The visible transformation of a city often reflects its ongoing development and investment; in Ljubljana, the increasing number of construction cranes is a clear indication of this change. Notably, both the rail and bus terminus are undergoing a significant upgrade to become a modern mobility hub featuring a business tower, retail space, a five-star hotel, and apartments, effectively bridging two parts of the city divided by the station and accommodating the needs of a ’new Europe’ from the Adriatic to the Alps and Central Europe to the Balkans.

Conventa, recognized as Europe’s leading regional B2B trade show for meetings and events, also debuted a new look and venue this year. The 18th anniversary celebration featured co-founder Gorazd Čad and key partners, including Slovenia Tourism and the Convention Bureau, marking the event under the theme ‘The Art of Meetings’.

A City as a Venue

The driving ethos of Conventa is to prioritize quality over mere numbers, ensuring that each edition introduces new buyers for suppliers to reach. This year, Gorazd Čad noted the receipt of 561 buyer applications, with only 200 accepted through an AI tool designed to align suitable buyers with the region.

In 2026, the event was relocated from the Ljubljana Exhibition & Convention Centre to the Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, highlighting a commitment to utilizing city center venues. The hotel’s art nouveau ballroom buzzed with activity, alongside two additional halls.

Concerning educational offerings, the first day concentrated on an educational program taking place in ‘Center Rog’—an innovative hub within a remodeled bicycle factory, characterized by a striking riverside facade.

Sessions at Conventa emphasized the importance of sustainable event practices, including the ‘Marketing Across Generations in the Event Industry’ session aimed at discussing evolving event marketing strategies.

Creativity through Experience

The ‘Art of Meetings’ concept accentuated the connections among individuals, ideas, and spaces, as participants explored nine venues in the ‘Ljubljana Experience Crawl’, an initiative unveiled for Conventa’s 18th anniversary. Delegates engaged with diverse activities at each venue, from drumming and painting to interactive quizzes, showcasing how each location functions as a potential event space.

As Gorazd Čad anticipates future evolutions of the show, he emphasizes the strength of partnerships and collaborations that solidify Conventa’s relevancy moving forward. The creativity within the Slovenian spirit stands out distinctly, nurturing rich cultural influences across a compact landscape.

Buyers engaged more than simply in business transactions—they were met with creative inspiration and sustainability case studies. Additionally, they had options for 11 post-Conventa familiarization trips, where participants experienced a gourmet meal prepared by the renowned chef Ana Roš at her restaurant in Ljubljana.

The Essence of Conventa

“We create business opportunities; that is the essence of Conventa—meetings with respect,” concluded Čad. The hard work and partnerships rooted in the core of Conventa reflect the continuous growth of both Ljubljana and Slovenia.