Conventa Crossover is an annual festival that brings together creative minds to share knowledge and experiences. It is also the stage for EBEA by Conventa, an award competition for the best events in Europe. We spoke to partners of the event, who shared why they continue supporting the event. The event team at Ljubljana Castle outlined how events like Conventa Crossover push them to think outside the box and implement new sustainable measures.

Q1: What motivates you to support Conventa Crossover and the CBEA competition year after year, and what value does this partnership bring to your organisation?

We have been a proud member of Conventa over the years, and seeing it develop into such a strong and leading name in the MICE sector in this part of Europe really shows that they work hard and are experts in their field. It is a pleasure to have a partner who encourages innovative thinking and creates pathways that lead to many new opportunities.

Hosting the CBEA 2025 competition at Ljubljana Castle was an honour, as the event once more joined leading event organisers from all over the world and opened important topics we all face in the event industry. Our partnership with Conventa pushes us to rethink events and our role as a venue when it comes to sustainability. It is becoming one of the key topics of conversation, and as a venue, we do not always have all the strength in our hands. We are pleased to learn from, as well as work hand in hand with the leading minds in sustainable event management, even if we start with very small steps – like educating people to make small, but important changes when organising their event at Ljubljana Castle.

Q2: Conventa has built its reputation on collaboration. How does being a strategic partner strengthen your brand’s network and business opportunities?

We already look forward to the Conventa trade show in 2026!

Q3: What elements of Conventa Crossover do you consider most unique compared to other international events?

A smaller number of attendees creates a more intimate environment and gives space to make more genuine connections.

ljubljana_castle
Photo: Marko Delbello Ocepek

“We are learning that events are not only about the fancy furniture or exotic food; people are searching for connections, for a story to bring home.”

Q4: The 2025 edition used the motto No More Boring Meetings. In your view, how could this approach shape the wider meetings and events industry?

It was interesting to read Gorazd’s article on how many hours we spend in boring meetings. As venues, event organisers, and others who have the power to make the event come to life, we should take responsibility for bringing a unique experience for every guest. We are learning that events are not only about the fancy furniture or exotic food; people are searching for connections, for a story to bring home.

If we create meetings in this way, valuing the time of people and taking into consideration that our attention span is getting shorter, we end up with more value and less fluff.

ljubljana_castle
Photo: Marko Delbello Ocepek

“As a cultural, touristic, and social hub, we are aware of our role in helping to shape the standards of responsible tourism. Therefore, we provide sustainable ways of arriving at the Castle – with funicular, buses on methane, walking, both for tourists and event attendees.”

Q5: Sustainability is one of the core values of the Conventa brand. How does this align with your company’s strategy and actions?

Ljubljana Castle is a proud holder of the Green Key certificate, and with our scheme “Think. Act. Share”, we encourage visitors and employees to actively participate in creating a sustainable legacy. There is a clear mission and vision that we set for ourselves – to respect cultural heritage and natural resources, as well as to connect visitors, local communities, and artists, and create a common sustainable future.

As a cultural, touristic, and social hub, we are aware of our role in helping to shape the standards of responsible tourism. Therefore, we provide sustainable ways of arriving at the Castle – with funicular, buses on methane, walking, both for tourists and event attendees. We are following the ESG framework as well as GSTC standards in our activities and operations, and we also used the Planet Positive Event tool to measure the carbon footprint of one of our biggest events – Film under the stars.

Q6: What trends in the meetings and events industry are you most excited about, and how is Conventa Crossover helping you explore them?

As a venue that hosts over 300 events per year, we have to constantly ask ourselves how we can remain special for our clients. Conventa Crossover encourages us to think in more creative ways, also when it comes to sustainability. This is not even a trend anymore; it is a must.

Q7: As a partner, what has been your most memorable Conventa Crossover moment thus far?

We are biased here: the whole Conventa Crossover at Ljubljana Castle was amazing; from great pitches on day one, speeches on the second day, and an amazing evening event. Setting at the castle allowed each part to take place in a different hall. The atmosphere was amazing, and event managers and organisers are definitely special guests. They are active, curious, and open. It is what makes CBEA such a special event.

Q8: Looking ahead, what further steps should Conventa Crossover take to stay relevant?

We believe Conventa Crossover is already maintaining its relevance by both following and setting industry trends. Since it serves as a platform that recognises the best events in Slovenia as well as internationally, its future relevance could be further strengthened by continuing to build international visibility while, at the same time, placing more emphasis on the Slovenian event market. This would allow it to consolidate its local role while expanding its international impact.

Q9: If you were to describe Conventa Crossover in three words to an international colleague who has never attended, which words would you choose?

Inspiring. Fun. Different.

Explore more about Ljubljana Castle here.