Conventa’s 17th Anniversary: Forging a Sustainable Path for Global Meetings

Conventa, one of the longest-running B2B MICE events in the region, celebrated its 17th anniversary this year. Renowned for blending business opportunities with a personal touch, Conventa has become a must-attend event in New Europe, attracting top experts from the meetings industry who describe it as central and indispensable.

Addressing attendees during the Congress Star Awards ceremony, STB's Director, MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, emphasized the value of connecting and partnership: "For 17 years, Conventa has shown us that the best ideas come to life when we connect. The best stories don’t just happen — we create them together."

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon highlighted the meetings industry's crucial role in regional development and year-round tourism: "Slovenia’s strategic location and highly skilled workforce make it an ideal destination for both leisure and congress tourism."

A highlight of Conventa was the prestigious Congress Star Awards ceremony, celebrating top congress destinations, venues and individuals. MSc. Pak Olaj co-presented awards to Slovenian recipients.

Gorazd Čad, Conventa's co-founder, captured its essence: "Since 2009, Conventa has been encouraging, educating, rewarding, guiding and inspiring event organizers. We are proud of our achievements and promise that in the future, quality will matter more than quantity."

Spotlight on the Meetings Industry: Driving Year-Round Tourism Growth  

A press conference held on Wednesday at the Gospodarsko razstavišče highlighted the crucial role of the meetings industry in fostering year-round tourism. Karmen Novarlič, head of the business communications sector at the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), emphasized Conventa’s unique position as a product of a successful public-private partnership: "Such partnerships are rare. However, in tourism, we’ve always known how to unite our strengths. With Conventa, our ambition is to surpass conventional events hosted by other countries. It’s an event we are proud of, growing stronger each year."

Fredi Fontanot, director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau and co-founder of Conventa, described the event as a driving force behind innovation and development in the meetings industry: "Conventa is more than just an event; it’s a movement—a cornerstone where experts connect, innovate and shape the future of our industry. This year, our focus is on three core pillars: partnership, measurable goals, and sustainability. These are not mere concepts but the foundation of everything we do, defining both our growth and leadership in the industry."

Looking ahead, Fontanot announced the development of a new five-year strategy for Slovenia’s meetings industry. "Sustainable development is at the heart of our vision. Slovenia already leads in this field, and we intend to stay at the forefront," he added.  

Additionally, the STB is preparing a two-year work programme for 2026 and 2027. Novarlič stressed that this plan would reinforce the meetings industry’s role in achieving evenly distributed tourism throughout the year, easing pressure on peak periods. "Congress tourism holds tremendous untapped potential in Slovenia, and we are committed to unlocking it," she concluded.  

More than 52,500 Meetings Held at Conventa

Conventa officially opened on Tuesday, with Deputy Mayor Boštjan Koritnik representing the host city. In his address, he underscored the vital role the meetings industry plays in shaping the future of Slovenia's capital.

Over the past seventeen years, Conventa has welcomed 3,799 invited guests from 47 countries and 2,086 exhibitors from 18 countries. Through its dedicated meeting system, an impressive 52,563 meetings have taken place.

Despite these outstanding figures, the organizers continue to prioritize quality over quantity. This commitment was reflected in their sustainability efforts, which drew considerable attention from visitors. Throughout the event, the so-called green consultants were on hand to guide attendees along Conventa's sustainability journey via an interactive screen. Using engaging data, they dispelled common myths, showcased practical tools and highlighted pathways to hosting more responsible events.

As part of its dedication to social responsibility, Conventa also provided a platform for innovative companies to present their ideas free of charge. Presentations featured Cup Revolution, Velo Concerts, Calm Nest, Knof, Morska Oaza Piran, and the Ljubljana Tourism project – CO2 Offset Parks.
 

Conventa Pays Special Tribute to Key Individuals on Opening Day

On the first day, Conventa extended special thanks to the individuals whose contributions were vital to the event's success.

The “Conventa Hall of Fame” award for 2025 was presented to Marko Guček, CEO of GoOpti. The partnership between Conventa and GoOpti has been in place since the company’s beginnings. In their explanation, the organizers highlighted their shared growth over the years, noting that bringing the project to life would have been a significant challenge without GoOpti's support.

The “Conventa Ambassador” award was given to Ildiko Lippai, Head of Strategic Development at the Budapest Convention Bureau. The award recognized her dedication to fostering connections between Hungary, Slovenia and Conventa, a role she is immensely proud to have fulfilled.

For the second time, the organizers presented the “Conventa Lifetime Achievement Award”, which this year went to Srečo Peterlič. Known as the father of congress tourism in Slovenia, he played a pivotal role in assembling top teams and unwaveringly championed Slovenia's potential as a premier congress destination. His most enduring legacy lies in the human heart of the industry, which continues to thrive today. Few can claim such a remarkable legacy.

At the press conference, the event date for 2026 was announced: Conventa will return to Ljubljana from 10 to 12 February 2026.

Conventa is organized by the Slovenian Convention Bureau and the Toleranca Marketing Agency, in partnership with Ljubljana Tourism, the Slovenian Tourist Board and 20 strategic partners.

Source: Conventa, STA, STB.

Cover photos (from left): Conventa co-founder Gorazd Čad, Director of Cankarjev dom Venue Jure Novak, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, STB's director Maja Pak Olaj and the director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, Fredi Fontanot.

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