Conventa Meet 2026
The premier regional trade show in the events industry commemorated its 18th anniversary in grand style. The event, firmly established on the European events industry calendar, introduced twelve groundbreaking innovations. The organisers of Conventa hosted over 400 attendees from 44 countries in 2026, including 92 hosted buyers who met with 129 exhibitors from 18 countries. Conventa was also attended by numerous media representatives, business visitors and providers of innovative event services and technologies.
Over the course of three days, more than 3,700 pre-arranged business meetings were held between the finest regional suppliers and leading global hosted buyers. Most importantly, the event showcased Ljubljana as a regenerative destination, where quality matters more than quantity.
3
days
3,700
face-to-face meetings
12
innovations
44
countries
Trusted by 20+ partners
Programme highlights
Welcome reception
Conventa will commence with a welcome reception presenting the theme for 2027.
| 8:30 – 15:00 | Optional participation at SWITCH For the Conventa community, we offer the opportunity to join SWITCH to Planet Positive Event: a showcase event where every element is designed to demonstrate, inspire, and prove how events can be organised more sustainably, responsibly, efficiently, and profitably. For more information follow: https://planet-positive-event.eu/switch/ |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Registration Start your Conventa journey by collecting your badge and materials, meeting fellow participants, and getting ready for three inspiring days of business, learning, and connection. |
| 16:00 – 18:30 | Educational afternoon – Conventa Trend Bar An engaging afternoon dedicated to exploring what works and why in marketing, sales, and event organisation. Together with selected guests, we’ll uncover the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, offering real insights into the latest industry trends. |
| 19:00 – 21:30 | Welcome reception dinner End the first day in style at the Welcome Reception Dinner in a relaxed evening designed for networking, reconnecting with colleagues, and celebrating the start of Conventa. |
Conventa day 1
The show floor will welcome over 130 handpicked exhibitors and 190 select hosted buyers. The first day will also include the official press conference of Conventa 2027.
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Arrival to the venue |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | One-to-one meetings |
| 12:00 – 13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15 – 14:30 | One-to-one meetings |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Gathering in groups & departure to locations |
| 15:00 – 17:30 | Conventa Experience Crawl The Conventa Experience Crawl is an immersive afternoon programme offering a new dimension of networking and destination discovery. Over two days, invited guests will explore six unique venues in the heart of Ljubljana, where participating countries and exhibitors will present themselves in an interactive, artistic, and relaxed way. |
| 17:30 – 19:00 | Break |
| 18.00 – 19.00 | Exclusive Reception for the Meetings Star Awards Winners |
| 19:30 – 21.30 | Conventa Networking dinner |
| 21.30 – 01.00 | Conventa After-party |
Conventa day 2
The second day will continue with pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings before final departures to post-how fam trips across the region.
| 08:30 – 09:30 | Arrival to the venue |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | One-to-one meetings |
| 12:00 – 13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15 – 14:30 | One-to-one meetings |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Gathering in groups & departure to locations |
| 15:00 – 17:30 | Conventa Experience Crawl One of the biggest innovations of Conventa 2026, the Conventa Experience Crawl is an immersive afternoon programme offering a new dimension of networking and destination discovery. Over two days, invited guests will explore six unique venues in the heart of Ljubljana, where participating countries and exhibitors will present themselves in an interactive, artistic, and relaxed way. |
| 18:00 | Departures to the FAM trips or home |
FAM trips
Hosted buyers have the unique chance to venture out into the region and get acquainted with lesser-known destinations and regions.
SEE FULL PRESENTATION OF FAM TRIPS
Creative venues showcase, Slovenia
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Hosted by Visit Ljubljana and the Slovenian Convention Bureau, this specialised fam trip is designed exclusively for associations and PCOs. Participants will discover some of the most creative and inspiring venues in Slovenia’s capital, paired with selected gems along the Slovenian coast. The programme will highlight innovative event spaces, vibrant urban creativity, and the coastal charm.
Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica, Slovenia
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Under the coordination of the Bled Convention Bureau, participants will discover one of Europe’s most iconic congress destinations. The programme will combine the stunning view of Lake Bled with the sustainability stories of Bohinj and the authentic hospitality of the charming towns of Radovljica and Gorje.
Portorož & Piran, Slovenia
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Led by the Portorož Tourist Board, this coastal fam trip will reveal the charm of the Istrian lifestyle, boutique hotels, and culinary delights. The focus will be on the Mediterranean way of life, the cultural heritage of Piran, and the wellness tradition that inspires event organisers seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Rimske Toplice & Celje, Slovenia
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In cooperation with Rimske Terme and the Municipality of Celje, this programme will balance history and modernity. Participants will explore Roman heritage, unique thermal experiences, and the development potential of Celje, an emerging boutique congress destination in the heart of Slovenia.
Maribor, Slovenia
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Organised by the Maribor Tourist Board, the programme will unfold among the rolling wine hills and along the Drava River. Maribor combines rich cultural heritage, the warmth of locals, and a unique energy that inspires organisers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
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Organised by Turizem Kranjska Gora, this fam trip will introduce participants to one of Slovenia’s most recognisable Alpine destinations. The programme will showcase breathtaking mountain scenery, sustainable tourism practices, and a range of high-quality venues ideal for incentive travel and boutique business events, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Julian Alps.
Zagreb, Croatia
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Organised by the Zagreb Tourist Board, this fam trip will take participants to Croatia’s vibrant capital, where Central European elegance meets modern conference infrastructure. The programme will highlight Zagreb’s hospitality, rich cultural scene, and urban dynamism appreciated by international event planners.
Photo credit: Ban Josip Jelačić – Julien Duval
Steiermark, Austria
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Under the coordination of the Steiermark Convention Bureau and Kaernten Convention Bureau, participants will discover the lush, gastronomically rich landscapes of Austrian Styria. The region is known for its exceptional cuisine, sustainable practices, and innovative venues that create a harmonious connection between nature, tradition, and modern business.
LOISIUM – Wine Country Experiences, Austria
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Organised by LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotels, this fam trip will immerse participants in an inspiring world of wine, wellness, and contemporary design. The programme will highlight LOISIUM’s signature blend of boutique hospitality, architecturally striking venues, and exceptional culinary experiences, offering event organisers a refined setting where creativity and relaxation go hand in hand.
Istra, Croatia
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Hosted by the Istra Tourist Board, this coastal fam trip will reveal the charm of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, known for its Mediterranean ambience, pristine coastline, and award-winning gastronomy. Participants will explore a selection of authentic venues, historical towns, and seaside experiences that showcase why Istria is one of the region’s most attractive destinations for boutique and experiential business events.
Sofia, Bulgaria
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Organised by Visit Sofia, this fam trip will take participants to Bulgaria’s lively capital, where rich history intertwines with modern urban energy. The programme will reveal Sofia’s unique blend of cultural heritage, contemporary event venues, and welcoming atmosphere, offering a taste of the city’s authenticity and creative spirit that make it one of Southeast Europe’s emerging meeting destinations.
The Art of Meetings
The central topic “The Art of Meetings” showcased the art of connecting people, ideas and spaces. At a time when many business events lose their identity and human touch, Conventa once again provided a safe haven for authenticity, aesthetics, and meaningful interactions. Ljubljana served as the canvas for meetings that transcend their elementary framework.
Conventa Experience Crawl
Conventa Meet 2026 successfully inaugurated the Experience Crawl, a dedicated afternoon programme that enabled attendees to explore Ljubljana through bespoke experiences. Instead of a classic networking setting, hosted buyers discovered handpicked venues across the city in smaller groups. There, they were immersed in local stories, cuisine and content while forging new connections.
SWITCH conference and Conventa Trend Bar
The SWITCH conference, a joint project by Conventa and the Planet Positive Event movement, highlighted a key message: it is time for the events industry to move from words to actions. This was followed by Conventa Trend Bar 2026, titled »Marketing Across Generations in the Event Industry«, which opened up a lively debate about the future of marketing in the events industry.
Meetings Star Award 2026
The leading destinations, meeting hotels, convention centres and special venues were awarded the coveted Meetings Star Awards in Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana. In 2026, they walked on an exclusive catwalk with their well-deserved accolades. Besides the leading hotels, convention centres and special venues in New Europe, the competition announced the leading Slovenian meeting hotels and venues.