KONGRES MAGAZINE WINTER ISSUE 2016

/ 34 / 50 MOST INFLUENTAL PERSONS Most influental persons in the Alpe Adria Meetings Industry 2015

/ 26 / TOP VIEWS TRENDS THAT DRIVE MEETINGS INDUSTRY by Carina Bauer, Igor Kovačevič, Roger Tondeur, Tracy Halliwell, Matthias Schultze

/ 06 / EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Interview with Michael Posch, General Manager of Regent Porto Montenegro / 44, 78 / BEHIND THE SCENES Regent Porto Montenegro Shearton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel

/ 10 / TOP MEETING DESTINATIONS OF 2015 Kongres Meeting Star 2015 winners have been selected / 18 / EXCLUSIVE SURVEY SOUTHEAST EUROPE MEETING PLANNER PROFILE 2015 Survey on the habits of regional meeting planners

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NEW EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE VOLUME IX, ISSUE 8 // November 2015

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OUR SELECTION

THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS ISSUE 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.

Page 12 In Focus

How Belgrade became a leading regional meetings destination Page 14 CVB Briefing

Miha Kovačič, The Power of the Individuum Off The Beaten Mice Track Page 58 Country Estate Trnulja Page 58 Hotel and Mountain Ski

ŠPELA JERUC With her youthful energy Špela carries out even the most difficult journalistic tasks.

Over the past two years she has become an important part of the Kongres team and is now ready to conquer the media world

Resort Golte Page 66 Been There

Meetovation bound to be a hit at EMEC 2016

@kongresmagazine

G www.facebook.com/kongres.magazine Editor in Chief Gorazd Čad Assistant to the Editor in Chief Špela Jeruc Editor of Kongres Telescope Robert Cotter Design Nenad Cizl dtp and prepress Premedia, Andrej Juvan Translation Špela Jeruc Proofreading Rob Cotter Printing Kerschoffset Zagreb d.o.o., Croatia Circulation 1.000 copies ISSN Number 1855-8615 The Kongres magazine is entered into the media register under sequence number 1423.

Kongres Face2face Page 99 JUBLJANA vs DUBLIN Page 111 BELGRADE vs PRAGUE Page 92 Hidden Congress Guest

Hotel Vita, Terme Dobrna Hotel Royal Princess, Dubrovnik Doubletree by Hilton, Zagreb Danubius Health and Spa Resort, Heviz Vila Meneghetti, Croatia Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec, Bled Meet Busters Page 51 Maribor Page 63 Pula

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.

Magazine issued in January; March; May; July; September; November Publisher, Production and Marketing Toleranca Marketing d.o.o., Štihova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, t: +386 (0)1 430 51 03 f: +386 (0)1 430 51 04 v e: gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu Issue date November 2015 For the content reproduction it is required to get the written editorial consigment.

Official magazine of the Slovenian Convention Bureau Member of

Page 85 Who is Who

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.

Maja Vidergar, Cankarjev dom Mojca Juhart, Terme Maribor Page 43 Creative Break

ITU Telecom World 2015, HUNGEXPO Budapest Exhibition and Convention Centre

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IDEAS

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VENUES

BEHIND THE SCENES Editorial look behind the scenes of the most exciting congress hotels in the region.

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK Introducing new innovative congress products that surprise with aesthetics and creativity.

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VENUE OF THE WEEK

Unique evaluation of hotels by hidden congress guests using more than 400 criteria.

Overview of interesting congress providers through experiences and special offers.

MEET BUSTERS

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Busting or confirming 10 meetings’ destination myths you always wondered about.

Meeting organizers golden guide that has been since 2010 revealing fresh and interesting European meetings destinations.

Secrets about Un-European meetings destinations through the editorial word of the brilliant Robert Cotter.

Fresh news, experts articles and trends from Croatia written by the lovely Daniela Kos, editor of the Croatia Addendum.

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WHO IS WHO

YOUNG TALENTS

ENFANT TERRIBLE

Exclusive interviews with meetings industry experts on the current challenges of the meetings industry.

Interviews with meetings industry professionals that reveal their stories of success.

Generation Next- young talents that will shape the future of the meetings industry.

In each of us lies a little enfant terrible. The editorial board chooses the most interesting ones.

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Examples of good practice cases of events and meetings industry projects presented with concrete results.

The most comprehensive collection of incentive ideas that already includes 270 programmes and is being up-dated weekly.

Examples of good practice in the field of marketing of meetings destinations, hotels and events.

Presentation of the most interesting destinations through the TOP 10 column.

We are rating convention hotels, car launch destinations, special venues,…

What’s next?

The November issue will be hotter than ever and will not only amuse our loyal readers, but will also be cheering up international meeting planners attending IBTM world trade show in Barcelona. To meet up with the Kongres Magazine team and to get your printed issue of the magazine stop at our stand number i15. As always, we look forward to catching up!

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A word from the editor

SOCIAL MEDIA SUCKS Pathological narcissism in the Meetings industry

Gorazd Čad, Editor, Kongres magazine

I

’ve used this not-quite-serious title as a reaction to the social narcissism that we see almost everywhere and always these days. It’s actually really hard to avoid it, even in our little meetings industry community – selfies, Sunday lunches, personal feats, family holidays, children in all kinds of poses, beef soup, doggy joy (“isn’t he SO cute?”), wannabe photos, those first vegetables from your garden (say CHEESE!), holiday debauching, the deep contemplative thoughts about life and death, rock’n’roll… Sometimes you get the thought that every social colleague is preoccupied with finding the perfect picture and getting it ‘posted’ before anything else.

At one of the recent workshops I attended on content marketing, one of the participants asked about the advisability of such social narcissism triggered a reaction that divided the participants into two camps: committed advocates of “social networking” and those in the “back to the roots” bracket. The debate even went so far that one of the participants declared taking “selfies” as a mental disorder, backed up by the American Psychiatric Association having taken it upon itself to name this disorder SELFITIS, defined as ‘the obsessive compulsive desire to take photos of one’s self and post them on social media as a way to make up for the lack of self-esteem and to fill a gap in intimacy’. As with all such disorders, the discussion raged, there are many kinds of selfitis, ranging from the acute to the chronic phases, the most problematic of all being the pathological narcissists, who, it was suggested, don’t seem to be lacking in the meetings industry either...and who are the cases chronically burdened by their appearance and looks, which pretty much hints a little of the Oedipus complex…

At this point I cut through the dilemma with Solomonic explanation that this is really about social networks, which are most often intended to forge social contacts. In our field this is as-

@gorazdcad

sociated with entertainment and fun. Whilst this simple answer partly calmed the heated discussions, I decided to spice my interpretation with the fact that social networks are now more popular than porn sites, and so event organisers find it difficult to avoid them. A few days later I was therefore not entirely shocked by the information that the organisers of world-renowned physics lectures in Ljubljana completely filled

the congress hall and the only communication tool was Facebook.

So, safe to say that event organisers are now firmly embedded in social networks. It is an exciting, fully accessible world that we live in, which might persuade you to attend an event.

Communication is no longer loaded by any kind of social distance; building relationships is at times even easier than in the real world (although entering and exiting relationships is simpler and easier too). If you’re unsure, just take a look at the young people around you. The most successful organisers are those who surmount the barriers between social networks and the actual forming of genuine relations that only occur ‘live’. The end result? Your SOCIAL CAPITAL is highly important if you intend to seriously deal with events.

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A recent analysis for the needs of workshops carried out by expert Primož Žižek for Ljubljana Tourism has shown a big gap between the use of social networks among congress participants and key stakeholders, from Convention Bureaus to individual providers of hotels, agencies and others. It seems that we significantly lag behind the rest of the world with our use of social networks, which is today considered as “the more likes you have, the more you are worth”.

There is plenty of room for development and innovation in marketing. In doing so be cautious but ambitious: don’t be lead by the herd instinct and function according to the ‘if you jump, I’ll jump’ principle. This area of our work requires a strategy and a thorough examination of the product and the communication objectives.

Before you take your next selfie, however, please consult your doctor and pharmacist, despite what has been written above!

The value of social networks is determined by both its potential application and the number of real users.

The useful value of Kongres Maga­ zine is judged by its readers and partners, the number of followers in November exceeding 10,000.

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5,537

1,665

2,021

  792

SELFITIS: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially deemed taking selfies as a “mental disorder”. APA defined the disorder as a type of an obsessive compulsive disorder to take one’s own pictures and post them on social media. They also stated that this condition is a mechanism used by people to make up for their low self esteem and increase intimacy with other people.

Exclusive interview

MR. MICHAEL POSCH, GENERAL MANAGER OF REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO From food & beverage to sales to operations, Posch has a demonstrated expertise across all operations in luxury hotels. During his role as the Director of Sales at Estrel Hotel Berlin, Posch was responsible for the sales of Germany’s largest hotel, with 1,125 rooms and over 5,000 key accounts.Posch joins the Regent team alongside a distinguished lineup of General Managers across Regent Hotels in Bali, Beijing, Berlin, Phuket, Singapore, Taipei, and Turks & Caicos as well as noteworthy corporate key executives including President Ralf Ohletz Count von Plettenberg, Vice President of Finance Wee-Ann Lim, Vice Chairman – Americas George Lidicker, Senior Vice President of Technical Services and Development Arjan De Boer, Vice President of Global Development – China Cai Shuo and Global Director of Sales Rene Mayer.

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Exclusive interview

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL POSCH, GENERAL MANAGER OF REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO The entire hotel is my office Text by Gorazd Čad

Q: Maybe just for the beginning a little bit about your background?

After graduating a the College for Tourism Managament in Austria my beginnings are related to one of the most famous global hospitality groups Hilton Hotels – and I did a management training at the Hilton Munich City, early 90’s, before being transferred to the Hilton Berlin. During my time with Hilton I moved into the convention sales department, pro-actively managing the conference and MICE sales. These are the beginnings when I got involved with the opening of the festival centre at the Estrel Hotel – the largest convention hotel and entertainment centre in Europe. As a part of Intercontinental Hotels Group team I was responsible for overseeing the refurbishment of an entire floor into a new convention area and looked after the room sales in their hotel in Munich.

At some point I even started my own bussines, by setting up a restaurant with a large beer garden and catering service for the local town’s convention hall in the West of Munich. In the following years I improved my managanment and sales skills by being part of Estrel hotel in Berlin as Director of Sales and the Berlin based 4-star-superior Leonardo Royal Hotel which I did the opening for and took over as a General Manager.

Then the opportunity at Porto Montenegro showed up, and here I am today.

Q: What inspired you to decide on a career in the hotel industry?

It started with travelling: I was fascinated by the hotels, way they operate and the different approaches. I somehow felt that I can also make a difference and with attention to the details I can make a ‘signature’ guests would appreciate.

Q: How do you position Regent brand and approach to hospitality?

Regent Hotels and Resorts Group is the symbol of luxury, bespoke service and elegance within the global hospitality industry and they are very successful at holding this leading position.

I would define our approach to hospitality by rephrasing Regent’s Tao or motto: to hear without being told, to see without being shown and to know without being asked. We are committed

to create “home away from home” atmosphere for our guests.

Q: You have been in Montenegro some time. Is Montenegro an exciting place to be doing business right now and open new luxury hotel?

Montenegro is an exceptional mix of contrasts: tamed Mediterranean landscapes on one side and inland’s wild beauty on the other, traditional culture of Eastern Balkan on one and strong Western influences on the other side. That very mix creates a wonderful and exciting backdrop for high-end tourism developments. Five-star service combined with unspoiled nature and overall rawness gives a unique experience to the saturated travelers.

"A hotel manager would have to trust his colleagues and empower them to be creative and recognize their strong skills and encourage them to identify and work on the skills and tasks that need to be strengthened."

Q: What are the challenges when opening a new hotel in Montenegro? How does it differ from the rest of Europe?

Regent Hotels and Resorts group has come to Montenegro following a successful step of already established Porto Montenegro development. In that way we did not meet too many difficulties, but were committed to offer an ex7

cellent service which will enhance Montenegrin overall tourist offer. We are proud to be part of this ongoing process of positioning Montenegro as one of the most attractive European high-end destinations.

Q: How can Montenegro embrace modernity but retain its identity?

That’s the biggest challenge for every rising destination, and in my opinion the secret of the success is in the right balance of old and new, unique and universal. It’s about to extract the best of both. Regent Porto Montenegro promotes fine dining, and our culinary team will incorporate all high-quality organic ingredients typical for this region to create modern unexpected blend of familiar tastes and as a result our guests will get new tempting menu.

Q: How have you grown Regent Porto Montenegro hotel team so far?

The department heads are all with an extensive international experience. Other key positions and about 70% of all our colleagues are people from Montenegro and the region. Our Executive Chef is a young professional from Croatia who gained his experience by sharpen his culinary skills in world-known Danish “Noma”. The people we hired are young, motivated individuals with the knowledge of at least one foreign language, eager to learn, progress and grow along with the Regent brand. I believe that we have picked the best employees from the amazing number of interested applicants.

I have faith in the young generation of Montenegrins who are willing to work and prove themselves in their careers and I am confident that the trend that The Regent Porto Montenegro set – employing locally more than internationally, will be continued.

Q: Your partners are the most demanding congress clients. What is it like to work with them and meeting their needs?

One important part of our offer are our meeting venues: spacious and well-equipped Ballroom “Teodo” for up to 200 persons, Regent Lounge ideal for smaller and less formal events and Salon “Boka” which can accommodate 12 persons for

Exclusive interview

important business occasions. We established trustful relationship with many regional and Montenegrin companies, offering them privacy, state-of-the-art technology, professional staff support and a wide choice of food and beverage menus.

Q: Is the price associated with a sense of quality? It is known that the wealthier guests also decide on the basis of how high is the price.

Our guests are discerning travelers who search for the unique Regent experience which combines impeccable service, luxurious facilities and attentive staff with the best that Mediterranean can offer – wonderful landscape, delicious cuisine and excellent climate. Price often reflects the quality of service but the quality of service is always consisted of many priceless details and experiences one just cannot buy.

Q: What do today’s costumers expect from hotels in terms of sustainability?

Sustainability issues touch on nearly all aspects of hotel ownership and management. Over the last decades it became so much more than just concern for energy conservation. Environmental responsibility as a part of corporate social responsibility, LEED green building programs when it comes to new build projects, waste disposal practices, usage of organic local food, it’s all part of hotel guests expectation. Regent Porto Montenegro hotel applies waste disposal practice in accordance with EU regulations. Regent’s “Green and Clean” signs are made of trimmed olive trees. By using local organic products we stimulate small local producers to continue developing this healthy practice.

These are small steps yet acts of great importance.

Q: What is your favorite place in Montenegro and why?

Montenegro is truly the small country of the endless spectacular sceneries. I was amazed by the Boka Bay as soon as I arrived in Montenegro: the scenic mountains meeting the sea and the charming beauty of the Boka Bay grew on me instantly.

As for the must see spots, I would definitely recommend Durmitor National Park and the Tara Canyon: to me, this is how I define the sheer beauty.

Q: What do you personally love about Montenegro?

I personally enjoy outdoor sports, especially sailing so my answer would be unspoiled Montenegrin nature. Sea and mountains on such a short proximity is quite rare to find. And people, young professionals I’m working with every day, their strong will to learn, to embrace the knowledge and to follow the global hospitality trends.

Q: Where will Montenegro’s hospitality scene go in the next decade?

Montenegrin tourism paved its road toward establishing Montenegro as a new top destination on Mediterranean offering high-level service combined with experience of enjoying surreal landscapes. In 10 years from now I expect Montenegro to double its 4-star and 5-star accommodation unites and to continue developing nautical tourism as leading tourism force in the region.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MICHAEL POSCH: Q: What time do you like to be at your desk?

The entire hotel is my office. Part of my role is to be present everywhere, to see everything to react every time. I am the first one in the office, checking the email, evaluating the results of the past day and reviewing the forecasts. Also, late afternoons are probably those hours when you may find me at my desk.

Q: What’s your management style?

I believe that this is the question for my colleagues not for my yet I value the work and efforts of each individual in this company. I do pay attention to details and immerse of oneself in to the tasks set in front of him / her.

Q: What would your key management advice be?

I believe that the targets need to be set so our colleagues would see what they need to aim for and achieve. On the other hand, a manager would have to trust his colleagues and empower them to be creative and recognize their strong skills and encourage them to identify and work on the skills and tasks that need to be strengthened.

Q: What’s on your reading list?

The Starbucks Experience: 5 principles into turning the ordinary into extraordinary The new Gold Standard: Five leadership principles for creating a legendary customized services, courtesy of the Ritz Carlton Company

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Meeting Star

TOP MEETING DESTINATIONS OF 2015 HAVE BEEN SELECTED KONGRES MEETING STAR 2015 Text by Gorazd Čad

1. Istanbul final mark

60 meetologues of New Europe 220 new features and attractions from destinations for 2015 16 countries

4.61

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

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.

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, 10

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).

From our very first meanderings with Meetologues right up until today, we have accumulated a total of 60 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 Awards will be made at Conventa’s Official reception.

Meeting Star

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2014

2. Prague final mark

4.60

3. Belgrade final mark

4.45

BEST DESTINATIONS IN 2015: TOP 10 NATIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS

TOP 10 REGIONAL MEETING DESTINATIONS

TOP 10 TOURIST TOWNS MEETING DESTINATIONS

1. ISTANBUL

4.61

1. DUBROVNIK

4.44

1. BLED

4.03

2. PRAGUE

4.60

2. SALZBURG

4.39

2. OPATIJA

4.01

3. BELGRADE

4.45

3. KLAGENFURT

4.13

3. PORTOROŽ

3.99

4. ATHENS

4.43

4. VILLACH

4.11

4. ROVINJ

3.98

5. BUDAPEST

4.41

5. PIRAN

3.96

5. HVAR

3.97

6. ZAGREB

4.38

6. MARIBOR

3.84

6. SAVINJA VALLEY

3.96

7. LJUBLJANA

4.36

7. UDINE

3.83

7. SOČA VALLEY

3.95

8. WARSZAW

4.35

8. PULA

3.79

8. KRANJSKA GORA

3.94

9. KRAKOW

4.34

9. ZADAR

3.77

9. TIVAT

3.93

10. BRATISLAVA

4.28

10. RIJEKA

3.76

10. ROGAŠKA SLATINA

3.83

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In Focus

HOW BELGRADE BECAME A LEADING REGIONAL MEETINGS DESTINATION Belgrade has progressed in the fields of general and transport infrastructure, tourism infrastructure and destination marketing.

Text by: Gorazd ÄŒad

On this year’s scale for the best regional meetings destination, Belgrade ended up third and with less than a point overtook Dubrovnik. The story of Belgrade is an example of a destination that from a poor starting point a decade ago has become a leading light due to a number of various factors.

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In Focus

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2014

A. NATURAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS, FINAL GRADE: 4.29 Belgrade generates mostly positive reactions among meeting organisers for a number of reasons that include its diversity of landscape, set at the confluence of two rivers, alongside its cultural diversity, which creates a special experiential feeling. Both the social attractiveness and cultural diversity factors are highly rated, as since Belgrade sets out to impress its visitors with its rich sense of lifestyle. Among other evaluation criteria, access to forests and the rivers Danube and Sava, as well as to the large number of green areas, were very well scored.

The weakest part of the offer is the attitude to sustainable development, landscape sensitivity and the more general state of the environment.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.94: Due to an exceptional experiential value that has seen it placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list Dubrovnik has received the highest average grade among the examined destinations.

B. GENERAL AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, FINAL GRADE: 4.63 Belgrade lies at the crossroads of a number of Balkan transport corridors. With a solid road, rail and river infrastructure, a few years back ago it was limited only by deteriorating flight availability. With the arrival of Serbia Airline, however, Belgrade has become the regional aviation hub, which in the first nine months of 2015 welcomed 3.7 million passengers. As a result of this and due to its improved security, Belgrade progressed heavily up the scale. On the other hand the municipal infrastructure, local structure and public transport were rated the lowest, and in these areas Belgrade has to work the hardest if it wants to be serious about entry into the best destinations club.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.35: Dubrovnik is an obvious flight destination.

Dubrovnik ranks fourth in the region according to the number of passengers.

C. TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE, FINAL GRADE: 4.82 Belgrade is constantly in pursuit of the most developed tourist destinations in the region. A huge investment wave has already completely changed Belgrade’s hotel scene and it seems that the development surge won’t stop just yet, certainly when thinking of the Belgrade Waterfront project plans. Belgrade has a great selection of restaurants, cafés and a rich nightlife and a great advantage of the city is its extraordinary cultural offer and additional tourist activities, including shopping. The weakest aspects of the tourist offer were tourist information and des-

tination management, which according to the commission’s evaluation fall behind the leading destinations.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.95: Dubrovnik lives for tourism and in terms of tourist infrastructure retains its leading position in the region, with its offer annually enriched by some new top hotels (this year the Sheraton).

D. MEETINGS INFRASTRUCTURE, FINAL GRADE: 4.55 For the moment the most problematic part of the offer is the condition of the Sava Centre, which needs an urgent renovation, as the hotel’s convention centres cannot replace the large footprint of a multifunctional centre. Belgrade has made significant progress with a few globally recognized brands and congress providers, however (in particular Radisson Blu Old Mill and Crowne Plaza), and the quality and the share of suitable rooms in convention hotels was also highly rated. The room for improvement is in further development and a greater diversity of congress products and by increasing the activities of city’s Convention Bureau. Currently, the Serbia Convention Bureau is doing a large part of the structural work and with clearer procedural share there could be a lot of room for improvement.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.69: Dubrovnik is rated higher due to its very active and well-functioning Convention Bureau, which is the integrative engine of the entire industry.

In the area of infrastructure Dubrovnik is facing similar challenges to Belgrade and plans to build a new convention centre.

E. SUBJECTIVE GRADE, FINAL GRADE: 4.77 The better political stability and consequently safer destination has improved our subjective grade. Belgrade is one of the leading meetings destinations in Europe with regard to the relationship between price and quality, which really improves its competitiveness. Combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals and a high standard of e-services, the personal experience is extremely positive and professional. Belgrade has to work on general standards, business practices and changing the image of the destination from a fun one to a serious meetings destination.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.39: The most problematic part of the Dubrovnik offer is the poorer subjective grade because of the relatively high prices and seasonality of the destination. Despite the excellent image, this part of the offer is dampening its competitiveness.

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E. MARKETING BUZZ, FINAL GRADE: 4.91 The capital of Serbia, Belgrade has gained mostly from the intensive promotion undertaken by the Serbia Convention Bureau. The bureau stands behind the rapid growth of the destination and has improved its image - the Serbia brand has become internationally recognised and regarded as very efficient. Add to this the marketing activities of the new, recognizable hotel chains and the results are an improved identity and image to the international professional public. The room for improvement is in the areas of greater integration of marketing, loyalty to the destination and wider use of distribution channels.

Improvements can also be made in the field of digital and content marketing.

Comparison with Dubrovnik / grade: 4.65: Dubrovnik’s marketing is consistent and very focused. Therefore, the grade may be a bit lower than Belgrade’s, but that’s just the current situation, which is changing on an annual basis.

The grade includes the position on the ICCA scale for 2014. Belgrade is the highest ranked city in the region and has therefore received the highest grade. According to the index of quality of life, Belgrade received a lower grade, mainly because of sustainable development and poor municipal infrastructure.

ABOUT MEETING STAR AWARD: The Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine had decided on the selection of best meetings destination, because we want to emphasize the importance of various factors in the development of meetings destinations and want to get closer to the real conditions in terms of meeting planners.

Since 2010 the evaluation of the best destinations has taken place in the Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine. Each is scored on 75 criteria that allows the realistic comparison of meetings destinations. Since its inception five years ago the award has become the leading regional award in the field of meetings industry. A ‘Meetologue’, published annually in May with all the destinations, is an indispensable resource and guide through the region for international meetings organisers.

The award for best destinations is awarded each year at the Conventa trade show. With this award, they promote the best destinations and its best practices that contribute to the greater competitive advantages of the meetings industry of New Europe.

CVB Briefing

THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUUM Who and what plays a crucial role in the success of a destination?

Text by Miha Kovačič Photo credits Katja Jemec

T

he meetings inthis satisfaction of the ordustry could just ganiser there are several as easily be called other stakeholders In today’s buyers the ‘communication’ inai­m ing for equal success dustry; it gathers people of a meeting. In fact, the market the clients together to educate them, whole supply chain has motivate them and to inthis goal in mind, not have endless choices. to mention the particicrease their networks.

Who they will pick? pants who are looking for In short, meetings make their part of a return on people happier. In that They will pick the one investment. sense it’s interesting So what then about that the Slovenian word with the best return larger systems, compafor meetings includes nies or destinations? the word happiness in on investment. And For bodies such as its name. But let’s ask in this the power of these, as with my first ourselves: do all meetings really end with point, I believe it is individuum plays about the individuum. It happiness? is firstly about the indiThis depends on a crucial role. vidual, the sole person, several factors and to who leads the system, get started on them let’s focus on the individual company or destination.

There is consequently a person here. The meeting’s owner, for example, is someone who is need for strong leadership and commitment, the dedicated to ensuring that the meeting will kind of which pulls people together to work for achieve its goal. If the organiser has prepared a common goal. In larger systems, companies the meeting and its participants well, then there or destinations it is a huge challenge to achieve is no doubt that it will be successful. Along with this goal, as there is an almost endless chain of stakeholders, many of whom only see their own success or maybe even want to take advantage of others within the system. The true victory and success of an ecosystem, however, is when the team achievement is more important than individual success.

Furthermore, today market size gives a good reflection of that. The clearer the definition of the leader - the individuum - the clearer the picture of the company or the destination. This offers better positioning on the marketplace, as clients are looking to put a face behind the brand. Just think of Steve Jobs.

So, does a company or a destination speak clearly and in a single voice? Does it truly put the client first? Strategic documents and presentations may set that out, but has the leader managed to unite the employees/members/ partners in providing a continuously first class and memorable service to the client?

In today’s buyers market the clients have endless choices. Who they will pick? They will pick the one with the best return on investment.

And in this the power of individuum plays a crucial role.

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SLOVENIA MEETINGS Feel the people.

Taste fresh ideas.

www.slovenia.info

www.slovenia-convention.com

Creative Break

“CONVENTA: NEW EUROPE EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS AND INCENTIVES” Campaign: Conventa PR campaign Client: Conventa Agency: Toleranca Marketing d.o.o.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: Over 50 years of combined knowledge has been invested in the Conventa project. A small team of five professionals are passionately working on the project all year round. Conventa is not just a meetings show, it is a 365-day marketing project of the region called ‘New Europe’.

The show strives to be personal, as it is all about personal relationships in the meetings industry, so the Conventa team is not afraid to think “outside of the box”. Through PR activities Conventa unites and connects the region and enables itself to be the marketplace of the region.

SOLUTION: The creative approach is led by a personal approach where real people and real stories come to the fore. As Conventa uses such a wide communication platform, there are many creative ideas that come to life. Classical PR has thus been replaced by individual stories, experiences and interviews, such as: The Conventa TV studio was also set up at Conventa with a live web stream of events.

Conventa’s slogan – ‘Have a cup of coffee with us” - was used to create the story of how coffee is drunk in different parts of the region. The Conventa team also recorded the number of cups of coffee served at Conventa.

Conventa as a love story – the team got the information of how an international meeting provider and meeting planner met and fell in love at Conventa and are now planning a wedding in Slovenia.

Each year at Christmas time Conventa comes up with personalized holiday greetings that are written in verse and sent to Conventa attendees.

A Balkan Road Trip was one of the ideas on how to present the meetings destinations of the region to meeting planners.

The Conventa team was introduced by answering quirky personal questions, such as “If you were a rock star, which rock star would you be”, and “If you were a secret agent what would your meetings spy name be?”...

‘Myth busters’ were introduced for breaking meetings industry myths about Conventa.

CHALLENGES: To be different and stand out from the other trade shows.

To enhance the personal approach and be the friendliest, most hospitable trade show.

To continue to evolve, use creative communication and deliver entertaining, relevant stories.

Not to spend a penny on advertising or media coverage.

To connect the meetings industry region of New Europe.

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RESULTS: Conventa is the established voice of meetings professionals of New Europe and can boast: newsletter reach: 148,000; Conventa catalogue download: 32,280 website monthly unique visitors: 1,528; social media followers: Facebook (1,240), Twitter (588) barter agreement worth 96,450 EUR; association partnership barter agreement worth 34,200 EUR; free of charge PR worth 49,290 EUR partner trade show barter agreements worth 15,500 EUR media partners in 2015: 21; journalists attended the event: 136 Meeting planners rated their satisfaction with 4.42 (out of 5), while meeting providers rated the show with 4.27 (out of 5).

Sava Hotels & Resorts Briefing

Boost your Brainpower

C

offee Breaks with Added Value at Sava Hotels Bled. Taking different approaches to nutrition and breaks and using scientifically proven methods can ensure a high level of energy throughout the day and at the same time create a balance between your body, mind and soul, even on a business trip. In the interest of the maximum working efficiency and wellbeing of event participants within Sava Hotels Bled, they have developed a set of initiatives called “Boost Your Brainpower”. Coffee breaks with added value primarily include foods that provide the brain with power for better performance: green smoothies, canapés with wholesome bread and wild salmon, or 100% cocoa mousses. Dishes such as these are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, minerals and fibre, which can enhance one’s memory, increase concentration and stimulate blood flow.

Mineral and Thermal mineral water

A

Long Tradition of Wellbeing in Harmony with Nature at Radenci.

The Radenci Health Resort is famous for its thermal mineral water, which guests are able to drink straight from the source.

The resort is also renowned for its mineral baths rich in carbon dioxide, known in particular to strengthen the organism and cardiovascular system, while also having a very pleasant relaxing effect.

Many business guests attending a MICE event in Radenci Health Resort make the most of this opportunity and attend one of the health care programmes available there. Medical examinations for managers have shown to be particularly popular, since business people rarely have time to visit the doctor during what can be a stressful everyday life.

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Roman Dinner

T

he Hedonistic Spirit of Ancient Rome at the Grand Hotel Primus, Ptuj. Immersed in pleasure and relaxation with their Roman baths, plentiful tables and a vessel of wine as their daily rituals, the Ancient Romans knew very well how to pamper both their bodies and souls. This hedonistic spirit lives on today and goes hand-in-hand with a visit to Terme Ptuj. The Roman dinner is special culinary experience for private groups, where women become transformed into seductive Augustaes and men into generals, senators, philosophers and poets. Dishes are prepared using ancient Roman recipes and accompanied with an entertainment programme in the Roman style. During the dinner guests have private access to the Vespasianus swimming pools.

Surveys

CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST EUROPE MEETING PLANNER PROFILE 2015 Text by Špela Jeruc

T

he Editorial Board of the Kongres Magazine in September of 2014 conducted the first on-line questionnaire on the habits of Central and SouthEast Europe Meeting planners. An online questionnaire was employed to gain perspective based upon meeting planners’ experiences.

The purpose of the questionnaire was to provide an overview of the meeting planning decisions from the meeting planner perspective.

The final results were published in the November EIBTM (now IBTM) issue of Kongres Magazine (2014). Kongres Magazine’s first annual survey on trends, habits, planning and site selection reached

a database of more than 500 qualified regional planners.

It’s no secret that meeting planners carry with them a significant amount of purchasing power in our industry. It is critical to ensure you capture their loyalty in order to inspire repeat business for all of your venues, and brand. With annual survey will be out best chance to understand exactly where the future of our industry is headed.

That is why The Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine in past couple of months conducted and completed the second on-line questionnaire on the habits of regional meeting planners. We received more than 100 answers.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT FOR ORGANIZING MEETINGS IN YOUR COMPANY? 60% of Meeting planners performs the function of the organization in addition to many other activities. 40% of our respondents spent more than 30% of their work time for organizing meetings in their companies.

Less than 10%

10-20 %

60 %

26.7 % 0% Other

6.7 %

6.7 %

Goverment

Independ- Associa- Corprate ent tion

Most of the responses were from corporate planners (60%), followed by independent planners (26,7%), Association (6,7%) and Government sector with 6,7%. Last year most of the answers were also from Corporate sector (39,02%).

HOW MANY MEETINGS DO YOU PLAN EACH YEAR? 60% of meeting planners organize up to 10 events per year. Among them is the biggest part of those who organize from 1 to 5 events (46,7%). Over 25% of meeting planners organize large number of events per year (more than 20).

26.7% 40 % 20% 13.3 %

20 - 30%

TYPE OF PLANNER

26.7% 46.7% 13.3% 13.3%

1 - 5

More than 30%

6 - 10

11- 20

Over 20

WHICH DESTINATIONS YOU USE FOR MEETINGS IN THE PAST? 80 %

32.61

26.7 %

26.7 % 13.3 %

Austria

Bosna and Hercegovina

13.3 %

Croatia

Hungary

13.3 %

Italy

6.7 % Macedonia

20%

6.7 % Monte­ negro

Serbia

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Slovenia

Other

Top 5 destinations that were used in the past for organization of meetings are Slovenia 80%, Croatia 53,3%, Austria and Serbia 26,7% and Bosnia and Herzegovina 13,3%. Last year only 7,9% of meeting planners choose Serbia for their meetings destination. Croatia also recorded an increase from last year 17,67% to 53,3%.

Surveys

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SIZE OF A TYPICAL MEETING THAT YOU PLAN? %0

WHERE HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR MEETINGS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS?

6.7 %

13.3%

1 - 15 participants

20%

20%

16 - 40 participants

20%

41 - 100 participants

73.3%

101 - 200 participants

20%

46.7%

201 - 500 participants

33.3%

More than 500 participants

40%

Same as last year, meeting planners for their events most often choose hotels (73,3%). Special venues are also very popular among meetings organizers (46,7%). Companies seek to differentiate their events from others so they are searching our more and more for unusual alternatives like special venues.

Hotels

The average size of a typical meeting is up to 100 participants. In this category is a more than a half of all events (73,3%). The share of events with more than 500 participants is small and amount to 6,7% but the effect of such meetings is larger than with the smaller ones.

Conference Centre Special Venues Universities Other/buildings which are property of a company, museums, ships

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF A TYPICAL MEETING THAT YOU PLAN?

OVERAL MEETING SPEND WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION IS…?

%00% 6.7 % 26,7%

20 %

Average lengths of a me­et­ ing is 2 days (46,7%), followed by 3 day meetings 26,7%. This trend is different from last year since the average length of a meeting last year was 1 day.

3 days

1 day

4 days

2 days

More than 4 days

0%

6,7%

Significantly Decreasing decreasing (-6 – 10%) (-10%)

20%

13,3%

26,7 % 0%

Slightly decreasing (-1-5%)

Staying the same

Slightly increasing (+1-5%)

Increasing (+6-10%)

Significantly increasing (+10%) – 0%

We took a good look on results on overall meeting spend within organizations. A total of 26,7% of respondents said their 2015 meeting spend increased from 6 to 10%, which is good news.

33,3% said that their meeting spend stayed the same as last year.

Only 6,7% said their overall meeting spend decreased and 13,3% said their spending slightly decreased.

46.7%

Less then 1 day

33,3%

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Surveys

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

20 40

NO

In dealings with destinations what annoys you most?

20

40

46.7 60 80 80

60

100

• Lack of accessibility and security • Unprofessionalism of the destination • Unresponsiveness • Bad travel connections • To small overnight capacity • Inflexibility, arrogance, too much high prices for not an extraordinary thing • Unsatisfactory logistics

53.3

60

40 20

Convention Fam trips to Bureaus destinations / Tourist organizations

93.3

80

Local meeting planners

Meeting industry trade shows

Meeting industry magazines

Venue finding agencies

Social media

6.7 Google

Friends and colleagues

All of the responded (100%) said that they find information by asking friends and colleagues and 93,3% said they use Google. Venue finding agencies and meeting industry trade shows are used the least. 60% said they don’t use Fam trips to destinations and Convention Bureaus / Tourist Organizations. Last year, meeting industry magazines recorded the smallest percent of use but this year almost 50% of the planners use it to search for information.

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

THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA WITHIN MEETINGS IS EXPECTED TO?

0% 6.7%

7.9 % 5.3 %

Increase Stay the same

18.4 %

Decrease

21.1 %

26.7% 66.7%

18.4 %

28.9%

Less than 1 week ahead

6 months - 1 year ahead

1 week - 1 month ahead

1 year - 2 years ahead

1 month - 3 months ahead

More than 2 years ahead

According to our respondents (66,7%) the use of social media within meetings is expected to increase even more.

3 months - 6 months ahead

More than 50% said they book the venue for meeting from 1 to 6 months ahead. A small proportion (7,9%) book their venue from 1 – 2 years ahead. 28,9% of our respondents said they book the venue from 1 – 3 months ahead.

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Surveys

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

0

6.7

0

6.7 20

26.7

26.7 46.7 66.7

53.3

46.7 20

33.3

13.3 86.7

46.7 13.3 40 33.3 6.7 6.7 Climate

26.7

26.7

00

0

Accessibillity

40

26.7 33.3

33.3 40

20

13.3

13.3

6.7

0

26.7

13.3

13.3

Attractiveness for Tourism

Economic Stability

Visa Requirements

0

13.3

6.7 00

6.7 0 6.7 0

Professionalism of local meetings industry

Safety and security

Value for money

13.3

20

Image od the Internadestination tional Hotel Brands

1 NOT IMPORTANT

The most important things when planners choose a destination is value for money (86,7%) and Accessibility (66,7%). The least important things are visa requirements (26,7%) and international hotel brands (20%). They appreciate attractiveness for tourism (46,7%) and professionalism of local meetings industry (46,7%).

2 3 4 5 VERY IMPORTANT

WHEN CHOOSING A VENUE FOR YOUR MEETINGS, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU? % 20

53.3

46.7

40

40 60

53.3

60

1 NOT IMPORTANT 2

40

3 4 40 40

6.7 00 Flexibility of space

33.3

13.3 00 Price

33.3

6.7 0 Proximity to airport and public transport

46.7

46.7

33.3

33.3 13.3

13.3

00

00

Fast internet

Quality of the food and beverages

6.7 00 Quality of services provided by venue

5 VERY IMPORTANT

13.3 00 Speed of response of venue sales staff

6.7 00 Professionalism of the venue staff

The majority said that professionalism of the venue staff and quality of services provided by venue (60%) is very important when choosing a venue for their meetings. Price is still a very important factor when choosing a venue (53,3%). Proximity to airport and public transport is not really important and doesn’t effect when choosing a venue (6,7%). More than 45% of them said that quality of the food and beverage is also an important fact.

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In dealings with venues what annoys you most?

• Price, flexibility of the space • Not enough fast internet • Untidiness • Bad response from staff • Unkindness and unprofessional communication • Unwillingness to negotiate • Unprofessional approach • Not enough space or not enough projectors • Hotel level of service in South East Europe. Big event budget requires flexibility of hotel staff and experience with handling many more issues than small one day event. Usually the service for small event is good, but big complex events are difficult. Exception are venues used for protocol events.

• Many hotels lack experienced staff who would understand what a corporate client expects as opposed to the tourist who came for vacation

Meet The Team

DT CROATIA - DUBROVNIK TRAVEL DMC

THE BACK STORY Dream came true. It all started back in 1998.

The idea of DT was clear, to be the best, no.1 service agency with loyal and local partners for exclusive groups and events in the ex-Yugoslavia area! We started with „innovations“ that made our businesses grow by listening to the market needs and trends and implementing those in everyday life of our company with a focus on satisfaction of - not only clients but also our team members! The strategic team members that recognised DT quality are still today with us and working gladly together on the future of DT business - they are the soul of DT the meeting warriors that made many battles for the success of DT. People of DT are the most important asset we have and we will always have them to be in the front page of any „DT news“ that circulates around the world. They are the leaders we worship and DT is proud of its team, today recognised as the regional experts, our DT strategy that many want to copy unfortunately. Our Meet-jutsu secrets have been copied and stolen many times too, but for sure, the Spirit of the DT Temple has remained at home, even bigger, and stays where it belongs to. Indeed all competition comes and goes, after 17years of steady and sustainable growth, we can for sure say,

we slept always with one eye open, and that’s how we are now too, always awake and ready to act. In year 2005 we felt the moment is right and we partnered with the strongest DMC in Montenegro, Talas-M, so today our companies still work under own brands but we are together and stronger than ever - behind us are numerous events, groups, meetings, incentives - we share happy clients with great experiences that are the most valuable, the golden marketing tool and the selling point of DT no one can take and that we can ever have! In 2014 Talas-M and DT Croatia launched a new company in Serbia, Belgrade - Talas S DMC, and in 2015 DT Croatia partnered with a Slovenian well known and very strong expert in travel business and formed DT Slovenia, with headquarters in Ljubljana and a branch office in Portoroz. We are also strategic partners with other DMC’s in other countries where we don’t have offices. Other systems and strong partnerships we are proud to be partner of is Euromic, Ovation, Body&Soul International, DUDMC, Destico, SB Mice, DMS Marketing, Klass, DMCRep and Platinum.

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Top talk Daniel Marušić Q: Which projects defined your business success?

Definitely high-end incentive groups from various markets, learning each time new standards, demanding clients with a reason, and making both sides happy with the outcome. In our region after the war, it was tough to get the high standards delivered from suppliers but we made it, we educated shared knowledge invested time money with most of them and carved the path for them for their today success with our and other business and other DMC’s that came in much later just to enjoy some cream from the top - but why not, the client is free to choose, many of them that choose sometimes wrong ask us at the end to help them out, and we’ve seen many in these years. There was so much work behind just to get the destination appreciated by the world of MICE, our task number one that was. Today other challenges are in front of us, today we battle with technology, new ideas, new rules of the business, and, again, the competition that lowers the prices and quality of the destination just to make overnight profits - but we have seen, as said, a lot come and go. It’s hard to be no.1 but it’s even harder and more diffi-

Meet The Team

Facts & Figures Long-term clients: World known Incentive houses, Leading global Meeting planners, Group Travel & Event Agencies from major world markets. Leaders match with leaders.

Organized conferences and incentives: Average per year we provide services for 5-10 bigger conferences, and more than 60-70 incentive programmes. cult to keep the no.1 position as long as we do - but we know it’s the only way! No sleep, create, innovate!

Q: What are the current priorities for DT Croatia?

DT team members always our priority.

Q: How does Dubrovnik inspire your work?

Dubrovnik is the bridge to the world for DT, when we gave the original name Dubrovnik Travel to the company many people congratulated us, saying so simple but so important for business, at that time Dubrovnik was more famous than Croatia, in some markets it still is.

Dubrovnik is the craddle of International meetings and Incentives in our area, and we can only

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Biggest incentive group: several times, we had big incentive groups of 500-600 people.

Different profiles, different goals and standards.

All groups were fantastic!

Number of employees: 40 Number of offices: Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split and since early 2015, DT Slovenia in Ljubljana and Portorož.

Meet The Team

play strong at home. Very strong. A level of DMC services impossible to imagine, safe, secure, perfect delivery, with no obstacles, but just one limit: the budget!

Q: How would you define the philosophy of DT Croatia?

DT Croatia has never been happy to be just a good DMC, we want and we work hard to be the PERFECT REGIONAL DMC.

Things to come Q: What are you working on now?

At this stage we are working on several small and big 2016 and 2017 projects, plus numerous requests that daily come to us, and must mention a big, a huge, event to come soon in early 2016 it will be the largest project that ever was made in this area, Croatia and the region. DT has been chosen for this project to be the solution provider for all local logistics and out of hotel services.

DT was scanned and went through a rigorous business process to get this opportunity to be part of this very soon will-be-well known important and historical event for our destination.

Our Slovenia office is also working on a very interesting project for spring 2016, but not yet confirmed, this will also be something very interesting for DT Slovenia and for the future of the event business in the sunny side of the alps!

IVANA MARUŠIĆ ZUBOVIĆ Ivana Marusic Zubovic was brought up in a family that was always involved in tourism leaving little doubt what her career choice. Seeing the challenges overcome by her country in the past decades to rise to the position of the most popular destination destinations, contributed to her passion for sales and promoting the destination and region as a whole. Working with people, creating for them unique experiences and providing them with unforgettable memories is life’s call and she has been doing this at DT Croatia for the past 10 years. As Sales Director, she is active in mentoring and teaching new DT stars , conveying her enthusiasm and full commitment to projects, teaching that being there from the start to the execution of the project, knowing your client’s and their needs is of the greatest of importance because there is no greater feeling nor reward than when upon the client’s departure from your country, they tell you it has been the best program they’ve ever participated in.

TAJA MAČEK Taja Maček, a managing partner in DT Slovenia, the newest member of the DT family, has grown alongside the tourism industry for most of her life.

Working within the family and learning from experiences in the field has resulted in her full commitment towards quality and creativity. Bolstered by an education the conceptual art as well as a master program in heritage,

tourism she strives to present Slovenia’s regional diversity through amazing incentive programs. In order to deliver the best you need to get to know your client, meeting new people and working with clients from around the world, which provides the extra energy to keep creating unique products that connect the local environment on a global level. When this balance is reached, satisfaction is ensured.

DT Slovenia is a fresh and vibrant new sister of the well-established DT Croatia that opened its doors earlier in 2015.

ALEKSANDRA BOŽOVIĆ MARLAIS Alex Bozovic Marlais has been with the DT Croatia team for more than a decade now. After working one summer for DT in Dubrovnik she fell in love with the region & the travel industry and decided to take the leap and move from her native New York to Croatia.

She works closely with DT’s other offices in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Serbia to promote the entire region for events. After all these years of planning events, she is still excited to share with clients all the hidden gems and beautiful destinations the region has to offer for meeting and incentives.

With the rest of the DT team she shares a desire to do her best and work hard for her clients. She finds herself inspired by her colleagues and partners on a daily basis and loves the challenge of working with them to create an unforgettable event. The goal is simple, a perfect event..

History 1998 – started working as a private and independent business company 2000 – changed strategy and became the first officially recognized international DMC for Croatia 2005 – made partners with strongest DMC in Montenegro, Talas – M 2007 – awarded by Business.hr as one of the fastest growing companies in Croatia 2010 – received quality control certification ISO 9001-2008 2011 – gets the Best small-size company award in the county issued by the Dubrovnik chamber of commerce

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2014 – launching a new company in Serbia, Belgrade – Talas–S; and forming a new company in Slovenia – DT Slovenia 2015 – DT Croatia becomes an AAA credit worthness certificate holder and nominated as the best mid-size company of the county Joined partnerships: SB Mice 2002, Klass 2003, Destico 2008, DUDMC 2009, ICCA 2009, Euromic 2010, Platinum 2010, Ovation 2011, DMS Marketing 2011, Body&Soul International 2013 and DMCRep 2014

Gospodarsko razstaviĹĄÄ?e Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

www.gr-congress.si

Views

WHAT ARE THE DYNAMICS DRIVING THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY How can we make Meetings Industry more effective?

Text by Gorazd Čad

Meetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry by German Convention Bureau

01

02

CARINA BAUERR,

MATTHIAS SCHULTZE,

CEO IMEX Group

Managing director of German Convention Bureau

The comprehensive study revealed the following top five megatrends: Technology in work and life: New forms of knowledge transfer will influence all phases of event planning. For example, the worlds of virtual and live events will blur as planners incorporate virtual components in live events.

Globalisation and internationalisation: Meetings will be all the more important to address issues that arise through increased interconnectedness of cultures and peoples.

Mobility of the future: Getting to and from events easily and comfortably and with the smallest possible ecological footprint will continue to be an important aspect of event planning.

Sustainable development: Sustainability will remain a guiding principle to influence all areas of meeting planning, from construction and renovation of venues, to transportation, food and entertainment.

THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY IS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR NATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD “Germany‘s global leadership as a meetings destination is based on a combination of high quality, good value venues, travel accessibility and access to Germany’s extensive expertise in key industries.”

INDUSTRY IS BEING FAR MORE STRATEGIC IN ITS THINKING “In short, meeting planners are understanding that their role is far greater than simply organising the logistics of an event”

03

04

TRACY HALLIWELL,

IGOR KOVAČEVIĆ, CEO Of the Serbian Convention Bureau

Chariman an d President at MCI Headquaters Worldwide

MULTI-SENSORY EVENTS DELIVER MORE MEMORABLE AND CREATIVE EXPERIENCES “Our senses are proven to have a direct impact on memorability and engagement level, and by stimulating the five senses of taste, smell, sight, sound and touch, we can create a much more vivid and interesting experience for delegates.”

OUR INDUSTRY CONNECTS PEOPLE AND PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION FOR NETWORKING “The successful ones are those destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and PCOs that understand clients’ needs and wants and that are proactive in communication.”

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT IS FUELLING THE DESIRE FOR PEOPLE TO MEET FACE TO FACE “Sustainability in fact goes hand in hand with technology as a key trend driving the evolution of the industry”

Director of business tourism & major events, London & Partners from Visit London

05 ROGER TONDEUR,

Demographic change, feminisation and diversity: An increasingly older meeting attendee population will require accessibility, but the implications extend significantly beyond getting around; they affect the meeting format, even the credentials and demographics of the speakers and presenters.

26

Views

01

CARINA BAUER CEO IMEX Group Q: What are the dynamics driving the meetings industry (trends that drive meetings industry) ?

One of the key trends that we have seen over the past few years is the emergence of new destinations who are entering the industry.

Destinations in Asia, Latin America and Africa are building world leading facilities and infrastructure and focussing hard on training to ensure that they are ready to host large conventions, meetings and incentive travel groups.

This drives up competition, but also drives quality, innovation and standards.

We also see that the industry is being far more strategic in its thinking. Destinations understand more than ever that the benefits of meetings are far more than the sum of their parts – i.e. the benefits are not simply about direct economic spend in hotels and restaurants.

Whilst this spend is important, it is the longterm effects that contribute to the development of their knowledge economies that are truly powerful. As a result sophisticated destinations are thinking hard about the type of meetings and conventions that would most benefit their core industries and promoting their destinations accordingly.

Meeting planners, too are thinking more strategically than ever – as highlighted in MPI’s recent Meetings Outlook (Spring 2015).

The report quotes Bill Voegeli, President of Association Insights who says, “It takes opportunity, resources and the desire to be able to think strategically, to consider how to improve relationships and to be smarter with how folks use the tools in their toolbox.” In short, meeting planners are understanding that their role is far greater than simply organising the logistics of an event – in fact the role of the meeting planner is now to ensure that the event meets an organisation’s objectives – whether that is sales growth, motivating a workforce or skills development.

Other key trends that we see include the rise and rise of technology in making meetings more effective, the mobilisation of communication, as well as a continued focus on meeting design.

Q: Why Meetings Industry is important?

As explained above the meetings industry is an important driver of economic growth – both for the direct spend from meetings and events; as well as the residual development opportunities that the industry brings in terms of the development of knowledge economies and industries. In addition, the meetings industry is responsible for driving knowledge transfer, motivating workforces and promoting globali-

sation. In essence, our industry is responsible for bringing diverse people together in an effort to progress.

Q: How can we make Meetings Industry more effective?

By always keeping our thoughts and actions focussed on the end goal – which is ‘what is the desired outcome of this event?’ and how can we ensure that the outcome is met in the best way possible. If we keep our minds set on the outcomes the industry as a whole will be much more effective and both governments and corporations around the world will understand more easily what it is that our industry does.

About the Author Carina Bauer is the CEO of the IMEX Group, a family business which runs the most influential tradeshows for the meetings industry – IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America. Having studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, Carina entered the meetings industry in 2002, following a short career in retail and catering. Starting as the Marketing and Operations Director, Carina was promoted to the role of CEO in 2009 and is responsible for managing all aspects of the business. In 2015 Carina was named as one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry

by Successful Meetings Magazine; as well as one of the Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry by M&C Magazine.

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MATTHIAS SCHULTZE, Managing director of German Convention Bureau Q: What are the dynamics driving the meetings industry (trends that drive meetings industry)?

Companies and associations are increasingly selecting destinations and venues that complement their own industry focus; by doing so, they realise they can naturally tap into local expertise, resources and talent that add value to their meeting’s focus and their attendees’ professional development.

For a number of years, Germany has marketed expertise as a major component in the destination decision-making process. In total, there are six key sectors in which Germany plays a major role in setting the global agenda and economic cooperation: medicine and healthcare (incl. sectors such as medical engineering and the healthcare industry), transport and logis27

tics (incl. automotive construction, transport systems technology, aerospace), chemicals and pharmaceuticals (with disciplines such as life sciences, biotech and gene technologies, biochemistry and new materials), technology and innovation (from mechanical engineering to IKT, optical and electrotechnologies to microelectronics and nanotechnology), energy and the environment as well as financial services.

Alongside regional areas of expertise are a number of other trends the German Convention Bureau (GCB) has identified. The GCB released findings from “Meetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry.”

A future-oriented strategy can generate business and economic success and our study revealed the top five future megatrends: • Technology in work and life: More than 41.6 per cent of respondents identified technology in work and life to be very influential in the future of the meetings business. New forms of knowledge transfer will influence all phases of event planning. For example, the worlds of virtual and live events will blur as planners incorporate virtual components in live events and the number of networked virtual events increase.

• Globalisation and internationalisation: Approximately 28.6 per cent felt very strongly that globalisation will have a major impact.

Meetings will be all the more important to address issues that arise through increased interconnectedness of cultures and peoples.

Individuals will need to be more aware of nuances among country cultures, preferences and lifestyles as well as speak multiple languages.

• Mobility of the future: Getting to and from events easily and comfortably and with the smallest possible ecological footprint will continue to be an important aspect of event planning. Host organisations will affect this process through the selection of easily accessible event locations and the use of “event tickets” for air and train transportation, among other things.

Mobility of the future came in at 26 per cent (very strong impact on the meetings industry).

• Sustainable development: Sustainability will remain a guiding principle to influence all areas of meeting planning, from construction and renovation of venues, to transportation, food and entertainment. One aspect of this development is the increasing “regionalisation” of meetings, where meeting organisers focus more on utilising local suppliers as well as inviting local and regional audiences more than before.

Sustainability scored 20.8 per cent (very strong impact on the meetings industry).

• Demographic change, feminisation and diversity: Demographic change was cited by 18.2 per cent of respondents as “very strong.” An increasingly older meeting attendee population will require accessibility, but the implications extend significantly beyond getting around; they affect the meeting format, even the cre-

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dentials and demographics of the speakers and presenters. Additionally, as more women travel the meetings circuit, features such as additional security for women traveling alone and child care, among others, will need to be considered.

Meeting topics and flexible formats will also be shaped by the growing number of females traveling to meetings and conferences. Similar considerations, such a food choices and holiday observances, must be made as the meeting populations become increasingly diverse.

Q: Why the Meetings Industry is important?

The meetings industry is an economic driver for nations all over the world and is particularly key for Germany, rated as the top business trip destination for Europeans. In 2014 business trips from Europe to congresses and conferences in Germany increased by 5%, totalling 12.4 million European business people – making the country a top destination within the business travel sector. The country also ranks number one in Europe and second worldwide for the 11th year running in the annual ICCA rankings.

Germany‘s global leadership as a meetings destination is based on a combination of high quality, good value venues, travel accessibility and access to Germany’s extensive expertise in key industries such as technology, innovation, finance, healthcare, automotive and aerospace.

Q: How can we make the Meetings Industry more effective?

In short – collaboration. Germany is part of the alliance of European National Convention Bureaux, which now totals 23 members.

The strategic alliance, announced at IMEX America 2014, is the first of its kind and aims to encourage knowledge sharing and partnership working among the member countries.

The collaboration unites the individual and unique offerings of each member, to simplify and strengthen the approach towards key markets, such as the USA and China.

About the Author Matthias Schultze is the Managing Director of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., the central marketing organisation representing the country as a meetings and events destination.

Matthias studied business management at Heidelberg Hotel Management School and started his professional career in the hospitality industry working for various hotel chains. He has been an executive board member of the World Conference Centre Bonn and has held the position as Vice President of the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC).

About the GCB The German Convention Bureau (GCB) represents and markets Germany as a destination for conventions, meetings, events and incentives both on a national and international scale. It is the first point of contact for companies, associations and organisations around the world planning events in Germany.

Acting as a connector to the wide range of German event service providers, venues and host cities, the German Convention Bureau (GCB) provides hands-on advice and support to planners and executives in all industries and organisations. To bring maximum value, quality and customisation to each meeting and event hosted in Germany, the GCB also helps hosts and attendees leverage the country’s deep expertise in green meetings and key industries such as pharmaceuticals, financials, automotive, logistics & transportation, and technology.

The GCB’s more than 200 members, representing 450 leading hotels, convention centers, destinations, event agencies and service providers of the German meetings and conventions industry. Congress Hall at Leipzig Zoo and Hamburg Convention Bureau are Preferred Partners of the GCB. As Strategic Partners, Lufthansa German Airlines, Deutsche Bahn (German Railways), and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) support the work of the GCB. The GCB website (www.germany-meetings. com) serves as a useful online tool to find detailed information on Germany, search venues and vendors, get tips for green meetings, catch up on the latest news, access travel guides, and much more. Follow the German Convention Bureau on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ GermanyMeetings.

For further information, please contact: Emma Ward, GCB UK E: emmaward@clareville.co.uk T: + 44 207 736 4022.

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TRACY HALLIWELL MBE, Director of Business Tourism & Major Events at London & Partners, the official Convention Bureau for London Q: What are the dynamics driving the meetings industry (trends that drive meetings industry)?

The events and meetings world is an ever-changing industry subject to many external pressures.

Over recent years, clients have faced shrinking budgets and have the challenge of delivering more for (and with) less.

London & Partners, the official convention 28

bureau for the city, offers a free service to help unlock the city for event professionals and clients, identifying the best venues for the budgets available. This means working with trusted partners, while also using the wide variety of venues and suppliers at our disposal.

With significant numbers of hotels and venues in the pipeline for the next three years, there is no doubt that London will continue to stay competitive, offering a diverse range of options to events professionals.

The changing nature of delegate demographics have also presented additional challenges for meeting planners. The millennials, or Generation Y, have different needs and higher expectations than older attendees. This means that industry professionals need to use original event activations to set themselves apart from their competitors and live up to what their delegates want. Part of the solution lies in the use of new technologies and these are increasingly being incorporated in events, with event suppliers also diversifying their offer.

London’s most recent campaign, “Love the Event & Love the Experience” focuses on how it has become a necessity for event professionals to think more creatively. One major, and often overlooked, aspect of events is our senses. A recent study from London & Partners and CWT Meetings & Events shows that the events industry is not using sensory experiences to their full potential. The survey of more than 600 event organisers revealed that 78 per cent believe multi-sensory events deliver more memorable and creative experiences for event attendees, while over three-quarters of those surveyed agree that the senses should be increasingly incorporated into events in order to deliver greater engagement among attendees. Our senses are proven to have a direct impact on memorability and engagement level, and by stimulating the five senses of taste, smell, sight, sound and touch, we can create a much more vivid and interesting experience for delegates.

Q: Why the Meetings Industry is important?

The meetings and events industry can have a profound impact on a city.

Earlier this year, London welcomed the European Society of Cardiology congress at London’s ExCeL. This was their most successful annual congress to date, with over 32,700 (32,773) delegates participating and the event generating £100m economic benefit for the city.

Events such as these raise the profile of a destination and can in turn create and support jobs, not only in the meetings industry but along the whole supply chain.

Events can also shine a spotlight on some of a city’s strengths. London Technology Week, launched two years ago, acted as a seal of approval from the industry and allowed us to showcase London’s credentials in this growing sector. The event not only underlines London’s strengths in technology, it helps position the city

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as an even more attractive destination for the tech industry.

Q: How can we make the Meetings Industry more effective?

The MICE sector must keep innovating and reinventing itself if it is to keep its edge and fit the ever-evolving needs of delegates. This also means keeping in touch with prospective audiences to better understand their profiles and needs.

It is also important for the industry to invest in building the skills of its workforce to make sure that event professionals are appropriately equipped to perform to the best of their ability and can learn about the latest industry innovations and insights. Apprenticeships are also a great way to give future event planners the skills they need to go on to a successful career in the industry.

About the Author Director of Business Tourism and Major Events, Tracy joined London & Partners from Visit London, the capital’s global marketing organisation. At London & Partners, Tracy heads up London’s Convention Bureau, managing the event solutions team and a proactive global sales team focused on attracting discretionary business, cultural & sporting events to the capital.

At the same time Tracy works with city stakeholders to develop and build London’s business and major events tourism offering.

In 2013 Tracy was awarded the Eventia Outstanding Achievement honour and named in the Event 100 list of the most influential people in the industry. In 2014 Tracy Halliwell was also named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honour lists.

Prior to joining London & Partners Tracy had over 20 years’ experience in senior sales and marketing positions in the tourism industry including Vice-President of Sales EMEA for Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, Global Sales Director for Thistle Hotels (then the largest hotel operator in London), Senior Vice-President Sales & Marketing North America for Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, as well as numerous property-based Director of Sales & Marketing roles within London and the UK. Having played host to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tracy led the team responsible for the Mayor’s hospitality programmes, welcoming over 200 business guests over the Games period. Her team assisted over 60 NOC, NPC, Sponsor and Sporting bodies to plan and execute their Olympic hospitality strategies, and London & Partners ran the London Media Centre hosting over 8,500 non-accredited broadcast and press journalists during games-time.

About London & Partners London & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and our network of commercial partners.

London & Partners was formed from the capital’s promotional agencies: Think London, Study London and Visit London creating one single promotional organisation for London that speaks with one voice, vision and mission to all audiences in the UK and internationally.

Our remit is to drive leisure and business visitors as well as to secure major events in London. We can unlock the city for new businesses that want to set up or expand in London and we promote the capital’s world class universities to international students.

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IGOR KOVAČEVIĆ, CEO of the Serbian Convention Bureau Q: What are the dynamics driving the meetings industry (trends that drive meetings industry)?

The meetings industry goes beyond the pure meetings infrastructure and people are now becoming the main decision making factor. We mustn’t forget that our industry connects people and provides the foundation for networking, so in that respect the biggest trend from the supply side is moving in the direction of soft selling.

This means that destinations, along with venues and hotels, are not selling infrastructure and services, but ‘solutions’ and ‘ideas’ for clients.

The successful ones are those destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and PCOs that understand clients’ needs and wants and that are proactive in communication.

At the same time, the demand side is rapidly changing too. Associations are becoming more professional, and more finance-oriented, and in those transformations they are looking for support from an AMC or PCO. This is changing the way destinations are approaching clients.

However, this does not mean that content is on the margins of events; it is quite opposite.

Content guides delegates and successful events, which leads us to the situation that destinations need to take into consideration both aspects: the need for perfect content and the need for the financial sustainability of events. So, destinations need to work with clients on creating new and interesting content, and at the same time to fulfill budget expectations.

New destinations are always within the scope of a client’s interest and the trend is moving towards new destinations, and that is a reason why destinations (small, large, on mountain tops, in spas) want to be part of the meetings in29

dustry. But being a “new destination” is a hard job for bureaus, first of all. Not all destination bureaus can implement the tasks and procedures required to be internationally recognized.

Finally, in order to be internationally recognized and to get client recognition, we need to have educated personnel in all meetings industry providers. Knowledge of the industry and marketing is very hard to get by sitting in an office and looking at more experienced colleagues. The new personnel of CVBs, hotels and venues need to take an active part in education seminars, they need to be part of international networks, and they need to use every possible opportunity to exchange marketing intelligence among colleagues within their destination and with other destinations.

Q: Why the Meetings Industry is important From a destination perspective, international meetings create multiple effects. Firstly, meetings are bringing international know-how to a destination, and this is important, as not all local and regional associations’ members can visit foreign destinations. Secondly, it is a chance to demonstrate local expertise and local products to international colleagues and potential clients.

Thirdly, direct, indirect and induced effects are very important, as international meetings are influencing tourism income and increase in GDP. Q: How can we make the Meetings Industry more effective?

Cooperation and coopetion are the most important tools in making our industry more effective. Cooperation among private and public stakeholders – hotels, venues and CVBs. The public sector needs to act in favour of destination and on behalf of private sector partners. All the activities need to be coordinated in order to get increased effects. Furthermore, hotels and venues within a destination need to cooperate and to speak with each other in order to share market intelligence, but also in order to create a strong industry image in a client’s eyes.

About the Author Successfully combining academic and business careers, Igor Kovacevic has been part of the Serbia journey from “no destination” to the leader in the region and TOP 50 in the world. In the last eight years he has been mainly focusing on working closely with international associations. Igor holds an MA degree and is currently working on his PhD thesis. During his lectures as teaching assistant at the Faculty of Economics in the field of Tourism and Hospitality, he is doing his best in presenting the latest applicable knowledge to his students.

“Successful examples are destinations that are working proactively toward clients and where the industry is united around mutual goals and aims.”

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ROGER TONDEUR, Chairman and President at MCI Headquarters Worldwide Q: What are the dynamics driving the meetings industry (trends that drive meetings industry)?

If we’re talking about meeting trends, we’ve got to start with the ever-growing influence of technology and digital.

A few years ago, many event organisers worried that new technologies and the possibility to host virtual meetings would significantly reduce the need for live interaction.

In reality, what we’re seeing is that digital engagement is actually fuelling the desire for people to meet face to face. An interesting example of this is the world of e-sport, where huge online communities have sprung up and are now being taken offline with great momentum, and both small festivals and huge stadium events are springing up around the world.

So actually, face-to-face meetings and events are becoming more important than ever. At the same time, technology and digital are completely reshaping their structure and life-cycle, as well as attendee expectations of what an event should look like and how it should engage them.

Today’s digital savvy attendees are looking for a full 360° experience, combining online touch points and engagement before, during and after the event with their physical experience onsite.

E vent organisers must cleverly create a pre-, during and post-event buzz on social media, build up engaged communities who are excited and motivated to meet in real life, who love sharing their experience of the event on social networks, and who continue to engage with each other in between events.

Onsite, mobile event applications, live quizzes and social media walls are growing in popularity, engaging attendees in real time and transforming them into active participants rather than passive spectators.

Of course, closely linked to trends in digital and technology are trends around millennial engagement, and how to inspire and activate a millennial audience.

Millennials and their particular styles of learning, interacting and engaging will impact on events more and more in the future, as they soon become the main target audience for many meetings, events and congresses (if they’re not the main target already). Making sure that an event has a mobile friendly website and a strong social media strategy will help attract and engage millennials, as will a focus on sustainability and ‘giving something back.’

Sustainability in fact goes hand in hand with technology as a key trend driving the evolution of the industry. And while sustainability is definitely about making an event more environmentally friendly – for instance reducing printing

by using a mobile app instead of a printed programme, and sourcing local, organic, vegetarian food for lunch - it goes much deeper than just being green.

A sustainable meeting is also about creating a positive, lasting impact and being as accessible and inclusive as possible. Examples include offering a hybrid possibility for people from low and middle income countries who would otherwise have been unable to access meeting content, and ensuring that speaker panels are diverse.

Hybrid events are a great example of where the industry is heading, and of technology and sustainability driving innovation together. What’s really interesting here is that research shows that adding a hybrid element actually increases face-to-face attendance. So online attendance is not detracting from onsite attendance, but rather extending the value and life-cycle of an event by enabling both attendees and non-attendees to access content digitally after the event.

Finally, experiential events are another important trend that will continue to grow in popularity. Experiential concepts are all about involving the attendees in the story an event is telling. For instance, instead of guests just looking at a new product during a product launch, they need to live it, touch it, experience it.

With so many similar products on the market out there, brands are going to need to differentiate themselves more and more through brand experience – and experiential live events are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd.

Q: Why the Meetings Industry is important ?

Meetings and events not only play a key role in supporting other businesses and industries, the meetings industry is an important – and growing – industry in its own right.

Meetings create jobs, fuel economies, and deliver key economic benefits. They also attract global expertise to destinations, bringing education and professional development opportunities to local and regional communities.

At MCI, we always say that ‘when people come together, magic happens’.

This magic is especially powerful when people come together through meetings and events to address the key issues affecting our planet and the global population.

A successful meeting or event can create and communicate important knowledge, promote global cooperation, focus public and media attention on today’s key development issues, and build engaged communities of people who work together to make a better and more equal world.

Q: How can we make the Meetings Industry more effective?

There are a number of ways that the meetings industry will become more effective and efficient.

The first will be by more quickly and more effectively embracing available and new technologies, such as hybrid meetings and content 30

dissemination, in order to extend the life-cycle of meeting content and continually reach new audiences.

Transformation and fragmentation will also be key. Companies and associations will need to do away with the status quo and start rethinking their entire approach to events – from size, to number of events, to locations. We’ll definitely see more event fragmentation, with huge global events that have existed for the last 20 years split into a larger number of smaller, regional events.

Innovative partnerships between meetings and events companies, travel and tourism companies and collaborative technology platforms will also help the industry become more effective.

About the Author Roger Tondeur is Founder, Chairman and President of MCI, the world’s leading provider of strategic engagement and activation solutions.

Roger founded MCI in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1987. The company grew in size and reputation to become the leading event management company in Geneva, and a second office opened in Zurich in 1999.

Further expansion has been swift, with MCI now boasting a gross margin of €122 million and 60 offices in 31 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas and India, the Middle East and Africa.

Despite rapid growth, MCI remains a family company and in 2010 Roger handed over the reins to his son, Sébastien Tondeur, who now leads the company as CEO. Today, as Chairman, President and member of the Executive Committee, Roger continues to play a key role in the strategic direction of the group.

Over the course of his career, Roger has played an influential role in many industry associations. He is a member and Past President of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) and a member of Meetings Professional International (MPI), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Special Events Society (ISES).

A partner of INCON (Global Partnership in Conferences & Events), Roger also sits on several committees for convention centre development and incentive business planning. In 2007, Roger was inducted into the prestigious CIC Hall of Leaders, an honour for influential leaders who have shaped the industry over a lifetime of accomplishment.

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Kongres magazine

Enjoy business. Feel pleasure.

Bernardin Group. Perfect combination.

Hoteli Bernardin d.d., Obala 2, SI-6320 Portoro탑, Slovenia

Tel . +386 5 690 70 00 congress@bernardingroup.si

www.bernardingroup.si/mice

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Bernardin Hotels & RESORTS Briefing

Bernardin Group – Brand Leader Award 2015

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he Award Committee of the 5th Business Conference SEET 2015, organised by SEET (Tuističko Tržište Jugovzhodne Europe) has awarded Hoteli Bernardin – Bernardin Group “BRAND LEADER AWARD 2015” for setting new standards, improvement and continuous contribution to the expansion of MICE in the SEE region”. Milivoje Radovanovic, President of Mass Media International d.o.o., explained: “With the visionary managerial skills, knowledge, experience and innovative strategies, Bernardin Group sets new standards in creating professionally organised MICE/congress tailor made offers combined with remarkable programmes and ideas, thus has positioned the Town of Portorož as the leading seaside destination with a very unique thermal and wellness centre and topmost cultural and MICE location.”

GH Bernardin – 3 days the home of the Italian national under-21 football team

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rom 6 to 8 October, the GH Bernardin was the home of the Italian national under-21 football team. The travel and logistics were organised via their official partner, Carlson Wagonlit Italia. The purpose of their visit was the scheduled qualification game between Slovenia and Italy (U-21 national teams) for the EU Championship U-21 2017. The members of the Italian U-21 football team are players of the best Italian football teams, such as Fiorentina, AC Milan, Juventus. They were happy about the location and the service provided. Although Slovenia lost (3:0), GH Bernardin will be pleased to have them come back again.

Golden Drum Spreads Creativity in Portorož

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he 22nd Golden Drum International Advertising Festival took place from 13 to 16 October 2015 in the Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož, Slovenia. The festival offered four days of an excellent programme, over 40 top international speakers, great networking opportunities and wild parties. The highlight of the festival was the Grand Award Ceremony honouring the best creative works of the past year.

With 1,208 entries the Festival that this year went under the theme of “Transformation,

liberation and creative culture” offered the biggest overview of creative advertising from the 37 countries of New Europe. Grand Hotel Bernardin was again chosen as the main venue of the festival, as well as the main hotel accommodating its VIP guests. The programme that ran simultaneously in two of the biggest halls was visited by over 900 experts in the field of marketing, advertising, creatives, designers, young talents and students. Polona Simšič, VIP Transfer & Accommodation Executive at Golden Drum, said: »Bernardin Group Resorts

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& Hotels did a great job meeting the needs of our international guests. We have been working together for a long time now and we love to come back to Portorož every year. When it comes to MICE services, they sure know what they are doing!«. Marja Feldin, Managing Director of the 22nd Golden Drum, agreed: “This year’s Golden Drum offered a good vibe and our honoured guests and delegates really enjoyed their stay in Portorož and Piran. We’ve received a lot of praise about the general hospitality and organisation of the event, promising to definitely come back next year.”

Top 2015

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN CENTRAL AND SEE MEETINGS INDUSTRY ARE BACK

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o you ever wonder just who the top influencers in the Central and South East Europe Meetings Industry are? As the industry rapidly evolves, it’s clear that some key influencers have the same reach and draw as big companies.

Individuals matter in a way that has never been possible before.

TOP MEETING ARCHITECTS (DMO, CVB, ...)

Miha KOVAČIČ Slovenian Convention Bureau Active for a decade as the director of the Slo­venian Convention Bureau, which enjoys an outstanding reputation abroad.

Through a number of innovative marketing and CSR projects he continually nurtures the growth of the Slovenian meetings industry. The editorial board put a particular emphasis on the Conventa project that, as a brand, has become synonymous with the SE Europe congress product and has significantly assisted with the placement of the region on the meetings planners’ list of key destinations.

The Editorial Board of Kongres Magazine has once again assessed more than 60 influencers in Central and South East Europe after reviewing highlights from the Meetings industry in 2015 and has based their assessment on several key criteria, such as:

Romana VLAŠIĆ Dubrovnik Convention Bureau

• Achievement of the best financial and other multiplier effects of the meetings industry in 2015, (significantly deviating from the average); • Implementation of the most demanding improvements and innovations in their field, which also includes successfully implemented projects that have defined the year 2015; • Help in enhancing the reputation and visibility of the meetings industry in 2015; • Innovations that facilitate the work of meetings organisers, or in their way have pointed the direction of the industry in the future.

Based on 260 completed surveys, Kongres magazine has analysed and shortlisted the TOP 45 most influential people in Central and South East Europe in 2015. They have all contributed to the development of the region and our readers have chosen the best of the best. We have also added 2 newcomers in each category, voted by our readers.

The candidates were divided into 5 categories: • Top Meeting Architects (DMO, CVB etc.)

• Top Meeting Agencies (DMC, PCO etc.)

• Top Meeting Hotels and Venues • Top Meeting Services (Catering) • Top Meeting Innovators (Marketing, Technology etc.)

Director of TZ Dub­rovnik and with many solid years of experience in business behind her she has accelerated the promotion of Dubrovnik to now being the region’s most recognizable congress brand and a player in the European premier league for congresses and events. Dubrovnik could rightfully claim that 2013 was its year on the conference scene, as almost every important event of that year was held in this very beautiful city, among them the meetings of NATO, the FIS International Ski Federation, FIA – International Automotive Association, and FIFA.

Goran PAVLOVIĆ Opatija Convention Bureau Started working for the Opatija Tourism Office as the Head of the Convention and Incentive Bureau in 2008. In his current role, Goran is responsible for the promotion of Opatija as a convention destination in Croatia on the domestic and international markets.

He successfully completed the ECM Summer School program in 2008 and DMAI Destination Sales Training programme in 2009, so he has been designated to receive the DMAI/ECM Destination Pro certificate. Since June 2013 he has been a Board member of European Cities Marketing, the network of European tourist and convention cities.

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Zlatan MUFTIĆ Zagreb Convention Bureau With a wide range of activities he is charged with getting Zagreb on to the congress mar­ ket. It is to his credit that Zagreb is today a modern and distinctive convention destination. Through active participation in all of the regional and international initiatives Zagreb is today a stable, growing congress destination, which over the last few years has been steadily increasing its market share in the associations and corporate markets.

Top 2015

Tatjana RADOVIČ Ljubljana Convention Bureau Tatjana Radović has candidacies that she has been preparing with passion and dedication in her blood. In carrying out her role she has for a number of years been linking key Ljubljana meeting suppliers, which this year came together in the Ljubljana Strategic Bidding Team. This gave an additional boost to the work of connecting with the Slovenian Convention Bureau and to a number of important projects of associations obtained for the coming years.

Dragana BABOVIĆ Belgrade Convention Bureau Dragana is always re­ady to assist you in planning your next event, from selecting the appropriate venue to helping you choose the best service providers. Belgrade is a hip, dynamic city that is now booming with new business and urban development projects and offers remarkable ease and convenience for hosting major events and conferences. Özgül Özkan YAVUZ

Istanbul Convention Bureau Özgül Özkan Yavuz has been promoted in 2014 to the new General Manager of the Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB). From 2008-2010 she was the Director for Tourism and Promotion at the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, where she was primarily responsible for the international promotion of the programme.

Gernot MARX Salzburg Convention Bureau Salzburg is Austria’s top congress destination and has been repeatedly awarded by corporate meeting planners and agencies as the best meeting and incentive destination.

Gernot wanted to become a salesman since he was a child, as he found it so interesting to work with different clients and their different needs, so it was no surprise that later in life the meetings industry became the most interesting part of tourism for him, and it still is today. Salzburg has many new openings and renovations, large scale investments in event resorts as well as new infrastructure, for which the team at Salzburg have built up a multi-channel-communication in order to reach out to new clients.

Gordana PLAMENAC, Serbia Convention Bureau The recipient of the pres­tigious IMEX Aca­ demy Award as the di­ rec­ tor of the Tourist Organisation of Serbia, she has generated an appropriate supportive environment that has enabled the renaissance of the Serbian meetings industry. With this she has facilitated the work of Miloš Milovanović and the Serbian convention Bureau. Serbia is an example of excellent co-operation between tourism policies and the convention industry.

Gordana Plamenac is on this list because of her excellent international network of connections and the visionary management of tourism policy.

AND WHAT DO YOU THINK? WRITE TO US e-mail: gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu

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Andrea LEITNER Karnten Convention Bureau Andrea Leitner plays a leading role in the recognizable sectors of the international meetings market and highly ma rketing-oriented conference destination of Carinthia. Carinthia is also, thanks to her, today an important business partner of the Conventa Trade Show.

Additional nominees by readers 2015: Christian MUTSCHLECHNER Vienna Convention Bureau Christian Mutschle­ ch­ ner is one of the leading figures of the international meetings industry. In 2009 he was voted Personality of the Year, one of many awards he has received. For more than 20 years he has been CEO of the Vienna Convention Bureau, which for the past six years has topped ICCA’s statistics as the world’s most successful meetings destination.

Igor KOVAČEVIĆ Serbia Convention Bureau In parallel with his academic engagements, Igor joined the Bureau in 2007 and has been actively involved in raising Serbia’s position on the international meetings market as well as making the bureau one of the most recognized destination marketing organisations in the SEE region.

Top 2015

TOP MEETING AGENCIES (DMC, PCO etc.)

Vesna PRITCHARD Globtour Event

Daniel MARUŠIĆ Dubrovnik Travel DMC Dubrovnik Travel is recognised in the market as an extremely marketing-oriented company that dictates the trends of regional DMCs. A clear marketing strategy and a systematic operation are visible at both the service level of co-operation with the most demanding clients, as well as in the credible results, which were confirmed through the Gazelle Award in 2011. Daniel is heavily involved in the meetings arena, as a member of peer associations as well as being the voice of the convention industry of Croatia.

Tomaž KRUŠIČ and Miro HRIBAR Intours DMC Intours reached its zenith in 2013, since when the company has been sustaining impressive business results, an increase of brand awareness and rapid growth. 2014 saw the company move to a broad regional presence, where it has been continuously increasing its market share. Alongside this, Tomaž is also active as president of the council of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, in which he is responsible for improving the visibility of the industry in Slovenia.

Natalija BAH ČAD GO.MICE Natalija joined Go.MICE in 2008 with ten years of experience as a PCO behind her and with a vision to run a private congress agency that would be flexible, creative and personal. Together with her team of MICE enthusiasts she has proven that the organisation of a successful congress involves not just logistics, but also creativity and innovativeness. She strongly believes that the organisation of any kind of event is founded on a trustworthy partnership that builds a positive outcome. Conventa is one of the projects that she has been involved from the very beginning and this concept of regional B2B events has also been successfully transferred from MICE to the Spa & Wellness industry as well as the active tourism field.

Breda PEČOVNIK CD Congress Centre Congress and Events Management Director of CD Congress Centre Ljubljana since 2006, Breda Pečovnik is currently a member of the Slovenian Convention Bureau’s Board as well as the professional international associations of ICCA and IAPCO. She also teaches congress management at a college and faculty in Ljubljana.

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With more than 36 years of experience in the travel industry Globtour Event is one of the leading Croatian fully licensed travel agencies. Vesna Pritchard’s team represents a group of motivated, passionate people who are dedicated to the work they do, sharing a common mission, vision and values in order to provide their customers with the very best service.

Mirjana ŠALETIĆ Miross Since its foundation in 1990 Miross travel agency has successfully been organising seminars, conferences, travel requirements and any uniquely spe­ cial arrangements. They are members of IATA (International Air Transport Association), ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents, International Chapter), YUTA (Yugoslav Association of travel agencies) and MCB (Montenegro Convention Bureau).

Boštjan HORJAK Liberty Adriatic The Liberty Inter­ na­ tional Tourism Group is a successful interna­ ti­ onal company that has been working on the international tou­ rist market for over 20 years. The company grew from one office into an international corporation with 43 offices in 33 countries across various parts of the world.

Top 2015

Slaven RELJIĆ Coral Group DMC - PCO A fresh start for a man of the meetings ind­ ustry on the key marketing function of Croatian tourism is an important event, and one that comes with the great responsibility of setting the meetings industry on the list of key products that will help contribute to the de-seasonalisation of Croatian tourism. This is also an important event as an opportunity to strengthen presence in the professional and business environments. Slaven has many years of experience in economics and undoubtedly has all the credentials for success.

Snežana VEJNOVIĆ

Stjepan ŽUNIĆ Penta PCO

professionals in Croatia with worldwide knowledge and expertise.

Additional nominees by readers 2015: Sanja VUKOV COLIĆ Spektar Putovanja The most recognised of Croatian PCOs has been achieving excellent results on the market and they have been achieving quality management and setting high business standards since as far back as 1989. They have received the ISO 9001 – 2008 certificate, have reputable international partners and have organised over 20 conferences annually.

As a long-time tourism professional he has been mainly working with corporate clients, associations and medi­ cal doctors attending congresses. His main vision was focusing and specialising on this complex and demanding field of congress organisation in order to deliver the highest possible service. Being passionate about excellence stems right from their company name: Penta [Greek, from pente, five; as the top mark]. Today, after 20 years of continuous activity, the company is a proven leader in the field of MICE services.

Talas-M DMC

For more than a decade she has been developing real DMC services in Montenegro within the Talas- M agency.

With world-class cli­ ents she has helped to put Montenegro on the region’s incentive map via its own network of representatives throughout Europe, indirectly contributing to the country’s promotion. Due to their abundance of fresh ideas, which have been recognised in the Ovation agency and within the partnership of the Dubrovnik Talas-M, they have become one of the strongest regional DMC agencies.

TOP HOTELS AND VENUES Tomo ČEH Grand Hotel Union Tomo Čeh worked for several years as a corporate director or consultant in the fields of real estate, marketing and tourism.

Tomo has also been the Chairman of the Board of Istrabenz Tourism and lead the renovation project of the Palace Hotel in Portorož, director of the Postojna Cave and director of the agency Globtour in Globtour Praha. His management of various tourist and hotel companies has always been tied to specific requirements in connection with reorganisation and crisis management.

Ranko FILIPOVIĆ Perfect meetings.hr Ranko has more than 25 years’ eperience in the meetings industry as a PCO and DMC. After spending 20 years in a large company, in 2010 together with his colleagues he created PerfectMeetings.hr – a small company focused on meetings, incentives and events. They also have a second brand, Meeting Industry Consultants, which provides a wide range of consulting services in the meetings and events sector. In addition to this, he serves on a pro bono basis as Vice-President of the Croatian Meeting Professionals Association, a non-profit organisation connecting meeting

Thomas SWIECA Radisson Blu Old Mill Thomas Swieca was born in Germany and has always worked in the hotel industry, starting in 2005 with the Rezidor Hotel Group, but mostly for the Radisson Blu brand, firstly as General Manager of the RB Media Harbour Hotel Düsseldorf and then the R.B. Resort El Quseir (Egypt) and R.B. Resort & Spa Cesme (Turkey). Today he leads the new Radisson Blu Hotel Old Mill Belgrade (Republic of Serbia).

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Top 2015

Josipa JUTT FERLAN Double Tree

by Hilton A dynamic, high-performance executive with a 20-year accomplished career track known throughout the industry for delivering and sustaining revenue and profit gains within a highly competitive regional market, she has broad hospitality experience with in-depth expertise covering hospitality management, controlling, international sales, marketing, PR and brand development.

Ivica KRIŽMANIĆ Esplanade Zagreb Continues the tradition of offering firstclass service, staying in tune with the latest trends in the hospitality and gastronomy industries, as well as with the needs of modern guests and the development of novel technologies worldwide, all in order for the hotel to retain its leading position in the region and so that they can be unique and different from all other hotels in the world.

Željko KUKURIN Valamar From 2010 to 2014 he was a Management Board President of Is­ t raturist. In 2015 he joined the executive team of a leading Croatian hotel group, Valamar Riviera, and in June of the same year he was appointed its Management Board President.

He has held a number of important positions in Croatian tourism, as a member of tourism councils (he was a member of councils of Croatian National Tourist Board and Tourist Board of the County of Istria) as well as trade associations.

Kristian ŠUŠTAR HUP Zagreb Under the leadership of Kristian Šuštar the leading Zagreb hotelier, managing 70% of total capacity, has become a generator of new business practices and models. With a clear marketing strategy, the right combination of marketing mix, integration and effective tactical execution the HUP Hotels Sheraton, Westin and Four Points by Sheraton are still at the top of Zagreb’s congress offer.

Georg UNTERKIRCHER, Falkensteiner Punta Skala Having collected different working experiences from different positions and departments in F&B, Rooms Division and Sales & Marketing in Italy (South Tyrol and Sardegna), Spain (Mallorca), Czech Republic (Prague) and Austria (Tyrol, Carinthia, Vienna), then moving up as F&B Manager and later Resident Manager before becoming Assistant General Manager of 2 Hotels in Vienna with his first pre-opening experience, he then became GM for 5 years in the Falkensteiner Hotel in Carinthia and since 2008 has been GM of Punta Skala Resort with the properties Hotel & Spa Iadera***** (opened 2011), Family Hotel Diadora****S (opened 2009), Senia Residences****(*) (opened 2010) with Premium Living Services and Apartments Petrcane**** (opened 2013), overseeing a total of 781 units with approximately 500 employees during the summer months. In 2013 he was also Interim GM for Schlosshotel Velden***** on Woerther Lake.

Andrej PREBIL Sava Hotels & Resorts When assuming office, he took a brave decision and put congress tourism into the heart of the new strategy of the largest Slovenian tourism company, which has led to Bled experiencing a revival. This aside, he is characterised by a broad understanding of hospitality, consist38

ency of management and solid work towards achieving objectives. All this is reflected in the good business results in the field of congress tourism. Even in his wider environment, he is through various roles working to promote the meetings industry and its credibility.

Nenad TATARINOV D-Resort Šibenik Beginning his career in Brijuni National Park, one of the most exquisite and recognizable tourist destinations in Croatia, Nenad Tatarinov earned his first significant experience in hotel management, sales, event and key account management and the implementation of various systems and standards. He then continued his career as a consultant and project manager in the UNITERS North America, dealing mostly with hospitality and product development projects. In 2014 he became the General Manager D-Resort Sibenik, the luxury resort owned by Dogus Group Tourism, located in one of the most beautiful Croatian marinas - D-Marin Mandalina - and the only Croatian marina that can accommodate super-yachts.

Tomislav POPOVIĆ Maistra Hotels & Resorts With bold investments made in recent years, Maistra has set-up a different meetings product, the peak of these being a new convention centre at the Lone hotel. In delivering this, Maistra has placed Rovinj on the market as a high-quality business venue, which in terms of design and experiential value has no equal in the region. With the support of events such as the Weekend Media Festival it has become the focal point of the new creative meetings industry of the future.

Top 2015

Additional nominees by readers 2015: Gregor JAMNIK Hotel Slon Best Western

TOP MEETING INNOVATORS (MARKETING, TECHNOLOGY etc.)

Dani POLAJNAR Teambuilding Academy

Gregor is a supervisory board member of British Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia and member of the supervisory board of the Ljubljana Tourism Board. Gregor also has proud memberships in several other important associations: YES (Young Executives of Slovenia), American Chamber of Commerce, German Chamber of Commerce and the Slovenian Managers Association. Gregor achieves great results at Slon with the highest occupancy rates among all hotels in Ljubljana, as well outstanding financial results within all Slovenian hotels.

Slon has hosted many important and distinguished guests during Gregors’ management, with the highlight being the stay of American President Bill Clinton.

Dani has more than 15 years of experience in training, coaching and conferences or events moderation. He is a founder and CEO of Teambuilding Academy – a company dedicated to developing team work in organisations through interactive workshops, active teambuilding programmes, personalised solutions and modern teambuilding events throughout Europe. Dani is a frequent guest speaker and moderator at different conferences and seminars. In 2009 he was awarded among The Best 10 Lecturer within the Slovenian market.

Aleksandra UHERNIK ĐURĐEK HelmsBriscoe She is a meeting and motivational event professional based in Croatia and for whom business meetings, educational programmes, conferences, congresses and motivational events are her profession and have been her everyday life for more than fifteen years. Aleksandra holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Zagreb with a specialisation in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Živorad VASIĆ Crowne Plaza Under the leadership of Živorad Vasić Belgrade is just a step away from the opening of the Crowne Plaza hotel, which will be one of the most important congress acquisitions for the city and will largely change the face of the congress centre of Belgrade in the vicinity of Sava Centar. Živorad is characterised by persistence, pervasiveness, professionalism and a personal contribution to the successful implementation of congress tourism in Serbia.

Davor BRUKETA Bruketa & Žinić Davor Bruketa is the co-owner and Cre­ a­ ti­ ve Director of Bru­ ke­ ta&Žinić OM advertising agency, one of the top twenty leading independent agencies in the world, according to Campaign magazine (London, 2014), “Small Agency of the Year, International” according to AdAge magazine (Portland, 2013), Second Most Efficient Independent Advertising Agency Globally according to Effie Index (Cannes, 2012) and among the best 200 packaging designers globally (Lürzer’s Archive, Vienna, 2015). Bruketa is a permanent member of the New York Cresta Awards jury and he was also a jury member of the Art Directors Club New York, D&AD London, NY Festivals, Graphis and in 2008 he was the first jury president of the London International Awards to come from Southeastern Europe.

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Anže ČOKL Bohinj Park Eko Hotel Well before finishing his studies Anže was in the business world, first of all with a friend, together with whom they bought and took leadership of a publishing company only to sell it years later and invest in IT. Then in 2008 Anže started a position as a Project Manager in an Engineering Investment Company, where he gained his professional experience as an engineer of energy efficient buildings. The following year saw him become CEO of the most technologically advanced hotel complex in Slovenia and in 2012 he became managing partner of an investment consulting company, dedicating his free time being to his passion of capturing images and motion pictures in the mountains.

Top 2015

Jovan JELOVAC Belgrade Design Week A perfectionist, obsessed with the idea of establishing a regional creative hub, the Belgrade Design Week has in global terms become an event without precedent. His work is characterised by an understanding of the creative industries and their importance to the revitalisation of society. This has brought about a changed perception of Belgrade, which Jovan has achieved over a number of years. At the same time the annual event remains a surprise in terms of the innovation in its organisation.

Danica PURG IEDC – Bled School of Management Professor Danica Purg is the President of the IEDC-Bled School of Management, Slovenia, and the President of CEEMAN, the association of 219 management development institutions from 54 countries, established with the aim to enhance management development in Central and Eastern Europe. She is also leading the European Leadership Centre (ELC). In January 2015, the Slovene Managers Association conferred upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of Management. A special chapter about her leadership journey was recently published in “Women and Leadership Around the World”, by Information Age Publishing, USA, authored by Susan Madsen.

Tomo RICOV Pepermint The Weekend Media Festival has completely changed the face of marketing festivals of the region and in terms of the number of participants as well as the quality of content it became something of an institution in a very short time. Each year it gathers some 4,000 participants, among whom are all the key players in the field of the communications industries.

Danijela BREČKO GV Educations Dr. Danijela Brečko is the director of Planet GV and a pioneer in the exploration of personal energy. In 2006, in collaboration with the Institute St. Gallen, she has developed the concept of ‘energy organisation’, which on the basis of a number of quantitative and qualitative surveys was upgraded to the concept of ‘personal energy’ in 2011.

Zmago NOVAK Month of Design For 15 years Zmago Novak has been operating as an entrepreneur.

He is the founder and director of Big Institute (2003) and the founding father of the magazines Hiše and Kontrast. He is a pioneer and director of Month of Design. With his concept and ideas very important persons from the world of creative industries get attracted to Slovenia.

Žiga NOVAK Walnut grove Žiga Novak is an entrepreneur, lecturer, innovator and business consultant with more than 15 years of international work experience, primarily in the meeting industry. Since 2013 he has been focusing on running his own event venue – The Walnut Grove, a unique and sustainable meeting place in Ljubljana, Slovenia – as well as their inhouse creative agency The Team Building Lab. Žiga is the biggest regional promoter of gamification in events and tourism – the notion that the mechanics of play is the best possible link between stories (based on heritage, business interests, teaching goals etc) and extraordinary experiences that the meeting (and education) industry needs to create for its ever more demanding customers.

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Additional nominees by readers 2015: Marko GUČEK GoOpti Marko Guček is the CEO and cofounder of TM Vista d.o.o. The company offers low cost transport bet­ we­ en cities and airports under the brand GoOpti. GoOpti uses an innovative online booking system, pricing policies and optimization of transports. Marko is mostly involved in development, marketing and strategic management. He is also a co-founder of two successful companies in the field of tourism: Centre for business travels TM Potovanja d.o.o. which operates under the UNIGLOBE franchise; and Socinet d.o.o., a web application LinkedAge that offers retirement homes additional revenue by renting unused capacities.

Morena MILEVOJ Istria Inspirit Morena is a marketing & PR expert, food lover and travel aficionada.

Her many years of experience in marketing and communications in the tourism sector enable her to promote Inspirit in the best way possible. She is also a fashion blogger and visual art fan.

Top 2015

TOP MEETING SERVICES (Catering) Martin JEZERŠEK Jezeršek Catering He has internationalised the Jezeršek Catering company through the Sora Catering company and has passed the test with flying colours, taking up the family business management at this year’s European Basketball Championship, Eurobasket 2013. Catering for VIPs, international delegates, business guests, media and volunteers was this year’s most demanding logistical and culinary catering venture in the region. For about 70,000 meals 150 people were involved and the task was performed it with excellence.

Ana ROŠ Hiša Franko Ana Ros is working in the family restaurant in Kobarid, a small town in Slovenia, very close to the Italian border. Besides cooking her second greatest pleasure is travel and she is a world traveller. She often escapes to exotic countries to relax and to find new inspiration for her dishes, which are deeply rooted in her territory but at the same time spiced up with her travels. Her dishes are full of intense flavours, lovely colours and unusual combinations – and they are always delicious.

Dada JEROVŠEK Kaval Group Dada Jerovšek is an architect turned entrepreneur who heads up The Kaval Group, a collection of 19 bars, fine dining restaurants, casual cafes and, of course, Lolita, the best ice-cream in the world (according to #worldICECREAMindex). The Kaval Group is made up of hospitality experiences that are undeniably Slovenian, yet comparable with any contemporary trend from New York or London.

Igor BOŠKOVIĆ Jerry Catering Jerry Catering Service Belgrade is a company that blends 15 years of international experience with an ultra-modern restaurant brand - Jerry. Since June 2012 the company Jerry has had a branch in Serbia that operates in two directions: super modern contemporary elite restaurants and Catering Services.

Jerneja KAMNIKAR Vivo Catering At the 20th anniversary she earned her ranking through the socially responsible co-operative project of setting the Month 41

of Design in the abandoned factory premises of Mladinska knjiga. The revival of this place has created a completely new event space in Ljubljana with an unimagined development potential. Visitors of the event were excited about the look of the premises; this is a completely new dimension of socially responsible conference tourism.

Additional nominees by readers 2015: Marijana and Ivana PRIZMIĆ Lokrum d.o.o Marijana and Ivana Prizmić of Lokrum Catering are two beautiful sisters who own the most creative and most reliable catering company in Dubrovnik. They have an amazing team headed by a really talented chef. Their most famous catering offers are on the Lovrijenac fortress, perched on a rock 200 metres above the sea and with only stairs to get to the top (no elevators). Their arrangements always look like they have just waved a magic wand to make it happen. People call them “The Rock Star Sisters”.

Janez BRATOVŽ JB Restaurant World-renowned chef Janez Bratovz has always been defined by his strong desire to find perfection. His culinary creations are bold and original and you can savour the tastes of exquisite plates and let yourself be bewitched by a completely new culinary experience. JB’s dishes are from completely fresh ingredients straight from Ljubljana’s farmers market. You will be charmed by their presentation and primal taste, especially so by the unforgettable unique combination of the Mediterranean, French and nostalgic Slovene cuisines.

Union Hotels Briefing

New in town

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ake way for the Ljubljanski Brivec - Mater barbers are here 12 hours a day starting at 7 AM on Monday morning until 7 PM on Saturday. The only days you can’t bring your beard in for a tune-up are Sundays and holidays.

Healthy Food for a Good Mood at Union Hotels - At Grand Hotel Union (and at other Union hotels as well), they are well aware of the importance of an Active, Green and Healthy business life and they are following these trends in order to offer nothing but the best. They serve foods from local, ethical, and sustainable suppliers and offer much more, so don’t miss their wide range of ‘healthy food for a good mood’ services.

Coming soon is “concierge”, which will take care of the individual guest’s needs and offer additional services.

In a street without cars the events are now booming

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ince the summer, visitors have been entering Miklošičeva Street, where Grand Hotel Union and Grand Hotel Union Business are located, on foot. After the street was closed off to traffic it came to life through local events at the new Grand Union Café summer terrace. This December guests of Grand Union Café will be able to enjoy an Acoustic ReUnion with the well know Slovenian band Muff.

But that is not all. The new concert season in Union Hall opened with a new concert project called Music UniON. The series of emotional and exceptional bluesON, JazzOn and soulON are happening at UniON. Get your groove ON at UniON!

Celebrating a 110th anniversary

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pened on 28 October 1905, Grand Hotel Union is Ljubljana’s longest continually running conference hotel dedicated to providing a comfortable and beautiful experience to guests visiting wonderful Slovenia and the city of Ljubljana. This dedication results in guests being able to enjoy a memorable hotel experience on a daily basis.

The know-how acquired over the decades provides a good basis for growing business excel-

lence and the tradition is a guarantee of trust and quality for Grand Hotel Union’s guests. But the hotel’s tradition is also a source of amazing stories associated with the hotel – Grand Union Café and the Union Hall, for instance, are the former meeting place of the greatest Slovenian artists and intellectuals (the painters Rihard Jakopič, Hinko Smrekar, Ivan Čargo, the writers Ivan Tavčar, Ivan Cankar, Oton Župančič and many others) and new stories are

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still written here every day. That is why Grand Hotel Union is much more than merely a hotel.

It is a venue providing guests with a meaningful experience on many levels.

Tomislav Čeh, General Manager, Grand HOTEL Union: “As hospitality and openness are characteristics of Slovenian people, our interactions are genuinely kind. And because Grand Hotel Union, opened way back in 1905, constitutes a prominent part of Ljubljana’s - and Slovenia’s - past and present, our guests actually become part of the local scene and tradition.”

Creative Break

ITU TELECOM WORLD 2015 Event name: ITU Telecom World 2015 Date: 12-15 October 2015 Location: HUNGEXPO Budapest Exhibition and Convention Centre Client: International Telecommunication Union Execution: Hall A, F, G, Building 25, Entry Hall III. Type: Congress

ABOUT THE EVENT: OITU Telecom World attracted 4,000 participants including 239 leaders from 129 counties who attended the sessions of 247 speakers and visited the stands of 238 exhibitors from 54 countries and the 23 National Pavilions. The congress occupied altogether 35,000 sqm space at HUNGEXPO, the largest multifunctional event venue in Hungary. The exhibition took place in the interconnecting Hall G and F over 13,000 sqm while the conference was held in the 20,000 sqm Hall A, the largest hall of the venue.

The bid proposal for the con­ g­ress by the Hungarian Gov­ ernment was prepared last year with the professional support of HUNGEXPO and the result was announced at the ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha.

Hungary won against Mexico, Italy and Hong Kong to host the event in 2015.

The event was organised by the International Tele­com­mu­ ni­cation Union that was celebrating its 150 anniversary in 2015 and that held the first ITU Telecom World congress in 1941.

Being a specialised agency of the United Nations, ITU’s goal with the congress is to gather ICT industry professionals from all over the world in order to exchange ideas and inspire each other to create a better, more sustainable future for information and communication technology.

CHALLENGES: One of the challenges was to provide the essential separate spaces, since the halls originally do not have any pre-built breakout rooms. Altogether 11 temporary separate spaces (Lunch Room, Ceremony Hall, Conference Rooms, Workshop Rooms) were needed with no interference, so parallel sessions could be scheduled in them.

The other challenge the venue was facing was the fact that the event – arising from its nature – had a huge need of seamless internet access at all times. Taking into consideration that the participants were coming from the field of IT, it was expected that they would bring multiple gadgets that would need to be connected to the internet.

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SOLUTION: HUNGEXPO used this flexibility to the conference benefit, resulting in the most efficient flow of the congress by providing the best variation and set-ups of the session rooms. The rooms were built from a special soundproof panel structure that had already been tested during a previous international event. The new panel system now allows HUNGEXPO to build rooms between 50 and 1000m2 in a highly cost efficient and competitive manner.

In order to fulfil the internet related needs of a large-scale international IT congress, HUNGEXPO decided to invest in the development of a more effective and modern system, although there was a wireless network built already. During the event 3,620 different devices were connected to the WIFI (1/1 Gbps bandwidth) without any shut-down, thus it can be concluded that the investment was successful and will be advantageous for future events as well.

RESULTS: “As one of the founding members of ITU, Hungary was a most fitting venue for the event, which took place in ITU’s 150th anniversary year. Hungary is the birthplace of a number of well-known innovators, including John von Neumann, founding figure of computing, and Tivadar Puskás, a major force in modern ICTs, and is home today to many entrepreneurs and innovators- many of whom showcased their ideas on Next Generation Day, a special programme for young professionals and entrepreneurs on the final day of the event. Its role at the forefront of innovation, together with its strategic location at the heart of Central Europe, a key region within the continent’s digital economy, made Hungary an ideal host venue for ITU Telecom World 2015.”

“Two important discussions took place: the Government and SME Dialogue- which also saw the launch of the Emerge Partnership- and the Industry and SME Dialogue, both of which led to lively interactive exchange and networking on the challenges and possibilities of working together to foster innovation. The Ministerial Roundtable with high-level representatives from around the world endorsed the Budapest Call for Action. ITU Telecom World 2015 brought together SMEs from across the world, including from many emerging markets- themselves the source of many successful SMEs and innovationsalong with leaders of industry and leading representatives of governments.”

Behind the Scenes

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Behind the Scenes

REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO Meet the 2015 Meeting Star Award Winner for Best Resort Meeting hotel

Text by Gorazd Čad

Photo Credits REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO

126 YEARS OF NAUTICAL HISTORY When in 1886 Maximilian von Sterneck, the commander of Austro-Hungarian Navy, arrived in the little fishing village of Tivat, the fate of this destination changed irrevocably. The Austrian Navy was the seventh most powerful maritime force in the world before the First World War and he immediately recognized the strategic position of the bay, hence the idea to build a main naval base, which they called Arsenal, that would transform the image of the city. The Austrian naval base later played an important role in history, the story of which you can learn more through an interesting photo-journal that you can see once you go through the Regent’s main entrance.

THE VISION OF PETER MUNK Tivat’s destiny turned once more when this picturesque bay impressed Peter Munk, the Canadian businessman with Hungarian roots.

In 2007, he sailed into Kotor Bay with his yacht, Queen of Drachs, was immediately mesmer-

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ised and thus was born the idea of a marina for mega yachts up to a length of 160 metres. Munk gathered his friends who were willing to invest: Lord Jacob Rothschild and his son Nathan from the respected Rothschild banking dynasty, the French luxury brand magnate Bernard Arnault and the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripask. The construction of the Adriatic Monte Carlo immediately began and the first part of the marina was inaugurated in 2009.

TECHNICAL HERITAGE The former Arsenal naval base was a major Overhauling Institution of the former AustroHungarian and Yugoslav Navy and the investors’ concern for its rich history and the environment is responsible for two interesting details.

The entire hotel is equipped with extremely interesting technical images of the base’s past, which were rescued before its degradation and before every fan had the chance to siphon them off to private collections. The most impressive feature of the Naval Heritage Museum are the

Behind the Scenes

two completely reconstructed former Yugoslav Navy submarines. The P821 submarine, Hero, allows you to experience first-hand how to be a submariner and work in the submarine force, showing how things are in the most demanding and most dangerous war vessel.

PRESTIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE The complex designers have placed their bets on sustainability and pleasure in designing a more modern and functional hotel in the Venetian palace-style, which yields a bit to traditional Montenegrin hotel clichĂŠs. The architecture is the work of Reardon Smith Architects, but Tino Zervudachi, primarily known as a decorator of luxury yachts, has designed the interior.

The result is an incredible level of detail with stunning elegance. During a visit, it was possible to envisage a series of ideas of how an event could be organised: superb landscaped terraces and romantic paradise-like gardens are all in place, and everywhere picturesque views of the marina and the Bay of Kotor frame the view.

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Behind the Scenes

THE CREATORS OF THE NEW CULINARY SCENE Despite his tender age of 29 years, Croatian Chef Željko Knezović already has a wealth of experience. Among other places, he worked up dishes in the Danish cult Noma restaurant and in some of the best restaurants in the Adriatic.

His culinary creations focus on Mediterranean tradition, with superior local ingredients at the heart of its cuisine, and his work complements the exquisite hotel story. Guests can enjoy the superb cuisine in the Dining Room and Gourmet Corner, the latter acting as a house bistro with delicious dishes suitable for light lunches and dinners. Everything here is about detail, which is overseen by the chef and his 31 colleagues.

A special story is the unprecedented breakfast, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else on the Adriatic. It is a bona fide true fine-dining experience, where it’s evident that the individual dishes are prepared very carefully and with an eye on the origin of the ingredients. Recently, Harpers Bazar has named this kitchen the best on the Montenegrin coast.

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Behind the Scenes

THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR EVENTS Lifestyle events, sumptuous weddings and memorable outdoor incentives are the main events at the hotel, with the global jet-set elite has quickly discovered the charms of the Montenegrin coast. The hotel also offers a series of events of their own production. The biggest congress hall, Teodo, accommodates up to 200 guests. In addition to this are the salon Boka, 2 foyers and the Regent Lounge. There is also the impressive Regent Spa. FUTURE - REGENT POOL CLUB RESIDENCES Regent Pool Club Residences will soon join the hotel. The modern apartments will be connected to the hotel and inspired by the style of the Italian Riviera. The special feature here is a central atrium with pool, which will act as a green oasis and also be suitable for organising events.

Privately connected to the Regent Porto Montenegro, each residence has direct access to all the facilities and services of the fivestar hotel. Following a ‘Hotel Condo’ concept, Regent Pool Club Residences offer hassle-free ownership with an onsite management team to take care of all maintenance and rental administration.

REWARDS In the first year of operation, the hotel earned 12 nominations and awards, including the World Luxury Hotels award for the best hotel and spa centre. It also ranked among Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s top hotels, VIP hotels in the Sunday Times, and got shortlisted for a European award for hospitality quality in the European Hospitality Award.

On top of all this, the hotel is also ranked top according to the methodology of Kongres Magazine – Hidden Congress Guest. In the evaluating process it received a record 4.90 points out of a possible 5.

HERO SUBMARINE Hero Submarine has been active for almost 23 years and in 1991 was lifted from the sea to the shore. In its day, the submarine carried out 726 days and 910 dives, travelling 46,659 nautical miles, equivalent to twice around the Earth. It is 50.4 metres long, 4.7 metres wide, 9.75 metres high and weighs 706 tonnes.

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REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO Porto Montenegro Village, 85320 Tivat, Montenegro Tel: + 382 (0) 32 660 660, Fax: + 382 (0) 32 660 661, e: reservations.pm@regenthotels.com, www.regenthotels.com/porto-montenegro ACCOMODATION: Regent Porto Montenegro offers 86 accommodation units ranging from double bedrooms to one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and residences.

RESTAURANT, BAR & LOUNGE: Regent Porto Montenegro has 3 in-house restaurants: Dining Room, Library Bar and Gourmet Corner. Its gastronomy represents a distinguished mixture of Mediterranean cuisine.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: The hotel’s signature Regent Spa offers a wide array of treatments and a holistic approach to rejuvenation. Facilities include: Four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, separate his and hers changing rooms with lockers, experience shower, sauna, steam room and Hammam, fitness Studio and Juice Bar, indoor pool with Jacuzzi.

Other recreational facilities: The 20m infinity-edge infinity outdoor pool with expansive views over the marina and the Boka Bay. Also, within the marina village, guests have access to two outdoor tennis courts and sports club, where priority access is guaranteed. Guests arriving during the summer should not miss the Lido Pool, a gorgeous 64-m infinity outdoor pool.

SERVICES & FACILITIS: Concierge service, 24-hour room service, Housekeeping service twice a day, Pressing & laundry service, Airline ticketing service, Transfers from/to airport, Boat transfers.

Function facilities: the Ballroom Teodo, Salon Boka and Regent Lounge.

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POINTS OF INTEREST: UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old medieval town Kotor, town of Perast and two signature islands - Our Lady of the Rocks and St George.

TRANSPORTATION: Easily accessible through 3 international airports: Tivat (4.6km), Dubrovnik (47km) and Podgorica (90km).

VISITOR INFORMATION: Language: Montenegrin/Croatian/Serbian Currency: EUR (€) Electricity: 220 V Visas: Slovenian citizens are allowed to arrive Montenegro, pass through the territory and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days with a valid passport/identity card only, or other document which proves their identity and citizenship, no visa needed.

Source: www.mvpei.gov.me/rubrike/ konzularni-poslovi/Vizni-rezim-ino/slovenija LOCATION: Located in the heart of Porto Montenegro, a luxurious super-yacht marina on the Adriatic Coast (Tivat, Montenegro).

GR - Ljubljana exhibition and convention centre Briefing

Kenes International back at GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

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aving brought 1,400 participants to the GR in 2010 for the world congress on autoimmunity in what would become ‘the congress of the year’ in Slovenia, Kenes International came back once again in September 2015 due to the excellent experience they had first time around. And this time their follow-up congress from the field of medicine, ESRA – European Society of Regional Anaesthesia Congress, with its 1,600 participants from all over the world has again taken the ‘congress of the year in Slovenia’ title, something that GR is extremely proud to be a part of.

“It has been a pleasant experience being in Ljubljana and working with the GR,” said Avital Rosen, AVP, Client Accounts, at Kenes International. “The professional approach, the good facilities, the cooperation and professionalism of the staff has been all in all a good experience. We will continue the collaboration between us and hope to have more business together in the near future.”

The Greatest Physicists ‘Found in Space’ – in Ljubljana

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rom 17 to 22 August, the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre hosted Lepton Photon 2015, the 27th International Conference of High Energy Physics. At the conference with more than 200 participants, renowned researchers presented the latest scientific achievements in experimental and theoretical particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as their plans for the future. At the core of the event were the latest results of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, through which the famous Higgs boson was discovered in 2012 in collaboration with Slovenian scientists on the team, which is why Slovenia was chosen to host this year’s event.

Flawless technical support throughout the six-day conference was provided by the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre team. The biggest challenge they faced was to reorganise the hall for 200 participants into a hall for public lectures where an audience of over 1,000 was expected, but the GR team succeeded in doing it in 20 minutes. All of the lectures could also be watched live on the conference web site. In the Marmorna/Marble Hall at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, 1,300 people were able to listen to the legendary physicist and father of the inflationary universe theory, Prof. Alan Guth.

BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car in Ljubljana

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he 5th Trade for Automotive parts held on 17 October at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre attracted more than 3,000 visitors. The event that introduced the latest innovation in the broad field of automotive aftermarket, replacement parts and accessories presented 65 domestic and foreign auto-parts manufacturers, partners of the trade organisers – the GMT group from Murska Sobota. The highlight of the event – and a real eye-catcher – was a presentation of the replica of the BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car – the 1,000mph Land Speed racing car being constructed in Bristol, UK, which next year in South Africa will try to break the world speed record (1,228 km/h) that was set back in 1997.

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Meet Busters

•Maribor MEET BUSTERS• Congress myths that you did not dare to ask, or know whom to ask:

MYTH 1: MARIBOR IS STILL A FAIRLY UNKNOWN CITY. BUSTED

Couldn’t be further from the truth! Maribor was the Alpine town of the year 2000, European Capital of Culture in 2012, the city was granted the 2012 World Festival & Event City Award and gained the honorary title of The European rafting city in 2012, as well as being the European Youth Capital of 2013.

MYTH 2: WHEN IN MARIBOR ONE CAN TASTE A DESSERT MADE FROM THE OLDEST VINE IN THE WORLD. CONFIRMED

The oldest vine in the world still grows in front of the Old Vine House in Maribor. The confirmed age of “Žametovka”, or the “Modra Kavčin” vine, is over 400 years, which won it a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine in the world still bearing grapes. From this October on, visitors to Maribor can taste a dessert made from the oldest vine in the world. “The old vine kiss” is a cake from shortcrust pastry with almonds, raisins, honey and wine...a delicious dessert you can’t taste anywhere else.

MYTH 3: THE CELEBRATION OF ST. MARTIN’S DAY IN MARIBOR IS THE LARGEST OPEN-AIR CELEBRATION OF ST. MARTIN’S DAY ANYWHERE IN SLOVENIA. CONFIRMED

Every year the event brings together several thousand visitors who enjoy the traditional Styrian cuisine.

MYTH 4: MARIBOR, THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN SLOVENIA, IS DIFFICULT TO ACCESS. BUSTED

Maribor has good traffic infrastructure and can easily be reached by car, train or bus. There are many airports in the vicinity of Maribor, the nearest one being Graz Airport in Austria (60 km), followed by Zagreb Airport in Croatia (130 km) and Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport (150 km). Maribor also has its own airport, Edvard Rusjan Airport, with a smaller frequency of international flights.

MYTH 5: SLOVENIA’S BIGGEST SKI AREA, THE MARIBORSKO POHORJE RESORT, HAS THE LONGEST NIGHT-SKIING TRAIL IN SLOVENIA. CONFIRMED

The Mariborsko Pohorje ski centre offers more than 41.5 km of well-kept slopes for all kinds of skiers, from beginner to expert. The slopes range from 325m to 1,327m above sea level. You can enjoy the longest night-skiing trail in Slovenia, as the Pohorje ridges offer 27km of cross-country ski runs.

MYTH 6: THE MARIBORPOHORJE CONGRESS DESTINATION IS SUITABLE FOR CARRYING OUT EVENTS WITH 1,500 PARTICIPANTS AND MORE. BUSTED

The destination is ideal for smaller, boutique events and team building programmes carried out in a green environment. The largest facility, the Congress Centre Habakuk, has a total of six meeting rooms and can accommodate up to 830 participants.

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MYTH 7: THE EARLIEST MARIBOR CASTLE STOOD ON PIRAMIDA HILL, TO WHICH ONLY A SMALL CHAPEL AT THE TOP OF THE HILL TODAY ADORNS ITS MEMORY. CONFIRMED

The noble Spanheim family built the castle at the beginning of the 12th century for protection against the Hungarians. The castle was on the Drava march border and it was from that settlement and market town that it took its Marchpurg, or Marburg, name. In the year 1528 the castle burnt down, but it was renovated in a Renaissance style around the year 1560. In 1790, however, it was finally pulled down and from the remains of the building materials a stone pyramid was built, which also gave the hill its name - Piramida.

MYTH 8: MARIBOR IS KNOWN FOR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS. CONFIRMED

To name just a few - Filip Flisar, a Maribor native, became World Ski Cross Champion in January 2015. Maribor named an elementary school and a town square after the legendary Leon Štukelj, an Olympic gold medallist who lived to be 100 years old. Maribor also has the most successful football club in the country, reaching the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League annually, while Maribor Pohorje annually hosts the FIS Ski World Cup “The Golden Fox”.

In Focus

LJUBLJANA MARATHON WINNING OVER REGIONAL MEETING PLAYERS Ljubljana Marathon, organised by the Ljubljana City Council, is the biggest sports and recreation event in Slovenia. Organised on the 25th of October 2015, The Volkswagen 20th Ljubljana Marathon was run by almost 18,000 professional and recreational runners, celebrities and even regional meeting players, all testing their endurance and running speed.

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eld in Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana, one of Europe’s smaller capital cities, the Ljubljana Marathon is a massive running event with more than 15,000 finishers in three races: 10, 21 and 42km. It is the only event that stops the city bustle and turns Ljubljana’s streets into a scenic running track - the new marathon course introduced last year is a single loop course starting and finishing in the city centre.

Every year the event is gaining greater national and international visibility; one could even say that it is becoming a running festival that everybody wants to join. Although many like to say that the important thing is to participate and not to win, the Ljubljana Marathon record was broken again this year. Limenih Getachew from Ethiophia finished the 42,195m course in an amazing 2 hours 8 minutes and 22 seconds.

Many well-known Slovenians also joined the run. Among them was also the President of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Pahor, who every year proudly takes on the 21km course. Trying out their fitness level were also many meeting players, who were happy to share with us the unique feeling of running the Ljubljana marathon.

believe how many friends from all over Slovenia I met while running. It is just so much fun!

Nuša Šolar, Sales Promotion Manager at Union Hotels Q: How does it feel to be running the Ljubljana Marathon?

The special atmosphere gives you wings!

Q: How did you start running?

I started running after my knee injury while skiing. The doctor advised me to strengthen my quadriceps muscles. Since I lived quite far away from any gym, I started to walk and run in the forest nearby. And then I slowly progressed to longer distances.

Q: What words of wisdom would you offer new runners?

At the beginning, combine your running with walking. This is the best way to progress. To feel the maximum pleasure run with your heart, not with your watch.

Q: How did you start running?

I sometimes need to escape from everything and for me the best way is to run it off and clear my head in the woods J. Q: What words of wisdom would you offer new runners?

If you think it’s suffering, just try and you’ll be surprised, because you’ll love it!

Željko Vrhovac, Assistant general manager and sales manager at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon Kristina Jurjevec, Marketing Manager at Jezeršek Catering Q: How does it feel to be running the Ljubljana Marathon?

It seems as if Ljubljana lives and breathes for this event. I cannot imagine not being part of it. We plan our attendance at least since the summer. The Ljubljana Marathon fills the city with unbelievably positive vibes! You would not 52

Q: How does it feel to be running the Ljubljana Marathon?

I think that for everybody it is very special because all the runners are really motivated, enthusiastic and you can feel the team spirit and also the individual effort. For me as a local it is even more special, as you can run through certain areas of Ljubljana where you would never run and once again you get the confirmation that Ljubljana is one of the most beautiful cities.

In Focus Q: How did you start running?

It is more or less connected that I like all sports activities, especially those in nature. I have started combining an outside workout with running in intervals and from time to time I also feel a need to run longer routes.

Q: What words of wisdom would you offer new runners?

Just start with any kind of run and later on you can study what would be better, how to progress, etc. Do not wait, do not complicate things, do not ask, just set up an early wake up call, have a quick coffee or anything you like, and start to run.

Miha Kovačič, Director at the Slovenian Convention Bureau Q: How does it feel to be running the Ljubljana Marathon?

It’s a magnificent feeling, as the whole city belongs to the runners. There is so much positive energy throughout the city. Everybody is supporting the runners. You can see progress every year. 42km is a long way, but it’s a joy being part of this experience every year. I’m already looking forward to the 21st edition of the Ljubljana Marathon!

Mojca Gobina, MICE Department Manager at Bernardin Group Resort & Hotels Q: How does it feel to be running the Ljubljana Marathon?

Running is my life-style; it’s a gift and a privilege. The Ljubljana Marathon is the running festival: • It’s (my) tribute to sport that brings together professional and amateur runners, running fans of all ages • It’s my final annual running event, which shows the results and quality of my running season • It’s adrenaline at its purest, although I´m not a professional runner (it is just my addiction) • It’s a crossroads between business and private life • It’s an event that over the years has built a strong “brand value” and every runner is pleased to add it to the personal running reference list • It’s becoming a topic of discussion, even in the business/meetings world.

Q: How did you start running?

I started running to overcome the stress of my daily work. It started 13 years ago. I started with few kilometres, then at one point I managed 10k and I still remember the day. I was running with a friend, two laps around Lake Bled, and I was so tired the next day, but a year later I managed a half marathon. Eight years ago I decided to participate in my first half marathon and four years later it was 42km, and this year it will even be a mountain marathon (which has added another running dimension). Since then I run several marathons every year and will probably never stop participating. It is such a rewarding experience to participate in one.

Q: What words of wisdom would you offer new runners?

Just do it! You will never regret it and never stop doing it. Every beginning is hard, but it does pay off. It is also the cheapest medicine, motivation, energizer, problem solver, idea generator and so much more. Even better than sex.

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Q: How did you start running?

It was in 2007 and together with a group of friends from the world of tourism we went on a boat-cruise across Dalmatia. Every morning the female part of the group went for a run.

This was when I first realized that running can be magical. We reviewed the points of interest and merged running and culture. Since then, running has become my way of life and becomes magical when you exceed the length and your training becomes your own place to explore and challenge your limits.

Q: What words of wisdom would you offer new runners?

Follow my 3 steps: • keep it fun – find your running venues and name them, combine terrain (stadium, road, trail), engage with the surroundings (listen to the sounds, see the nature, listen to your mind), choose your running dress-code • build up endurance – we all start at the beginning. My first steps were a combination of Nordic walking and running (trace of 7 km – 3.5 running and 3.5 Nordic walking), help yourself with music – make your running playlist, try to find your running buddy • Have your support team – with running you build friendships. With a running buddy you are able to challenge your limits, weather conditions, to make every training session a social event. Three years ago my best friend was officially proclaimed as coach, my fiancée joined the club as a support coach. They really seriously get it and supported us every km at LJ marathon by bike. When you keep your loved ones up to date with your training and progress, you have a support network to keep you going and motivated.

Been There

COPENHAGEN STREET FOOD – THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THE MPI EMEC OPENING RECEPTION

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n no time at all the urbane and hip Copenhagen Street Food has established itself as a popular destination for both tourists and Copenhageners alike – but also as a popular events venue too. When the meetings and event industry gathers in Copenhagen for the European educational conference (EMEC) in February 2016, Copenhagen Street Food will create the backdrop for networking as well as a variety of taste experiences at the opening reception.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Maja Tini

Jensen, PR and communication consultant at Copenhagen Street Food, about the experiences that lie ahead and about the collaboration with Meeting Professionals International (MPI), responsible for planning the conference.

Thursday, October 22, 2015 Why is Copenhagen Street Food the official sponsor at MPI’s EMEC conference in Copenhagen?

We have chosen to host the opening reception to show our unique venue to all of the important national and international meeting and event planners attending the conference. In a larger perspective, we also want to contribute to encouraging the participants to choose Copenhagen as a future event destination.

MPI has chosen to use the Danish concept Meetovation as a foundation for the EMEC conference in 2016. How does Copenhagen Street Food contribute to this?

One of the most important elements of Meetovation is the possibility of interaction, which there is plenty of time to do when you browse around the 35 food stalls spread over 2,300m 2, looking for the right dish. Meetovation is about utilizing the unique aspects of every destination, how the physical setup supports the purpose of the event and it is about CSR. We offer all this in our combination of informal

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Been There

dinners, colourful sensations, smells, taste and sounds, the view over the inner city harbour, the interior of recycled materials as well as space for both small and larger groups.

The EMEC conference in 2016 is expected to attract around 500 participants and it is held from the 7th-9th February at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia. The conference is for everyone working with meetings, events, courses, seminars – both suppliers and planners.

Read more and sign up at www.mpiweb.org/Events/emec-2016

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Young Talents

NEXT GENERATION Young Talents 2015 Career wise, I would like to keep on developing myself in order to exploit my potential and to reach as high as I can. Otherwise, I would love to go on a trip to Russia with my family, climb Mont Blanc and to keep being involved in Speedway.

5:

1. What is your favourite meetings brand?

2. What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

3. What’s your alternative career fantasy?

4. What are you obsessed with at the moment?

5. Your goals before 50?

MR MATEJ LESJAK

Union Hotels, Event Coordinator Career path: I believe that I chose my career as an Event Organiser back in Krško, my hometown, where I was helping to organise a very important Speedway Race, the World championship series Grand Prix every year. Even if I was just a volunteer, organising this event was a big challenge that gave me a lot of satisfaction, and that is how I realized what my profession should be. Later on I got my first real employment at Union Hotels, where I had the opportunity to give my career a head start by experiencing different job positions within the four hotels.

During these years I was developing skills and knowledge that are needed to be successful in this particular position.  matej.lesjak@union-hotels.eu Besides the fact that Union Hotels provided me with the starting point of my career, I always keep in mind that Union Hotels is indeed the biggest hotel brand in Ljubljana that prides itself on four hotels offering several meeting and accommodation possibilities in the heart of the city. Union Hotels definitely give a lot of valuable importance to this sector, and that makes it my favourite meetings brand.

1:

I could say many things. Everything I have done in my life had to be a brave move, since it brought me to where I am today. A person who does not risk can end up regretting many things and therefore I make sure to grab each opportunity that comes my way and face it bravely.

2:

MR MARIO ČOLIĆ

Union Hotels, Sales Promotional Specialist Career path: My career path started in 2007 when Union hotels accepted me as a trainee for 2 years. In 2008 I was involved in the project of the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union for 6 months. In 2009 Union hotels offered me a position of Sales representative. This year I became a Sales promotional specialist, which was again a new challenge and another perspective.

I accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and responsibility.  mario.colic@union-hotels.eu Working in the meetings industry, and especially for the biggest congress hotel in Ljubljana – with 574 rooms within the Union hotels this is an honor for me. I‘m happy to be a part of this team.

1:

It was more of a life changing situation to become independent at a young age, at not even 25 years old.

2:

I‘ve been always very interested in the human brain and the way of thinking.

To be a psychologist would be great.

3:

If I could choose anything I see myself as a part of a big Speedway crew. Since I also like to travel, discovering the unknown, this would mean combining my two favorite things - well, perhaps in the next life!

I‘m in touch with current business partners and attending different fairs and workshops to find new ones.

My family is the most important thing in my life. I have a one-year old daughter who brings a lot of joy and surprises to my life.

In the business world I would like to help the Slovenian meetings industry to grow, to be even more known as the perfect destination for all kind of activities (both meetings and leisure).

3:

4:

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4:

5:

Kongres Magazine

SITE INCENTIVE SUMMIT 2016 TO BE HELD IN LJUBLJANA Hosted by the Slovenia Convention Bureau the Incentive Summit will be held in conjunction with Conventa, the 8th New Europe Exhibition for Meetings, Events and Incentives.

Text by Slovenia Convention Bureau Photo Credits Arne Hodalič

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has selected Ljubljana, Slovenia as the destination for its 2016 Incentive Summit, 18-22 January. This annual education event takes the SITE Board of Directors and Foundation Trustees to a part of the world that can leverage the experience and knowledge of industry leaders to grow its incentive travel business. The unique event is designed to promote growth in emerging destinations, featuring education on topics relevant to MICE professionals in the region.

“The majority of our board members and trustees have never been to Slovenia, so we are very excited to explore this emerging destination while at the same time sharing our knowledge and expertise to help regional MICE professionals grow their incentive travel business,” said Kevin Hinton, SITE Chief Excellence Officer.

The Incentive Summit will take place at the Grand Hotel Union, located in the heart of Ljubljana overlooking Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge and the Ljubljana Castle.

Interesting experiences and activities are being planned to showcase the capital’s rich history,

culture and gastronomy. In addition to a day of high-quality education, SITE leaders will participate in bilateral meetings with key decision makers and politicians where they will provide advice on how to grow Slovenia’s incentive travel industry. Board members and trustees will also have the opportunity to experience Bled, an iconic destination located in the Alpine region.

“Slovenia has been involved in the association market for more than two decades, but is relatively new to the international incentive market.

As the national convention bureau, we believe that the Incentive Summit is a great opportunity to showcase Slovenia as an attractive destination for incentive travel,” stated Miha Kovacic, Director, Slovenia Convention Bureau.

And continued: “We are privileged to host such a prominent group of professionals in our country and I am confident that the Incentive Summit will dramatically increase the understanding of incentive travel and generate opportunities for Slovenia and the region.”

More about SITE at www.SITEglobal.com

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“Today’s buyers are hungry to learn about new and interesting destinations and, with its central European location, beautiful scenery and rich culture, Slovenia has many attributes of a great incentive travel destination.”

Kevin Hinton, SITE Chief Excellence Officer.

Off The Beaten Track

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK Country estate Trnulja. Idyllic and deeply green

WAY OUT THERE… When in 2002 Urša Kunz and Miha Pupis stared farming, they owned ten goats and had a vision of an organic farm. Today their farm, Trnulja country estate based in Črna vas at the Ljubljana Marshes, now also has donkeys to accompany the goats and wheat fields, all with a certain ambience that makes you feel special and different. And it is strictly organic, in fact, it’s difficult to find a more organic farm than theirs, focusing primarily on the production of cereals and oilseeds and their conversion into organic oils, spreads, plain and wholemeal flour. Their organic credential mean Trnulja country estate is the only Slovenian member of the GermanAustrian chains of European Bio Hotels, which means that you won’t find any pesticides being used and in their kitchen they don’t use any flavour enhancers.

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Off The Beaten Track

TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. By boat along Ljubljanica river- you can reach Trnulja by boat from Ljubljana city centre, making for an exciting first contact with the magical world of Trnulja.

2. Cooking with Slavko Ademlje – cooking dinner with natural ingredients and hemp and trying domestic eco products.

3. Ride with carriage – discovering the secrets of the Ljubljana Marshes in the traditional way.

WAY TO STAY Both facilities - excursion and accommodation - were built according to the principles of ecological construction, so with a strong use of natural building and insulation materials. The interior and its equipment follow the principle of organic and local, made of alder and pinewood. Bed linen, towels and curtains are made of hemp textiles and the mattresses filled with hemp stuffing. Decorative value ads pictures of surrounding motives. This kind of attention to detail – whether in the barn or tourist apartments, fields, vegetable garden, next to the fireplace or on the paved terrace – is really hard to find anywhere else.

MEET IN STYLE On Sundays Trnulja acts as an inn or just for closed groups. The menu is short and unique, where you will find only food grown organically on the estate or purchased from suppliers who are equally environmentally friendly. Hemp is a trademark of the Trnulja estate – in addi-

tion to hemp seed oil they produce soybean oil, rapeseed oil, walnut oil and pumpkin seed oil.

They also sell spreads, organic cured sausages, salami, biscuits and organic flours. Meat used in the products comes from home-reared animals.

A gem of the estate is the creations of Chef Slavko Adamlje, one of the top chefs in Slovenia, whose colour-coordinated meals are true culinary works of art.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Trnulja offers a genuine meetings experience through which you enter a parallel universe that is even little known to Ljubljana natives.

The country estate is definitely a best case example on how to manage organic farming and tourism. It acts on the principle of high quality products and services and the completeness of this offer. At the same time they remain faithful to tradition and the cultural identity of the surroundings in which they are located. It is a true GREEN CONGRESS product that has no competition.

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LOCALISM Country estate Trnulja is connected with hemp products. They cook with hemp oil and hemp flour. They have their own plantations of hamp and produce all sorts of products that can also be purchased after your event.

GET THERE Estate Trnulja is located in Črna vas, just ten minutes away from Ljubljana in the heart of the Ljubljana Nature Park Marshes.

Directory POSESTVO TRNULJA Črna vas 265, 1000 Ljubljana T: +386 (0)1 4271 903 E: info@trnulja.com www.trnulja.com

Advertorial

ZAGREB Little treasure trove of European culture and civilization

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part from numerous international, as well as Croatian acknowledgements and awards, the capital city of Croatia – Zagreb is one of the oldest European cities with its history running back to the 11th century, and is yet one of Europe’s youngest metropolises.

Zagreb has a thousand faces and each one is – professional yet relaxed, modern, with a dash of a thousand years of longevity, cultural and economic, urban and adventurous … in short, Zagreb is the city that simply has to be discovered and rediscovered over and over again. From spring to autumn many events and exhibitions take place outdoors. They are a real treat for the visitors and they largely contribute to Zagreb’s special atmosphere.

The city houses a rich variety of venues for both small meetings and big congresses, and offers numerous exciting possibilities for setting up a memorable incentive or a fascinating event.

Some very special old places, venues where history was made, political ideas discussed and victories celebrated in addition to top quality PCOs and DMCs will make your congress an event talked about long after. Zagreb is a city where captivating city atmosphere and making business make a perfect match.

Although a Central European city in geography, culture and baroque architecture, in many ways, Zagreb has a Mediterranean way of life. Its numerous downtown open air cafés give Zagreb the image of the biggest European

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café. Thanks to its many influences, the city has a special charm and that unique hospitable feel generated by its proverbial open-hearted inhabitants.

Some of the greatest advantages of Zagreb’s congress offer are its excellent congress infrastructure, highly professional staff, as well as the diversity, beauty and atmosphere of the city.

In addition, the city’s highlights are all accessible on foot, and its citizens are very friendly and hospitable. www.meetinzagreb.hr

info@meetinzagreb.hr

www.meetinzagreb.hr

IMEX in April?

Whatever next - Christmas in November?

As regulars to IMEX in Frankfurt know, the show always takes place in May. But not in 2016. That’s right – for one year only, the meetings industry’s annual three-day exhibition in Frankfurt will take place in April instead.

So pencil in 19–21 April 2016 for your next fix of business productivity, networking and creative inspiration at the most engaging event in the meetings industry’s year.

The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. imex-frankfurt.com

Meet Busters

•PULA MEET BUSTERS•

Congress myths that you did not dare to ask, or know whom to ask:

MYTH 1: THE PULA ARENA IS THE SIXTH-LARGEST ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE AND ONE OF THE BEST PRESERVED. CONFIRMED

The start and end point of every sightseeing tour and the town’s most famous and important monument, the Amphitheatre, popularly called the ‘Arena of Pula’, was once the site of gladiator fights that used to entertain up to 25,000 spectators. It was built in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. The Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. Every week during the summer months the Arena hosts gladiator fights as part of the historical and entertainment spectacle “Spectacvla Antiqva”.

MYTH 2: PULA’S COASTLINE IS MORE THAN 4.5 TIMES LONGER THAN THE ENTIRE SLOVENIAN COAST. CONFIRMED

Pula’s great tourist asset is most definitely 190 kilometers of coastline with crystal clear water and beaches.

Giants is a globally unique project of lighting cranes in an operating shipyard. Dean Skira, the world-famous lighting designer, together with the help of sponsors and the workers of the Uljanik Shipyard, has managed to light up the shipyard’s iconic cranes, a characteristic symbol of Pula. “Lighting Giants” have a sophisticated remote control system of lighting and scenography, and can be illuminated with 16,000 different colour combinations in a show that lasts for about 15 minutes.

to Pula to teach English to Austrian officers at the Berlitz language school. Despite calling Pula a “naval Siberia”, he is thought to have written part of his first novel Stephen Hero there and was working on his classic A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. A bronze James Joyce now sits at Uliks (Ulysses) cafe in Pula. Moreover, Dante Alighieri wrote parts of his Divine Comedy in Istria. He positioned Pula in Hell on account of the horrendous consequences of the plague that struck the city during the Middle Ages.

MYTH 4: NEXT TO PULA ONE CAN FIND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARKS IN EUROPE.

MYTH 8: PULA IS NOT THE CITY TO ORGANISE A SPECIAL EVENT AT.

CONFIRMED

The Brijuni Islands, or the Brijuni archipelago, is today one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia and are synonymous with for elite tourism. This archipelago consists of a group of islands off the western coast of Istria, which together with the surrounding waters was proclaimed a national park in 1983. The Brijuni was also the summer residence of Josip Broz Tito. World famous celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Richard Burton were Tito’s guests in his Brijuni residence.

MYTH 5: PULA HAS A POSTCARD IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS CONFIRMED

The record for the largest photograph of people forming a light sign, known as the “Light Postcard”, was broken in the Arena as a part of Visualia Festival. The previous record (3,777 participants) was broken with 4,013 visitors in the Pula Arena forming a sign “Pula+Istria”.

MYTH 6: PULA IS A FAIRLY NEW, BOUTIQUE CITY IN CROATIA. BUSTED

Couldn’t be further from the truth. The city has 3,000 years of history starting with the myth of the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece. It was the home of the Histrians, the Romans and the Venetians. Once the central Austrian port, today it is the largest cultural and economic center of Istria, with a population of about 62,000.

MYTH 3: PULA WAS RECENTLY TAKEN OVER BY GIANTS. BUSTED

Of course it wasn’t. However, Pula did recently acquire a new must-see attraction: The Lighting

BUSTED

Where better to find a special venue than in Pula.

Venues like the Pula Amphitheatre, which can seat about 5,000 spectators, Fort Punta Christo - one of the most beautiful fortifications of Pula - Villa Vulin as the first Croatian five-star boutique hotel, Park Plaza Histria that is Pula’s premium award-winning hotel, House of Croatia Defenders - a breathtaking palace from 1872 that is today used for many concerts, assemblies, exhibitions, fairs, dances and balls - are just some of the many that Pula has to offer.

MYTH 7: PULA INSPIRED JAMES JOYCE AND DANTE ALIGHIERI. CONFIRMED

In 1904, James Joyce, one of the most preeminent Irish authors of the twentieth century, came 63

MYTH 9: PULA IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE FESTIVAL CAPITALS OF CROATIA WITH MORE THAN 1,000 EVENTS ANNUALLY. CONFIRMED

The list goes on and on, but to name just a few: the Pula International Theatre Festival (national theatre groups fill the streets and squares with productions), Pula Film Festival (one of the most prestigious events of the Croatian film industry), Biker Days (dedicated to true bikers and their culture) and music festivals like Monte Paradiso, Seasplash Reggae Festival, Dimensions Festival, Outlook festival, Pula Summer Festival...

Advertorial

CEREMONIAL HALL IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY HISTORY (CEKIN MANSION)

I

f you’re struggling to decide where to take your business partners, friends or associates, a possible solution may be waiting for you hidden in the heart of the National Museum of Contemporary History (Cekin Mansion) on the edge of Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park.

The Baroque manor house was built between 1752 and 1755 by Count Leopold Karl Lamberg and in 1951 it became the home of the museum.

The Ceremonial Hall is located on the first floor and is one of the most richly decorated rooms in the Museum. The room is exceptionally beautiful, quiet and peaceful, making it suitable for a whole range of activities.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 6pm. It is closed on Mondays and holidays (work free days), with the exception of 8 February.

Technical information: Number of seats: 90 (or space for 150 standing) Size: Ceremonial Hall 105m², Lobby 66m² Access: there is a bus stop for municipal bus service numbers 1,3,5,7,8,25. The museum is about 1.5km from the main Ljubljana Bus and Railway Station, but also very easily accessible by municipal bicycle or on foot.

Contact and organisation: Irena Ribič, T: 00386 1 300 96 33, e: irena.ribic@muzej-nz.si National Museum of Contemporary History Celovška cesta 23 1000 Ljubljana t: 00386 1 300 96 10 www.muzej-nz.si www.facebook.com/muzejnzslo

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Top Stories

TEN OF THE MOST POPULAR STORIES OF THE MONTH ON WWW.KONGRES-MAGAZINE.EU Voice from the top, meetolgues, hot news and much more!

1. Exclusive Interview: Exclusive Interview with Georg Unterkircher

3. Exclusive Interview: 2. News: World Icecream finds Slovenia top followed by England and Tomo Čeh, General Manager of Union Hotels Iceland 5. Off the beaten track: Herbal Glamping Resort Ljubno New Hotels and Conference Halls along the Adriatic coast

4. News: First sneak peak of Audi A4 at GR Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

8. News: Top meeting destinations in 2015 have been selected

6. Young Talents: Miloš Grujić

7. News: Red Bull Air Race 2014: Worth the wait

9. Young Talents: Taja Maček

10. Hidden Guest: Regent Porto Montenegro

SHARE YOUR OPINION

If you have an opinion you would like to share, please send us an e-mail to info@kongres-magazine.eu.

We also hope you will follow all of our latest stories from the industry at www.kongres-magazine.eu. @kongresmagazine, G www.facebook.com/kongres.magazine

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Been There

MEETOVATION BOUND TO BE A HIT AT EMEC 2016 Journalists from seven countries gathered in Copenhagen this September to ‘walk the talk’ with Meetovation, a Danish meeting design concept. The trip was intended to inspire international meeting planners and showcase the many good reasons to attend the EMEC conference held in Copenhagen on 7-9th February 2016.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 We are on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel and the room buzzes with words like “Meetovation” and “Happy Danes”.

Present are journalists from seven countries, and the enthusiasm for Denmark and Copenhagen is felt, despite some fatigue after a fun bike ride and a canal cruise in the Danish capital. We are right where MPI’s European

Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC) is to be held in just 5 months. The foreign journalists are in Copenhagen to get a taste of what the destination has to offer EMEC delegates on the EMEC2016 pre-tour to Copenhagen - implementing Meetovation from A-Z. And something right the Danes must be doing, because it is in fact the third time that Copenhagen/Denmark is selected to host the annual educational conference, organized by the trade association Meeting Professionals International (MPI) the world’s largest networking organization for meeting providers and planners.

- MPIs choice of Copenhagen to EMEC 2016 is a recognition of the Danish meeting industry’s efforts to develop strong meeting products and an important signal that the international meeting industry looks towards Denmark for inspiration, says Steen Møller, Head of Business Events Denmark.

EMEC WILL GET A LIFT WITH MEETOVATION Although EMEC is being held for the third time in Copenhagen, this is the first time that the Danish meeting concept Meetovation will implemented at the conference. Meetovation is based on a range of basic principles including active involvement of participants and focus on the physical environment, local inspiration and

sustainable mindset - and the Danish hosts of the conference - MPI Denmark, Business Events Denmark, Wonderful Copenhagen CVB and Radisson Blue Scandinavia Hotel - promise that if attending EMEC participants will get the strategic meeting design concept under their skin.

And it is not only MPI, who is excited about implementing the Danish meeting concept.

After the introduction to Meetovation the visiting journalists have high expectations for the EMEC 2016 in Copenhagen too: - It has enlivened and excited us, and we’re not even meeting planners - we’re just journalists. I think that participating meeting planners will be at least as enthusiastic, motivated and full of ideas to deliver meaningful content to their next conference after the EMEC 2016, says British journalist for M&IT Magazine, Emma Channon, who has experienced Meetovation concept as a true eye-opener.

On the whole, the present journalists agree that participants at the EMEC 2016 are bound will get more out of next year’s conference due to the active involvement and inspiring content with references to Danish culture and a sustainable mindset.

Been There

- It will be a true highlight for MPI and a big step in the right direction for the entire meetings industry. There are so many conferences that do not have a focused and clear content, and it is a clear challenge for the entire meetings industry. But here you get usable tools to move from strategic thinking to real projects and implementation, adds Slovenian editor of the Congress magazine, Gorazd Cad, who like the others participating journalists expects to use Meetovation in own meeting contexts.

EMEC 2016, is expected to present the latest trends in meeting the world with up to 500 participants. The MPI conference takes place from 7-9th February 2016 at the Radisson Blue Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen. The press trip was organized by Business Events Denmark and Wonderful Copenhagen CVB.

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&

Capital’s Congress Cultural Centre

CD Congress Centre Ljubljana

www.cd–cc.si/congress

Telescope

KONGRES TELESCOPE

By Robert Cotter

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IT&CMA 2015: CAME, SAW, CONQUERED Text by: Rob Cotter

S

hortly before buyers and exhibitors from all over the world would set off from home to immerse themselves in three days of dynamic networking and business generation at what is a MICE calendar highlight for most of us, the annual outing of IT&CMA, an unprecedented and horrific act took place in Bangkok that threatened the event being able to go ahead: the bombing at the Erawan shrine. Overnight the city was suddenly plunged into a state of high security and civic alert, with much of the talk in the industry about whether the event would be able to be staged.

Having attended the event for the past several years and knowing the vigour with which both the organisers and host city apply themselves to it, it came as no surprise that it would not only go ahead as planned, but that within the short timeframe for any changes to be made – such as making as much use as possible of all of the facilities

under the roof of CentralWorld and within the Bangkok Convention Centre itself – the 2015 run of IT&CMA would also be a success able to stand up to the peaks of previous years and with equal aplomb ensure that delegates could be extremely satisfied with it.

One of the many highlights of this year’s show was the ASEAN MICE Forum (AMF) making its debut and helping put the spotlight on a region within the wider Asian zone that is ripe for further investment and development, but also one that, with striking similarities to South East Europe, offers a wealth of hidden gems for events and incentives and strong collaboration between its partner nations. The Forum, bringing together global industry leaders including tourism heads from the ASEAN nations, buyers, exhibitors and media, was also timely as a warm up and lead-in to the ASEAN Tourism Forum taking place in the Philippines in January 2016.

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“The AMF at IT&CMA is the first major step we are taking to raise awareness of the ASEAN region, made up of the ten member countries, as a collective MICE destination,” said Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, Chairman of ASEAN Tourism Marketing and Communication Working Group, ASEAN Secretariat. “The AEC collaboration and close ties between the ASEAN nations literally expands the possibilities of any MICE programme to the region, as it can take on a multi-nation approach which will offer diversity and unique cultural experiences for participants.”

“The ASEAN MICE Forum is an opportunity for IT&CMA to play an anchor role in developing MICE in the ASEAN region through the engagement of global industry leaders,” added Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media. “In that same note, IT&CMA is also the perfect platform for AMF as it is the leading MICE event in the Asia-Pacific region. Leveraging on IT&CMA enables these global industry leaders to reach out to international MICE players who are present at the show.”

The energies of ASEAN outreach were mirrored by the desire of international exhibitors to make inroads into this year’s IT&CMA through sponsored sessions aimed at captive engagement with select audiences, notably the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Dubai Business Events and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, all of whom took their chance to showcase the latest initiatives of their respective destinations and spark some healthy networking.

IT&CMA has proven itself as a trade event that delivers results,” said Susan Del Mundo, Chief of Marketing and Promotions at Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. “In fact, the unprecedented

success of Philippines’ participation in the 2014 show was evident by the 100% satisfaction ratings recorded relative to the quality of the buyers and corporate travel managers that the Philippine co-exhibitors met, [so] the sponsored dinner will be our platform to re-intensify our campaign and build momentum for the Philippine MICE industry. We hope to garner more interest among the high quality meetings and incentive travel organisers to explore Philippines – currently positioned as one of the top Asian countries with an emerging economy.”

These highlights, alongside the usual array of education sessions and networking slots, ensured IT&CMA 2015 started strongly and just got better, this year presenting the largest line-up of over twenty MICE, events intelligence, corporate travel and association management knowledge sessions helmed by more than thirty speakers. Initiatives such as these have helped the show see growth of 14% in exhibitor participation – with the entrance of many new European and Middle Eastern bureaus, such as Berlin, Geneva, Zurich and Dubai, boosting the international presence – and 40% in sponsorship engagements.

IT&CMA 2015 had the potential to be something of a watershed moment for the event: the military government of Thailand still in office and the bombing incident placed a number of challenges before the organisers and TCEB, not to mention gave food for thought to buyers and exhibitors too. Yet again, however, any challenges were taken head-on and the event proved to be a hit, as borne out one more by the stats, with organisers and delegates able to reflect on it afterwards and looking back on the show able to think: we came, we saw and for new business we conquered.

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SEOUL HOSTS GLOBAL MICE EXPERTS FOR CITY’S 2015 MICE WEEK Text by: Rob Cotter

T

he 2015 Seoul MICE Week is set to begin this week with a series of lectures and presentations from global MICE industry leaders. Set to kick-off on Friday, November 13 at Seoul City Hall and the Plaza Hotel, the MICE-focused week aims to create local public interest in MICE and to raise awareness of the MICE industry as a high-value sector for both the economy and in job creation.

The week’s main event, The 2015 International MICE Forum, will take place under the theme of “The Future of the MICE Industry and Global Business Meeting City”. It will include lectures from distinguished experts in MICE as well as a debate session. Scheduled speakers include Herve Bosquet, former director of the Brussels Convention Bureau, Samantha Allen, U.K.’s Vice Chair of Business Visits and Events Partnerships (BVEP), Laurent Chiron, Deputy Director of VIPARIS, and George Tanasijevich, President

and CEO of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The week is expected to bring together talented students, with high interest and potential in the MICE field, and MICE industry leaders for a time to discuss the future of the MICE industry as well as ways to improve the field in Seoul.

Other planned programmes for the week include the MICE Golden Bell Challenge, MICE Career Brainstorming and Discussion Session, MICE Career Exhibition, and the 2015 International MICE Forum.

The MICE Golden Bell Challenge is modeled after a popular game show, The Golden Bell Challenge, and will have students compete in a series of MICE-related quiz challenges until one winner remains. During the MICE Career Brainstorming session, a panelist of professionals in the MICE field and young individuals aspiring to work in the MICE field will have the chance to discuss relevant issues such as how 75

to begin a career in MICE. The MICE Career Exhibition will take place all day on Friday, November 13 (10 AM to 6 PM) in the Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom as a special exhibition.

Seoul mayor Park Won Soon, who will open the 2015 Seoul MICE Week, expressed his aspiration saying, “We expect this forum will serve as a meaningful opportunity to discuss the future direction of the MICE industry, one of the core industries involved in our tailor-made creative economy model for Seoul.”

Seoul and Seoul Tourism Organisation plan to share the MICE Week report via the official Seoul MICE homepage (www.miceseoul.com) at a later date.

For more information about the week, please visit www.2015seoulmiceweek.com/main_e.asp

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RISE WITH AFRICA’S GROWTH In 2016, Meetings Africa will be in its 11th year.

Recognised as the premier African business events show, Meetings Africa proudly invites you to join us and be a part of Africa’s success story.

The Meetings Africa team will be at South Africa Pavilion at IBTM World, please visit our stand No. 38

10018434JB/E

Telephone: +27 11 895 3000 Email: convention@southafrica.net

22 FEBRUARY 2016: BONDAY 23 – 24 FEBRUARY 2016: EXHIBITION

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za

10018434_Meeting Africa_Print_255x204_03_HR.indd 1

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2015/11/06 3:12 PM

Behind the Scenes

Entrance

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Behind the Scenes

SHERATON DUBROVNIK RIVIERA HOTEL MODERN, ELEGANT, REFINED

Text by Gorazd Čad

Photo Credits SHERATON DUBROVNIK RIVIERA HOTEL

RICH HISTORY In the Zupa Dubrovacka area tourism started to develop immediately following the First World War, when the first hotel, Štrand, was built in Kupari area. During this time the area also acquired public parks, promenades and the roots of its tourist infrastructure today. The people of Dubrovnik took to the area, found it very interesting and started to build their holiday villas there. The cozy bay overlooking the islands of Supetar, Mrkan and Bobara was perfect for guests from the nearby hotel Štrand and in 1924 an idyllic bathing villa was built, which is now a protected monument. This event marked the real beginning of tourism in Srebreno, where today can be found the newest hotel in Dubrovnik.

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HOTEL ORLANDO Hotel Orlando, which welcomed its first guests in 1969, was designed by Tito’s architect, Branko Bom, and once stood on this site. He wanted to stimulate the rebirth of tourism in Srebreno with a hotel consisting of 275 rooms and acting as the main tourist centre of Dubrovnik. The hotel, however, was plundered and destroyed during the barbaric attacks on Dubrovnik and whilst the beautiful beach still useable, the facilities around it were crying out for improvement and recovery to get back its elite resort status of pre-World War 2.

Behind the Scenes

Lobby area

THE OWNERS WITH A VISION A new era began for Dubrovnik Riviera when in April 2014 the construction work on the Sheraton Hotel began, a reminder that hotels have always been the heart of Zupa. The 50 million EUR investment, with the largest regional hotel group of HUP Zagreb behind it, brought Dubrovnik a world-famous hotel and the largest conference hall in the region. HUP Zagreb also has under its management the hotels Westin, Sheraton, International and Panorama Zagreb, with more than 1,300 rooms and the company has for many years been successfully managed by the energetic Anđelko Leko, who despite his age led the entire construction of the project with unwavering energy.

CROATIA’S SECOND SHERATON HOTEL The Sheraton Hotel Group operates more than 1,400 hotels across the world and the Elite club status ensures the high standards of the hotel.

The second Croatian Sheraton is the 430rd member of the prestigious club, which is a part of a Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide grouping. According to Robert Koren, Sheraton representative for this part of Europe, this hotel is among five best Sheraton Hotels in the world, which having visited we find easy to believe.

The hotel is managed by HUP Company under

the Sheraton franchise and the partnership has proved to be successful, as full compliance with high standards can be seen and felt at every step.

STUNNING ARCHITECTURE Vlaho Alamar is the architect behind the hotel’s design, situated as it is in the core of a threearmed bays. Despite the building being quite high at six floors, he has made it fit very nicely

Piano bar

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into its surroundings. The entrance hall that allows access to all parts of the hotel is especially attractive, the architecture being modern with elements of traditional Dalmatian style.

The rounded external lines are soft and comfortable and all of the indoor spaces interact with their external surroundings through large glass surfaces.

Behind the Scenes

Orlando balroom

TERRACES WITH A VIEW The hotel restaurant is one of the region’s largest with more than 450 seats. All of the gastronomic facilities are open to sunny terraces, which are especially suitable for receptions of congress guests. With this hotel, Croatia has acquired one of most beautiful spaces for pool parties.

The congress rooms are very airy and have a luxurious allotted space for coffee breaks or an accompanying exhibition.

CONGRESS HALL ORLANDO It is clear that the investor is familiar with and has rich experience of Croatia’s largest congress centre, as they have created a modern and spacious congress hall that can accommodate up to 2,000 participants. The six-metre high ceiling is a fine feature and allows for productions that might be more demanding. The hall offers a separate entrance and a large car park, making it the perfect choice for demanding car launch events.

Terraces with a view

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Behind the Scenes

Deluxe double room

SUPERB CATERING SERVICES The combination of Sheraton standards and the many years of HUP company experience are behind an excellent catering experience. It is a combination of international and Dalmatian cuisine at the very highest level. The hotel manager, Damir Lukić, has extensive experience in managing top hotels in Dubrovnik (as he was director of Dubrovnik Palace) and he ensures that everything runs smoothly. As he told us, congress guests are particularly impressed by the Piano Bar, where they usually extend their socializing.

TRUE CONVENTION HOTEL With this hotel Dubrovnik is a true convention hotel richer, which any well-developed meetings destination would love to have. With its location halfway between the airport and Dubrovnik it is perfectly sited. As an ensemble it is modern and at the same time very enjoyable, and according to the assurances of the managers the hotel will operate right throughout the whole year, which means a great contribution to the meetings industry of Dubrovnik. With all of its infrastructure it lends itself especially to car launch events.

Restaurant Leut

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Behind the Scenes

SHERATON DUBROVNIK RIVIERA HOTEL Šetalište Dr. Dranje Tudmana 17, Srebreno, Mlini, 20207, Croatia T: +385 (0)20 601 500, F: +385 (0)20 601 550, E: sales@dubrovnik-riviera-hotels.hr W: www.sheratondubrovnikriviera.com

ACCOMODATION: Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera hotel offers 240 luxurious, air conditioned rooms and 11 suites, including the Presidential suite, anti-allergy rooms and rooms for disabled. Sweet SleeperTM Bed with its plush mattress and comfortable pillows invites you rest after a productive day of meetings; free wireless internet access in all rooms and suits helps you stay connected to what matters most.

RESTAURANT, BAR & LOUNGE: An exclusive Leut restaurant offers a taste of local and international delicacies as well as premium international wines. Piano Bar, located at the hotel lobby and the Pool Bar Pinija offer relaxing moments for a cup of coffee or tea in the morning or cocktails in the evening. All while enjoying breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: The hotel’s signature Regent Spa offers a wide array of treatments and a holistic approach to rejuvenation. Facilities include: heated pools, children’s playground in a green an shaded environment, two tennis courts, sunbathing area with lots of features, modernly equipped and spacious gym open 24/7, pilates/yoga studio.

The spacious 110sqm gym will make you feel the diference with our indoor and outdoor pool and Technogym equipment, that includes bikes, chest press, dumb-bells, workout benches, leg curls, treadmills, ect.

Other facilities: Shine Spa for SheratonTM is one of the most prestigious spa centers in Dubrovnik area. Spa offers Finnish and Turkish sauna, various beauty treatments and aromatherapy with local herbs, flowers and seawater.

SERVICES & FACILITIS: Concierge service, 24-hour room and concierge service, Tracking of lost luggage, Hotel and flight booking, booking tickets for whows and concerts, flower delivery local and international, restaurant reservations, currency exchange service, laundry and ironing services, car rental service, guarded parking, Link@Sheraton services Function facilities: 240 luxurious, air conditioned rooms and 11 suites, over 1,500 m2 of congress and banqueting spaces, restaurant and 2 bars, spacious indoor and outdoor pools, Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance, Shine Spa.

POINTS OF INTEREST: Old City of Dubrovnik under UNESCO World Heritage, City walls with Forts, Lovrenjac fort, Stradun promenade, Dubrovnik churches, Dubrovni squares, The Lokrum Island, Trsteno village, Elaphite Islands consist of thirteen islands, Srđ hill – The panoramic view over Dubrovnik, Lazaretto and the old city Harbour.

TRANSPORTATION: Srebreno is located less than 10 km away from the historical Dubrovnik and it is located in the tranquil cove of the Dubrovnik riviera.

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Arriving by plane to Dubrovnik Airport follow the traffic direction to Srebreno – which is located 6km south-east from Dubrovnik. When arriving by boar, the main Dubrovnik Port is located 10 km north-west from Srebreno and the Hotel. Arriving by car from the direction Split – Makarska take the A1 motorway towards Rogotin and then continue on the Jandranska road towards Neum.

VISITOR INFORMATION: Language: Croatian Currency: Kuna Visas: All aliens who are holders of valid Schengen documents, as well as national visas and residence permits of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania do not require an additional (Croatian) visa for Croatia.

LOCATION: Srebreno is home of the new Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel. This small village is located less than 10 km away from the historical Dubrovnik and it is located in the tranquil cove of the Dubrovnik riviera. Due to clear sea and clean pebble beaches Srebreno is perfect for families with children and couples. Should you like to explore the picturesque promenade of the bay, we invite you for a 1-km walk on the seaside promenade connecting Srebreno and Mlini.

This is for sure one of the most beautiful parts of the Dubrovnik coastline

Who is Who

MOJCA JUHART, SALES MANAGER Who is Who at Terme Maribor d. o. o.

Q: What are you most proud of in your business and private lives?

I want to be proud of the successful reconciliation of private and business life.

Q: Life wisdom/motto?

“Borders? I have never seen one. But I hear they exist in the minds of some people.” -Thor Heyerdahl Q: Where have you spent this years's holiday? ??? + In my lovely Slovenia.

Q: What was your favourite vacation?

Backpack + flight ticket + good company.

Q: Where would you go if there were no time and financial constraints?

Shopping...

Q: What is your favourite indoor/outdoor activity?

Hmm...

Q: What is your favourite dish and restaurant (anywhere in the world)?

Potato in different ways is always a good decision.

MOJCA JUHART, SALES MANAGER

"Don’t wait. The time will never be just right."

Q: What is your favourite gadget?

My old-fashioned planner is still No. 1.

Q: Which song do you most often play on your iPod? Mi2 - Brez obžalovanj.

DLY SUP P OU

T OR

WE P R

Q: Which part of the day and of the week is your favourite?

Mornings are wonderful, but Friday afternoon gives me a feeling of freedom (when I do not work on Saturday or Sunday).

Bou

TIN

IE

N

M

EE

CE

NTA C ONVtE ique G EXPER

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Q: What is your favourite mode of transport?

Bicycle & electrical car.

Q: If you could return to the past or hurry to the future, how old would you like to be?

Why? Student life was great, but being a mum these days is even better.

Q: If you could witness any event in history which one would you choose?

Kate and William’s Royal Wedding after party.

Q: What was the best party you have attended?

My daughter’s birthday party.

Q: The last film, book, concert?

Montessori inspired activities, Jo Ebisujima.

Q: What fantasy character would you be?

Pippi Longstocking.

Q: What did you learn last week?

Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.

Who is Who

MAJA VIDERGAR, MARKETING PROJECTS MANAGER Who is Who at CD Congress Centre Ljubljana Q: What are you most proud of in your business and private lives?

My family.

Q: Life wisdom/motto?

Be enthusiastic and passionate.

Q: If you could return to the past or hurry to the future, how old would you like to be?

25.

Q: Where have you spent this years's holiday?

Luckily on Sardinia.

Q: Why? The life was very easy then.

Q: What is your favourite vacation?

A combination of sports and exploring something new.

Q: If you could witness any event in history which one would you choose?

Attending one of the great Louis XIV’s parties.

Q: Where would you go if there were no time and financial constraints?

Hiking the Slovenian Mountain Trail or Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage route. By foot anyway.

Q: What was the best party you have attended?

Last New Year’s party.

Q: What is your favourite indoor/outdoor activity?

Indoor would probably be reading and outdoor skiing.

MAJA VIDERGAR MARKETING PROJECTS MANAGER

"Always enthusiastic and passionate."

Q: What is your favourite dish and restaurant (anywhere in the world)?

At this moment Kaiserschmarren, as for restaurant I like Gostilna na gradu - a cosy restaurant at Ljubljana Castle.

Q: What is your favourite gadget? iPad. Q: Which song do you play most often on your iPod? Hozier - Take Me to Church.

DLY SUP P OU

T OR

WE P R

Q: Which part of the day and of the week is your favourite?

Morning and Friday.

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M

Bou

TIN

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NTA C ONVtE ique EE

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Q: What is your favourite mode of transport?

Bicycle.

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Q: The last film, book, concert?

Film: The Serbian Lawyer, directed by Aleksandar Nikolić. Book: Frédéric Beigbeder: 99 Francs. Concert: Kimmo Pohjonen / Samuli Kosminen & Proton String Quartet Q: What fantasy character would you be?

007.

Q: What did you learn last week?

That there are many beautiful places around Europe, but Slovenia definitely wins!

Off The Beaten Track

HOTEL AND MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT GOLTE, SAVINJA VALLEY, SLOVENIA

UP THERE AT 1,410M Another Slovenian hidden gem in the heart of the Savinja Valley regional park, ideal for corporate or incentive events, which can be organised all year round. In winter the diverse landscape offers 12km of ski slopes, which turn into hiking and mountain-biking trails in the summer. A rich offer is rounded off by excellent incentive options in the Savinjska and Ĺ aleĹĄka valley, accompanied by an interesting local culinary tradition, which goes hand in hand with all the incentive programmes. Hotel Golte, located by the top cable car station, can be reached by an 8-minute cable car ride, which brings you right to the reception at an altitude of 1,430m.

STAY The logistic plan revolves around the cable car and its direct connection to the reception. A red carpet leads you to the check-in desk, where you are greeted by warm colours and cosy wooden elements. The hotel has an excellent holidays 86

Off The Beaten Track

TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Biking: Mountain-biking in the Golte landscape park with a stop by the Visočnik tourist farm and a visit to the Timber rafting museum in Ljubno.

2. Try your team qualities by rafting on the Savinja river followed by the fly-fishing lesson and competition!

3. Fun on the snow: from a ski competition to funny Olympic games or the more adventurous ice-climbing.

concept, which combines skiing and other activities that suit active guests. With 52 rooms and two suites the hotel is ideal for small groups and boutique events.

MEET IN STYLE The modern congress hall can accommodate up to 100 guests and can be organised into a theatre, banquet, classroom or U-style and can be split into 2 smaller units. Out of the winter season the self-service restaurant can be also used for larger events.

FOOD & FUN The hotel’s culinary team will take great care of your guests in the hotel restaurant or in special venues in natural surroundings. Warmer days offer a chance to have breakfast by a lake on the top of the ski slope. If you are feeling more adventurous, there will be SUPs waiting at the lake. There is a road and a cable car for descending to to the valley, but a much more fun way is

going down on foot or by bike, passing beautiful pastures or riding a bike through the forest.

A stop at one of the farms, where you can try homemade cheese and the local speciality of “Savinjski želodec”, definitely won’t leave you feeling hungry. To top the evening off we recommend an escape to the Ledenica hotel bar, which is an excellent space for late night socialising with a stage for a DJ or a band. You can have fun late into the night… Relaxation in the hotel’s spa will be waiting for you the following morning!

LOCALISM The nearby Mozirje cottage is a traditional Slovenian mountain hut where you will be greeted with a shot of blueberry liquor and the sounds of the accordion. You will knead bread dough, bake it in the farmhouse furnace and serve it for breakfast the next morning.

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GET THERE It takes about an hour to get from Ljubljana to Mozirje and then a further 15 minutes to get to the gondola. You can also use the road to get to the hotel, which sits at an altitude of 1,430m.

There is free parking at the base station, as well as at the hotel.

Directory HOTEL GOLTE Radegunda 19 c 3330 Mozirje T: +386 3 839 11 00 E: info@golte.si www.golte.si

Advertorial

GO WITH THE FLOW: EVENING LIFE ON THE LJUBLJANICA RIVER

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jubljana is often mentioned as a ‘boutique’ city, and just as ‘small’ or ‘boutique’ is the Ljubljanica River that winds its way through it with the romantic boats gently drifting along on its flow.

It was about twenty years ago that the social life in Ljubljana started to gravitate to the restaurant gardens and embankment of the Ljubljanica River, and today this journey has even extended as far as to the river itself. The renewed embankment and mini ports are today just calling out for more activities on the water.

Late summer afternoons now attract kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who peacefully sail along with the tourist boats that take you through the city centre and continue on to the sparse and mystic Ljubljana moors.

The ideas on how to take advantage of the river are plenty and on this occasion we opted for a culinary adventure, boarding the Ljubljanica boat that steered us along the water as our taste buds were pampered by the Kaval Group’s chef extraordinaire Igor Jagodic, head chef at the

Strelec Restaurant located in Ljubljana Caste.

During the two-hour river voyage, Igor prepared a 5-course menu with selected dishes and Slovenian wines right in front of the guests. This one-of-a-kind experience, with views of all the main Ljubljana sights from a new perspective, can be enjoyed in all seasons. The culinary adventure on the river will be interesting for those who are already familiar with Ljubljana as well as for those who come to Ljubljana as business guests or conference attendees.

This is just one of the many brilliant ideas that the Kaval group are offering. Each of their eighteen locations in Ljubljana and its surroundings has a character all of its own. Ms. Dada Jerovšek, the owner of the group, lends the personal touch to each of their restaurants with a great care for guests and for their comfort. Full of life and energy, Dada is a person who never says no and which is why she accepted the invitation to join the World Ice Cream Index competition, taking first prize from among 25 cities. Lolita, the pastry shop in the very centre of Ljubljana,

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is the place where you will not only get the best ice cream in the city, but after such an award is the place where you will also get the best ice cream in the world!

TOP 5 FROM KAVAL GROUP – DON’T MISS WHEN IN LJUBLJANA • Strelec Restaurant at Ljubljana Castle with chef Igor Jagodic • Lolita’s homemade ice-cream, made from natural Slovene ingredients and with no chemical preservatives • Kaval catering – if organising a congress in Ljubljana •F ine dining on a boat at Ljubljanica river • Feel green – visit the Evergreen restaurant before or after a golf tournament More information: www.kaval-group.si tina.kirn@kaval-group.si

Conventa Experience

CONVENTA IS COMING YOUR WAY TO SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR MEETING MINDBLOWING!

M

iha Kovačič from Slovenian Convention Bureau, Gorazd Čad from Kongres Magazine and Bo Krüger, one of Europe’s leading meeting designers and the co-creator of the Danish Meetovation concept, are coming to your town.

Take the afternoon to meet with Conventa organizers. Find out how you can benefit from Conventa 2016, learn how to make your meeting mind-blowing, exchange ideas, network and enjoy the pleasant company of your colleagues.

Have the first taste of the Conventa Experience.

See you on the 25th in Belgrade, 26th in Zagreb and 27th in Ljubljana!

Registration and more information is available at www.conventa-experience.club/blog

The presentation will be topped by a workshop introducing a unique Danish Meetovation meeting design concept that makes conferences and meetings more efficient and responsible. It engages participants actively and offers a new creative approach to far more flexible usage of meeting and conference facilities.

Intended for all in charge of organizing events in their company or association: internal training, international business meetings, conferences, congresses, teambuilding, motivational meetings.

You’ll get new ideas on how to impress your participants or employees with innovative formats of events and increase the ROI of your events. Attendance is free of charge.

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Hidden Congress Guest

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL LOVEC BLED ★★★★ PREMIUM CONGRESS ROOM WITH A VIEW Photo credit BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL LOVEC BLED

OPENED SINCE Renovated in 2005 STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities MEETINGS STAR Boutique meeting hotel NUMBER OF ROOMS 52 rooms, 8 apartments INTERNET PRICE 90 EUR (BB Trivago, November 2015) ADDRESS BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Lovec, Ljubljanska cesta 6, 4260 Bled, Slovenia T: +386 4 620 41 00 E: reservations@kompas-lovec.com www.kompas-lovec.com FACILITIES An oasis of wellness with swimming pool and saunas, Biotherapy, A la carte restaurant Grill, Pub Lovec, Bicycle Rental, Conference centre SPECIALS Congress Hall Panorama with an exceptional view of the icon of Slovenian Tourism - Bled

RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location 4.80 Accessibility 4.02 Overall impression at arrival 4.25 Quality – entrance hall lobby 4.15 Employee behaviour 4.76 Reception 4.28 Hotel room 4.34 Hotel bed 4.69 Bathroom and restroom 4.14 Hotel breakfast 4.45 Bars and restaurants 4.76 Congress hall 4.90 Additional offer 4.32 Total: 4.45 FINAL GRADE Premium boutique meeting hotel Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

4.45 ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

LOCATION Bled is a Slovenian tourist icon and the most developed tourist destination in Slovenia. The Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec is located in the centre of Bled, just a few steps away from the shores of Lake Bled and the central park. It offers breath-taking views of the lake, the surrounding Julian Alps and Karavanke.

The hotel was completely renovated in 2005 and in the process became a modern and attractive four-star hotel, while keeping its character of a charming hotel with a long tradition and history.

ACCESSIBILITY Bled is situated in the north-western part of Slovenia, at the foothills of the Julian Alps and easily accessible by road and rail, the train station being 4km away from the centre. From the state border with Austria (Wurzenpaß – Korensko sedlo) or Italy (Fusine Laghi – Rateče) to Bled is 47km. Coming from Ljubljana you can make the 50km by highway, which is the easiest access, or by taking the road past Medvode, Kranj, Naklo and Radovljica. The nearest international airport is Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik is just 36km away.

A direct bus and private transportation between the airport and Bled is organised throughout the year.

COLD APPETISER - Architecture and Aesthetics The hotel carries on the tradition of a former inn that stood on the site more than a hundred year ago. The architecture of the hotel is so traditional that it blends seamlessly into the city fabric. The views from each room are particularly impressive and the rooms are airy and full of natural light. The hotel interior is dominated by natural materials, which gives it a touch of warmth and homeliness and the traditional touches, such as the special bed linen, can make you feel really good.

WARM APPETISER - Staff and Food Hospitality is taken very seriously and interestingly at this hotel, so much so that we could say that the soul of the hotel is in the hotel staff, which is always ready to help. Our impression was that the staff strive to establish an individual approach and the flexibility, friendliness and professionalism of all those involved in the organisation of events is to be praised. Aside from the exquisite restaurant, which serves contemporary cuisine and fine Slovenian wines, the hotel also offers a pastry shop with a summer garden terrace and a pleasant shade of centennial chestnuts, as well as a house pub.

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MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer The hotel has 52 exclusive rooms and 8 suites. Whilst the rooms are not amongst the largest in their category, they are in good shape and well maintained with a solid attention to detail, offering adequate comfort for a pleasant stay, with the rooms overlooking the lake and the castle particularly recommended.

The Panorama conference hall, located on the top floor of Hotel Lovec, boasts the best views of the lake and the island. Daylight, natural materials and wood flooring create a stimulating environment for successful business meetings and seminars. The hall can accommodate up to 140 people in theatre style, and on request may be divided into separate rooms.

Additional conference facilities are available in the neighbouring sister hotel Kompas, managed by the same company.

DESSERT - Additional offer Receptions and banquets for groups with a view in the Panorama hall. The hall can accommodate up to 100 people.

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FLOP – negative surprises Perhaps the only real downside is the expensive parking, which can be somewhat expected for a hotel in the city centre.

+

TOP – positive surprises The Pub Lovec, which continues the tradition of the inn that once stood at this location. The wide range of local beers, wines and schnapps is impressive and this is also a room where you will learn about craft beer brewed in Slovenia.

Overall impression and credibility A cursory inspection of the renovated Kompas Hotel gives very positive feelings. The hotel fits nicely into Bled and more similar hotels operating in a very intimate and boutique way would be very welcome. So, the hotel stands out from Bled’s hotel “brothers” and the owners have really hit the right note with this one. The blend of small and boutique hotel is something that has been well grasped by meetings organisers.

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.

CATEGORY ★★★★

4.45

Hidden Congress Guest

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ZAGREB ★★★★ LUXURY PEACE AND ENERGY

4.61

Photo credit DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ZAGREB

CATEGORY ★★★★ plus OPENED SINCE 2012 STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities MEETINGS STAR City meeting hotel NUMBER OF ROOMS 152 rooms INTERNET PRICE 104 EUR (BB Trivago, November 2015) ADDRESS DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zagreb Ulica Grada Vukovara 269a, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia T: +385-1-6001900 E: zagreb.info@hilton.com FACILITIES Oxbo Urban Bar & Grill, Business Centre with complimentary printing service, Office rental, Fitness centre SPECIALS OXBO Urban Bar & Grill with probably the best steaks in Zagreb

RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location 4.65 Accessibility 4.45 First impression 4.58 Lobby 4.62 Employee attitude 4.89 Reception 4.76 Hotel room 4.56 Hotel bed 4.57 Bathroom and restroom 4.82 Hotel breakfast 4.12 Bars and restaurants 4.91 Congress hall 4.51 Additional offer 4.45 Total: 4.61 FINAL GRADE Luxury city meeting hotel Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

4.61 ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

LOCATION Double Tree by Hilton Zagreb is located within the Green Gold centre, which is the heart of new business centre of Zagreb and located just two kilometres from the city centre. The hotel immediately became a bedrock within Zagreb’s hotel scene and whilst one can of course expect the chains’ trademark – the chocolate cake that greets guests upon their arrival – it is the location that is the real added value. Radičeva street is a new urban heart of the city that radiates a particularly positive and creative energy that is very appropriate for the organisation of events.

ACCESSIBILITY Zagreb is one of the most important traffic junctions of Europe between east and west and the Hotel is located 2 kilometres from the city centre, to which it is well connected. Zagreb Airport is located just 20 minutes away and the road and rail accessibility is simple and good.

Within the hotel and Green Gold centre is a large parking garage, which is adequate for most needs.

The hotel is focused on business guests and from this perspective it is really well situated. Public transport is freely available, with tram and bus stops outside the hotel door, and Zagreb is also the first regional metropolis in which Uber operates.

COLD APPETISER - Architecture and Aesthetics The hotel design is very urban and combines modernity and warmth. Together with the Green Gold Centre it forms a new urban complex that fuses business to the commercial part of the hotel and the restaurants. Whilst architecturally the exterior appearance couldn’t be described as spectacular it fits nicely within the new business centre and the hotel and its design was built in accordance with the sustainable principle of the chain, which includes co-generation of energy, smart control systems and the use of materials that are certified as environmentally acceptable.

The inclusion of local elements, such as Glagolitic alphabet on the wall next to the reception, are pleasant and praiseworthy features.

WARM APPETISER - Staff and Food Simply put, the staff receive a full round of applause!

The OXBO Restaurant incredibly quickly became very popular among Zagreb people. Chef Tomislav Nikšić builds its dishes offer from the grill and using top quality meat. Among other things, you will be able to taste the best black angus beef in the region. On the wine list Croatian wines dominate, ten of them served 93

Final Score

in decilitre glasses. In addition to the lavish range of cocktails, they also have a rich selection of beer, or you can enjoy tasting “With Rakia through Croatia”.

MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer The specialty of the rooms is the floor to ceiling windows that allow interesting views of the city. All the necessary equipment can be found in the rooms, including Crabtree & Evelyn Citron hotel cosmetics.

The design is modern, but with the use of pleasant colours it is kept warm and comfortable. The hotel operators are keen to point out the use of recycled materials and the maintenance of the rooms with eco cleaning products.

The hotel has 6 multifunctional rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 250 guests. All rooms have daylight and are technically very well equipped.

The offer is further complemented by the nearby Convention Centre in Gold centre.

DESSERT - Additional offer One of the largest hotel fitness centres in Zagreb (985m2), which is equipped with a 12-metre swimming pool, panoramic sauna and Turkish bath, can be found on the 10th floor.

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FLOP – negative surprises Quite expensive parking prices, but it’s probably hard to find cheaper spaces in the city centre.

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TOP – positive surprises Very professional and friendly staff.

Overall impression and credibility Genuine hotel services, staff that really make you feel welcome and at home, modern design with a dose of luxury and a relaxed, informal and cosmopolitan atmosphere are characteristics of Zagreb’s latest hotel acquisition. OXBO restaurant gives even more special character, as a result of which we can say that this hotel has a ‘concept’ and a ‘signature’. Unsurprisingly, it has been rewarded for the second successive year with the TripAdvisor certificate of quality, which we can also happily confirm without a single reservation.

Hidden Congress Guest

HOTEL ROYAL PRINCESS ★★★★★ LUXURY VIEWS OF THE ADRIATIC

4.58

Photo credit HOTEL ROYAL PRINCESS

OPENED SINCE 2012 MEETINGS STAR Resort Meeting Hotel STANDARD Hotel with Conference Facilities NUMBER OF ROOMS 54 apartments Presidential Suite (200m2) PRICE INTERNET 100 - 111 EUR (Trivago, November 2015) ADDRESS IMPORTANNE RESORT Kardinala Stepinca 31 20000 Dubrovnik - Croatia T: +385 20 440-100 E: sales@importanneresort.com www.importanneresort.com FACILITIES - Blue Flag Beach - On the Rocks cocktail bar - Aperitif bar - Congress Centre - Wellness area over 550m2 - Virtual Golf Simulator EXTRAS Open air venues for receptions RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location Accessibility Overall impression at arrival Quality – entrance hall lobby Employee behaviour Reception Hotel room Hotel bed Bathroom and restroom Hotel breakfast Bars and restaurants Congress hall Additional offer Total: FINAL GRADE Luxury resort meeting hotel Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

4.45 3.99 4.56 4.48 4.82 4.74 4.69 4.66 4.58 4.65 4.71 4.87 4.29 4.58

4.58 ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

ACCESSIBILITY The Old town of Dubrovnik is just 15 minutes away and the hotel is well connected to the city by public transport. Most guests arrive by car and there is a large car park in front of the hotel. Čilipi airport is 22km away and in the spring and autumn high congress season there is no problem with accessibility.

The accessibility in the off-season is also gradually improving, as Dubrovnik is becoming an established flight destination.

Around the town there is also a really impressive network of trails for walking and cycling, which are well maintained and surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation.

COLD APPETIZER - Architecture and Aesthetics The architectural design of the hotel was conceived and developed by architect Stipe Pašalić. It is defined by the terrain and location of the existing Importanne Resort hotel complex. The architects managed to fit this new hotel into this terrain and with its pavilion design it appears airy and is unobtrusive in the space.

Almost every room faces the sea, with utility rooms at less attractive points. The interior is full of glass surfaces, which give guests the feeling of airiness and spaciousness.

WARM APPETIZER - Personnel and cuisine The first contact with reception desk is extremely friendly and positive, an impression that extends throughout the stay, which is normal for a hotel of this category. The excellent staff is the key element that distinguishes this hotel from some of its Dubrovnik competitors. The hotel breakfast is rich and centred on fresh Mediterranean ingredients. On the lowest floor is ‘La Castille’ luxury restaurant, serving exquisite international cuisine with an excellent wine list and with a terrace for receptions for congress guests.

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MAIN DISH - The hotel’s congress services The hotel rooms are luxurious apartments and each includes a spacious, luxurious bathroom, a large balcony and a living room with a kitchenette. The interior is classically decorated and many of its details improve the wellbeing of guests. Selected materials are of high quality and provide a sense of prestige. The hotel has in a very short time became known for its congress tourism. The congress centre offers seven smaller meeting rooms from 35 to 50 participants and a large hall that can accommodate more than 500 participants. The hall is over 850m2 in size and fitted with all the latest equipment.

DESSERT - Extras The rich offer is rounded off with a wellness centre with outdoor and indoor swimming pool and a large fitness zone.

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FLOP – negative surprises Prices in Dubrovnik are occasionally very high and above the regional average. Choosing the right date is therefore particularly important.

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TOP – positive surprises Restaurant La Castille with its superb cuisine.

Overall impression and credibility Everything in the hotel is geared to the comfort of its congress guests. Each apartment and room seems to be tailor-made, which further enhances the feeling of luxury. Due to the large glass surfaces, it seems that the hotel blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. The hotel operates throughout the year, which is a great advantage.

Importanne resort is not just a new superior hotel, but also a synonym for superior service standards, which has almost no competition in its class. The hotel would be the perfect choice for the most demanding congress guest and it would certainly not leave congress guests feeling cold.

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.

LOCATION Babin Kuk is the hotelier heart of Dubrovnik and somehow, three years ago and right in the shadow of the major hotel chains, probably the most luxurious hotel on the peninsula opened, which is owned by company Importanne. The hotel has had from the first swoosh of the doors a faithful clientele and is very well regarded on web portals. Among other things, guests appreciate the location directly on the coast with breath-taking sea views from almost every room.

The rich Mediterranean garden with walking paths and viewpoints is a simply stunning feature.

CATEGORY ★★★★★

Final Score

Hidden Congress Guest

HOTEL VITA - TERME DOBRNA ★★★ BUSINESS 600 YEARS OF TRADITION

3.94

Photo credit HOTEL VITA - TERME DOBRNA

LOCATION Unspoiled nature, rich cultural heritage and preserved countryside attract tourists to the northern part of Celje between the slopes of Paški Kozjak and Pohorje. Terme Dobrna is the oldest Slovenian health resort with over 600 years of tradition. The first spa story was created in 1624, since when the spa began to bloom. Today, the spa includes several hotels and buildings related to the health resort of which the most prestigious and newest is Hotel Vita. The hotel is situated at the immediate entrance to the spa complex.

It is the youngest hotel where the entire offer has come together under one roof, including the congress centre.

CATEGORY ★★★★ OPENED SINCE 1979 Renovated 2002 - 2004 STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities NUMBER OF ROOMS 172 rooms PRICE INTERNET 58 - 81 EUR (BB Trivago) ADDRESS TERME DOBRNA Dobrna 50 3204 Dobrna, Slovenia T: (03) 78 08 110 E: info@terme-dobrna.si www.terme-dobrna.si FACILITIES - Thermal pools - Sauna Land - Massage and beauty centre Hiša na travniku - Café - Wine Cellar - A wide range of teambuilding programmes SPECIALS Wine cellar under Vila Higiea

RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location Accessibility First impression Lobby Employee attitude Reception Hotel room Hotel bed Bathroom and restroom Hotel breakfast Bars and restaurants Congress hall Additional offer Total:

3.92 3.21 3.89 4.03 4.75 4.69 3.82 3.79 3.82 3.78 3.98 3.97 4.02 3.94

FINAL GRADE Business hotel with conference facilities

3.94

Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

ACCESSIBILITY The hotel is halfway between Celje and Velenje and only 14km away from the main motorway connection.

Dobrna is located approximately halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor, which is 69km away. The nearest airport is 60km away in Maribor, Ljubljana airport is 85km away and the airport in Graz 120km.

The hotel is also accessible by regular bus connections from Celje. Guests can enjoy an extensive car park, which is sufficient for most needs, even during major events.

COLD APPETISER - Architecture and Aesthetics The health resort has been through various development stages in which some striking buildings have been created. Hotel Vita, which also includes a health centre, was built in 1979 in a modernist style and today represents the largest hotel complex in Dobrna. An extensive renovation of the hotel was carried out between 2002 and 2004, and today the exterior of the hotel stands out with its modernist façade, but at the same time is balanced against the outstanding resort park and its position in the surrounding greenery.

The interior is classical, which is functionally well designed but some touches of modernity or the contemporary wouldn’t go amiss.

WARM APPETISER - Staff and Food The friendly hotel staff is a welcome boon and they are always ready to help guests. Given the size of the hotel, the most complaints are aimed at the average breakfast on offer: the choice of food is mediocre and more adapted to spa and pension guests. Also, due to the high occupancy, the space doesn’t allow for the normal fare and intimacy. Unfortunately, the lunch or the dinner doesn’t do much better than the breakfast.

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Final Score

excellent selection of house desserts. The hotel cuisine is much better when it comes to special events, where the hotel kitchen knows how to make an effort and indeed at times even amaze. The high level of cleanliness and maintenance is praiseworthy.

MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer By today’s standards the hotel rooms are outdated and desperately in need of renovation. Hotel hallways and shared spaces are full of various sales promotions and outdated.

There are 8 rooms available for congress events of different sizes: Conference hall Vivat, Seminar room Viva, Spa hall, Blue Salon at the Zdraviliški Dom Spa, Glass hall at the Zdraviliški Dom Spa, Holistic centre and the a la carte restaurant in Vita hotel.

Further, there are two modern halls in the Cultural Centre Dobrna. The quality of the congress facilities is satisfactory.

DESSERT - Additional offer With its wooden benches and tables with a large old wine press and roughly plastered walls the wine cellar under Vila Higiea has a welcoming atmosphere. This is an environment where you can sing, dance or eat something good. In addition to a selection of native species of Slovenian wines they also offer a wide variety of dishes and snacks.

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FLOP – negative surprises Noisy air conditioning and outdated equipment in the rooms.

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TOP – positive surprises The friendly and hearty staff.

Overall impression and credibility The hotel is not bad, but with the arrival of new hotels on the scene meeting organisers are spoiled and now expect a lot more from a hotel. The hotel is reasonably designed, but it is time for a well-needed renovation. In terms of event organisation, the most disturbing aspect is the mixing of spa and conference guests, which is not the best idea. Following the visit, we can’t help feeling that a 3-star classification might be better, in terms of the service being offered.

Hidden Congress Guest

VILA MENEGHETTI ★★★★★ LUXURY

NOTHING GREAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT PASSION Photo credit VILA MENEGHETTI

STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities MEETINGS STAR Boutique meeting hotel NUMBER OF ROOMS 4 luxury suites and rooms INTERNET PRICE Price upon request ADDRESS VILA MENEGHETTI Stancija Meneghetti 1 52211, Bale, Croatia P: +385 91 243 1600 E: villa@meneghetti.info www.meneghetti.info FACILITIES Wine Hotel, Restaurant, Outdoor and indoor swimming pool, Breakfasting, Paradise garden for events SPECIALS There are 1,500 olive trees and 30,000 vines planted on the estate, from which they make olive oil and wine for themselves as well as to sell on the market. The »Izbor« oil was in 2007 declared as the best oil in the world.

FINAL GRADE Luxury boutique meeting hotel Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

5.00 4.15 4.95 4.92 4.99 4.96 4.68 4.72 4.89 5.00 5.00 4.90 4.90 4.85

4.85 ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

ACCESSIBILITY After a few kilometres of offbeat, dusty roads you will find yourself in the middle of this paradise, whose realisation was overseen by the co-owners and masterminds of the project, Miroslav Plišo and Romana Kajfež. Miroslav is a partner in the famous Zagreb attorney office Marković and Plišo, whilst Romana is a biologist with her own medicine testing company and also the daughter of the man behind the creation of apavrine, Dr. Franjo Kajfež. To access the estate you have to make a little effort, but the reward is incalculable. Larger cities in Istria, like Rovinj and Pula, are not too far away.

COLD APPETISER - Architecture and Aesthetics With some help from Riccardo Paliago, a famous architect from Rovinj, the new owners have managed to renovate the house and the garden and have been able to successfully merge the new with the old. The Villa has become something of a role model for investors who want to renovate a historical building whilst retaining its authenticity and making it adapt to a modern way of living. The entire building is hewn from white Istrian rock and looks almost the same as in the 19th century. The only addition was an outdoor deck and some of the building had to be renewed to make space for an indoor pool. A garden abundant with the aromatic Mediterranean herbs – one that also serves as the main restaurant area during the summer days – is rounded off with a covered terrace.

WARM APPETISER - Staff and Food A stay at the estate means being treated with special care right from arrival. This care includes absolutely top-notch cuisine, the artwork of the culinary dream team of Danijela Pfifar and Bojan Vuković, who also previously cooked in the famous Valsabbion restaurant. The voyage of flavours begins with a degustation of two kinds of olive oil that awakens the appetite.

The following menu is short but rich, and invites the 96

guest to a sea or meat exploration of local delicacies.

The simple, fresh ingredients are treated with creative touches in every dish For morning fare, breakfast is referred to as “breakfasting” and understandably so – you could actually linger over breakfast for the whole morning. Even if they are only preparing breakfast for four guests, every guest is greeted with freshly baked bread, fresh fruit and homemade pastries.

MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer There are four luxuriously furnished bedrooms and bathrooms, a large living room with an open fireplace, a countryside style kitchen, a modern kitchen for the chef, a wine cellar, a pool, a sauna and fitness area. The 400m2 Villa is full of vintage furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as many smaller, authentic details, such as the vintage clocks on the fireplace or the garden table made from old doors of the house.

Boutique meeting groups will love the garden full of fresh Mediterranean herbs. The level of quality it guaranteed by its Relais and Chateaux chain recognition.

DESSERT - Additional offer Unforgettable culinary delights of Michelin star quality, the wine tasting room in the winery and any other seasonal culinary surprises.

+

FLOP – negative surprises No comments.

TOP – positive surprises House champagne and complete wine production of the Meneghetti Estate.

Overall impression and credibility A truly special 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. The space is perfect and is just calling out for small business gatherings or social events. The current plans for expansion are ambitious and as they include more capacity for business meetings make this calling even stronger. The property will certainly gain a lot from that, but at the same time may lose a little of the current charm of complete privacy and exclusiveness. In the meantime, get your skates on to feel some of the authentic Istria.

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.

OPENED SINCE 2001

RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location Accessibility Overall impression at arrival Quality – entrance hall lobby Employee behaviour Reception Hotel room Hotel bed Bathroom and restroom Hotel breakfast Bars and restaurants Congress hall Additional offer Total:

Final Score

LOCATION Today the estate spreads across 12 hectares of land planted with olive groves and a vineyard and enclosed by a stone wall. The 100-year-old Villa, which is set just two kilometres from the sea, took its Meneghetti name from the first owner, who moved to Bale from Udine.

When the Austrians came to Istria in the middle of the 19th century, there was a fortress with 600 soldiers to protect Italy near Villa Meneghetti. However, in the 90s the estate started to decay, until in 2001 it was bought by the Croatian attorney behind its renovation.

CATEGORY ★★★★★

4.85

Hidden Congress Guest

DANUBIUS HEALTH SPA RESORT Hévíz ★★★★ PREMIUM NICE AND LAIDBACK

4.12

Photo credit DANUBIUS HEALTH SPA RESORT

CATEGORY ★★★★ Superior OPENED SINCE 1971 STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities MEETINGS STAR Resort Meeting hotel NUMBER OF ROOMS 203 rooms, 7 suites INTERNET PRICE 120 EUR (BB Trivago, November 2015) ADDRESS DANUBIUS HEALTH SPA RESORT Kossuth Lajos utca 9-11., 8380 Hévíz, P: +36-83-889-400 E: heviz.reservation@danubiushotels.com www.danubiushotels. com/our-hotels-heviz/ danubius-health-spa-resort-heviz FACILITIES - Therapy and Wellness Centre - Indoor thermal bath with 2 pools - Nationally certified thermal water and unique Hévíz mud.

- Retro bar SPECIALS Spa Waterworld, which is an interesting extra offer RESULTS OF ANALYSIS Location Accessibility First impression Lobby Employee attitude Reception Hotel room Hotel bed Bathroom and restroom Hotel breakfast Bars and restaurants Congress hall Additional offer Total:

4.52 3.32 3.98 4.32 4.16 4.32 4.05 4.12 4.01 4.08 4.02 4.01 4.59 4.12

FINAL GRADE Premium resort meeting hotel

4.12

Luxury Premium Business Economy Budget

★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★

LOCATION The city of Héviz has a tradition of tourism, with today more than 10 hotels and more small pensions and Chards. Héviz is the capital of Hungarian spas and thermal baths, as in addition to the hotel complexes and thermal water-filled swimming pools it also has a thermal lake. The thermal lake in Héviz is the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in the world. The 4.44ha lake is surrounded by a 60.5ha nature conservation area and it is created by a heat source from a 38m deep crater.

Hotel Danubius qualifies as a central hotel in the city and is located on a small hill above the city centre.

ACCESSIBILITY The hotel is situated in a quiet hillside location from which both the city centre and thermal lake is about a five-minute walk away. Héviz is about seven kilometres away from Lake Balaton and easily accessible by road from Budapest. Budapest is a major aviation hub for getting to Héviz, despite the fact that near Héviz is a local airport which operates seasonally and is mainly based on charter flights. In front of the hotel is a large outdoor car park, which is more than adequate for the hotel.

COLD APPETISER - Architecture and Aesthetics The large hotel building was built in a socialist modernism style, which despite its monolithic size just doesn’t win you over. The entrance has been fully modernized and with its beautifully landscaped park in front of the hotel is quite impressive. The overall surroundings and the hotel are well maintained.

The interior is decorated in a classic style and the well-preserved wall elements and ceiling coverings, which despite its retro appearance represent an interesting interior architecture, make quite an impression. The striking chandeliers in the entrance hall that define the space also catch the eye.

WARM APPETISER - Staff and Food You can certainly feel the casual spa atmosphere here and the staff is mostly friendly and professional, with the team at pension lunches and breakfast a special highlight. Breakfast is classic with no special surprises and the setting of restaurant is very much ‘retro’, the experience of the pension lunch and dinner with delicious cuisine a much better one. However, the repetition of dishes bothered us and the offer is tailored mostly to the predominance of older guests. The bar offer is average and given the profile of guests closes just a bit too early for conference guests who might be looking for some more fun.

97

Final Score

MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer The rooms are very well maintained, clean and decorated in a classic style. At first glance they can seem a bit old fashioned and reminiscent of other times, so there is room for improvement. This first impression, however, can be outweighed by the magnificent views of the thermal lake that can be had from the upper floors.

There are 6 rooms to choose from for your congress.

The biggest, “Shakespeare”, can accommodate up to 210 persons. A very interesting and alternative place to organise your events is in the Retro bar.

DESSERT - Additional offer The big pool and treatment area is extremely good.

+

FLOP – negative surprises Slow elevators.

TOP – positive surprises Good quality for good money.

Overall impression and credibility Spa tourism is booming and its Hungarian engine is in Héviz. During the times of the ‘Iron Curtain’, Héviz was a very popular holiday destination for Germans, as this was one of the rare places where East and West Germans could meet. Today the Berlin Wall is gone, but the Germans are still coming to Héviz, where they now mingle with Poles, Slovaks, Dutch, Italians and Russians.

In our opinion the city is suitable for organising events. If you like more traditional hotels and peaceful destinations, you will love this place.

You don’t have to worry about excellent service and flexible staff, as it is standard here. If you are looking for a combination with wellness, this is one of the best options in Hungary.

Advertorial

2 NIGHT INCENTIVE / 48 INCENTIVE HOURS IN GORIŠKA BRDA

OVERVIEW: Goriška Brda is full of passion, energy and primal vigour. The region will open your heart and soul like an exquisite tango. If getting in touch with nature is your goal, look no further than the intoxicating Goriška Brda.

There the inhabitants of the region, who are full of spontaneity, intuition and positive energy, will make sure that you find what you are seeking for.

1. MOMENTS OF ZEN: Sparkling night in the Sparkling Wines House Bjana 2. QUALITY TIME: Learn how to produce 100% natural cosmetics at Nona Luisa House 3. MUST SEE: The medieval centre of the Šmartno village renovated with love 4. MUST DO: Wine tasting in the heart of the most prestigious Slovenian wine region 5. OUR PICK: Trekking with donkeys

ITINERARY DAY 1: HEDONISM 09:00 Arrival at Venice airport and transfer to Goriška Brda 09:30 Eko Driving Experience Hybrid vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to set off on an eco-rally from the Venice airport to Goriška Brda. This diverse drive even includes a skills test at the Devine castle, which offers a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Trieste.

11:00 Chefs Challenge at the Vipolže Villa Experience Goriška Brda through a pristine culinary journey. The teams will be divided in four groups, which will prepare different local dishes. The Master Chef will evaluate their cooking skills and select the winning team.

13:30 Lunch at Villa Vipolže 15:00 Transfer to the San Martin Hotel in the

DAY 2: NATURAL BEAUTY AND PEACE 08.00 Breakfast at San Martin hotel 09:00 Time-travel electric bike adventure A historic group adventure and an elegant way to overcome the challenging Goriška Brda hills without major effort. Twelve different cycling routes over the endless hills full of vineyards and orchards, where views reach to the Friulia plain, Veneto and all the way to the sea.

On their way, groups will be solving a range of historical puzzles.

12:00 Arriving at a wine paradise: the village of Medana 12:30 Frying Frtalja –culinary workshop Arrival at Medana; participants will test their skills at a culinary workshop at one of the farmhouses named Belica.

15:30 Donkey trekking – a stress-free experience in the village of Cerovo Stop off in the village of Cerovo. Donkey trekking through the vineyards and orchards with a minipicnic in natural surroundings.

18:00 Return to San Martin Hotel (by electric bikes or by bus) 19:00 Gourmet pleasures – business dinner with bubbles A delicious dinner with Bjana sparkling wine and rich culinary pleasures. The most famous sparkling wine producer will take you to the world of bubbles and uncover the secrets of the best sparkling wine production. Dinner at the renowned restaurant La Subida, awarded with one Michelin star, is optional.

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DAY 3: DEPARTURES 09:00 Transfer to the Airport with a short visit to the town of Gorizia

HOURS OF SUNSHINE: 1832

GETTING THERE: Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE) is an easy hop from 90 international destinations. Longhaul destinations include Dubai, Doha etc.

ALTERNATIVES: Trieste airport, Ljubljana airport ACCOMMODATION: Hotel San Martin and House Marica, Šmartno, Goriška Brda EAT AND DRINK: Many wine houses, where you will experience high-quality cuisine. We opted for the farmhouse Belica and for more demanding guests we would suggest to venture across the border to La Subida.

GATEWAYS: The Posočje region. In less than 30 minutes you arrive at the epicentre of Slovenian adrenaline fairy tales, where your programme can be complemented with rafting, kayaking, and any other activities you can think of.

CONTACT US: Blue Ljubljana Office, Štihova ulica 4, SI1000 Ljubljana, T: +386 (0)1 430 51 03, F: +386 (0)1 430 51 04, E: info@blue-red.si, W: www.meet-blue.com

THROUGH HEDONISM TO PEACE

village of Šmartno, where the participants are accommodated.

16:00 Treasure hunt in the ancient village of Šmartno Find the treasure hidden in the small medieval village that leads the participants to the next team challenge.

17:00 100% naturally – Nona Luisa in Šmartno Participants learn how to produce natural cosmetics and are informed about how harmful certain chemicals prevailing in cosmetic preparations actually are. Let your imagination run free and learn how to be self-sufficient with various aromas and natural dyes.

18:00 Return to San Martin hotel 19:00 Wine adventure A wine route through the best wine cellars of Goriška Brda with blind wine tastings. In each cellar participants solve and evaluate the riddle of the wine samples. The adventure lets you discover the wonderful world of wine and is thematically adapted to business goals. We recommend four stages, which each conclude with food and wine.

23:00 Return to the hotel

Face2Face

LJUBLJANA vs. DUBLIN A current comparison of the closest competitors on the 2014 ICCA scale following the Kongres travelogue methodology – meetologues.

LJUBLJANA Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2015 171,62

Population: 280,607

Sunshine hours: 1,712 per year

ICCA Country and City rankings 2014 74 place 32 meetings Index 2013: 103

DUBLIN Population: 527,612

Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2015 160,52

ICCA Country and City rankings 2014 24 place 83 meetings Index 2013: 72

Sunshine hours: 1.424 per year

✚ Ljubljana is not only picturesque, attractive and friendly to congress guests, but the city has congresses written into its genome. Long before the emergence of the meetings industry as we know it today, in 1821 Ljubljana was already hosting the Congress of the Holy Alliance.

In line with its conference and accommodation infrastructure today, 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 sits in the region of the Western Balkans. Ljubljana is friendly and favourable to the meetings industry whilst at the same time being competitive in terms of price and quality. Among all of the regional capitals it also has a very good image.

✚ Ireland is ranked by Forbes as one of the best countries in the world to do business. The capital city is known for its friendly and hospitable people and has both the state of the art facilities and the expertise to cater for any conference, meeting or event. The ease of access is just one of the advantages. Dublin has one of Europe’s busiest airports with flights arriving from 179 international destinations. The city offers a wide range of accommodation, 20,000 hotel bedrooms across a wide variety of 3*, 4* and 5* properties.

The number of international companies and associations choosing Dublin to stage their annual conference, corporate meeting or incentive is growing year on year. The city offers a perfect mix between historic and modern venues; from Medieval crypts and 17th century theatres, castles, Georgian townhouses, libraries and old military hospitals, to classy an quirky venues like breweries, science museums, a purpose built convention centre, a Gaelic Football stadium, a ‘thinking factory’…

Ljubljana meetings flashpoints: 1. Grand Union Hall - a wonderful example of an Art Noveau conference hall tailored to the needs of modern congress organisers.

2. Ljubljanica River - and its banks offers many possibilities for team building.

3. 2 Convention Centres - Cankarjev dom and Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre.

4. Hotel and Congress centres – all within easy walking distance.

5. Ljubljana Castle – a special historical venue for different types of events.

Dublin meetings flashpoints: 1. Guinness Storehouse - has beaten the likes of Buckingham Palace, Rome’s Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower to be named Europe’s leading tourist attraction. Also a great special venue.

2. Aviva Stadium Conference Centre – green venue and a world class international conference centre with the most amazing backdrops in Ireland.

3. The Phoenix Park - one of the largest designed landscapes in any European city and perfect venue for special corporate events.

4. The River Liffey - running through the heart of Dublin just calls for incentive activities.

5. Live traditional Irish music sessions - enrichment of every event and an unforgettable experience.

STAY: Grand Hotel Union

STAY: The Westbury Hotel

4.36 / 5

4.59 / 5

99

AND THE WINNER IS

Kongres magazine

SOČA VALLEY: ONE OF THE MOST ENCHANTING PLACES IN EUROPE Magic gateway Text by Polona Simšič

T

he Soča Valley region stretches from the Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica and includes the towns of Tolmin, Kobarid and Bovec. Surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps, the Soča Valley wows visitors with its unspoiled nature and the aquamarine Soča River that threads its way through it. It is a safe and enjoyable destination that is a definite ‘must visit’.

Despite its remoteness the communal infrastructure in the three major towns is very well arranged and along the Soča Valley and the nearby towns there is a good range of accommodation facilities. Visitors can choose between hotels, apartments, hostels, wooden cabins and camps. Soča valley’s gastronomic scene is also worth a mention, as the locals have known about and enjoyed good food for a very long time.

Adjoining the Valley there are many roads and paths leading to spots where the traditional old farm activities are still alive and well today, and where every housewife knows how to prepare the famous local dessert “kobariški štruklji” (a delicious dessert made from dough stuffed with walnuts, raisins and other tasty ingredients), a dessert to which the culinary grandees of the town even dedicate a festival.

Its unspoiled nature makes the Soča Valley a European incentive epicentre that offers a complete infrastructure for adrenaline and active incentive programmes, from agencies to guide services and accompanying services, including all of the necessary equipment for the most unusual requests. The destination has been attracting guests interested in active holidays and adrenaline challenges for many years now, but at the same time caters for those seeking more peaceful pursuits and contact with nature through other sports on the Soča, such as fishing and hiking, as well as exploring the area’s rich history. While the emphasis is on the summer season, the incentive offer is also quite rich during winter time too. Here are a few suggestions of things you can enjoy in the Soča Valley: TRY THE WATER SPORTS The River Soča is suitable for recreation, but also for a bit more of a demanding paddle. Rafting on the rapids of the emerald river can help strengthen team spirit, whilst at the same time

one can admire the beautiful surroundings of the valley.

WALK THE WALK OF PEACE Since 30 June 2007, the outdoor museums and the most important remains and memorials of the Isonzo Front in the Upper Soča region have been connected into the Walk of Peace. It is dedicated to the memory of the multitude of casualties of the First World War. The visitors centre in Kobarid, which is free of charge, offers a new interactive exhibition of The Walk of Peace.

EXPLORE THE UNDERWORLD: GO CAVING Underworld explorers and adventurers will find many interesting sites with the potential for everything from leisurely tourist excursions to more demanding expeditions. It is reputed that the Renaissance poet Dante Alighieri supposedly found inspiration for the terrifying images of his Inferno in Zadlaška cave.

STAY FOREVER YOUNG: DRINK SOME NOBLE SPRING WATER Take a walk to the spring situated in the Sopotnica stream gorge above the village of Gabrje and take a sip of some of the water that, according to local tradition, was carried in wooden containers to the Tolmin Count at his castle on Kozlov rob, because he believed that it would keep him forever young. Well, perhaps 100

that didn’t happen, but according to measurements using radiesthesia it is one of the best waters in the world.

TRY THE CYCLE ROUTES The Soča Valley is situated at the junction of Mediterranean, Dinaric and Alpine worlds. The exceptionally dynamic terrain and numerous mountain and forest roads and cart tracks offer plenty of opportunity for mountain biking. Less demanding visitors can be equally satisfied by biking along the gentler roads that connect the villages in the valley.

GO TO ONE OF THE MANY FESTIVALS Soča Valley is the home of many festivals that take place throughout the year; JESTIVAL – Food & Art festival, Potato Night, Frika Festival, sport festivals like the Soča Outdoor Festival, Hiking festival, Podbrdo Trail Running Festival and Bovec marathon and music festivals such as Metaldays, Punk Rock Holiday, Overjam international Reggae festival, Orchestra camp and the Creative camp Sajeta.

For more information contact LTO Sotočje - TIC Kobarid at info.kobarid@ lto-sotocje.si (www.visit-soca.com) and LTO Bovec at info@lto-bovec.si (www. bovec.si/eng/)

SoËa Valley The hidden pearl of Europe!

In the western part of SLOVENIA at the foothills of the Julian Alps, right on the border with Italy you can find the fascinatingly beautiful valley of the river Soča, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Valley is rich in tradition and history, with wide offer of outdoor activities and a circle of excellent restaurants and taverns. Destination is ideal for incentive programs for small groups, guided by our professional and friendly hosts.

BOVEC KOBARID TOLMIN

DMO SoËa Valley www.visit-soca.com www.bovec.si

The most beautiful in Slovenia, a perfect MICE destination

Renaissance villa

TIES BETWEEN WORLDS AND PEOPLES Organise the most memorable meetings, congresses and events halfway between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Vila Vipolže will charm you with romance, inspiring landscapes, a sophisticated atmosphere and genuine hospitality.

One of the most beautiful centres for business, social and cultural events in the region is nestled in Brda, the land of invigorating moments offering some of the world´s finest wines.

The Villa´s Venetian architecture and modern interior have lent it an air of timeless elegance. Vila Vipolže was awarded by the Italian UNESCO clubs for the most beautiful restoration.

Bookings and information: Vipolže 29, 5212 Dobrovo v Brdih, Slovenia, t +386 31 699 458, e info@vilavipolze.eu, www.vilavipolze.eu



REPUBLIC OF S LOVENIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

The operation entitled “Complete renovation of Vila Vipolže (heritage register no. 820)” was partly financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The operation was carried out within the framework of the Operational Programme for Strengthening Regional Development Potentials 2007–2013 under the “Integration of Natural and Cultural Potentials” development priority and the “Networking of Cultural Potentials” priority axis.

Advertorial

MEETIN GS

HOST HOTEL

MEETING DESIGNERS

HOST HOTEL

JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF EVENTS Why do we hold meetings in the first place?

Human to Human revolution by Mike Van Der Vijver

Connections Meetings is the global, senior, exclusive, focused event providing handpicked MICE buyers and suppliers effective meeting design programmes and tailored memorable experiences that lead to long-lasting business relationships.

The event involves just 30-40 meeting owners and planners from key and growing markets across the globe and 3040 selected suppliers operating in the MICE sector.

Connections breaks the mould that has held Business-toBusiness meetings giving participants an experience whilst they meet.

It’s a well psychological fact that creating memories of shared positive experiences is the best way to establish trust between people and trust is the most important contributor to successful business relations.

The next generation of B2B meetings is here and Connections is inventing them as we are speaking. It’s called H2H: Humanto-Human. Humans meet humans, in the interest of humanity.

Join the revolution by calling +(44) 7453 57 60 41

We bring a wide variety of MICE buyers from all over the world, half representing large corporate companies, eager to book their next international board meeting or global sales kick-offs, half looking for partners to support their industry conventions and exhibitions. All will be focused on doing business in the MICE sector.

Connections Meetings will be the first fully designed - next generation H2H (Human to Human) events ever launched! The inaugural Connections Meetings event is at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon and the Conrad Algarve 9-12 December 2015.

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES

MEDIA PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

For more information email david@weareconnections.com or visit www.weareconnections.com

Connections_Meetings_Ad_Kongress.indd 1

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11/11/2015 10:06:28

TOPICS AND DATES / Published  times per year

Kongres Magazine is far from being just a magazine. It is the only provider of integrated congress marketing communications, with which you can make effective dialogue with the meetings industry audience. Because we know what meetings industry payers really need and how to ensure their long-term loyalty, we can make above-average, high-quality, relevant, independent, in-depth and interesting meetings industry stories.

In 2016 they will be dedicated to you and your customers even more.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2016 JANUARY

2016

CONVENTA DAILY

CONVENTA DAILY 1-2

Daily newspaper, which will be released during the Conventa trade show and which brings to exhibitors and hosted buyers daily news from Conventa.

SPACE CLOSE: 11.12.2015

MATERIALS DUE: DELIVERY: 18.12.2015 20. - 21.01.2016

SPECIAL ISSUE 1

JANUARY

2016

CONVENTA 2016

Special edition, published as a catalogue of Conventa together with extensive destination presentations and presentations of participating partners. In terms of content this is the most comprehensive overview of the meetings industry in the region of Central and Southeast Europe.

SPRING ISSUE MARCH

2016

In Focus: TASTE - five senses

Participants will always remember an event by its sensory, gastronomic experience. It is well known that humans can remember almost everything, if they are able to hear, see, touch or taste the information. Like nothing else food can ignite truly nostalgic feelings. In the spring issue we will present a number of ways to create different impressions at events, everything from those connected with time (traditional, futuristic) and technology (natural, organic, artificial) to those geared towards sophistication (exclusive, grand).

Hot Spot: EVENT CREATION How to create creative experimental events Themed supplement: CATERING SURVEY 2016

SPACE CLOSE: 12.02.2016

MATERIALS DUE: 19.02.2016

DELIVERY: 26.03.2016

SPECIAL ISSUE

MAY

SPACE CLOSE: 11.12.2015

MATERIALS DUE: DELIVERY: 18.12.2015 20. - 21.01.2016

2016 CONTENT FOCUS:

THE POSITIVE PATH TO THE PARTICIPANT’S MIND TAKES US THROUGH OUR SENSES In Ancient Greece Aristotle outlined the 5 senses that we all now and understand today. The coming year will be dedicated to those senses, which are also the biggest amplifiers of emotional experience in your event. With the proper use of our senses we can establish either a positive or a negative attitude towards events. This important subject will be founded on a scientific as well as completely practical viewpoint, through best advice on how to set off the right set of stimuli.

2016

MEETOLOGUE 2016

Since 2010, Kongres magazine has been publishing CONGRESS TRAVELOGUES, which were renamed 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: 09.04.2016

MATERIALS DUE: 16.04.2016

DELIVERY: 14.05.2016

KONGRES MAGAZINE Stihova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T: + 386 (0)1 430 51 03, F: + 386 (0)1 430 51 04, M: +386 (0)40 530 112, E: gorazd.cad@go-mice.eu, www.kongres-magazine.eu

PRINT AUDIENCE

TOTAL AUDIENCE of 60.700 readers:

18.000

meeting planners

------------29,65 % of total number

SPECIAL ISSUE 3

2016

SEPTEMBER

2016

Meeting planners wish for something new. You would like – for the same or lower price – to see the yet unseen places, taste un-tasted delicacies, unknown wines and experience undiscovered experiences. Central and South East Europe offers numerous pleasant incentive secrets in the worldwide meetings industry, waiting to be discovered.

SPACE CLOSE: 14.05.2016

MATERIALS DUE: 21.05.2016

DELIVERY: 18.06.2016

SUMMER 2016 JULY

2016

In Focus: SIGHT - five senses

Colour, light, darkness, design and unusual imagery that reach out beyond the regular boundaries can arouse your curiosity and have a direct effect on your emotional sensors. Today, technology offers unlimited visual solutions that can be used at events, but we will also point out the problems with an overload of visual images.

Today images also aren’t enough in themselves, so we must keep our participant’s nostrils and ears open at the same time and receptive to new smells and sounds. In our summer issue we will also cover the important role of branding and creating the perfect event.

Hot Spot: EVENT PRODUCTION How to organise viable events

MATERIALS DUE: 25.06.2016

meeting planners

34.000 meeting

1.200

------------1,98 % of total number

(e-magazines and e-newsletters)

planners

In Focus: TOUCH - five senses

If you want to showcase a new product, you have to make sure that participants can feel it and get familiar with its texture. If the presentation is about services, you have to have the right marketing materials, as well as the social networks to generate the right experience. Getting to ‘touch’ a brand is only possible through the use of good materials, varied surfaces and interesting shapes. Touch not only has a physical effect, but also a big mental one, as it creates memories and stirs personal emotions.

Hot Spot: EVENT MARKETING How to make desirable events Themed supplement: INNOVATIVE PEOPLE & EVENTS

SPACE CLOSE: 20.08.2016

MATERIALS DUE: 27.08.2016

2016

DELIVERY: 23.07.2016

In Focus: SOUND - five senses

In the auditory sphere humans are highly affected by different sounds and particularly by music.

Music is a way an artist expresses himself and his emotional body language, and it has an extraordinary power of stimulating our sensations. How to create the best musical atmosphere, make an event jingle with excitement and bring a personal musical signature to an event will all be revealed in the winter issue of Kongres Magazine.

Hot Spot: EVENT DIFERENTATION How to stand out from the crowd

SPACE CLOSE: 15.10.2016

MATERIALS DUE: 22.10.2016

appr. 7.500

meeting planners

------------12,36 %

------------56,01 % of total number

of total number

DECEMBER

2016

BEST HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES 2016

Based on more than 100 hidden guest’s ratings, which have been published in the Kongres Magazine.

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CONVENTA DAILY 1 - 2 JANUARY 2016

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SPECIAL ISSUE 3 KONGRES INCENTIVE GUIDE 2016, JUNE 2016

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SPECIAL ISSUE 4, BEST HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES 2016, DECEMBER 2016

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NEW AND NEWLY RENOVATED ADRIATIC CONVENTION HOTELS Throughout the year we’ve kept track of any new hotel openings that include conference facilities, and along the Croatian coast our abacus has notched up an impressive total of 25. Most of them offer high quality facilities that are helping change the image of the individual meetings destinations. Of the bounty of new openings the Kongres Magazine editorial Board has selected 10 that are worth paying attention to, or even better, visiting.

ALHAMBRA, Lošinj Official category: 5 ★★★★★ The boutique five-star Alhambra is one of the most charming hotels in Lošinj, where the spirit of past times blends with modern amenities and a superior service. The luxuriously equipped hotel boasts 35 rooms and 15 suites, a restaurant, lounge bar, indoor swimming pool, spa centre and a private beach. This is a hotel for the most demanding of congress guests.

Category: Boutique Meeting Hotel Wow factor: Comprehensive offer in Čikat Bay along with the Hotel Bellevue

D-RESORT, Šibenik Official category: 4 ★★★★ D-Resort Šibenik is a recently opened hotel with 69 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a rich offer including wellness and sports centre, kids club, restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool and a conference centre. In addition to this, three exclusive villas with a private terrace, garden and a swimming pool complement the offer of this excellently designed hotel. The harbour, constructed in the only Croatian marina with a 5 anchor category, can handle super yachts.

Category: Convention Hotel Wow factor: Superb contemporary Croatian architecture

BOUTIQUE HOTEL ADRIATIC, Rovinj Hotel Adriatic is Rovinj’s oldest hotel that was this year given a makeover and now stands as the latest acquisition of prestige for Istrian tourism.

The hotel has 18 suites with beautiful views of St. Catherina Island and Rovinj’s old town. On the ground floor can be found the à la carte restaurant, offering dishes inspired by the French Riviera, and a bar with the biggest selection of whiskeys in Croatia. The hotel walls are adorned by paintings of local and foreign artists.

Category: Boutique Meeting Hotel Wow factor: Probably the best bar on the Croatian coast

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA, Jesolo Official category: 5 ★★★★★ The design is the work of the world-renowned American architec Richard Meier with the interior of the hotel designed by architect Matteo Thun. Together they created a fusion of precious materials, fresh colours and elements of pop culture, strict but fashionable on the outside, yet playful and eccentric on the inside. The hotel offers three conference rooms for a maximum of 130 guests.

Category: Hotel with Conference Capacities Wow factor: Tempting Alpe Adria cuisine in the hotel

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Kongres magazine

HOTEL KOMPAS, Dubrovnik Official Category: 4 ★★★★ After an extensive renovation Hotel Kompas has become a four star hotel. It has 173 rooms decorated in a contemporary Mediterranean style and a new wellness and spa centre. The conference hall can accommodate up to 400 people.

This is a sophisticated, modern hotel that impresses with its functionality and a pleasant surprise can be found on the top floor in the new Zenith bar, which offers splendid views of Lapad Bay and the Elafiti islands.

Category: Hotel with Conference Capacities Wow factor: Zenith bar for events with a view

HOTEL PARK, Split Official category: 5 ★★★★★ 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.

Category: Hotel with Conference Capacities Wow factor: The hotel’s terrace for unforgettable outdoor receptions.

SHERATON DUBROVNIK RIVIERA HOTEL, Dubrovnik Official category: 5 ★★★★★ The biggest investment in Croatian tourism this year has completely changed the image of Srebreno and with it Croatia welcomed the largest hotel convention centre and a hotel with 250 rooms. The hotel is modern and furnished in pleasant hues, many considering it architecturally one of the finest Sheraton hotels on the Adriatic.

Category: Convention Hotel Wow factor: Largest hotel conference hall in Croatia

HOTEL KORČULA DE LA VILLE, Korčula Official category: 4 ★★★★ The only hotel in old town of Korčula is legendary, as it has hosted many famous names, among them Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Tito and many others. This year it was re-launched with a new image and offers an intimate stay for tourists in one of the most beautiful Croatian islands.

The hotel has 12 rooms and 8 suites, all of which are luxuriously furnished with stylish furniture, luxurious chandeliers, a rich décor and wallpapers from Paris. Beyond the rooms the modern, well-equipped hotel is stylishly decorated in the spirit of old Korčula, its interior based on the rich history of the island and the hotel itself.

Category: Boutique Meeting Hotel Wow factor: Hotel with old Korčula’s soul at its core

JW MARRIOTT VENICE RESORT & SPA, Venice Official category: 5 ★★★★★ This hotel on the island of flowers is just a 15minute drive from the centre of Venice and is fit for the most demanding of congress guests. The hotel has 191 rooms in the middle of a beautifully landscaped 16-hectare garden. Fourteen halls are available for events, the largest of which can hold up to 380 participants. In addition to the first-class service on the island, you will also be spoiled with a cooking school and a wine academy.

Category: Convention Hotel Wow factor: Paradise hotel garden

VALAMAR ISABELLA ISLAND, Poreč Official category: 4 ★★★★ The 4-star Valamar Isabella Hotel, a resort with a hotel and villas offering 180 rooms with 387 beds, is located on the traffic-free island of St. Nikola, so guests are greeted by rich vegetation, beautiful beaches and noble history rather than the honking of horns. Here guests can enjoy numerous activities, from a Mediterranean style wellness centre, outdoor and indoor pools, and a blue flag sandy beach, to the à la carte restaurants, bars and terraces that offer breathtaking views of the old part of Poreč.

Category: Convention Hotel Wow factor: Diverse activities and incentive programmes

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Inside Ljubljana

PAVING THE WAY FOR A GREEN AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Text by Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau

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any providers that jointly shape Ljubljana’s tourism and congress offer from travel agencies, DMCs, congress centres, hotels, etc. - are striving to incorporate CSR initiatives into their business strategies as much, or even more, as other industries do, since they are primarily responsible for people and the environment they are surrounded by. Primarily, internal activities that have a positive impact on the environment and employees are pursued.

Moreover, green and socially responsible initiatives are prepared for their consumers - leisure tourists, business clients and meeting delegates.

Such activities and many others have contributed to Ljubljana winning the prestigious WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow 2015 Award in the Destinations category. These awards, conferred by the World Travel and Tourism Council, are regarded as the highest accolade for sustainability within the global travel and tourism industry.

Seven Hotels in Sustainable Travelife Certification Process

Travelife is an international sustainability certification scheme, which helps its 1,300 hotel members around the world to improve their environmental, social and economic impacts cost-effectively. To achieve a Travelife award, a large amount of the assessment criteria must be met, such as a proof of sustainability management systems, managing energy and water use, looking after employees and protecting human rights, working with and supporting the local community and much more.

LJUBLJANA AS THE ROLE MODEL FOR GREEN CITIES IN 2016 One of the policy tools the European Commission is using to address environmental challenges is the European Green Capital Award. Every year it is given to a city that meets high environmental standards and is committed to ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development.

The European Commission’s committee awarded the prestigious title of European Green Capital 2016 to Ljubljana, the capital

In an effort to increase the number of environmentally certified accommodation providers in Ljubljana and the region of Central Slovenia, Ljubljana Tourism has organised two workshops for them. We are happy to announce that the certification process is already underway at the following properties: Hotel Park, Plaza Hotel (soon to be rebranded as Radisson Blu), Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, City Hotel Ljubljana and the Union Hotels Group. Therefore, 2016 will be the year when Ljubljana will have seven Travelife certified hotels.

Incentive Programmes with a CSR Touch Impact Tourism offers the possibility to realise companies’ social responsibility also through incentive and teambuilding programmes, where participants can co-create a social imprint and measurable social impact in a local environment, in this case in Ljubljana and across the different parts of Slovenia. Following the model of social entrepreneurship, Impact Tourism is developed and implemented by Liberty International and Without Profit - Innovative Social Services.

of Slovenia, since the sustainable development of the city was the most significant one in the shortest time possible. Thus, intensive preparations are underway in Ljubljana to make the year 2016 a green one by every means possible. An array of initiatives is summarized in a calendar featuring 12 green topics that were chosen as the subject theme for each month next year. A more detailed insight is available from the designated website at www.greenljubljana.com.

JANUARY – APRIL Smart waste energy " Local self-sufficiency " Responsible water management " Sound environment quality MAY – AUGUST Green Areas " Energy efficiency " Bees & Biodiversity " Sustainable Tourism SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER Traffic & air quality concern " Wood " Climate Changes " Eco-innovations & green jobs

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Boštjan Horjak, director of Liberty International Adriatic, proudly explained that “social responsibility is one of the topics which we have been developing for a few years now and a new product, Impact tourism, has emerged. There are a series of programmes that are directly related to the natural, cultural and social environment. Through them we spread awareness, respect local values and pursue fair trade.”

And what is most important and special about this new product? “Part of the earnings will be given to organisations that are striving for a better social environment and to organisations fighting for the preservation of cultural and natural heritage”, said Mr. Horjak.

Inside Ljubljana

CIVITAS Forum: Sharing (the City) is Caring ( for People) In Ljubljana, the beginning of October was coloured with sustainable urban mobility, as the most important European conference in this field, the 13th CIVITAS Forum, took place in our capital. A record number of participants, namely, some 560 people from 48 countries, met to discuss, share and experience the meaning of sharing the physical and social space of the city.

In Ljubljana, an array of programmes is available, but two deserve special emphasis: a charity auction with dinner in a Ljubljana restaurant called Druga violina (the Second Violin), where adults with moderate mental and other disabilities participate in the regular processes of work, particularly in serving customers. A dinner in the Second Violin restaurant, where a charity auction is held, represents a donation to the Dolfka Boštjančič Care Centre, aimed at the further integration of its protégés into society. Such an experience thus creates a subtle harmony between culinary experiences and socially responsible behaviour.

The second programme is called Senses are Truly Useful, where the participants’ senses are constantly tested. During a folklore show, a touch will start this working and some basic dance steps are taught; smell joins the fray at a wine tasting in a wine shop in the centre of Ljubljana; vision is tested through the eyes of the best Slovenian photographer and hearing is assuaged with the gentle sound of the zither, while the taste buds will unmistakably tell you that you are sampling a traditional Carniolan sausage. Moreover, participants will be challenged to describe the beauties of Ljubljana to those who cannot see, convey the beauty of music in a suitable way for those who cannot hear and adapt dance steps to those who cannot walk.

A wide range of other socially responsible and green products can be found on www.impact-tourism.net.

tinue to please our residents.” The Mayor also promised that Ljubljana will continue to follow the sustainable vision responsible for achieving the prestigious European Green Capital 2016 title and the two European Mobility Week Awards.

WHO WERE THE ATTENDEES AND WHAT DID THEY AGREED ON? The attendees were a blend of political representatives from several European cities and experts in mobility, spatial planning, environmental studies and other aspects of creating friendlier cities. The event was especially marked by distinguished guests from Slovenia and abroad, including high representatives of the European Commission, who all agreed on one point: Ljubljana can be proud of itself as a city, because in a very short time it has implemented numerous measures to improve the quality of life, and its efforts, which are resonating not only in Europe but in the wider world, can serve as an example to other cities.

THE PROUD MESSAGE OF OUR MAYOR, ZORAN JANKOVIĆ “I also express pride at the conclusion of this outstanding conference which brought into the most beautiful city in the world three times more participants than previous CIVITAS Forums. I should especially underline the significance of solidarity reflected in joint efforts towards an even ‘greener’ future for the coming generations while ensuring high a quality of life for the present generation. If in one place we can present the best projects and learn from each other we can all be even better and con109

WHAT THE CIVITAS FORUM ACTUALLY IS? The CIVITAS Forum, established in 2003, is a network of cities investing their efforts in the development of sustainable urban mobility. It is comprised of over 200 European cities – those that have participated in projects co-financed by the European Commission within the framework of the CIVITAS Initiative and those that are following the guidelines and policies promoted by the CIVITAS Initiative in their implementation of sustainable mobility.

www.visitljubljana.com/meetings Photocredits Nik Rovan & Liberty Adriatic

Inside Ljubljana

Festive December in Ljubljana Ljubljana’s festive December begins before the first Sunday of Advent, already starting on Friday, 27 November, when the Christmas lights will be switched on and the Christmas Market opens, bringing a touch of fairytale magic and festive spirit to the city that will run until 11 January, 2016.

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Photo by: Dunja Wedam

his year, the festive December atmosphere will illuminate the streets of Ljubljana for a week longer than in previous years and during this time numerous free events will take place in the magically decorated Old Town. The traditional December events include the St. Nicholas and Christmas Market, Santa Claus Parade, the Good Fairy, street art and organ grinder performances, the traditional Christmas concert in front of the City Hall and an array of concerts staged in numerous squares in the Old Town.

New Year’s Eve will again be marked by a variety of performances by renowned musicians of different genres and at midnight the fireworks from organic and biodegradable materials will light up the night sky above Ljubljana.

With its December decorations and Christmas Market (this will close on 3 January 2016), Ljubljana ranks among the most attractive European capitals that are a must-visit during the festive Christmas period. You are invited to read more about the festive events that will delight both local residents and visitors to Ljubljana in December at www.visitljubljana.com.

October Brought 5-Star News to The Capital

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fforts to strengthen Ljubljana’s brand on the international meetings market would undoubtedly get a boost by the announcement that a new international hotel brand was to enter the market, and the end of October brought excellent news to the capital in this regard! Two stakeholders – Delta Holding from Serbia and InterContinental Hotels Group, one of world’s leading hotel companies – signed a contract to build a five-star hotel in the centre of Ljubljana, whose opening is planned for mid-2018.

It is anticipated that the InterContinental hotel will have 165 rooms, two banquet halls for up to 500 guests and some extra meeting rooms.

The property will also feature a presidential suite and a spa centre with pool and gym. For the cherry on top, the top (21st) floor will have a restaurant with panoramic views of Ljubljana.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is one of the world’s leading hotel companies with 168 million guest nights per annum, 726,876 rooms in more than 4,900 hotels in nearly 100 countries around the world.

Ljubljana is very much looking forward to also offering this kind of hotel to business and leisure visitors!

Photo material by: Delta Holding

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Face2Face

BELGRADE vs. PRAGUE A current comparison of the closest competitors on the 2014 ICCA scale following the Kongres travelogue methodology – meetologues.

BELGRADE Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2015 107.70

Population: 1,166,763

Sunshine hours: 2,112 per year

ICCA Country and City rankings 2014 50th place, 50 meetings Index 2013: 96.2

PRAGUE Population: 1,259,079

Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2015 174.13

ICCA Country and City rankings 2014 10th place, 118 meetings Index 2013: 70.4

Sunshine hours: 1,902 per year

✚ Belgrade is an authentic, open and hospitable congress destination with a lot of soul. It offers an abundance of floating restaurants and clubs, plus lively riverbank promenades. With a large convention centre, the Belgrade Fair, numerous convention hotels, a long tradition and very reasonable prices Belgrade has a solid platform for the further development of its meetings industry. It focuses its congress story on its rich culture at the crossroads of East and West, the central position in South-East Europe and a lively social life.

Belgrade is a city on the rise and for now a rough congress diamond that has enormous development potential. If it improves its infrastructure and handles the entire meetings sales chain it can be placed geo-strategically side by side with other world congress capitals.

In short, the zeitgeist of Belgrade is best summed up by writer Momo Kapor with the words: “Belgrade is a low-budget New York”.

✚ The spirit of Central Europe is captured at its best in this beautiful city, which with its cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, liveliness and a tireless nightlife is an excellent convention destination. What is the secret of Prague’s congress tourism? What are they doing differently? It is a combination of circumstances and wise development policies under which they are elegantly and sustainably working to be among the top ten European congress cities.

Their story is reminiscent of Škoda, of which the Czechs are very proud and which is one of the oldest automotive brands in Europe. Reputable, solid and reliable pre-war limousines were changed into cars that were behind their times after the war. Today, Škoda shines again and once more puts the Czech manufacturer where it used to be. The same can be said for the meetings industry, where Prague began to seriously falter against locations at the top of the European league. If we look at the position of Prague regionally (and accepting that Prague will not take primacy in the region over Vienna), it certainly has all the conditions in place to remain the first congress destination among East European capitals for a long time.

Belgrade meetings flashpoints: 1. Crowne Plaza - new 416-room hotel with meeting space for up to 800 2. The Royal Compound - a palace built in 1924 in a Serbian-Byzantine style 3. Skadarlija - The most evocative part of Belgrade, packed with traditional restaurants 4. Tito‘s Train - Journey back in time onboard President Tito‘s famous Blue Train - art deco style hotel on wheels 5. Sava Centar - Serbia’s prime convention facility with 16 meeting rooms

Prague meetings flashpoints: 1. Hotel Yalta - a modernist hotel 2. Dragonboating - rowing competition with dragon boats on the Vltava river 3. Tower Park Prague - crazy venue with a beautiful view of the city 4. Beer Tour - meet typical Prague pubs with a century of tradition 5. Driving with tanks - the taste of socialist times for real men

STAY: Radisson Blu Old Mill

STAY: Four Seasons Prague

4.45 / 5

4.60 / 5

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AND THE WINNER IS

Conventa Experience

SIX SENSES: SOUND Music all around

THE POWER OF MUSIC Music has an enormous amount of power, because it acts directly on the listener; the sound travels straight to the unconscious part of the brain and triggers waves of positive emotions.

Being exposed to these different vibrations or rhythms has been proven to have an effect on breathing, muscle tension, body temperature and even on general health, effects that have always been carefully considered when it comes to choosing music for films.

Although the connection between sound, music and organising events and congresses might seem illogical when first mooted, I believe that a key to an event’s success lies in the principles of music. Music can give rhythm to an event and, ultimately, rhythm is something that originates from thousands of years of human history central to the rituals of different peoples around the world. Music at events can therefore be carefully selected in order to awake certain emotions and for these reasons it is my opinion that it should be used in the organisation of events.

"Music can give rhythm to an event and, ultimately, rhythm is something that originates from thousands of years of human history central to the rituals of different peoples around the world."

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HOW TO USE MUSIC Carefully chosen music at events is crucial, because you can create emotional tension with music and control the course of the event, from the pleasant and tranquil receptions to the climax of a great party. The most typical mistake of any musician, or event conductor, is that it falls out of rhythm – and then so does the event. If you think carefully about it you will see that it often happens. With rhythm, we can synchronize the group parts of the event; instead of tones, we use programme sets with greater or lesser attention required of the participants. The fact is that the participants’ attention fluctuates and works rhythmically, so if we don’t detect the right timing we might just get to see how the entire structure of an event can come apart.

Furthermore, we respond to a rhythm instinctively, by moving our heads back and forth or dancing at events in a sort of ecstasy or group satisfaction. One of the elementary duties of meeting organisers is to think about the rhythm, because people have this instinctive reaction to it. The most typical example is a quick start after a heavy lunch; heavy topics or saving the world really doesn’t fit in the slot right after lunch, so think about the best rhythm here to get things going again.

Conventa Experience

TOOLBOX Some of the techniques and tools from my ‘rocking rhythmic toolbox’ can be summed up in a few headlines: - Organisation of time is the basis of the rhythmic planning of an event. It’s important to think about what kind of rhythm the participants respond to and not what organisers might think is good.

- The accuracy of performance is very important, as it is with music. Only when we are really good, precise and experienced can we even begin to think about improvising. Imprecision of performance is certainly the biggest killer of the rhythm at your event.

- A sense of intensity of the individual elements of an event, which has to be rhythmically coordinated to act as a whole.

- Rhythmic impulses that in various parts of the programme can rise but still maintain the general rhythm.

- Rhythmic exercises that mean that a part of the programme is tested in advance on a small target group and then adapted to the larger group in live performance.

Managing the rhythm of an event differs from the average depending on the strengths of the meeting organiser. A huge part of understanding this is in being able to ‘listen’ to the rhythm of an event, which is instinctive, and to play with the rhythm in order to improve it. To do this, a real instinctive skill of having attention to the rhythm, just like with music, is necessary. But fear not! Those who find it hard to gauge the rhythm and know what rhythms can lift the tempo of an event can practice it, as it is something that can be improved with experience.

Key elements: CONVENTA EXPERIENCE - SOUND If musical tone is the basis of music, then participants are the basis of Conventa. As with music, they have to be carefully selected in order to achieve the right harmony. We therefore devote a lot of time to the selection of hosted buyers. The working atmosphere between the meetings at Conventa can for some people of a less musical disposition be a disturbing humdrum, but for the organisers this is a very special kind of music.

Conventa participants come into contact with music at different levels of their journey through the event. The organisers believe in the power of unobtrusive background music upon their arrival and each culinary event is supported by the kind of music that enhances the culinary experience. Last year as well as this year, participants will get to know about Dalmatian cuisine much better through a cappella harmony-singing group from Dalmatia itself accompanying the meal. The evening receptions will be focussed on performances of the region’s musical treasures too. More lively participants can cap everything off with more music and rhythms at the now legendary Conventa after-party.

The entire project will work on the idea that the congress year begins with Conventa and participants will certainly remember Conventa by their music experience had there.

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8

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

20 - 21 JANUARY 2016, Ljubljana—Slovenia

Conventa Experience

CONVENTA TO AWARD THE REGION’S OUTSTANDING EVENTS Your event can now be THE event that the meetings industry will find unforgettable!

In an age where it seems that almost everything has already been seen and experienced, organising a ‘great’ or ‘memorable’ event can be a lot more challenging than it appears. In light of this Kongres Magazine, in collaboration with the Conventa trade show, is introducing a new award to acknowledge the best events organised in the New European region. The ‘Conventa Best Event Award’, falling under the wing of The Meetings Star awards, will in January 2016 be granted for the first time at the Conventa trade show.

Since 2009 the Conventa organisers, together with the editorial board of Kongres Magazine, have been selecting the best meeting destinations, hotels and convention centres to receive special awards. The Meetings Star Award is the region’s most established recognition of achievements in the meetings industry that in 2016 will be awarded for the 8th successive year. For the first time ever, the winner of the ‘Best Event’ will join the rest of the Meeting Star winners on the Conventa Stage.

The best events will be chosen by a competent jury comprising of selected meetings industry professionals. The most important evaluation criteria will be an event’s innovation and creativity, with the expert jury will also taking into consideration the execution, results and excellence in communication and sustainable policies.

The assessment will be a two-step process: the first step will be defining a short-list across all three categories (B2B events, B2C events and Integrated events), while the second step of the process will be to assess the shortlisted entrants and determine the winner. The award for the best event will be given to the entrant with the most points received by the jury.

Meeting organisers can submit the event they are most proud of by filling out the on-line form available at https://www.survio.com/survey/d/ conventa-best-event-award Entry is free of charge and the deadline for submissions is 15 December 2015.

By participating in the competition all meeting organisers get The Conventa VIP status that grants them free entry to Conventa (for 2 people from the same company), free of charge publication of their good practice case study on the Conventa web site and promotion in scope of Conventa’s media partners. In addition to the grand prize and the recognition of the meetings industry, the winner will also get a full page good practice case study presentation in Kongres Magazine.

The winner will be announced and awarded during the Conventa trade show, held from 20 to 21 January 2016 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

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Meeting organisers, enter your amazing event now and finally get the recognition you long for and deserve!

For more information contact Mrs. Nina Ozanič at nina.ozanic@toleranca.eu.

The Conventa Best Event Award, a new Meetings Stars award, is designed to celebrate the very best event experiences by honouring the inspiring meeting planners delivering nothing less than excellence in the New European meetings industry.

Conventa Experience

EVERY MEETING PLANNER SHOULD TRY THE CONVENTA EXPERIENCE AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME Why not check conventa off your bucket list in 2016?

Enjoy VIP status by registering as Kongres magazine’s hosted buyer at Conventa By applying for hosted buyer status through Kongres magazine, you will not only enjoy the

Remember, companies that invest in business meetings are far more successful that those that don’t. And success is what we wish for you!

Looking forward to seeing you at Conventa!

The Kongres magazine team

pre-scheduled meetings on average per hosted buyer

meetings actually realized throughout the show and social events per hosted buyer out of 5 was the level of hosted buyer satisfaction with the content of the meetings

out of 5 was the level of hosted buyer satisfaction with networking opportunities out of 5 was the grade for 2 out of the 6 fam trips organised for hosted buyers

Almost 89 % of hosted buyers said that their participation absolutely met their expectations.

Did your participation meet your expectations?

88.9 % yes, absolutely 11.1% yes, partly

Two thirds of hosted buyers agree their itinerary met their business objectives.

Did the itinerary meet your business objectives?

74.6% yes, absolutely 25.4% most likely

CONVENTA IN NUMBERS One2One Pre-scheduled Meetings per years 3,158

In the future, hosted buyers will most likely place business in the destination.

3,365

4.41 4.19

2,060

2,125

2,232

2,077

2,062

4 3 2 1

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

118

2014

2015

4.00

4.02 The activities

At Conventa the personal experience will matter most and will be highlighted throughout all parts of the trade show; business meetings, educational modules, social programme and fam trips. In seven years 888 exhibitors from 17 countries and 1,702 hosted buyers from 45 countries have conducted 20,668 meetings at Conventa.

HOW TO APPLY? Go to www.conventa.si/hosted-buyers/hosted-buyer-programme/hb-application-form/ and enter the group code - KONGRES MAGAZINE VIP - to ensure your status is upgraded to VIP Kongres magazine hosted buyer status.

21.6 34.5 4.29 4.35 5

The venues

Conventa will once again show that it is definitely not a typical trade show that only offers meeting providers a business-oriented platform for developing individual business relationships with targeted meeting industry audiences. It is in fact the main meeting point of New Europe, filled with energy, warmth and great hospitality.

An investment of 55 EUR will bring you VIP treatment worth 1,200 EUR, not including the new contacts, business leads and friends you will make at Conventa.

A SATISFACTION SURVEY CONDUCTED AFTER CONVENTA 2015 SHOWED:

The hotels

The Conventa experience is different than anything you have ever experienced. Why? Because: It’s personal: a boutique show that accepts up to a maximum of 150 meeting providers and offers the perfect balance between meetings and networking It’s business: you will get to know the region and its destinations, and meet new business partners in a professional but relaxing environment It’s education: international and local speakers deliver key addresses in an informal ‘Experts Corner’ set at the heart of the show floor It’s pleasure: a hosted buyer status guarantees you VIP treatment at all times It’s all taken care of by the organisers: flights, transfers, accommodation, one2one meetings, the welcome and official reception, networking lunches, an after party event and the exciting and informative fam trip programmes

VIP treatment hosted buyers at Conventa normally get, but you will also be invited to an exclusive Conventa breakfast where Gorazd Cad, Editor-in-Chief of Kongres magazine, will personally share his Insider tips for the region and the host city of Ljubljana.

The destination

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ew Year brings new business opportunities. Kongres magazine invites you to become a hosted buyer at the 8th Conventa and join a select group of international meeting planners who will be able to personally check the possibility of organising meetings in Slovenia and other countries of Central and South East Europe, along with new emerging destinations of New Europe. We look forward to hosting you in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 21 to 22 January 2016.

How likely (1-not at all likely, 5 – very likely) are you to place future business in:

Conventa Experience

EUROFEDOP SEMINAR: BORN IN LJUBLJANA, CONCEIVED AT CONVENTA

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he return on investment of attending a trade show can sometimes be hard to measure, as the results can be seen only after weeks, months, or even years pass. However, the organisers of Conventa, the New European trade show for meetings, events and incentives, are proud to be able to share a story of how a great collaboration that started at Conventa resulted in bringing the Eurofedop - European federation of employees in public services – seminars to Ljubljana, Slovenia.

For this one, there is no better way to tell the story than for the organiser to share his point of view. From 24 to 26 September 2015, Ljubljana proudly hosted the Eurofedop seminar and Bert Van Caelenberg, Secretary General of Eurofedop, reflected that: "Ljubljana has been the ideal place for the organisation of our seminar, spread over three days, with 120 participants from 22 European countries. The city may be among

the smallest capitals in Europe, but has so much to offer. Besides, this was also one of the things I noticed when I first took part in “Conventa” in 2014. It was thanks to “Conventa”, the conference information fair set up by the Slovenian Convention Bureau, and the kind assistance of congress manager Tatjana Radovic from the local Convention Bureau of Ljubljana, that I learned about the possibilities to organise conferences in this city. The expectations were large and have all been fulfilled. From all the events we have organised as Eurofedop in recent years, we managed to achieve the best price/quality relationship with the organisation of our seminar in Ljubljana.

The seminar took place to the general satisfaction of all participants. For the first time, no negative reactions were heard. The shuttle service assured by the firm GoOpti from the airport to the city and back was perfect and was carried out with great professionalism.

The meeting room accommodations in the Plaza Hotel were in line with the requirements of organ-

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ising an event for more than 100 participants and having discussions in working groups in separate meeting rooms located on the same floor.

In the evening of the first day, we planned a visit with dinner to Ljubljana Castle and can only express satisfaction at the exceptional surroundings and an exquisite dinner prepared and served by professionals."

Urša Radanovič, Executive director of Plaza Hotel Slovenia, shared that: "We were very honoured to host European Federation of Public Service Employees in our hotel. It was a great opportunity to get visibility also outside of Ljubljana, Slovenia."

For more information about Conventa please visit www.conventa.info.

Kongres magazine

Eventyco Ltd.

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Meet, dine and sleep in style.

• Central location near business, cultural and entertainment districts • 170 rooms with luxurious bed concept and pillow menu • Multifunctional conference halls with natural day light • Tailor made events on superb location • Healthy and traditional food experience • Complimentary Spa & Fitness • Modern 4-star superior hotel

Advertorial

VENUE OF THE MONTH BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Slon**** Ljubljana

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he second half of 2015 is a very important time for the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Hotel Slon, a modern 4-star superior hotel, which has a prime central position. The energy restoration of the building, fully renovated superior deluxe rooms and a new culinary surprises were at the top of the management’s development plans. The renovation of Slovenska Street gives a completely new image of the city hotel with the longest tradition. The avenues on both sides of the main entrance are used as a perfect location for the outdoor garden, in the new street lights that illuminate Slovenska Street and the hotel.

ORIGINAL BUILDING ARCHITECTURE UPGRADED A hospitality industry already existed at the current hotel’s location in the 18th century. The present hotel building was set up in 1937 based on the design of the architect Stanislav Rohrman and all later renovations remained with the original architecture. This year with the new facade hotel is brightened, moreover the new eco and

most effective noise reduction windows have enhanced the sound insulation. The look and functionality of space will be further improved by the end of the year with the new glazing porticoes with large panoramic windows, which will acquire 200 square meters of new floor area for a larger reception and cafeteria. Furthermore, the main street running alongside the hotel has a new reduced traffic regime, which adds value to staying at this property.

LUXURIOUS ROOMS FULLY RENOVATED Fully renovated luxuriously appointed 32 sqm room with a living room area and signature ‘‘sweet dreams’’ bed concept with 400 thread count linens. Luxurious marble bathroom with walk-in tropical rain shower and L’Occitane toiletries.

CONFERENCE CENTRE MADE TO FIT THE MOST DEMANDING EVENTS Day light, wooden floor and cosy atmosphere of the lounge and conference hall combination is one of the reasons that convinces clients to 123

choose Hotel Slon as the venue for conferences and bussiness meetings. With the recent refurbishment of the conference facilities, the hotel has acquired stylish, flexible and multi-functional conference space and state of the art technical equipment - backed up by a professional team to ensure the success of your event.

WONDERING WHAT THE “SLON” WORD MEANS? The Slovenian word for elephant is Slon, thus the name of the hotel is linked to a story about the travelling of Maximillian II to Spain through Ljubljana in 1552. Married to Mary of Spain, he was bringing one of his wedding presents: an elephant. Maximilian stopped at the best inn in Ljubljana with his escort and the wonderful animal, which impressed the population tremendously.

Kongres magazine

SPA-CE 2015 – TRADE SHOW OF SPA AND WELLNESS TOURISM IN CENTRAL EUROPE 1-3 of October 2015, Heviz, Hungary

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1. Nice view at the thermal Lake of Heviz 2. Puzzle 3. Peaceful park in front of the hotel 4. Welcome reception 5. One2One meetings 6. Anni Hood as a speaker at SPA-CE conference 7. SPA-CE conference 8. Mamma mia musical before final dinner.

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Kongres magazine

NATOUR ALPS, TRAVEL AND TRADE SHOW OF ACTIVE HOLIDAYS Savinja & Šalek Valley, 15 – 17 October 2015

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1. NATOUR ALPS 2015 was held in the Savinja and Šalek Valley, Slovenia.

2. Mountainbiking in Golte Landscape Park 3. Rafting on the Savinja River 4. One2One meetings took place at Hotel Golte.

5. Local herbs presented by lovely ladies 6. Happiness after successful tradeshow 7. Underground adventure 8. Morning surprise for hosted buyers

27 – 30 JANUARY 2016, LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

5 REASONS TO JOIN US ON NATOUR ALPE ADRIA AS HOSTED BUYER

B2B EVENT FOR ACTIVE HOLIDAYS

IN THE ALPE-ADRIA REGION More information: www.natour-alpeadria.si | GO.MICE/ Toleranca marketing d.o.o. T: +386 1 430 51 03; tina@toleranca.eu

Photo: Archive of Slovenian Tourist Organization, Savinja&Šalek Valley

FAIR AND

1. The presentation of the best offer for active holiday in Alpe Adria region 2. Pre-scheduled appointments of your choice 3. Study tours with live experiences of local offer 4. Education – presentation of good practice examples 5. Full hosted buyer programme and excellent hospitality

Kongres magazine

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

MTLG2015 NOW ONLINE www.kongres-meetologue.eu Destinations include Istanbul Prague Dubrovnik Bucharest Bratislava Split Ljubljana Salzburg

www.meet-blue.com

Sell more, work less.

CRM that fits your needs. www.intrixcrm.com

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16-18 March 2016

Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) & Istanbul Lutfi Kırdar - ICEC

The MEETING POINT of TOP LEVEL DECISION MAKERS of MEETING & EVENT INDUSTRY IN TURKEY and the WORLD www.ameistanbul.com

AME 2015 in Numbers

The 4th ACE of M.I.C.E. Congress, Meeting and Event Awards on 17 March 2016 at Zorlu Performing Arts Center!

11.687 Visitors 269 Exhibitors 656 Hosted Buyers 8.551 B2B Meetings

www.miceodulleri.com

This fair is organised with the permission of TOBB in accordance with the law No: 5174

Event Management

Venue Sponsors

Industry Partners

Event Sponsors

Communications Sponsor

National Media Partners

International Media Partners

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TECHNICAL PRODUCTION

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OZGUR KRISTAL TOURISM, LEISURE & LIFESTYLE

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