KONGRES MAGAZINE - CONVENTA DAILY 1

Conventa = 6E

Welcome reception in Black&White

Be sustainable it’s easy

Unique incentive ideas

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6 th SOUTH EAST EUROPEAN EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

The sixth Conventa is breaking new records

22. 01. 2014

CONVENTA 2009 - 2013 IN NUMBERS

Conventa, the most important trade show for South East European meetings industry, has this year exceeded all expectations. The sixth edition attracted the largest number of international meeting planners in the history of the show, congress destinations are presented in the highest number so far, the organizers recorded a record number of pre-arranged meetings between hosted buyers exhibitors, more fam trips than ever were available to hosted buyers and last but not least, the educational program got new segments and has now been extended over all Conventa days.

1205 Hosted Buyers from 36 countries 616 Exhibitors from 11 countirs 13.640 one2one meetings 119 Journalists / 67 Media partners 39.816 buyers in Conventa one2one database

4,23 Overal satisfaction with show

(exhibitors on a scale 1 - 5)

4,44 Overal satisfaction with show (hosted buyers on a scale 1 - 5)

Saving precious time and money onventa began yesterday, when participants got a chance to attend Conventa Academy and the Welcome reception held at Grand Hotel Union. The trade show opened its doors today at GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Meeting providers are this year coming from 12 different countries, which is a new best for Conventa. The majority are from Slovenia and are followed by providers from Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Romania and Turkey.

Pre-arranged meetings between exhibitors and hosted buyers remain the core of Conventa. This year, 3.158 meetings were pre-arranged before the start of the show.

Additional effort that was this year put into the search for the highest quality international meeting planners genuinely interested in the SEE region paid off. To the positive outcome certainly contributed

CONVENTA 2015 Don’t miss the leading business-tobusiness event for NEW EUROPE! See you in Ljubljana, at Conventa, from 21 to 22 January 2015.

also new foreign partners who used their many years of experience, connections and acquaintances to help find the best hosted buyers.

The biggest added value of this year’s Conventa is certainly the most comprehensive and best educational program so far. During the traditional Conventa Academy, brand new Conventa morning energy sessions and for the first time ever also Conventa Expert’s corner, visitors will be able to listen to the experts from the meetings industry and marketing.

For the first time ever Conventa is also the co-organizer and host of the Business Breakfast British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (SBBC) titled “Event Management as a Profession” and co-organizer and host of the lecture of Slovenian-German Chamber of Commerce titled “Corporate Events Trends in Germany”.

Conventa will return to Ljubljana for another edition. The meeting floor will be hot again from 21 to 22 January 2015.

www.conventa.info

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Saving precious time and money continues to be one of the leading reasons for exhibitors to attend Conventa. Gorazd Čad, director of Go.Mice and Toleranca marketing and technical organizer of the show adds: “For the organization of a sales meeting you will spend on average at least 60 minutes, with no time invested in market research and other time invested in finding customers. According to the survey, Conventa saves you on average at least 60 hours of valuable time that would otherwise be spent searching for contacts and organizing meetings with potential new clients.”

90 percent of hosted buyers are first-timers An amazing 90 percent of hosted buyers are first-timers while 10 percent will be re- visiting the show. Miha Kovačič, director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau and organizer of Conventa emphasizes: “Conventa made a real breakthrough this year. After six years we have finally started to notice a specific demand from international hosted buyers expressed prior to the event.

Concrete demand will be also presented to exhibitors by international hosted buyers at the event itself. “

Conventa special

The 6th Conventa highlights Experience, Engagement, Education, Emotions, Energy and Entertainment Emotions – Don’t be afraid to show emotions!

People coming from the South East European region are known for their temper and love for life. Conventa tries to capture the different emotions, history, culture and tradition, tries to connect people and represent South East Europe as one. The show captures the joy, arouses interest, shows hope and leaves Conventa participants with happy memories and a wish to return for the next edition of the show.

Energy – Think positive!

Experience – A new trade show experience

Conventa is not only a trade show that offers providers a business-oriented platform to develop individual business relationships with targeted meeting industry audiences in a cost- and time efficient manner, but it is also a meeting point of South East Europe filled with energy, warmth and South East European hospitality.

Engagement – It’s all about team work!

When it comes to the satisfaction of hosted buyer and exhibitor needs, you can’t expect anything less than the maximum engagement of the Conventa team.

Best quality for money and satisfaction of Conventa participants have always been the top priorities of Conventa. A lot of efforts have been put into making the 6th Conventa the best show yet.

It’s all about the positive energy and positive energy is contagious. Notice the smiles on Conventa team members, the warm hospitality and energy in the air. Soak it up, smile and make a positive impression on the potential business partners you meet at Conventa. Your business meetings will definitely be more fruitful.

Entertainment – Enjoy the show!

Hard work followed by good time is what Conventa is all about. Imagine a place filled with your colleagues from the industry, great atmosphere, live entertainment, good food and a great glass of wine. Conventa will turn this dream into a reality.

The welcome reception will transform into a black and white masquerade ball, red carpet will await for you at the official reception and dance moves will be tested at the Five-star after party hosted by Kongres magazine. Yes, we will be mixing business with pleasure!

HOSTED BUYER DIARY

Matthieu Van Der Straten, Conference Coordinator, International Society Of Nephrology (Isn) Who? I’m a conference coordinator for an International Medical Association (International Society of Nephrology). In charge of venue selection for our symposia. I’m also in charge of all logistics and relations with suppliers, budget management, logistical coordination, planning etc... Our association has around 10000 members worldwide.

Events rotate and gather from 200 to 5000 for 3-5 days. Visit to Conventa is more for our our Nexus (up to 7-800 pax) and Forefronts Symposia (200 pax).

Where? ISN Nexus in 2014 will be held in Italy (Bergamo) and Australia (Brisbane). Forefronts Symposia in 2014 will be held in Boston and Charleston USA. Nexus Symposia in Congress Centre.

Forefronts in hotels (4* Marriott and Resort/all in meeting centre). Mostly accessible cities and venues. City centre for easy individual evening dinner possibilities. One plenary and a nice networking area for posters and mix&mingle.

Why? • Because a local member has presented a selected scientific program • Because it enters in our rotation between continents and countries • Because the budgets fits • Because there is a potential in finding partners/sponsors • For Nexus Symposia, because there was some financial support/ subvention (not necessary but can help to finalize the budget)

Education – Expanding the pool of knowledge

The sixth edition enriched the educational programme by upgrading Conventa Academy, introducing Conventa morning energy sessions tailor-made for exhibitors and/or hosted buyers needs and by brand new Conventa Experts Corner where short and more intimate sessions will be filled with expertise and advice.

Conventa Communication Platform powerd by KONGRES MAGAZINE since 2007

CONVENTA DAILY Editor-in-Chief: Gorazd Čad Design: Premedia, Andrej Juvan Printing: M-kontroler Circulation: 400 copies Publisher, Production and Marketing: Toleranca marketing d.o.o. Štihova ulica 4, SI- Ljubljana T:+386 (0)1 430 51 03, F:+386 (0)1 430 51 04

www.conventa.info Issue date: January 2014-01-22 Daily is free of charge for all participants of Coventa

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

90% less waste

document printed on environment friendly ColorQube by Xerox

EVENTS REPORT

JOIN US ON CONVENTA NETWORKING DINNER & FIVE STAR AFTER PARTY

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onventa networking dinner will be held on 22 January 2014 at 19.30 in the Sonet Hall at GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. For one evening only, we will take you back in history to remember the times we shared. We will first walk through the Tito exhibition – the Yugoslavian icon whose life is now the red thread of many historical incentives. Culinary offer will also give you the impression about the region.

Five-star After Party organised by the Kongres Magazine will follow the dinner and rock out to the best Ex-Yugoslavian beats plaid by the famous band Rock Partyzani.

KONGRESNA ZVEZDA MEETINGS STAR 2014

Party on! See you at Conventa networking Dinner&Five-star party held on 22 January 2014 from 19.30 on @GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre!

IMEX-MPI-MCI FUTURE LEADERS FORUM T he Forum is one of the premier educational programmes in the meetings industry calendar and over 100 forums have taken place globally since 2003 with more than 6,000 students participating in the forums to date. Students from all over of South East Europe participated at the IMEX Future Leaders forum free-ofcharge.

Students were listening to some of the leading speakers in meeting industry, such as Paul Kennedy, Director and Owner of Kennedy Consulting, Jan Orsic, Project Manager at Intours DMC, Mike Van der Vijver, Managing Partner at Mindmeeting, Miguel Neves, Senior Online Community Manager at IMEX Group and Sarah Skavron, Knowledge and Events Executive at IMEX Group. The last act of Conventa’s Future Leaders Forum was roundtable session with industry experts,

such as: Azra Botonjic, Mojca Gobina, Luka Zajc, Mateja Peric and Irena Jelenova.

They also had a great opportunity to prepare their Elevator Pitch with a challenge to sell a destination to a specific client with specific needs.

We are giving a chance to participants of IMEX Future Leaders Forum to visit Conventa show today and see how different countries promote themselves. They will also have a chance to visit »JOB FAIR corner«, where an exchange of information between employers and job seekers will take place.

Marko Delbello Ocepek

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Events report

WELCOME RECEPTION in BLACK & WHITE

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onventa began yesterday, when participants got a chance to attend Conventa Academy and the welcome reception held at Grand Hotel Union.

Conventa evening events are the best opportunity for networking with hosted buyers. Participants were invited to Welcome reception held in Grand Hotel Union at 19.30, inspired by the traditional Black & White Reduta, which was held from 1926 to 1933 in Art Nouveau Ballroom of the

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Grand Hotel Union and it was the elite, splendid & classy carnival dance in Ljubljana.

Conventa team wanted to brought some Black & White spirit into the Grand Union Hall and we congratulate the participants for taking black&white dress code so seriously.

Marko Delbello Ocepek

Events report

ACADEMY CONVENTA 2014

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he biggest added value of this year’s Conventa is certainly the most comprehensive and best educational program so far. During the traditional Conventa Academy exhibitors were able to participate in Forum, called “Leisure to MICE marketing”- presentations of best practices and challenges for suppliers. At 17.30 started the panel discussion on meeting design and brand design: “Don’t forget this meeting” for exhibitors and hosted buyers. Panel discussion has been moderated by Chris Parnham who was joined by speakers: Mike van der Vijver from MindMeeting, Davor Bruketa from Marketing Agency Bruketa&Zinic and Roger Pride from Heavenly Wales.

We hope you enjoy in Conventa Academy!

Marko Delbello Ocepek

CONVENTA EDUCATION Today we are starting our educational programme with energy morning sessions at 8.30- Brandoctor workshop for exhibitors. Brandoctor workshop is followed by Energy for Leadership in Slovenian, intend for meeting planners from Slovenia and Slovenian hosted buyers.

We will start the second day with energy morning sessions again at 8.30The role of creativity in business.

At 9 o’clock Conventa exhibitors and meeting planners are invited to listen to prof. Dr. Ricarda Merkwitz: Corporate Event Trends in Germany.

Speaker of the last lecture is Mr. Marko Križnik from Promo d.o.o.

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CONVENTA AWARDS

Meeting Star award 2014 CONVENTION CENTRES & HOTELS 2014 TOP CONVENTION CENTRE 2013 - CANKARJEV DOM, Cultural and Congress Centre

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TOP CITY MEETING HOTEL 2013 - LUXURY Metropol Palace Belgrade - PREMIUM Kempinski hotel Zoografski

4,79 4,46

TOP RESORT MEETING HOTEL 2013 - LUXURY Kempinski Palace - PREMIUM Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

4,77 4,41

Marko Delbello Ocepek

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or the third year in the row, Kongres Magazine called a tender for Meetings Star award, award for outstanding contributions in the field of marketing communication of destinations, congresses, events and meetings industry suppliers in South East Europe. The award is a visible recognition of creativity, knowledge and work based on team-work and experiences that brought clear and measurable results.

account this year’s ranking of individual cities on the ICCA scale (ICCA Country and City Rankings 2012) and Merecer’s global scale of quality of life in individual capitals.

Cities were divided into two categories: - L arge and medium sized cities with more than 150.000 inhabitants - Smaller regional and local towns with less than 150.000 inhabitants

Top Destinations 2013

Among larger cities in first places there were no surprises and in the lead remain Prague and Budapest. The most advanced Belgrade, which due to new investments and improved accessibility ended up in seventh place. On the scale also advanced Split. Zagreb, Ljubljana, Graz and Krakow remain in the first part of the scale with similar grades as previous year.

Among smaller cities with a large assault the first is Dubrovnik, which is also in absolute terms the second best congress destination of the region. To the tenth place then with minimal differences are listed famous tourist destinations, which are increasingly focusing on congress tourism.

Interesting surprises include fast-growing new congress destinations Umag, Zadar, Šibenik. The most in the last year eroded Maribor and Osijek, because both cities have not yet exploited their vast potential.

1. Prague 2. Dubrovnik 3. Budapest

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Editorial Board of Kongres magazine again prepared an overview of the top convention destinations in the region, which have been evaluated in the context of the project KONGRES MEETOLOGUE. Within the project we are discovering lesser known destinations and compare them with the more well-known and established ones.

To date, they have visited and evaluated 34 destinations in which they have thoroughly reviewed, analysed and evaluated: - Natural and cultural factors - General and transport infrastructure - Tourist infrastructure - Meetings infrastructure Each destination has also received a subjective grade.

At the end of the year due to the many changes and innovations were reassessed the destinations that they have already evaluated in 2010 and 2011. As an additional criterion, they have taken into 6

Since 2010 in the editorial office of Kongres magazine takes place evaluation of convention centres and hotels in the region. To date, they have evaluated over 70 hotels.

Hotels are rated by hidden congress guests. These are professional people who have years of experience in the meetings

industry and additional knowledge of hospitality management. Required skills and competences to ensure objectivity are: • Min. 15 years of international experience in the hotel business; • K nowledge of Slovenian and international standards with specific knowledge of control of standards (DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) DEHOGA and others; • K nowledge of trends in the meetings industry in the domestic and international market; • Identifying specific needs and preferences of customers; • K nowledge of all the necessary elements for guest satisfaction (technical specifications, catering services, additional services, security, ....);

CONVENTA AWARDS

In addition, their evaluators have verified references in the field of quality assurance of own work in the field of meetings industry, which provides an unbiased view on behalf of the client and maximum reliability. Their hidden guests are objective, fair, accurate and reliable, well organised and with a sense for details.

The evaluation matrix contains over 400 measurable evaluation criteria, which are divided into different categories such as the first contact with the customer, the general impression upon arrival, the behaviour of employees and many others.

Each category is assessed by the share of conditionality and the average rating, which allows the improvement of the quality of the individual criteria.

INSIDE AWARD 2014

GEOFFREY – THE FIRST ELECTRONIC BUTLER

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s part of the prize INSIDE from 2012 we are rewarding companies that develop innovations in the field of technology or business innovations in the meetings industry. The purpose of the Award is to identify good practices in the region.

INNOVATIONS include new products, processes and services and significantly improve the existing ones which are already established in the market. Usefulness in practice was already proven by successful sales.

The key assessment criteria were: - ORIGINALITY - to what extent the innovation goes beyond existing solutions in the world - PROTECTION OF NOVELTY - through patents or other forms of protection - ACHIEVED RESULTS - which because of the innovation were achieved by the company - E XPECTED RESULTS - which will be-

cause of the innovation have a long-term impact on the meetings industry This year’s winner is Geoffrey electronic waiter which is a result of the Slovenian know-how and technologies accumulated in the company Visionect and can speak all languages. The idea started in 2007, when tablet computers as we know them today were not yet present on the market. They have chosen a solution with an electronic paper which is virtually indestructible.

Borders are made of special plastic, which is resistant to impact and at the same time it is so tight that it is waterproof up to one metre.

First of all, Geoffrey began his march in the hospitality industry, broad usability is also shown in the meetings industry and in hotels.

At this year’s Conventa trade show exhibitors and everyone else will be able to see the solution.

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TOP 10

TOP BIG AND MEDIUM MEETINGS DESTINATIONS 2013 1. PRAGUE | SLAVIC PARIS | population: 1,272,690 Czech Republic | 4,64 Prague has for a long time not just been an Eastern European gem, but a true European tourist metropolis with a diverse and comprehensive offer, luxury hotels and sometimes too high prices.

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

2. BUDAPEST | BRIDGE THE MICE GAP | population: 1,729,040 | Hungary | 4,53 If we put congress destinations of New Europe in a football perspective, then inthe first league dominates Vienna, immediately followed by Prague and Budapest. This also showed on our scale where among the large cities Budapest ranked third. The city has no shortage of picturesque special venues nor the most luxurious hotels and ‘crazy’ and diverse incentive venues. If Prague and Dubrovnik are love at first sight, then Budapest is love in the long run. In addition to the selection of 16 five-star hotels, fromIntercontinental to Kempinski hotels and 61 four-star hotels, it impresses with a unique specialty historic spa resorts. All this has been for many years an excellent and well-established MICE destination and a well-oiled congress machinery. In addition, Budapest is, unlike its rivals, also a very pocket friendly meetings destination.

3. LJUBLJANA | THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY | population: 282,994 | Slovenia | 4,46 Ljubljana definitely makes a good first impression, which is partly due to its perception within the wider Balkans and Eastern Europe. Despite any preconceptions, however, what people find is a congress destination that is friendly and very favourable to the meetings industry, while at the same time highly competitive in terms of price and quality. In terms of its conference infrastructure, Ljubljana belongs to the group of capitals suitable for medium-sized and smaller meetings (up to 2,500 participants). It is positioned side by side with the new EU member states and is geographically in the region of the Western Balkans. Thus, according to congress stakeholders for Ljubljana the most competitive destinations are Zagreb, Belgrade, Prague and Budapest.

Compared to the newer EU capitals and the countries of South East Europe, Ljubljana is ranked in the second tier. It is preceded by Budapest and Vilnius, and we should also highlight the rapid growth of Belgrade.

4. GRAZ | SECOND CITY FIRST | population: 269,539 | Austria | 4,33 Being the first to do something is sometimes difficult and Graz was among the first to develop branding of the entire destination, congress grants and many other marketing innovations, from which a lot of other regional convention bureaus drew inspiration. However, former pupils have since caught up and in the field of branding, as well as in some other areas, are now ahead of their old teacher. Graz may not be the most seductive convention destination. However, it should be highlighted that Graz and Styria live with congress tourism throughout the year. A developed infrastructure and year-round offer really helps this, where tradition combines with the present and where everyone can find an offer to their taste, need and pocket. With a focus on green meetings Graz will also definitely find the right answer to the ubiquitous crisis, one that has not bypassed congress tourism.

5. KRAKOW | PROUD CITY | population: 755,546 | Poland | 4,24 Of all the Polish cities Krakow is the one with the greatest soul and is the most freighted with history. Being the prime tourist city it has excellent conditions in place for the development of its congress tourism. With the construction of the new convention centre it has also received a real affirmation of this. In Poland, Krakow will be the destination of the new generation, which will soon be recognised as a high quality, compact and versatile meetings destination in Poland, due to the cultural heritage, new meetings capacities and because of its huge scientific potential.

The activities of the Convention Bureau are a good indicator of what the destination is capable of achieving and what expectations it can meet. Krakow’s recipe is successful and a good practice case for other more traditional central European destinations.

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TOP 10

6. ZAGREB | WHITE ZAGREB TOWN | population: 1,088,841 | Croatia | 4,21 Within the region, Zagreb has best managed to maintain the Central European culture that is reminiscent of Vienna and creates a special atmosphere. In addition, it is a ‘pocket-friendly destination’ that offers a lot for a reasonable cost. It is the ideal combination of a metropolis with charm and a small town atmosphere. I predict a great congress future for Zagreb. I estimate that in the international congress market it is well established and in addition to Ljubljana and Belgrade it represents the future backbone of the continental meetings industry of the region. All three cities are progressing steadily on the charts of developed meetings destinations; the final breakthrough of the entire region is weaved in with and dependent on the marketing of major regional congress cities in the international market.

7. BELGRADE | A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS | population: 1,546,812 | Serbia | 4,18 Looking at Belgrade in terms of conference infrastructure, investments are needed for it to be able to compete in the premier league of European cities. Most convention facilities need renovation to address a dominant retro style from the beginning of 1970s. The city has enormous potential, which is still significantly untapped. Belgrade bases its congress story on a 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 a congress rough diamond, which has enormous development potential and can find itself placed geostrategically side by side with world congress capitals, if it improves its infrastructure and handles the entire meetings sales chain. Promises of the new era are new hotels like the Falkensteiner, which will open in November, added to which the renovation of the Continental Hotel has also started, which will operate as Crown Plaza from 2013.

8. VILNIUS | BALTIC CONGRESS TIGERS | population: 557,126 | Lithuania | 4,15 Vilnius is a city open to foreigners and different cultures, which is best reflected in the cosmopolitan old town with its dominantly Baroque seal. Particularly surprising are the simple, hospitable and open Lithuanians who make it a pleasant destination and who reflect nothing like the Scandinavian restraint. Over the last few years Vilnius learned diligently, polished its offer and prepared for its entry into the international congress scene. In their favour they have the charm of the city that is cosmopolitan, urban, very European and full of hidden surprises. It’s a city where socialist modernist architecture co-exists with the Baroque centre, and unlike some other Eastern European congress destinations this makes it very attractive. By joining the EU the city has become a credible partner of the international meetings industry, making is one of the new, undiscovered convention destinations that appeals because of its freshness. For all three Baltic Congress Tigers - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn - we predict a very sunny congress future.

9. GDANSK | CITY OF SOLIDARITY AND FREEDOM | population: 456,874 | Poland | 4,05 Gdansk differs markedly from other Polish cities because of the special atmosphere in the old town and its many historical sites suitable for congress tourism. There is an attractive mix of west and east, of northern culture and of the old and the new, all adding to the city’s unique identity.

Gdansk is known as a place of freedom, which is written into its genetic code and is reflected in the rich cultural heritage and current cultural and artistic production. As a result of the hyperactive Convention Bureau, Gdansk as a destination is in an extremely high position in comparison with other Polish international destinations. To achieve excellence Gdansk needs to focus on better regulation of its traffic and its accessibility, which is not yet at an adequate level, although the other infrastructure is excellent and comparable with competing European destinations.

10. SPLIT | CROSSROADS DALMATIA | population: 178,192 | Croatia | 3,98 Political stability, safety, the ratio of quality to price and the general competitiveness of the destination are the main attributes of Split’s offer. Split, however, does somewhat worse in the area of meetings industry support, e-services and its image as a congress destination. Among the Adriatic congress destinations it has become serious competition to Dubrovnik over the last years. The main disadvantages of the destination are bad cooperation between the service providers, a lack of air traffic connections to key markets and not enough destination marketing. If Split gets a real convention centre in the future it could become one of the leading congress destinations in the Mediterranean. New and excellent hotel capacities, good road connections to Europe and wonderful surroundings, with islands offering numerous incentive programme opportunities, all bolster this proposition. Split is one of the most unexploited congress destinations in the Mediterranean.

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CONVENTA TOP

CONVENTION BUREAU LATEST NEWS

According to the latest Eurostat data, Europe will pass through the recession and is on the path of slow recovery in 2014. At the beginning of the year we would like to measure the temperature and expectations among the various convention bureaus of the region participating at the trade show Conventa. our infrastructure makes me confident to say, that we are ahead of many others in the international meeting industry.

How important is the participation at the congress trade show Conventa for your destination? In the past years only bordering regions of Slovenia where allowed to participate at Conventa, so we are participating first time and look forward meeting many interesting clients.

in terms of recently established incentive programme, which we are really grateful for as it makes Prague much more attractive for event organizers and help us a lot to promote the city!

What areas and development priorities are you paying the most attention to?

First of all, we are working on further development of the Ambassador Programme. We would like to extend it both to national and corporate level. Secondly, we are focusing on “Smart research” of events, and last but not least, on creation of strong bidding teams with the aim to increase competitiveness and image of Prague abroad by presenting it as a strong and united destination.

Your main competitive advantage? Where are you better than the competition? Our strength certainly is the “Dream Team” – meaning our team as well as a strong bidding team within the destination J! The key is enthusiasm, loyalty and focus on our mission.

We are also asking you for optional answer to the question: How important is the participation at the congress trade show Conventa for your destination? We strongly support the idea of promoting the region that we are historically and ethnically related with! We believe that there is a high potential in increasing visibility of this region by events like Conventa.

HOSTED BUYER DIARY

Estella Pieters, Event Organizer, Eucass

GERNOT MARX, DEPUTY MANAGER, SALZBURG CONVENTION BUREAU

What are expectations for 2014 at your convention destination? We expect to hold our position as the number two Austrian meeting destination after Vienna. Tourism statistics show records, year after year and we will make new efforts to continue this.

What areas and development priorities are you paying the most attention to? We will be focusing on new countries with new direct flight connections to Salzburg such as Istanbul. Our core markets and neighboring countries in the east of Europe will stay on top of our list.

Your main competitive advantage?

Where are you better than the competition? I’d like to think of the differences which make us run ahead of other destinations. If you take a look at the tourism statistics you will see that we are a record winning destination in city and alpine tourism. None of our competitors can offer the same variety to meeting planners such as urban city feeling and alpine chic at the same time. However, the investments in 10

DAGMAR BROŽOVÁ, ASSOCIATION MEETINGS MANAGER, PRAGUE CONVENTION BUREAU

What are expectations for 2014 at your convention destination? 2013 was not really a good year for Prague as far as the number of events held in the destination.

We can assume that this was the consequence of the world economic crisis which hit the MICE industry with a delay. In 2014, we are expecting a slow recovery and increase in the number of events. Prague is one of the most popular MICE destinations in Europe which has a lot to offer. Moreover, we can see the progress in the support of the industry from the city government

Who? Eucass is an International Association working in the field of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The association organizes a very large Conference (700-800 pp) on odd years and several workshops( 50-100PP) every year on specialized topics in the same field.

Where? The latest conference took place in July 2013 in Munich. The reason for this location was the need for a large room for the plenary sessions and as many as 14/15 simultaneous breakout rooms, during one week, a large range of hotel room prices, from 5 ** to student hostel, the easy access for people from all over the world, an interesting spouse programme , local sponsoring etc…

Why? The association is now in the process of finding a location for the next conference.

CONVENTA GOING GREEN

BE SUSTAINABLE IT’S EASY

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Take advantage of venues being within walking distance in Ljubljana and walk from your hotel to the event and back. A member of Conventa team will be there to accompany you. By choosing to walk instead of taking the bus you are helping Conventa show reduce carbon emissions.

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Where possible minimise the amount of waste and separate your waste according to the appropriate fractions.

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Carefully select conference and promotional materials to be included in your conference bag.

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But there always remains the question whether the participants notice and value the effort we put in our sustainable programme. That’s why at Conventa 2014 a further step in implementing green practices is made. This time Conventa wants to engage all participants in sustainable endeavours.

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e are proud that Conventa has succeeded in becoming fully committed to reducing negative environmental impacts of the trade show. By implementing sustainable practices, we managed to add value for all participants and the local community.

All catering providers give preference to locally-grown organic ingredients and therefore reduce food miles and support local economies. A small dietary change can make a big difference. At Conventa luncheon give preference to a healthy vegetarian option and reduce CO2 emissions.

At the Job Fair corner information will be collected through computerless paper consumption and transparency of collected data.

HOW? The Sustainability Programme highlights 10 sustainable practices implemented at the Conventa show and invites participants to follow these actions.

The Conventa team invites you to take part in our sustainability programme and mark sustainable measures you have taken.

You just have to follow some of 10 easy sustainable guidelines. In today’s Daily we have disclosed 5 of them, the rest can be found in tomorrow’s Daily.

Thank you for being green!

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CONVENTA NEWS

HOTEL CHAINS LATEST NEWS

MOJCA GOBINA, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MICE SALES, SAVA TURIZEM D.D.

Could you please share your chain news and latest developments?

In 2014, the Sava Hotels & Resorts MICE destinations – i.e. Bled, Ptuj and the thermal centres in Pomurje (Moravske Toplice and Zdravilišče Radenci) – will continue to focus on providing a diverse offer and creating unique experiences – just two of the reasons why business guests like to revisit these destinations again and again. Since our guests are our greatest treasure, we pay special attention to our loyal Ambassadors; we are working on some special treats for them this year.

In 2014 and in the coming years, our investments will be aimed at renovating the hotels and to improving the energy efficiency of our properties, developing new products and creating offers to suit our more demanding guests.

In keeping with the sustainable development of tourism in Bled, we are expanding our range of sustainable events; in the health resorts, we are especially focused on enhancing the connection between business tourism and health care. As part of a comprehensive upgrade to our health services, cutting-edge medical equipment has been installed in Zdravilišče Radenci, making the destination one of the bestequipped health resorts for the prevention of and rehabilitation after cardiovascular diseases in this part of Europe.

Could you please share your chain news and latest developments?

Lifeclass Hotels & Spa starts off the year 2014 with a major investment as the front rooms at the Grand Hotel Portorož face the refurbishment and the swimming pools of the spa area Terme & Wellness Lifeclass a complete renovation. We expect to reopen the Grand Hotel Portorož and the spa area on the April 1st 2014.

RONALD KVARANTAN, AREA SALES MANAGER, ISTRABENZ TURIZEM DD, LIFECLASS HOTELS & SPA

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What do you consider exceptional about Central and SouthEast Europe in order to begin expanding in it?

We are the part of Central and South East Europe, so nothing is more normal than to expand in it.

Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline within Eastern Europe region that you can exclusively share with Conventa?

Not at the moment

What do you consider exceptional about Central and Southeast Europe in order to begin expanding in it?

Emerging economies regain the lead.

Already in 2012, growth was stronger in emerging economies as compared to advanced economies, a trend which has marked the sector for many years now. Central and Eastern Europe destinations experienced the best results. The main purpose of travelling is recreation and holidays, visit friends/relatives or business. The top 5 activity participation are cultural and heritage sites, visiting small towns, art gallery/ museums, touring countryside, sport and gastronomy. Slovenia is the perfect match: short travel distances and easy accessible (good flight connections), small, diverse and green - an incentive itself, good pricequality ratio, outstanding gastronomy and also very important roots and culture.

Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline within Eastern Europe region that you can exclusively share with Conventa?

2 exciting project are in the pipeline Within Eastern Europe, oriented to 2 specific markets; Hungary and Serbia. We are in the process of finalization that’s why we will keep it as so, maybe we are ready to share them during Conventa. LIVE.

CONVENTA SPECIALS:

JOB FAIR CORNER

S

lovenian tourism students and young professionals association wants the project to open and expand the opportunities offered by the trade show CONVENTA both exhibitors as well as young people who are embarking on cooperation in tourism, particularly business tourism, which is an extremely dynamic area with many challenges and opportunities.

The project aims to establish a link between tourism service providers and young people seeking student work, internships or employment in tourism, through a database of job seekers who will be operating at the time of Conventa 2014 available to all service providers on the exchange.

CONVENTA NEWS

LJUBLJANA UPDATE

HOTEL CUBO WITH NEW ADDITION

From the opening two years ago, Hotel Cubo has strived to add and improve their product and services. Now a new, larger conference hall has been added to their services enabling them to host their first event.

Hotel Cubo offers meeting room with minimalistic design, strategically placed

CANKARJEV DOM – HAND IN HAND WITH INTERNATIONAL PCOs

Cankarjev dom, Slovenia’s main congress centre, has maintained successful partnerships with acknowledged international PCOs, among others also: K.I.T, CZECHIN, MCI and Guarant International.

For over thirty years, the CD Congress Centre, Slovenia’s leading convention centre and a professional congress organiser, has chronicled a rich history of international strategic partnerships. Following the

lighting and latest audio-visual equipment within hotel for events up to 50 guests.

Meeting room is suitable for business meetings or corporate events. The newly refurbished conference hall, gallery ISIS is situated in the vicinity of the hotel. It can easily accommodate up to 100 guests, depending on the desired layout. The hall and all hospitality services are managed

by Hotel Cubo and all technical equipment and additional services can be organized based on desire of clients.

They were able to organize their first event in gallery ISIS for Slovenian client.

Event was a mixture of presentation of Slovenian innovators to Swiss guests and short meetings between Slovenian and Swiss businesses in relaxing atmosphere.

A successful launch of the new product is surely a confirmation of Hotel Cubo’s

good work.

ISPAD Conference of the Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, organised in conjunction with K.I.T Germany, in 2010 the Centre entered into an agreement on the organisation of the 40th EDNA – ERCA International Conference with CZECH-IN, a Belgian-Czech company, and a year later hosted in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, almost 1400 members of the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association.

In September 2013, Cankarjev dom and MCI, its partnering PCO, organised the theretofore largest international paediatric rheumatology conference (20th PReS 2013), attended by approximately 900 delegates.

For 2014, Cankarjev dom is proud to announce the World Psychiatric Association Regional Congress – 2014 WPA Regional Congress, to be organised between 9 and 12 April in cooperation with Guarant International spol. S r.o. from the Czech Republic. A congress of global scope, WPA will attract as many as 1000 participants.

Attention Hosted Buyers!

A

ll Hosted Buyers, who will give their business card at registration, will be automatically placed in the draw, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday during lunch break. For today’s draw, prizes were contributed by Terme Krka, Best Western Central Europe and Prague Convention Bureau.

UNION HOTELS – A GROUP OF FOUR HOTELS IN LJUBLJANA IS PROUDLY PRESENTED WITH A NEW BRAND NAME

The Union Hotels group comprised of the Grand Hotel Union, the Grand Hotel Union Business, the Hotel Lev and the Central Hotel is definitely one of the most important congress hotel groups in Slovenia. Situated close together in the city centre of Ljubljana, the four hotels can easily host larger national or international events. Altogether they offer 574 elegantly furnished hotel rooms of the various categories and 30 conference halls and meeting rooms with modern technical equipment.

This year they have decided to remodel the corporate identity in an attractive and modern look. At the same time they just launched a new website with modern and inviting appearance, that can be utilized via computer, tablet, cell phone and any handheld devise. The strive to be continuously progressive in updating their look, to make the website more functional and user friendly.

Visit the new web site www.union-hotels. eu to get more information about Union Hotels.

CONVENTA SPECIALS:

O

n both days, short presentations will be running in the Expert’s corner in the Marmorna Hall. At the Job Fair corner you will be get information about the young professionals looking for their first jobs! Hosted buyers are welcome to relax in the Hosted Buyers Lounge @ Ljubljana Tourism.

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UNIQUE INCENTIVE IDEAS

MARITIME QUEST IN THE BOKA BAY

T

he UNESCO protected Boka Bay in Montenegro offers a great combination of cultural and sporty experiences. Each team having its own boat and captain will have to accomplish fun and creative tasks during the navigation time and during the stops in different places (islands, old towns).

Best time of the year: Spring to Autumn Minimum/maximum number of participants: 10-60 Duration: 2-3 hours Location: Boka Bay, Montenegro www.talas-montenegro.com

SCENIC COASTAL HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE WITH VINTAGE RENAULT 4 CARS

E

xperience the region of Pelješac peninsula while driving Renault 4 vehicles is a perfect way to discover all the beauties that the Dalmatian coast has to offer.

First stop is in a historic mill where you will have a presentation of how olive oil was made in the »Old days« with »horse« power.

The drive continues through the picturesque villages in the hills above the Adriatic to the village of Ston where you will visit the famous salt pans. Before lunch a tasting of oysters in the middle of the bay is organized by boat where you can try and shuck the oysters yourself. The experience ends with a fresh caught seafood lunch in a local tavern.

Best time in the year: Spring to autumn Minimum/maximum number of participants: 10 - 80 Duration: 6 - 8 hours Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

EXPERIENCE

Hosted buyer ‘Chefs challenge’

S

pice up your Conventa experience by joining the ‘Chefs Challenge’! Cookery courses and culinary workshops are the right choice for all who want to learn about the little secrets of master chefs.

Join us on Wednesday, 22 January at 4pm and Thursday, 23 January at 2 pm.

A kitchen surroundings will be created with all necessary appliances and ingredients. Selected number of participants will be divided into two groups and be assigned to one of the chefs.

Teams will compete in making delicious culinary delights and be judged by the Conventa participants.

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You can register for Hosted buyer ‘Chefs challenge’ at SORA Catereing stand (No 19) and Vivo catering stand (No 24).

SORA Catering chefs and VIVO Catering chefs await for you!

What’s hot in 2014 CONVENTA GOING GREEN:

HERBAL GARDEN

by Sava Hoteli Bled

M

eeting in Bled represents a selection of green meetings under brand “Green for tomorrow”, which party partners reported that their excellence extends to social responsibility. Sava Hotels Bled annually recycles half of the waste from one year to reduce the consumption of energy and water. In the selection of suppliers give priority to local suppliers and develop products that protect the environment and raise the visitors. Among them is almost a carbon- neutral natural water and product line named “Green Tomorrow.” In accordance with the values​​ of green Sava Hotels Bled there were also placed an idyllic forest villas – “Glamping in Zaka”.

The desire to Conventa participants do something good for the environment, leave their mark on our region and planted the seeds of good synergies for the future, we launched the idea of “Conventa Herbal Garden”. On the clay pots, participants

will therefore write positive traveler for herb to grow and develop in the right direction. They will plant typical Slovenian herbs in the most fertile Slovenian land and everything watered with a drop of water Sava. Herbs in pots will be carefully saved and planted in spring at forest villas in Zaka. Creators of the garden will be invited to come by every so often to see and even pick their herbs.

Come and plant Slovenian herbs at Conventa Herbal Garden! Conventa Herbal Garden will be here both days (Wednesday and Thursday) after lunch break until the end of trade show.

British Business Breakfast:

“Event Manage­ ment as a profession”

T

he event management is dynamic industry of unimaginable proportions and truly a great economy booster with limitless possibilities. The case of the UK undoubtedly ascertains the recently acknowledged sectors’ value to the economy.

During British Business Breakfast the key speakers, the definite experts of the field present you the dynamics and the world of possibilities in the industry, event management as a profession, its important role of an economic contributor to the national economy, and furthermore, the advantages of the professional organized meetings & events were highlighted.

Invited keynote speakers, that join us under the watchful guidance of the moderator Alexander Paine, Partner, Ascendant Capital Advisors, are: Paul Kennedy, MBE, Director and Owner of Kennedy Integrated Solutions is known for his focus on destination, event and venue strategic business development and his client list is principally international, Angie Mason, Director, Absolute Corporate Events, is known for her extensive experience in the meetings and events sector and currently sits on the Education Advisory Panel for The Meetings Show UK and Chris Parnham, Managing Director, Absolute Corporate Events and Chairman of HBAA has been in the events industry for 20 years, holding senior, owner and director posts for large corporates and agencies.

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VISIT

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ADVERTORIAL

NEW YEAR’S EVE STORY

O

n the New Year’s Eve 2013, Ljubljana set a new record. 50,000 people were celebrating in our beautiful city.

As previous years, BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL SLON traditionally organised a Gala New Year’s Eve celebration, which was the highlight of hotels social calendar.

Preparation for the event, started already few months before with organisation of musical entertainment, discussion on decoration, choosing dinner menu, everything in order to make this occasion memorable for all our guest. And a whole team did a great job! The evening started with a warm welcome and a surprise gift from the hotel, small elephant toy (elephant =

English name for slon). Atmosphere was fantastic; guests enjoyed our gala eightcourse menu and dance rhythms. After the longest night in the year all hotel guests were greeted with complimentary Brunch

the next morning. A year 2013 exceeded all our expectations. BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotel Slon wishes you a wonderful 2014 and see you in Ljubljana :-)!

AUSTRIA TREND HOTEL LJUBLJANA N o wonder that Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana is known as the prime address for elegant lodging in Ljubljana!

Our hotel awaits you with all the amenities you would except from a modern high-end hotel: an inspiring atmosphere, exclusive comfort, state-of-the-art facilities, stunning design, elegant details, professional service, international flair and the most spacious hotel rooms in Ljubljana (measuring from 30 m² minimum to 160 m²)! And let us not forget about the spacious wellness area and our highly professional conference service.

A true highlight of our hotel is the perfect location! The main attractions and the Ljubljana city centre can easily be reached by public transport. The Old Town, the Convention Centre, the Faculty of Economics, the BTC shopping centre, the Krvavec skiing resort, several golf courses and Center Stozice are situated in the vicinity of the hotel as well.

meetings at the highest level At the Hotel Ljubljana we offer eight extraordinary conference rooms on a total area of 830 m², suitable for any kind of event – ranging from smaller meetings, over conferences with up to 600 guests.

Video conferences are available. All our conference rooms feature state-of-the-art facilities and many technological highlights such as electronic flipcharts.

RESTAURANT & BAR – a gourmet paradise We look forward to treat you with an unforgettable culinary experience, both in our restaurant and our bar, where we offer delicious domestic specialities and exciting international favourites. Wine and dine in a truly pleasant atmosphere!

Start your day with a powerful breakfast in our restaurant. Taste our fresh rolls and other delicacy and enrich your day with the vitamins from a variety of fresh fruit cuts.

Wellness & Beauty Welcome to the oasis of harmony for body and soul. A place where time stands still and where you can forget the world around you. With its oriental and peaceful atmosphere the “Sense Wellness Club” is perfect

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to relax and unwind and offers a unique combination of massage treatments from Thailand and the Philippines. Aromatic oils, warm herbs and various oriental treatments round off our offer. In addition, we offer a Hammam, a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, a whirlpool, a relaxation room as well as a VIP area where couples can enjoy treatments together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Grand hotel Sava Rogaška Slatina · Slovenia

A different way of doing business Rogaška Congress centre is located inside the Grand hotel Sava**** superior surrounded by a wonderful health resort park, which makes it a perfect place for spending your free time, a short vacation or an active holiday, visiting the Wellness & Spa or joining a business event.

We have taken our services a step further. We offer our guests full support in the organization of events, excellent hotel services and capacities. Our professional team is unobtrusive but always close at hand, so you can relax and enjoy your stay despite the work-related purpose of your visit.

Rogaška Congress centre The modern business world has crossed office boundaries.

Contact with nature, soothing effects of thermal mineral water as well as modern wellness-centre services complement and add variety to business meetings. Social life and team work within an organisation are being increasingly emphasized, which is why we have prepared a variety of offers regarding incentive programmes characterised by the unique natural environment.

INFORMATION AND BOOKING HOTEL SAVA ROGAŠKA, d.o.o.

Zdraviliški trg 6, 3250 Rogaška Slatina, Slovenia info@hotel-sava-rogaska.si, www.rogaska.si T +386 (0)3 811 40 00, F +386 (0)3 811 47 32

ADVERTORIAL

GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre – a perfect fit for exhibitions T he GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is renowned for hosting various trade shows, congresses and other events but in the past few years it has established itself as a venue for world class exhibitions as well.

In 2012 a fascinating exhibition with educational note Bodies Revealed was held there. The Bodies Revealed, which enables people of all ages to explore the depths of the human body, took place from 12 April until 9 October 2011. The exhibition attracted more than 80,000 visitors in less than six months. And among 24 exhibition halls there are lots of unique and extraordinary opportunities to find a perfect fit for cultural events as well.

Created by Grande Exhibitions, with the assistance of Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo (Italy) and Pascal Cotte of Lumiere Technology (France), the exhibition Da Vinci – The Genius has been touring the world for six years, to more than 40 cities, and in 2013 finally reached Ljubljana.

From 15 February until 29 September, with over 200 pieces including 75 life-size machine inventions, the exhibition Da

Vinci – The Genius offered an unmatched look into the mind of the ultimate Renaissance Man. The event took place in a renovated warehouse in one of the complexes of the GR. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most revered and dynamic minds of all times, inspired over 70,000 visitors with his imagination, brilliance and innovation. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to return to the past and explore the wonder of scientific advancement that continues to influence the scientific community.

The exhibition Tito – a Yugoslavian Icon is the first and largest exhibition of this kind in Slovenia, telling the story of an icon of the 20th century in former Yugoslavia. The exhibition presents Josip Broz – Tito as the face, icon and historical figure of a time, which cannot be, vis-à-vis history, avoided, erased, or forgotten. It is intended for Tito aficionados, who recall the times of his leading of the common country with nostalgia, as well as for his opponents and detractors, since it presents Tito as a personality and not as an ideological figure of the former socialistic system. The exhibition’s ten sections present: Tito and Yugoslavia, Tito’s collaborators, the Relay of Youth, the Non-Aligned

Movement, Tito’s travels, Tito’s vehicle fleet, Tito and the Post of Yugoslavia, artistic representations of Tito, his New Year’s Eve celebrations and his funeral.

The exhibition is taking place from 7 November 2013 until 28 February 2014.

GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is the leading events centre in Slovenia comprising 20 multifunctional halls that occupy a surface area of 12,323 square metres of internal exhibition space, which are complemented by 8,844 square metres of external exhibition space. This makes it an ideal venue for a small art exhibition as well as a big blockbuster exhibition.

Da Vinci – The Genius Exhibition, Meduza Hall, 15 February - 29 September 2013

DO NOT MISS

A

t the 20th anniversary of Vivo catering, do not miss Vivo catering’s Chef Challenge event, led by Continental Director South Europe WACS (World Association of Chefs Societies) Mr Srečko Koklič with the guidelines of global culinary trends .

The expert committee will declare the best dish.

The winner will be rewarded with a bottle of great gold medal genre Constantini, 2006, the highest rated wine of Emozioni Mondo, given special recognition to journalists and the Gold Medal Mundus Vini, Internationale Weinakademie. The competition will start at 14.00 o’clock at Vivo coffee corner.

You are welcome to visit, promote, socialize and login.

KINDLY INVITED On Thursday, welcome to Vivo catering’s lunch, where we will prepare Slovenian dishes following the contemporary culinary trends in cuisine.

Visit us at stand no. 24 Mateja and Milena are waiting for you with a presentation of congress adventures and dessert with olive oil from Slovenian Istria.

At Vivo catering’s 20th birthday, we have opened a new center for innovative culinary experiences and D125 at Dunajska cesta 125 ( www.d125.si ).

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Vivo catering celebrates 20 years.

In the past year we segmented our offer and brought it closer to needs of individuals. We developed four pillars, namely Vivo Elegance (for the most prestigious and butique receptions); Vivo Economy, Vivo Wedding and Vivo Congresses, adapted to every need and customer. Beside segmentation we also focused on eco Catering and presentation of culinary art within the Taste Slovenia concept. Dishes that represent Slovene roots are mostly prepared with ingredients of the Slovene origin and more importantly ingredients with a traceable origin. We think this is extremely important and at the same time we are supporting our producers and authenticity of our cuisine. We present the Slovene cuisine in a modified way enriched with contemporary trends.

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

fessional media, who have brought 119 journalists to the event to spread the word of the meetings potential of the region to the whole world. In partnership co-operation media contacts annually guarantee us free publications and other forms of content marketing to a total value of 65,000 EUR.

Conventa 2014

gLOBAL STARS AT cOnVEnTA

TOp TEn

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

Only at Conventa can you have on average 22 pre-arranged meetings in two days, the organisation of which would otherwise take a lot of your precious time.

Fact: For the average sales meeting organi- SAVE AT LEAST sation you would spend at least 60 minutes, without counting time invested in market research and other time invested in finding customers. According to the Conventa survey, on average we save you at least 60 hours of valuable time that you would otherwise be spending searching for contacts, hOURS organising and executing of meetings.

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67 LEADIng pRO mEDIA

jOURnALISTS

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

hIgh Fact: We are trusted by global trade shows IMEX, EIBTM and UK LOYALTY Meetings Show, ICCA association, MPI and SITE, as well as all the major convention bureaus in the region. In addition, all the largest meetings players have been with us from the beginning.

The degree of loyalty is extremely high, because from the beginning 98% of exhibitors have put their trust in us and they are joined every year by new exhibitors.

98%

SELECTED BUYERS These are the heart of Conventa. Only those who have a serious interest in the region and a real purchasing power are invited to the event. Every year we decline over 200 applicants who do not meet the strict criteria of qualification.

Fact: According to Conventa statistics a minimum of 10% of all actual meetings are transformed sales in the long run.

On average this means 2.2 AVERAgE YIELD successful meetings with us. Taking the assumption that it is a one day event with 50 participants, who pER EXhIBITOR according to Ljubljana Tourism analysis spend EUR 383,60 (without transport to the destination) per day, this means that specific yield of the trade show is on average at least EUR 57,540 per exhibitor.

€ 57,540

Šipon (Furmint) – is the local and most appreciated variety from our wine growing area, Ljutomer Ormož.

According to the legend the name derives from the French word “si-bon”, which means “so good”, a phrase from Napoleon-times.

This Šipon (Furmint) is a full bodied wine that is wonderfully floral and aromatic yet has a rich texture that is not too intense. It has a nice, complex taste delivering distinctive varietal aromas of white flowers, herbal notes and citrus. The fresh acids make this an extremely well-balanced wine that goes perfectly with white meat, pork, pasta, seafood and a salad with goat cheese. info@pfwineries.com

Fact: Conventa achieves outstanding results in terms of quality. The average satisfaction grade of exhibitors was in five years 4.23 from a possible 5), with the average satisfaction grade of invited guests even higher, scoring the trade show with an average grade 4.44.

SATISFAcTIOn gRADE 4.23

4.44

EXhIBITORS

InVITED gUESTS

IT SAVES YOU MONEY Investment in Conventa is equal to investment in a minimum 250 sales contacts (sales leads). In addition, Conventa is one of the few trade shows that provides exhibitors with a database of all participating invited guests after the event for the purpose of further marketing.

Fact: Average cost per lead in Europe is, according to base estimates, 15 EUR per contact. At Conventa you are guaranteed 250 contacts, or a total value of EUR 3,250 far exceeding the investment cost of registration fee for participation.

15€ pER cOnTAcT

NO HIDDEN COSTS The registration fee for Conventa does not have concealed costs and includes a fully equipped stand to work on the principle “come, meet, win”. In addition, over the two days of the event and fully included in the registration fee, Conventa is one of only trade shows taking care of food for its participants.

Fact: Normally, the costs of appearing at fairs and exhibitions in the basic package do not include different types of additional equipment such as chairs, tables, lighting, and more. Conventa offers all of this, as well as a year-round marketing package, for a single price.

To the costs of appearing you need only add the cost of getting to Ljubljana and accommodation for your staff.

mARkETIng pAckAgE

FOR A SIngLE pRIcE

Conventa 2014

Conventa 2014 exceeded all expectations FACTS 2014.

2.

Conventa, the most important trade show for South East European meetings industry, has this year exceeded all expectations. The sixth edition attracted the largest number of international meeting planners in the history of the show, congress destinations are presented in the highest number so far, the organizers recorded a record number of pre-arranged meetings between hosted buyers exhibitors and more fam trips than ever were available to hosted buyers.

1.

Meeting providers are this year coming from 12 different countries, which is a new best for Conventa. The majority are from Slovenia and are followed by providers from Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Romania and Turkey.

FIVE

YEARS OF RESULTS

Pre-arranged meetings between exhibitors and hosted buyers remain the core of Conventa. This year, HH meetings were pre-arranged before the start of the show. In the past, exhibitors at the trade show completed on average 22 prescheduled meetings. This year the organizers are predicting this number will reach 25 meeting per exhibitor.

3.

Additional effort that was this year put into the search for the highest quality international meeting planners genuinely interested in the SEE region paid off. To the positive outcome certainly contributed also new foreign partners who used their many years of experience, connections and acquaintances to help find the best hosted buyers. Compared to last year, the number of international meeting planners at Conventa has risen by at least 25 percent. This means the trade show will

hOSTED BUYERS FROm cOUnTRIES

The sixth Conventa also increased the number of fam trips, a professionally guided trips that offer hosted buyers the opportunity to personally experience the destination and confirm the offer presented to them at the trade show.

With the help of convention bureaus and local providers, the organizers have managed to offer seven different programs The event will officially end on Thursday, 23 January with the departures of hosted buyer on fam trips. But this will not mean the end of activities for Conventa participant. Their work will continue with developing and building up the newly establish connections, sending out the offers and finally closing the business deals that Conventa help create.

TOp TEn

EXhIBITORS FROm cOUnTRIES

Organizer:

ALL YEAR ROUND PROMOTION OF EXHIBITORS

Co-organisers and international partners:

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

REASONS TO EXHIBIT AT CONVENTA Part 2

39,816

HIGH LEVEL SOCIALISING

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

cOnTAcTS

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

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

4.

1,205 616 11 36

CONVENTA 2014 SUCCEEDS DUE TO

Official partners:

host over 170 hosted buyers from as many as 25 countries and over HH national and regional buyers.

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

67 LEADIng pRO mEDIA

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

SOcIAL EVEnTS ARE

FREE OF chARgE

CARING FOR THE QUALITY OF THE TRADE SHOW

Fact: In five years Conventa has been visited by 67 leading professional media, who have brought 119 journalists to the event to spread the word of the meetings potential of the region to the whole world. In partnership co-operation media contacts annually guarantee us free publications and other forms of content marketing to a total value of 65,000 EUR.

gLOBAL STARS AT cOnVEnTA

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

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jOURnALISTS

A FIRST

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

Fact: Conventa achieves outstanding results in terms of quality. The average satisfaction grade of exhibitors was in five years 4.23 from a possible 5), with the average satisfaction grade of invited guests even higher, scoring the trade show with an average grade 4.44.

SATISFAcTIOn gRADE 4.23

4.44

EXhIBITORS

InVITED gUESTS

IT SAVES YOU MONEY