUIUM WINE & SPA RESORT

BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTEL BOUTIQUE

HOTEL ADRIATIC

CONVENTION & CONGRESS CENTRE CONVENTION

ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE

Absolute winners are: HOTELS WITH HIGHEST SCORE 2016 1.

CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST

Budapest

Hungary

4.94

HOTEL REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

Tivat

Montenegro

4.91

GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI HIGH TATRAS

Strbske Pleso

Slovakia

4.90

CONVENTION CENTRES WITH HIGHEST SCORE 2016 1.

ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE

Krakow

Poland

4.90

AUSTRIA CENTER VIENNA

Vienna

Austria

4.89

ICC KATOWICE

Katowice

Poland

4.88

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TOP 10 CITY MEETING HOTELS Today we evaluated 43 city meeting hotels and here is our top ten:

TOP 10 CITY MEETING HOTELS 2016 – LUXURY (4.51 - 5.00) 1.

CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST

Budapest

Hungary

4.94

HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE

Athens

Greece

4.85

HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.84

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL

Belgrade

Serbia

4.82

ESPLANADE ZAGREB

Zagreb

Croatia

4.81

GRAND HOTEL UNION

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.80

METROPOL PALACE

Belgrade

Serbia

4.79

HOTEL PARK

Split

Croatia

4.79

HILTON ATHENS

Athens

Greece

4.70

HOTEL EUROPE SARAJEVO

Sarajevo

Bosnia

4.70

HOTEL EXCELSIOR & SPA DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.69

10.

HOTEL WESTIN

Zagreb

Croatia

4.67

TOP 10 CITY MEETING HOTELS 2016 – PREMIUM (4.01 - 4.50) 1.

CROWNE PLAZA BELGRADE

Belgrade

Serbia

4.50

HOTEL CORNARO SPLIT

Split

Croatia

4.49

RADISSON BLU PLAZA

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.48

RADISSON BLU CARLTON

Bratislava

Slovakia

4.47

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL BELGRADE

Belgrade

Serbia

4.47

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL LOVEC

Bled

Slovenia

4.45

HYATT REGENCY

Belgrade

Serbia

4.44

HOTEL YASMIN

Kosice

Slovakia

4.44

HOTEL LEV

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.43

HOTEL SHERATON

Zagreb

Croatia

4.41

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL SLON

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.39

10.

HOTEL GALLERIA

Subotica

Serbia

4.38

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CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST

Budapest, Hungary 4.94

The Hotel Corinthia has a character that has no match anywhere in the city. An elegant hotel building, top-notch service and excellent congress facilities place it at the very top of the regional congress hotel offers. It has the biggest selection of congress halls in Budapest, all of them 5 star,and includes 31 meeting rooms, the baroque-style Grand Ballroom and the special Executive Lounge is suitable for private congress organiser meetings. Luxury comfort, modern elegance and technology tie the offer together.

HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE

Athens, Greece

4.85

Hotel Grande Bretagne is in a world of its own and definitely falls into the top league of regional hotels. It is a hotel institution, which will never disappoint. The highest standards in comfort, cuisine and overall pleasure wrapped inside a package that still defines the standards of what quality should feel like in Athens. A big plus is the option of combining conference halls and hotel capacities with its subsidiary hotel, King George, and thus opening up possibilities for larger groups.

HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4,84

Last year the hotel won the award for the leading hotel in each brand of the Hilton Worldwide chain – Connie Award – and it convinced us too with its luxury and superior level of customer service. A hotel with such a soul that speaks for itself is also an excellent choice for congresses, budget permitting of course. The hotel has witnessed many historic congress events and banquets, which continue not to disappoint right up to today. This is a serious hotel institution with a deep soul.

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL

Belgrade, Serbia

4.82

Radisson Old Mill took a risk and in doing so it has come out very well - they have captured just the right aesthetic balance, where the top quality hotel ingredients have never been wrapped up in ballast and the new space has been balanced with the story of the former mill. The result is an elegant concept of an authentic hotel, a cult restaurant and a dynamic lounge bar, all of which gives a new dimension to Belgrade tourism and at the same time has set new standards.

ESPLANADE ZAGREB

Zagreb, Croatia

4.81

The elegant and recognisable hotel building is one of Zagreb’s secession icons. Since its opening the hotel has been a centre of social life and the most luxurious hotel in the regionThe hotel is an excellent choice for business and congress guests and is probably the regional flagship in terms of service quality, customer care, prestige and image. Staying at the hotel is a special experience, with a package that gives you a feeling of luxury.

GRAND HOTEL UNION

Ljubljana, Slovenia 4.80

The taste of meeting organisers can be unpredictable and difficult to follow, but the choice of Grand Hotel Union is always definitely the right one, due to its excellent convention halls and, of course, the flexible and friendly staff. In the Ljubljana conference offer the Grand Hotel Union reigns supreme. An excellent hotel for convention gourmets and since 1905 a true flag-bearer of Ljubljana’s hotel conference offer.

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HOTEL PARK

Split, Croatia

4.79

One of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Split, Hotel Park has an elite location next to Split’s most famous beach, Bačvice. This year the five-star hotel expanded its capacity, so it now offers 73 rooms, including six luxury apartments. The interior is dominated by its art deco style with a timeless elegance and a sense of the hotel’s soul can be felt on the large, luxurious terrace with sea views and a prestigious conference centre.

METROPOL PALACE

Belgrade, Serbia

4.79

Following a long renovation its historic heritage has been excellently rebuilt and today the hotel is again flirting with premium hotels in the major metropolitan cities of the region. Warm colours, superior lighting, retro furniture and services at an appropriate level set it among the best hotels in the Balkans. If you want to impress your conference guests then at the moment this hotel is Belgrade’s best choice. It is the hotel from which the memory of the good old times is brought back to you, something that a lot of people are longing for today.

HOTEL EUROPE SARAJEVO

Sarajevo, BIH

4.70

It has long been known that hotels need a good story, and not many have a story like Hotel Europa. It started in late 1882 and continued after its renovation. There hasn’t been an important event to characterise the city that didn’t pass through this legendary institution. The hotel is sold to you with its comfort, but the location next to the famous Baščaršija is also something very special. An excellent independent hotel with a top congress offer.

HILTON ATHENS

Athens, Greece

4.70

A hotel that is loved by guests like Aristotle Onassis, Frank Sinatra, Ingmar Bergman, Anthony Quinn and the Rolling Stones has made it the place to be. The area around the hotel is known among locals simply as the Hilton area. It impresses with its professional congress service and a modernistic design with Mediterranean touches, creating a visually perfect and pleasing image. Hilton has successfuly been following all of the latest trends in terms of cuisine and overall service, which is why it is the perfect choice for organising events.

HOTEL EXCELSIOR & SPA DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik, Croatia 4.69

Dubrovnik's high-flier continues to defy the passage of time and also its increasing competition in the city. The image of the hotel's myth is built on the reputation of it being the city's best hotel. This traditional hotel is still very high on the quality scale, although it now has several competitors breathing down its neck. 'Excelsior is Excelsior', though, and this is a sentence that you will often hear spoken in Dubrovnik, and with good reason. It would be difficult to place any other Dubrovnik hotel into this sentence with the same special meaning, but take nothing away from the value of other local competitors who are continuing to build on their own strengths.

10.

HOTEL WESTIN

Zagreb, Croatia

4.67

The Westin Hotel is a contemporary but not modern, spacious but not over equipped, robust yet flexible hotel for those who care a lot for practicality and reliability. The hotel still functions perfectly and is well received among congress clients due to its versatility and the professionalism of the staff. Service, staff, quality in all the important elements of the hotel works well. Plus hotel is getting a make over with renovation of the hotels public spaces and rooms.

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TOP 10 RESORT MEETING HOTELS Today we have evaluated 38 resort meeting hotels and here is our top ten:

TOP 10 LUXURY RESORT MEETING HOTELS 2016 1.

HOTEL REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

Tivat

Montenegro

4.91

GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI

V. Tatre

Slovakia

4.90

KEMPINSKI PALACE

Portorož

Slovenia

4.89

FALKENSTEINER SCHLOSS HOTEL VELDEN

Velden

Austria

4.88

HOTEL LONE

Rovinj

Croatia

4.86

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA IADERA

Zadar

Croatia

4.84

HOTEL BELLEVUE

Lošinj

Croatia

4.83

D-RESORT

Šibenik

Croatia

4.82

HOTEL MONTE MULINI

Rovinj

Croatia

4.76

MIND HOTEL SLOVENIJA

Portorož

Slovenia

4.76

10.

HOTEL LAV MERIDIEN

Split

Croatia

4.62

10.

HOTEL SHERATON

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.62

TOP 10 PREMIUM RESORT MEETING HOTELS 2016 1.

VALAMAR LACROMA

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.50

HOTEL SPLENDID

Budva

Montenegro

4.50

HOTEL PARK PLAZA HISTRIA

Pula

Croatia

4.49

KEMPINSKI HOTEL ADRIATIC

Savudrija

Croatia

4.48

RADISSON BLU RESORT

Split

Croatia

4.47

REMISENS PREMIUM HOTEL AMBASADOR

Opatija

Croatia

4.43

REMISENS PREMIUM HOTEL METROPOL

Portorose

Slovenia

4.43

HOTEL DUBROVNIK PALACE

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.41

GRAND HOTEL 4 OPATIJSKA CVIJETA

Opatija

Croatia

4.38

GRAND HOTEL BERNARDIN

Portorose

Slovenia

4.36

GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE

Bled

Slovenia

4.35

10.

AVALA RESORT & VILLAS

Budva

Montenegro

4.34

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HOTEL REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

Tivat, Montenegro

4.91

The hotel sets new regional hoteliers’ standards and also sets Montenegro among the most luxurious tourist destinations, so it isn’t surprising that it was nominated for the World Luxury Awards 2015. The ratings of its individual criteria speak for themselves; the hotel offers comfort, a range of top quality materials, luxurious elegance and a high quality offer of its spa centre, for which a visit is a very special experience and why many famous and rich people have already visited Regent Porto Montenegro. You too can reserve your space among the VIPs in one of its 51 rooms.

GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI HIGH TATRAS

Strbske Pleso, Slovakia 4.90

The hotel is an attractive Slovak tourist icon, in a picturesque location, which makes everything look like a fairytale. It is a simple hotel which awakens the imagination, raises the heartbeat and is perfect for congress events of the highest order. It is an institution where guests can relax in the wellness center, indulge in culinary treats from the chefs, taste some excellent wine or fully focus on meetings and events with a view. Lovers of culture will certainly appreciate the artwork throughout the hotel. The Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras has won multiple awards which are justified by the experience it offers.

KEMPINSKI PALACE

Portorož, Slovenia

4.89

The Kempinski Palace is simply an excellent congress hotel. With their experience in incentive travel, conferences and complicated corporate events, they have set new standards and assured the number one spot in the region. Since the last evaluation, the Palace hotel has had major improvements in terms of service quality, staff and cuisine. In addition to the standard, top-notch Kempinski service you would expect, the hotel has its unique style, which accentuates the legendary character and Habsburg elegance. All of this shows why the Kempinski Palace is at the top of the luxury offer in Slovenia.

FALKENSTEINER SCHLOSS HOTEL VELDEN

Velden, Austria

4.88

Upon entering the hotel you instantly feel positivity and calm. The natural colours and wood blend nicely with the green surroundings, which can best be observed from the outdoor pool. Privacy is guaranteed by the many hidden corners simply intended for events. This was also one of the reasons why the hotel has acquired numerous titles as best hotel and has become a trademark of Carinthian tourism.At the time of our last assessment there has been a change in hotel management, which is today clearly at the peak of the regional hotel offer. Steered by German precision and Austrian charm it is the concept of excellence in every field.

Rovinj, Croatia

HOTEL LONE

4.86

We understand design hotels as an experience that includes reflection and very personal contact with culture, nature and the culinary art of the destination. The creators of Hotel Lone, the first Croatian design hotel, were probably thinking along the same lines, and we like it. Lovers of hotel glamour and kitsch may not like it, however, but we think that the luxury is in the small details, like the enormous room service menu and the hotel guide in broadsheet newspaper format, or in the selected fabric for curtains or the numerous other small details. The hotel is ideal for “DINKS” and young professionals, and is a monument of Croatian creativity and the zeitgeist of the new generation.

FALKENSTEINER IADERA

Zadar, Croatia

4.84

The overall result of the resort is extremely good. The congress centre is functional and cleverly designed with warm colours and daylight, offering all you need for a great incentive programme. The hotel follows the known standards of the Falkensteiner group and is an excellent choice for incentive and product launches and smaller conferences. It is important to avoid the high tourist season and go for less frequent dates, carefully planning the arrivals logistics. From what we saw and experienced we can only give a firm nod of approval.

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HOTEL BELLEVUE

Lošinj, Croatia

4.83

Following renovation an elegant and extremely elaborate - in fact almost timeless - hotel has been created, something that is also reflected in its exceptional and truly top-class logo. With its richness and content diversity it functions almost as a mini-city into which the convention centre is also nicely positioned. A team of Croatian architects, led by the renowned Andrija Ruslan, has done excellent work and created a space that today a youthful team is filling with kindness, positive energy and a superior level of service.

D-RESORT

Šibenik, Croatia

4.82

Until recently Šibenik would have been considered something a bit off the beaten MICE track, but in recent years it has been rapidly moving in the right direction. Where a former navy military barracks once stood, today a luxury resort owned by the Turkish Dogus Group company stands as part of the new Marina Mandalina. Architecturally the hotel is highly impressive, yet at the same time remains completely personalised. The decision to reveal the natural concrete skeleton of the building is exceptional and throws up new architectural surprises. The youthful and inspired personnel and this amazing city with its urban culture and very special joyfulness really stand out.

HOTEL MONTE MULINI

Rovinj, Croatia

4.76

This is a hotel to enjoy and for which the entire business philosophy has been covered; it looks good, is superbly equipped and offers a healthy number of extras. There are only a handful of hotels that can delight and thrill as fully as Monte Mulini does and the longer we spent in the hotel, the better was the feeling that it is an extraordinary gastronomic oasis too. A real 5 star hotel in an excellent location and suitable for the most demanding and exclusive conference events.

MIND HOTEL SLOVENIJA

Portorož, Slovenia

4.76

After thorough renovation, the completely redesigned Hotel Slovenija has become a pure blooded 5 star hotel. It is situated right by the Portorož promenade overlooking the sea, which gives it special charm. They've positioned it as a winter thermal resort, which is quite convenient for congress organizers. The hotel houses a modern congress centre and two excelent mediteranean restaurants. The cherry on top is definitely the concept of "Brain Food" creative cooking that congress guests always appreciate. Hotel Slovenija has brought a fresh breeze to the congress-hotel offer in Portorož and stands as an excelent diversification of the area.

10.

HOTEL LAV MERIDIEN

Split, Croatia

4.62

It is in a class of its own on the current hotel and convention scene in Split. The Starwood operators have done their homework thoroughly and are winners in a hotel’s most sensitive area – the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. In the past this has earned them a place among the best in its class, but there are also some shortcomings with the hotel too, particularly in the field of catering and hospitality, where one would expect a little more from a top end hotel. Overall, though, this is a balanced congress hotel that is elegant and charming, making it a perfect choice for the most demanding congress clients.

10.

HOTEL SHERATON

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.62

Dubrovnik is with this hotel richer for a true convention hotel, which would want any well-developed meetings destination. With its location halfway between the airport and Dubrovnik is located perfectly. The hotel is managed by the management of HUP Company under the Sheraton franchise, and such partnership proved to be successful. Compliance with high standards can be seen and felt in every step. As a whole acts modern and at the same time very enjoyable. According to assurances from managers, the hotel will operate throughout the whole year, which means a great contribution for the meetings industry of Dubrovnik. It is especially suitable for car launch events with the entire necessary infrastructure. 143

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WHAT IS A BOUTIQUE HOTEL? The region is experiencing a real boom of small, boutique hotels. Among them are a number that are more than suitable for smaller events. In the editorial board and with the help from our readers we have selected some of the best based on the following criteria: - Minimum 5 boutique guest rooms for a total of minimum 10 participants - Small meeting room or adequate space for minimum 10 participants - Specificity that makes the hotel a boutique one (authenticity, design, cuisine) - Private ownership / family business - Excellent cuisine, selected drinks and individuality - Special, intimate atmosphere

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TOP 10 BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS Today we evaluated 16 boutique meeting hotels and here is our top ten: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS 2016 1.

HOTEL ADRIATIC

Rovinj

Croatia

4.87

VILA MENEGHETTI

Bale

Croatia

4.85

HOTEL CUBO

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.82

HOTEL TOWNHOUSE 27

Belgrade

Serbia

4.81

SQUARE NINE HOTEL

Belgrade

Serbia

4.79

HOTEL PUČIĆ PALACE

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.79

HOTEL BEVANDA

Opatija

Croatia

4.77

HOTEL SAN ROCCO

Brtonigla

Croatia

4.74

HOTEL VANDER

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.72

HOTEL PLESNIK

Logarska Valley

Slovenia

4.70

10.

HOTEL TRIGLAV

Bled

Slovenia

4.69

10.

KENDA MANOR

Idrija

Slovenia

4.69

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HOTEL ADRIATIC

Rovinj, Croatia

4.87

Hotel Adriatic is a synonym for a contemporary boutique designe hotel with state-of-the-art restaurant and fully stocked bar. It is suitable mainly for smaller and more demanding groups. The hotel can be a great starting point for many different programmes in Istria. We easily imagine a smaller but more demanding incentive group that will combine the services of Maistra. Superb, if not superior boutique hotel that will impress you as well as you congress guests.

VILA MENEGHETTI

Bale, Croatia

4.85

A truly magical place in the estate is the table set under the 100–year-old oaks with views over the surrounding vineyards. As an ensemble the estate feels like an island that has been dropped onto the mainland, a place where time has stopped and you are instantly relaxed. Everything here is to an extremely high standard, but at the same time oozing genuine warmth.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

HOTEL CUBO

4.82

The hotel is perfectly located and feels brand new. This ‘Boutique Hotel’ not only builds its profile and reputation among modern nomads through design trends and comfort, but it also focuses on an excellence of service and the attention given to each guest. Everything about the rooms and the hotel communal spaces is very modern and beautifully designed. The standard of food and service is top notch too. The hotel is elegant and über-modern, almost a design hotel.

HOTEL TOWNHOUSE 27

Belgrade, Serbia

4.81

A modern hotel in a picturesque historic building dating back to 1929, it is beautifully furnished and has excellent room facilities. Everything is stylish about this hotel and the support and excellent service from all of the staff makes it very special. The essence of the hotel is its exceptional friendliness. Rooms are perfectly maintained and clean as a whistle.

SQUARE NINE HOTEL

Belgrade, Serbia

4.79

An elegant, modern and sophisticated hotel in the heart of the Old City of Belgrade with an extremely good restaurant attached. Finest food, elegant service and special attention to every detail. And the swimming pool is one of the coolest designed that we know of.

HOTEL PUČIĆ PALACE

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.79

The opposite of what can often be experienced in corporate hotels, at the Pučić Palace you will be treated with special attention and a very personalised service. It is suitable for small groups of demanding guests who will get to know Dubrovnik through a great hotel experience. If you have deep pockets this hotel definitely won't let you down.

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HOTEL BEVANDA

Opatija, Croatia

4.77

It started out as a superb restaurant, to which a hotel offer was added over the last year. The prime location and superior design overlooking the Kvarner Bay can also be a venue for very special events.

SAN ROCCO

Brtonigla, Croatia

4.74

San Rocco was created from an old, restored Istrian family business and managed to capture the atmosphere of the medieval town. For four years running (2007-2010) the hotel was acknowledged and honoured as Croatia’s best boutique hotel. That speaks for itself.

HOTEL VANDER

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.72

An urban oasis that offers tranquility right in the heart of Ljubljana’s Old Town. Unprecedented in Ljubljana the hotel is a modern reflection of the city and a completely new hotel experience. This is most clearly attested to by its recognition and classification on the prestigious list of the 154 best hotels in the world by the Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Big Plus: The charming terrace with a swimming pool in the middle of the roof and a stunning view of Ljubljana Castle and the old town rooftops.

HOTEL PLESNIK

Logarska dolina, Slovenia

4.70

The hotel industry here has already almost a century old family tradition through the Plesnik family. It’s hard to find a place in Slovenia that is so closely linked with the families who live there. The individual attention to guests is embedded in the Plesnik family’s genetic code. Due to the tailor-made offer, high-quality service and most importantly because of the feeling that everything is possible, congress life in the valley is wishing to return. State Protocol finally entrusts them with the most demanding events.

10.

HOTEL TRIGLAV

Bled, Slovenia 4.69

Hotel Triglav Bled is known to be truly one of the finest boutique hotels in Slovenia. In addition to the most beautiful view on Bled Island, it is also famous for their renowned restaurant. It is suitable for smaller groups, since it has only 22 rooms. Congress guests are enthusiastic about wine club and wine cellar, which is an excellent special venue with a view. The hotel offers a pleasant environment secluded from the hustle of Bled touristic centre which whispers stories from the past to guests also with a rich collection of antiques.

10.

KENDA MANOR

Idrija, Slovenia 4.69

The mighty, renovated building of the former Kenda homestead has revived the spirit of ancient times. The serenity of the house, with touches of the past and fine detail at every step, is the defining feature of this exceptional hotel. Lower rural areas of Kenda Manor are designed for banquets, weddings, other ceremonies and business meetings guests. Image and offer is rounded with their great chefs and local suppliers, which places the hotel in the top boutique Slovenian congress offer.

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Following a period of turbulence, the Spa management is now working to restore its previous lustre and it can be confidently claimed that so far they are making good progress. The hotel is undergoing its 'spring' and is reaching out especially to those souls who want a different experience and a disconnection from the everyday world. With their offer they are trying to move towards a high quality facility, whilst at the same time taking into account the local traditions. The main disadvantage lies in the offer of the town, which is still not alert to what kind of a pearl its Roman Spa is. With a special offer, exquisite cuisine and its pleasing architecture, the Roman Spa is a competitor to Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more experienced thermal providers and is worthy of serious consideration.

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TOP 10 SPA MEETING HOTELS Today we evaluated 16 spa meeting hotels and here is our top ten: TOP 10 SPA MEETING HOTELS 2016 1.

LOISIUM WINE & SPA RESORT

Langenlois

Austria

4.75

FALKENSTEINER HOTELA & SPA JESOLO

Jesolo

Italy

4.72

WELLNESS HOTEL SOTELIA

Podčetrtek

Slovenia

4.59

SPIRIT HOTEL

Sarvar

Hungary

4.52

RADISSON BLU RESORT& SPA

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.49

HOTEL BALNEA SUPERIOR

Dolenjske toplice

Slovenia

4.48

THERMANA CONGRESS CENTRE

Laško

Slovenia

4.33

WELLNESS HOTEL LIVADA PRESTIGE

Moravci

Slovenia

4.31

VITALITY HOTEL PUNTA

Veli Lošinj

Croatia

4.30

10.

GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS

Ptuj

Slovenia

4.29

10.

RIMSKE TERME

Rimske Terme

Slovenia

4.29

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LOISIUM WINE & SPA RESORT

Langenlois, Austria

4.75

Austrian Styria is a model example of a country which lives and breathes with wine tourism. The abundance of wineries, restaurants and vineyards looks like from a postcard. In this idyllic environment, a new hotel emerged, combining excellent hotel, centre of well-being, congress centre and wine-culture. Special experiences are wine tastings and seminars, which nicely round off your congress event. Smaller congress centre in the hotel for max. 120 people is superbly equipped and complemented by special venue in the wine cellar Loisium World of Wine, designed by Steven Holl. A magical place and excellent hotel spa will leave your guests speechless.

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA JESOLO

Jesolo, Italy

4.72

A trendy hotel that perfectly complements the existing Falkensteiner offer and has a perfect location right beside the Venetian laguna in the middle of a very opulent region. It is distinguished by its first class interior and exterior design and characterized by a high level hotel service. For the green purists it has loads of modern continual solutions and sits among the new generations of hotels (zero CO2 Energy Management).

WELLNESS HOTEL SOTELIA

Podčetrtek, Slovenia

4.59

Hotel Sotelia was never shy about its ambitions to bring a genuine wellness experience to the meetings industry, something that other competitors did not yet know about. Its distinctive architectural design has many admirers and its many small details always draw the eye to them. In every respect this is a very good hotel with conference facilities for smaller events. Together with the rich tourist and sports offer Podčetrtek is ideal for carrying out various incentives and other incentive programmes. Today the hotel is no longer the newest on the market, but it is still fresh enough and different from the mainstream offer of Slovenia.

Sarvar, Hungary

SPIRIT HOTEL

4.52

The Spirit Hotel, which is currently the city's “flagship”, certainly represents a new chapter in the rich history and culture of Sárvár's spa tourism. It is elegant and spacious, which together makes for an impressive hotel. However, this does not mean that it is perfect, as anyone wishing to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer will have to deal with a relatively high price for this region of Europe.

RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA

Dubrovnik, Croatia 4.49

This is a hotel without any notable flaws and it assures with the comfort and quality that befit hotels in the colours of the Radisson chain. In automotive jargon it would be a 'premium' hotel, and what would give it its premium tag would be its rich and luxurious equipment, the many small details and above all the broad image of the brand. If you have ever organised a meeting in a Radisson Blu hotel, then you can expect a similar experience in Dubrovnik. The hotel is very suitable for incentive events.

HOTEL BALNEA SUPERIOR

Dolenjske Toplice, Slovenia

4.48

A full-blooded wellness experience awaits that will not disappoint your congress guests. The architecture of the hotel and the interior spaces are very sound and the quality craftsmanship and materials used catch the eye, with the only drawback being that the hotel is generally very busy and so your conference guests will have to mix with the standard health guests. This aside, the spa is where you can be a little removed from the everyday pressures of the world and enjoy the peace and intimacy of your event. A very authentic and very genuine boutique congress experience.

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THERMANA CONGRESS CENTRE

Laško, Slovenia

4.33

It’s a little more than two years since the opening of the congress centre and hotel, for which we can safely say that it is already one of the region's more pleasing options. Thermana offers a lot for a moderate amount, which is very important in today’s economic climate. It is also striking how much Laško can offer to congress guests beyond its traditional beer specialty: everything from one of the best Slovenian cuisine restaurants to exceptional cultural and historical heritage, along with the option of organising green meetings. Given all of the above, Thermana’s congress offer became an instant hit and caused a mini earthquake on the Slovenian market. Event organisation with the added extra wellness pampering is very appealing, and for the time being any reference we can make to the new congress offer can only be with our full respect.

WELLNESS HOTEL LIVADA PRESTIGE

Moravci, Slovenia

4.31

The complex is very fresh and modern, and also very much in tune with what a positive congress tourism product should be. It is complemented by a rich experiential offer around its thermal pools and pampering options. Congress guests will receive individual treatments and culinary experiences, leaving the only real topic of discussion about its placement in the five-star category, as some details ordinarily expected at this level are for the moment not in place.

VITALITY HOTEL PUNTA

Veli Lošinj, Croatia

4.30

A natural environment that has the calming effect of the sea on one side and pine trees on the other, not to mention the professional service, friendly staff, solid cuisine, reasonable prices and interesting additional offer. Due to its positioning as a »Vitality hotel« Punta doesn't instantly attract the attention of congress guests, but itis without doubt a very suitable choice for organising business and motivational events for groups of up to 60 guests.

10.

GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS

Ptuj, Slovenia

4.29

Grand Hotel Primus has a prime position on a spacious green area surrounded on one side by the swimming pool complex and on the other by a park and a golf course, ensuring that all of its rooms have a great view. Often for an event more than just a well-equipped hall is needed, as what happens during breaks, at lunch, and at the evening event is also important, and in the Grand Hotel Primus the offer is so rich that you can easily fill a day, two or even more for your participants with a top quality programme. The Grand Hotel Primus is a reassuringly solid hotel in every way, especially with its authentic story.

10.

RIMSKE TERME

Rimske Terme, Slovenia

4.29

Following a period of turbulence, the Spa management is now working to restore its previous lustre and it can be confidently claimed that so far they are making good progress. The hotel is undergoing its 'spring' and is reaching out especially to those souls who want a different experience and a disconnection from the everyday world. With their offer they are trying to move towards a high quality facility, whilst at the same time taking into account the local traditions. The main disadvantage lies in the offer of the town, which is still not alert to what kind of a pearl its Roman Spa is. With a special offer, exquisite cuisine and its pleasing architecture, the Roman Spa is a competitor to Sloveniaǯs more experienced thermal providers and is worthy of serious consideration.

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TOP 10 CONVENTION CENTRES Today we evaluated 18 convention centres and here is our top ten:

TOP 10 CONVENTION CENTRES 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LUXURY (4.51 - 5.00) 1.

ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE

Krakow

Poland

4.90

AUSTRIA CENTER VIENNA

Vienna

Austria

4.89

ICC KATOWICE

Katowice

Poland

4.88

SALZBURG CONGRESS

Salzburg

Austria

4.87

CANKARJEV DOM, Cultural and Congress Centre

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.85

BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE

Brdo pri Kranju

Slovenia

4.84

HALIC CONGRESS CENTRE

Istanbul

Turkey

4.83

LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.81

CONGRESS SCHLADMING

Schladming

Austria

4.69

10.

MESSE CONGRESS GRAZ

Graz

Austria

4.60

10.

CONGRESS CENTER VILLACH

Villach

Austria

4.60

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Krakow, Poland 4.90

ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE

In year 2016 ICE Krakow has even further strengthened its position as the premier convention and cultural center in the region. The reason for this is a rich program structure that enables it to be the center and a place for permanent congresses, concerts and other events. To achieve such results in such a short time is a remarkable achievement, which is thanks to the excellent management of the center. The results speak for themselves. Over 180 events in 2016 attracted 250,000 visitors. The Centre, which has harmoniously blended with the city, however, continues to astound with numerous innovations in all sectors and remains at the top of our rankings. Opened: 2014

Halls: 39

Theater max: 2100

Vienna, Austria

AUSTRIA CENTER VIENNA

4.89

Austria Center is in excellent shape and for many years the heart of Vienna congress infrastructure. The needs of congress organizers are being followed with the renovation of the halls and common areas and renovations are being held one after another and truly follow the needs of congress guests with a minimalist design. The icing on the cake of the Center is perfect coverage by WiFi network, for which they received the 2016 Digital Infrastructure Award last year and with their WiFi network they cover 20,000 congress participants at the same time. Opened: 1987

Halls: 17

Theater max: 4320

Katowice, Poland

ICC KATOWICE

4.88

One of the most modern congress centers in Europe was built in 2015 in the, it is an example of the city revitalization with the help of the meetings industry. The centers best rating is due to exceptional aesthetics and functional architecture and the multifunctional role, which is the foundation of future business success. Also enthusiastic is a diverse calendar of events, which is the result of successful marketing project in the start-up phase. Opened: 2015

Halls: 26

SALZBURG CONGRESS

Theater max: 12.000

Salzburg, Austria

4.87

Salzburg Congress, located in the city centre, is a harmonious synthesis of appealing architecture, state-of-the-art congress technology and historic surroundings. Over 1,200 beds in 4- and 5-star hotels within easy walking distance and the close proximity to the attractions in the historic city centre make the location of Salzburg Congress so uniquely attractive.

Opened: 2001 2004

Halls: 16 15

CANKARJEV DOM, Cultural and Congress Centre

Theater Theater max: max: 1060 1324

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.85

Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading convention centre and also a professional congress organiser is located in the centre of Ljubljana and in close proximity to all of the major institutions of the Slovenian state. It is the cultural and convention focal point of Slovenia and a place where Slovenian history continues to be made, so much so that today one couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine Ljubljana without it, given that it and the Slovenian meetings industry were created together. Cankarjev dom is a well-oiled congress machine that has aged gracefully and after recent renovations is now in an excellent condition. Opened: 1982

Halls: 17

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Theater max: 1541

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Brdo, Slovenia

BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE

4.84

Brdo Congress Centre is part of Brdo Estate and it is necessary to appreciate what lies hidden behind its minimalist exterior. This centre is something different; it is Zen-like and exudes an elegant luxury. Today it is an important player in the field and we rate it as an all-round excellent convention centre, without any serious flaws, which at the moment represents the pinnacle in its field. Opened: 2007

Halls: 8

HALIC CONGRESS CENTRE

Theater max: 550

Istanbul, Turkey

4.83

The Haliç Congress Centre, located along the historical Haliç coast, offers its guests a peaceful environment away from the bustling megacity. The Centre has hosted many major congresses and special events and provides its guests with an incomparable experience due to an uncompromising quality of service. The Centre spans 102,000 m2 and includes an open space of 16,000 m2. It comprises of four buildings that are interconnected with broad galleries and lounges filled with sunshine, with a total indoor exhibition area of 9,000 m2. Opened: 2009

Halls: 21

LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

Theater max: 3008

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.81

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre is positioned as a mid-sized regional facility. As a result of a number of past investments and reforms and now with a new administration in place they have really lifted the level of infrastructure and meet the highest international standards. Following renovation, the centre now functions in a very fresh and tidy way and gives the impression of a well maintained centre that is the equal of other such similar centres in Europe. Opened: 1955

Halls: 24

CONGRESS SCHLADMING

Theater max: 2200

Schladming, Austria 4.69

Congress Schladming is synonymous with modern architecture, environmentally friendly building technology, multi-functional use, gastronomic perfection and state-of-the-art technology, all in the heart of Austria. The combination of “days in the mountains” and a diverse recreational offer in a pristine natural landscape provides the ideal balance for both mind and soul.

Opened: 2011

10.

Halls: 9

Theater max: 1400

Graz, Austria 4.60

MESSE CONGRESS GRAZ

All congress facilities in Graz were some time ago connected in a joint company MCG. The central part is the Messecongress Graz, which shares its space with trade fair and event hall Stadthalle. A decade ago, the whole offer was very innovative and is still today a role model for multifunctional congress offer. It enables the combination of different sized events and is the heart of the Austrian Styria congress offer. A big plus is the possibility of organizing events in conjunction with the more historic part of Congres Graz offer in the city center. In Graz, you have the whole solution in one place. Opened: 1999

10.

Halls: 25

Theater max: 3000

Villach, Austria 4.60

CONGRESS CENTRE VILLACH

Carinthia's largest congress center is considered as one of the most innovative congress centers in Austria suitable for organizing medium-sized congresses. The central hall -Auditorium is excellently technical equipped for the most demanding production and can accommodate up to 1,060 guests. We were most delighted by the multifunctionality combined with hotel Holiday Inn, which boasts a further 11 conference rooms. The hotel has an excellent restaurant Lagana and catering which they are recognized for. The whole offer of hotel just works perfectly in sync and extremely effective. Opened: 2004

Halls: 16

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Theater max: 1060

RADISSON BLU PLAZA HOTEL LJUBLJANA

t is a first-class hotel and also the first hotel in the business and commercial center BTC in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Only 5km from the city center and 30km from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. The hotel is the first choice for business guests and visitors of the increasingly growing business center. The hotel is located in the northeastern part of BTC City and is just a stone's throw away from the shops, boutiques and 42,000 m2 large shopping center. Moreover, BTC City has the largest open-closed Atlantis water park, indoor carting track, bowling centre with 28 lanes, a multiplex cinema, indoor golf driving course and tennis courts. ROOMS The hotel with a beautiful view of the Alps has 237 rooms, including 25 junior suites and 4 business suites. All rooms include sufficient working area with free Wi Fi internet access, comfortable beds and fully equipped bar. PLAZA RESTAURANT & PLAZA CAFÉ A restaurant that can satisfy the wishes and tastes of even the most demanding guests is located in the mezzanine of the hotel. Menu offers a selection of Slovenian and international seasonal dishes. Hotel's rich breakfast with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, fruit and vegetables is their specialty. For groups, they also offer a selection of ready-made menus for lunch and dinner.Plaza Café is a place to go to enjoy a range of delicious Italian coffee, cocktails, snacks and light meals included in the daily offer of lunches. CONFERENCE AND METINGS The Radisson Blu Plaza is setting new meetings and events standards. The part of the hotel intended for conferences extends over the entire 15th floor and occupies 400 m2. It offers beautiful vies of Ljubljana and its surroundings. There is also the possibility of organizing meetings of all kinds in the lounge bar, which is located on the 16th floor, at the very top of the hotel.  Welcome to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana! www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-ljubljana Welcome to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana!

Conventa brought together Eurofedop and Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana "For a conference that brings together 120 participants from 25 countries, Ljubljana offers several possibilities and the Centre has some interesting places which I can possibly recommend to participants who would like to visit the City. Maybe some of them would even be interested in staying a bit longer for the weekend. The Plaza Hotel has enough rooms to provide accommodation for all our participants. Moreover, we had our meeting in a room with daylight, offering a unique view over the City. Transport possibilities, excellent quality/price relationship, etc. are other assets which made the hotel the best choice for us to hold our conference." Bert Van Caelenberg, Secretary General at Eurofedop Belgium

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Entry to Conventa Best Event Award was free of charge. Every entry was awarded with 2 free registration passes to Conventa 2016 and free promotion. 157

Conventa Best Event Award

CONVENTA BEST EVENT AWARD 2016 The newest Meetings Star award acknowledging the best events organized in the New European region

n scope of The Meetings Star Awards of 2016, Kongres Magazine in collaboration with Conventa trade show opened a call for entries for Conventa Best Event Award. The competition that was designed to celebrate the very best event experiences by honouring the inspiring meeting planners delivering nothing but excellence in the New European meetings industry was organized for the second year in the row. The entries have been evaluated based on Creativity, Innovation, Execution, Results of the event, Event communication and Sustainable policies by an esteemed Conventa Best Event Jury comprised of the following meetings industry professionals: Patrick Delaney, Managing Partner, SoolNua, Ireland (for the second year in the row) Martijn Timmermans, Co-founder, creative director, The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard, The Netherlands Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Founder-Moderator at Masters in Moderation, The Netherlands

Best events that obtained at least 60 out of 100 points made it on to the short-list: • 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2016) / 9-12 April 2016, RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands • Jezeršek catering is celebrating 35 years / 21 April 2016, LPP – City bus garage, Slovenia • Slovak Convention Bureau Meeting in the Sky / 27 August 2016, above Bratislava • Kuwait dream wedding at Lake Bled / 12 – 16 July 2016, Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled, Slovenia • Hello! Travel Pool Party / 28 July 2016, Hotel Budva Pool area • US Election Day / 8 November 2016, Crowne Plaza Belgrade • 20th Anniversary of Global IT Company / May 2016, Hvar Island, Croatia • LANDA DRUPA EVENTS 2016 / 30 May -11 June 2016, Düsseldorf Germany • Mercedes Benz Global Training Experience / 9 February – 13 April 2016, Dubrovnik • Kopaonik Business Forum / 7-10 March 2016, Kopaonik, MK Mountain Resort • Unusual Conference – One Smart Club / 6-10 June 2016, Montenegro • Point.For you. / information point Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016 / 1 January 2016 – 31 December 2016, Ljubljana The winner of Conventa Best Event Award receiving the highest score by the jury is:

Point.For you. / information point Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016 The winner will be awarded on the great Conventa stage during Conventa networking dinner and award ceremony held on 18 January 2017 at CD-Congress Centre, Ljubljana.

“Point.for you was my clear winner, since this was the only project that consistently scored high points on all criteria. A briljant event for a beautiful city!” Jan-Jaap In der Maur, Masters in Moderation, The Netherlands

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Winner 2016: Point.For you. / information point Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016 Event

Point.For you. / information point Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016

Date

1 January 2016 - 31 December 2016

Location

Ljubljana, Mestni trg 1

Organizer

Municipality of Ljubljana

Client

Event type

Promotional, Educational

EVENT DESCRIPTION AND KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT

The happening in the Point. For you. was characterised by a full-year programme of Ljubljana – European Green Capital 2016. Located right in the city centre in front of the City Hall it hosted more than 600 events and activities in which numerous stakeholders have participated, including all 17 city districts, Ljubljana’s public institutes and companies, Ljubljana primary schools and kindergartens, NGOs, as well as start-ups, entrepreneurs and companies from the private sector, stakeholders from the academic and university sector, etc. The green year was divided into themed months: January: INTELLIGENT WASTE MANAGEMENT February: LOCAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY March: RESPONSIBLE WATER MANAGEMENT April: THE QUALITY OF THE SOUND ENVIRONMENT May: GREEN SPACE SJune: ENERGY EFFICIENCY July: BIODIVERSITY AND BEES August: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM September: SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND CARE FOR AIR QUALITY October: WOOD – A PRICELESS GIFT FROM NATURE November: ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE December: ECO-INNOVATION, GREEN JOBS AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT Main objectives were to inform/educate, to promote, to include as many people as possible, to share a good practice, to gain media coverage ...

KEY CHALLENGES

1. Since inhabitants of Ljubljana already knew that Ljubljana is European Green Capital 2016, the challenge was to raise awareness of the general public about the reasons for winning this prestigious award.

Conventa Best Event Award 2. The second ambitious aim was to involve every inhabitant and all commuters to participate and live sustainably every day. 3. To engage young people in raising environmental awareness, since they are the most influential ambassadors of sustainable future. 4. To let all visitors of Ljubljana know that Ljubljana is European Green Capital 2016 and to raise awareness about its achievements. 5. To share good practices. Because of those challenges they have set the info point in the city centre, just in front of the City Hall. They have divided the green year into 12 themed months and organised green events in cooperation with numerous stakeholders. Every month They have presented main achievements and sustainable measures that have been made in particular sustainable area. They also presented new sustainable projects and services that have been introduced this year.

CREATIVITY

They have named the info point Point.For You. because they wanted to spread the message that everyone can participate in making Ljubljana even more sustainable. To reach the greatest number of people they have organised various types of events free of charge that met the interests and needs of individuals. For example: -Presentations of sustainable good practices that can enrich everyday life of each resident such as EURBAN, … - Workshops for all generations such as children’s workshops on making a simple wooden toys, monthly family workshops of Prirodoslovni muzej Slovenije with green topics, workshops for adults such as collecting data on sound environment in Ljubljana via mobile phones - Consulting hours such as energy counselling by the representatives of Energetika Ljubljana and the ENSVET advisory network; Awareness raising events such as VO-KA’s events for promoting drinking of tap water - Outdoor events in front of info point in summer to educate citizens of Ljubljana and visitors about topics of sustainable tourism - Social events such as collecting used computers or exchange of children toys and clothes - Fairs such as local food products and high-quality honey bee products - Exhibitions such as exhibition on biodiversity in Ljubljana titled »Their home does not have a house number - wild plants and animals in the Ljubljana region«Sustainable services such as mobile bike service “Pravi kolesar” - Education programmes such as GCDC – Rad soustvarjam zeleno mesto 2016!…

INNOVATION

Ljubljana is taking big steps in creating a sustainable living space for its citizens. The perfect examples are: - two wooden and sustainable pavilions connected by a green roof housing the Point.For you. were built for Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016,

by the company Riko and its partners – Knauf Insulation d.o.o., Leopold Fenster, Ključavničarstvo Marinčič, Esprit d.o.o. Škofja loka and 3biro. - the Visionect-powered notice boards installed promoting the citys green events on Point.For you.

EXECUTION

Info point Point. For You. has been opened every day (except holidays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter months and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer months. Every month had its coordinator who was an expert in the given field and who gathered the proposals of numerous stakeholders and partners and design everyday programme. Each coordinator was in touch with the programme manager of the info point on a daily basis. The programme manager is a member of eight-member European Green Capital 2016 team (EGC team), which also held meetings with potential partners every week, supervised the programme, implemented alternations, adjustments and modifications to follow and achieve set goals. All the work was supervised by Deputy Mayor Tjaša Ficko, who also reported to Mayor Zoran Janković. In the info point worked students that were trained by monthly coordinators and the EGC team. Technical supervision of the info point was deliberately entrusted to a member of EGC team since they have followed principles of energy efficiency and sustainable waste management. In this way, they have fulfilled sustainable principles.

MEASURABLE RESULTS

The Info point comprises of two wooden pavilions both around 25 m2. In these pavilions more than 600 events took place. Moreover, more than 32.000 visitors participated from Ljubljana, Slovenia, Europe and all the world, even from the most remote countries and cities, such as Reykjavík in Iceland; Cold Bay in Alaska; Punta Arenas in Chile; Reunion; Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Australia; New Zealand, etc. Over the period they have taken almost 7000 photos.

EVENT COMMUNICATION

Strong communication campaign and public relations with the general public was ongoing through the whole year. Journalists conducted interviews with monthly coordinators and the Head of EGC team. Furthermore, every stakeholder that implemented the event, communicated with its target groups, some of them also gave interviews to journalists (monthly interviews in the show “Live Green” on Radio Si.). Every month they have sent press releases about the events on the Point.For you. to domestic and foreign media all over the world. They also held many press conferences in the info point. Every event was published on the Ljubljana – European Green Capital web page and Facebook, on the Facebook of the City of Ljubljana, and among others on the most widely read Slovenian web information service that announces forthcoming events called napovednik. com. They also communicated about the events that took place at the info point in the Ljubljana 159

newspaper that is distributed to all Ljubljana households every two months.

THE USE OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - they have been separating waste at the Point. For you., - wooden pavilions have green roofs, green walls, infrared radiant ceiling panels, wooden modular furniture that can be adjusted according to the needs of variety events (chairs can be changed into tables or shelves), - they have used innovative wooden lights of Slovenian producers for ambiental illumination - they are promoting best sustainable local products, so the pavilions and furniture are products of Slovenian manufactures. - to enter the pavilions, they have implemented ramps that are suitable for people with disabilities, - since the info point is located in the city centre – ecological zone that is closed to all motorised vehicles and opened to pedestrians and cyclists, they have encouraged their partners to use electric vehicles named Kavalirs for delivery of materials. Kavalirs are available free of charge. - they have used special “wall paper panels - Visionact” to promote monthly programme-the pavilions were inside and outside (green wall) decorated with typical Slovenian plants provided by Botanical Garden in ceramic pots - they have rented natural Christmas trees that were returned to nature after season holidays

ARE YOU PLANNING AN EVENT AND WISH TO PREPARE AN UNFORGETTABLE FEAST?

UNFORGETTABLE EVENTS FOR ALL KIND OF OCCASIONS Photo: Jezeršek gostinstvo

EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION AND AMPLE VIEW AT THE BLED CASTLE RESTAURANT. Photo: Jezeršek gostinstvo

There are certain occasions in life for which you want to create an overall good impression and memories that will last forever. Regardless of who your guests are, you should dedicate your attention to them and leave the catering in hands of a reliable partner who knows how to provide innovative and creative culinary solutions you want. PROFESSIONAL CATERING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL With more than 35 years of experience in the field of catering in international environment, a complete logistic approach, selected locations and professional creative personnel, Jezeršek gostinstvo gives you a culinary experience you will never forget. We will help you select and prepare only the best for you and your business partners.

CREATE A LASTING IMPRESSION WITH A SELECTED LOCATION Besides relaxed hosts and an exquisite culinary experience, location of the event is one of the things that are the most important for the contentment of your guests. We offer different locations where you can host events for all sorts of occasions. A pleasant ambience and a relaxed atmosphere are just two more reasons why your guests will take the good memories with them. CREATIVE CULINARY EXPERIENCES Regardless of the location and type of the event, we will spoil you with our excellent cuisine. With a selection of superb dishes we will make sure that the catering will reflect the purpose of the meeting, whether it will be a business, sports or personal event. Our creative team will be happy to accommodate to your desires and turn them into a reality.

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A UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE. Photo: Jezeršek gostinstvo

THE BEST IMPRESSION FOR YOUR BUSINESS PARTNERS A business event always makes an important impression, therefore it is necessary to endeavour and make sure that guests will be surprised and thrilled.We will be happy to help you with organization and what is most important, we will remain by your side the whole time: from the first

For additional information write to info@jezersek.si or call +386 (0) 1 361 94 21. More on www.jezersek.si

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LUNA ISLAND HOTEL

una Island Hotel is one of the leading hotels in the region, located in a very attractive and piturescue location on the island of Pag. Our significant experience in organizing conferences and various events from the: pharmaceutical, medical, scientific and other professional meetings can satisfy the most demanding organizations of certain gathering. The hotel has three conference rooms which can accommodate up to 180 people and a large exhibition area of 200 m2, located in front of the conference hall. The hotel offers 96 luxurious rooms and suites, private beach, wellness center, 2 restaurants, 2 bars. In addition to accommodation in one of the, top quality, 96 rooms there is a possibility of organizing various excursions and adrenaline activities for the hotel guests.

hotel cubo OGLAS 1/14/16 2:22 PM Page 1 C

Luna Island Hotel **** JakiĹĄnica b.b., 53294 Lun, Croatia info@luna-hotel.hr www.lunaislandhotel.com CM

CY CMY

We mean business, Expect the Best.

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www.hotelcubo.com

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MOST RELIABLE AND FLEXIBLE PARTNER IN PROVIDING CREATIVE CULINARY SOLUTIONS AND PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCES. CATERING • BLED CASTLE RESTAURANT • DVOR JEZERŠEK RESTAURANT & HOTEL

www. j eze r s e k . s i

Culinary indulgence... In all... for all... CHEF OF THE YEAR 2016

Welcome to our unique locations: Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Castle, Fuzine Castle and Ljubljana Exibition and Convetion Centre.

www.kaval-group.si

Inspiration braucht ... Inspiration requires ...

GENÜGEND RAUM FÜR GEDANKENSPIELE. SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR MIND GAMES. ... PLATZ | space 11 Seminarräume auf 900m² | 11 meeting rooms of 900m²

www.facebook.com/tiroltherme

... ENTSPANNUNG | relaxation 200 Zimmer & Suiten | 200 rooms & suites

Meetings with a view

www.convention.tirol.at

WE GE TOGET T HER WITH

22 – 24 February 2017 Istanbul Congress Center – ICC

Don’t Forget to Take Your Place at AME 2017! AME 2016 In Numbers Exhibition Area of 6.246 m2 14.496 Visitors 339 Exhibitors

750 Hosted Buyers 9.843 B2B Meetings 62 Speakers at 25 Sessions for 3 days

www.ameistanbul.com Official Airline

Gold Sponsor

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This fair is organised with the permission of TOBB in accordance with the law No: 5174

Venue Sponsors

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Global Ex

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Hosted Buyer Lounge

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H O T E L S

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Event Sponsors R

iş çözümleri ve danışmanlık ®

OZGUR KRISTAL www.checkinmagazine.net

21-23 March 2017 Shanghai • China

Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing

Discover A Wide Range Of MICE Solutions And Destinations Proven to showcase the widest range of destinations from across China and around the World FOCUS ON THE CHINA MARKET A dedicated MICE exhibition showcasing destinations, products, and services across China and internationally, with exclusive presentations and briefings that make sourcing a breeze. 76% of Exhibitors Expect Orders After The Event

SOURCING EFFICIENCY Through our unique business matching system, up to 100% of your business appointments can be scheduled ahead of the event to maximize your discussions on the show floor. USD 170 Million Procurement Value Generated On The Show Floor

KNOWLEDGE GOALS Educational sessions curated for relevance by industry experts on salient topics impacting the industry. Benefit from the Opening Keynote Address, Campfire Knowledge Sessions, Association Days @ IT&CM China Forums and more!

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Explore new collaborations and ideas with key industry players in hosted functions, dinners, cocktails and tours. Daily Networking Events Guaranteed!

HOSTING PROGRAMME Hosting places are offered to our best Chinese and International Buyers, covering flight and accommodation for fully-hosted buyers. More Than 400 Hosting Places Available! I enjoyed lots of opportunities to exchange views with industry peers, establish a platform for cooperation and seek common development through the pre-show appointment system. I benefitted tremendously from the educational forums during the event! VIMEI-TOURS CO., LTD., CHINA Managing Director | Vicki Zhang-Lehne

I am glad that our participation in IT&CM China was very fruitful as we were able to confirm partnerships with several suppliers.

I have broadened my business contacts by interacting and exchanging information with many different participants at the event.

ICOM - INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION OF THE MEDIA, SWITZERLAND Secretary General | Jof Calstas

PT. MULTI HOLIDAY, INDONESIA Managing Director | Rudy Techrisna Satyadi

www.itcmchina.com/hostme/kongres Event Website: www.itcmchina.com | Email: itcmchina@ttgasia.com | Tel: (65) 6395 7575

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SLOVENIA MEETINGS Feel the people. Taste fresh ideas.

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C oo A G re at f l c Mor C o eegr ao tiea pl c ngt m s ee it ap tin a it gs l a l Fo r

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