The best L meeting destinations in New Europe
The award competition for the leading destinations, venues, hotels and individuals – the Meetings Star Award – has become a reference point and sort of Michelin star selection within the meetings industry. Winners for 2023 were announced in fifteen categories at the gala award ceremony on 21 February in Cankarjev dom.
WHAT ARE MTLGs?
The system of evaluating meeting destinations with the help of an original matrix dubbed the “MEETING EXPERIENCE INDEX” or simply MTLG – MEETOLOGUE, has gained the trust of European meeting planners. Since the inception of evaluating destinations, we have been diligently using the reference system to present a realistic offer of congress destinations through time. Up to now, 125 destinations have been evaluated, including every important meeting destination of the Southeast and New Europe region.
The system is a systematic, structured and analytical process, encompassing numerous factors labelled as important by event organisers. We dare say that our evaluation is the most comprehensive and complex destination grading system. The evaluation is not based solely on the number of congress events taking place at a destination but also delves into analysis holistically.
BEST L MEETING DESTINATIONS IN 2023
WINNER 1: Tallinn, Estonia, final score 4.50
Our evaluation team vividly described why Tallinn is a leading destination in this category. Giorgio Armani once said elegance does not mean being noticed but being remembered. That is, in a way, a definition of timeless elegance and minimalism we believe Tallinn represents. Combine that with incredible professionals and a start-up culture enshrined in Estonian society, and it seems Tallinn is the perfect event destination. Tallinn is home to professionals who always keep their promise and walk the talk. That is one of the reasons we believe the outpost stands out in the so-called second-tier category of destinations. Development plans are afoot throughout the city – from new hotels to meeting venues and destination management initiatives. The Estonian Convention Bureau and the Tallinn Convention Bureau work hand in hand to promote the city. Other destinations can take notes. Tallinn is the heart of the Baltic meetings revolution because it invests tremendously in hotels and venues. Tallinn has an offer that far exceeds the city’s size. Tallinn is a superb choice, should you wish to organise your event in Armani style.
WINNER 2: Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score 4.50
Our evaluation team described Ljubljana as an inspiring city that grows on you. The city’s trump card is its diverse range of experiences centred around landscape diversity, heritage and access to nature. Ljubljana is a step away from nature and the picturesque countryside. Guests can experience parts of Slovenia even in the city centre or venture out of town after attending an event. Everything is within arm’s reach. That is why Ljubljana is ideal for organising events responsible to nature and society. Ljubljana has everything more renowned meeting destinations do but offers all that in a boutique, enticing and professional package. The professional team of the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, operating under Ljubljana Tourism, has a clear vision and strategy. To conclude, our evaluation team wrote Ljubljana is a prototype of a modern meeting destination, as it offers a green, healthy, safe and stress-free environment for event organisers.
TOP 10 L MEETING DESTINATIONS
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia – final mark: 4.50
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1. Tallinn, Estonia – final mark: 4.50
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2. Krakow, Poland – final mark: 4.48
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3. Zagreb, Croatia – final mark: 4.47
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4. Hague, Netherlands – final mark: 4.44
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5. Salzburg, Austria – final mark: 4.43
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5. Vilnius, Lithuania – final mark: 4.43
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6. Thessaloniki, Greece – final mark: 4.40
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7. Bratislava, Slovakia – final mark: 4.36
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7. Graz, Austria – final mark: 4.36
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8. Venice, Italy – final mark: 4.30
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9. Riga, Latvia – final mark: 4.29
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10. Gdansk, Poland – final mark: 4.23
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We sincerely congratulate all the finalists in the category of best L Meeting Destinations.
