Try Before You Buy

By Conventa

Reinventing the way we meet

ABOUT

In its 16 years, Conventa has become recognised as a regional trade show, connecting MICE service providers from 15 countries with event organisers from across Europe and beyond. Conventa is a 365-day platform that also includes various educational and networking events such as the Trend Bar and Conventa Academy.

We are introducing the new feature “Try Before You Buy” experience. With this new concept, we want to present best MICE destinations to event organisers in a different way. Try Before You Buy is a two-day event, a combination of experiential fam trip and face-to-face meetings, where on the first day participants try out different programmes and venues and at the same time make first contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. On the second day, suppliers and hosted buyers meet in a more formal setting, at pre-arranged one2one meetings.

Try Before You Buy Experience

Bratislava, 20 – 22 August 2025
Organised by Conventa and hosted by Bratislava Tourist Board

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CITY OF BRATISLAVA
your next destination

Let us introduce you to a dynamic and forward‑looking MICE destination – the city of Bratislava. ↓

Bratislava is a modern European metropolis uniquely positioned at the meeting point of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary – sitting gracefully on the banks of the River Danube. Compact, cosmopolitan, and steeped in history, it offers an ideal blend of historic charm and contemporary flair, backed by the confidence of being an EU capital with euro-based simplicity.

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Events in Bratislava

Bratislava scores high on accessibility and it's walkable, well-connected, and equipped with around 3,200 four- and five-star hotel rooms in the pedestrian-friendly heart of the city . Known as "exceptionally smart," Bratislava thrives on innovation, boasting a strong start-up ecosystem and one of the fastest internet speeds in Europe. Precision and high standards are in its DNA — the same efficiency that draws global automakers (VW, Peugeot, KIA, JLR) for their production facilities also powers the local MICE industry.

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The Culture of Bratislava

Bratislava has mastered the art of balancing business professionalism with relaxed European living. After a day of meetings, delegates can unwind with a Danube riverside walk, savour wine tastings in nearby vineyards, or enjoy a world-class meal above the city in the iconic UFO bridge restaurant. The city sparks lively evenings too—whether it's modern galleries like Danubiana on a river peninsula, vibrant cafés, or charming old‑town squares. Moreover, Bratislava is steadily embracing sustainability—organising green‑centric events, such as their recent MICE Day focused on regenerative, eco-conscious planning.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

DAY 1 (Wednesday, 20 August)

Arrivals to the destination and welcome dinner:

16:30 Optional Sight Inspection of the hotel

17:30 – Welcome Drink in Mirror Bar in Hotel Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel

19:00 – UFO Restaurant Dinner

DAY 2 (Thursday, 21 August)

Different activities for hosted buyers and exhibitors to explore the city of Bratislava, lunch and dinner:

9:00 – 12:00 Treasure Hunt

12:00 – 13:30 Lunch in Beigli Hotel & Garden

13:30-14:30 Ride up to Big Castle tour

15:00 – 16:30 „Tmavá Degustácia“ Wine tasting in the dark

19:00 – 23:00 Networking Dinner at FACH Restaurant

DAY 3 (Friday, 22 August)

One2One meetings, lunch, departures:

8:30 – 13:00 B2B one to one meetings

13:00-14:00 Lunch in the hotel

Organiser

Hosting destination

Implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic.

HOSTED BUYERS

Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Bratislava invite corporate, association and agency meetings organisers from Europe to join the workshop. If you are interested to get to know Bratislava in a different way, you are welcome to fill out the Application form. Number of hosted buyers is limited to 20.

Deadline for application is 15 July 2025.
Organisers will take care of your travel arrangement to / from Bratislava by train, bus, car or plane, 2-nights accommodation in a 4* hotel, ground transfers, organisation of all activities, meals & refreshments during the day.

Read the Terms & Conditions.

Become a hosted buyer

SUPPLIERS

Can attend by invitation only.

Partners You Will Meet

Bratislava Tourist Board

https://www.visitbratislava.com/convention/event-planning/

Bratislava Convention Bureau, as a department of the official destination marketing organization, Bratislava Tourist Board, is a one-stop-shop for planners of meetings, incentives, congresses and events who are considering Bratislava as a destination. Providing a full range of services for buyers of MICE, BTB also co-ordinates, initiates and manages all aspects concerning the development of MICE and Business Events in our destination. You can find out more about Bratislava Convention Bureau at the official website www.bratislavacvb.com, where you will learn why Bratislava stands for Accessibility, Innovation and Execution and is an ideal location for small and medium sized events.

Visit Košice

www.visitkosice.org

Visit Košice is a regional tourist organization that brings local residents and foreign visitors an infinite amount of tips on how to discover the city and its nearby area. Come and pick your free brochures, maps, and tips in the modern Visit Košice Infopoint center, on their website, via marketing activities, or by participating in many events and popular conferences.

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SLOVAKIA TRAVEL

www.slovakia.travel

SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the national tourism board promoting Slovakia as a year-round destination. We connect international partners with Slovak regions, institutions, and tourism providers. Our goal is to support networking, share reliable information, and help match demand with the right local offer. Slovakia offers rich culture, stunning nature, wellness, adventure, and authentic experiences in a safe, accessible, and compact country in the heart of Europe.

Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-bratislava-carlton

Historic beauty and modern convenience in central Bratislava.
Housed in Hviezdoslav Square in the Slovakian capital’s historical quarter, the beautifully restored Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava reflects the city’s atmosphere with a blend of historical architecture and modern convenience. Easily walk to many city-center attractions, such as St. Martin’s Cathedral, and enjoy scenic strolls alongside the Danube River.

ENJOY SLOVAKIA DMC

www.enjoyslovakia.com

ENJOY SLOVAKIA DMC is the leading Bratislava-based Destination Management company that ensures satisfaction to you and your customers. We are a creative local Slovakia specialist whose enthusiastic and professional team seeks solutions tailored to meet the demands of our clients. Our inventive, high-value products, organized with attention to detail, are the keys to our success. We maintain good relations with local quality suppliers and work with excellent hotels and other venues that provide the highest standard of service.

AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/btsar-ac-hotel-bratislava-old-town/overview/

Combine staying in a modern design hotel with perfect location directly in the historical center when choosing AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town. Recharge in the morning with the best from continental-style breakfast. Enjoy dynamic atmosphere of AC Lounge in our lobby with menu inspired by modern cuisine, glass of wine or great cocktails. Unwind after a long day into your elegant spacious room that offers tranquility, broadband WiFi, state of the art technologies and thoughtfully selected amenities. Hotel offers 333sq meters of modern meeting facilities for up to 320 attendees. We will be delighted to assist you making your event – private or business, a great success. Welcome to AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town!

Tour4u

www.tour4u.sk

Tour4U is a leading Bratislava-based DMC specializing in MICE and corporate event planning. With extensive expertise, it offers a full suite of inbound services — from incentive travel and team-buildings, to conference organization and guided tours — ensuring seamless events across Slovakia. Tour4U provides comprehensive logistical support (accommodation, transport, venues, catering, gala events) and crafts unique local experiences (historic city tours, Danube cruises…). With deep regional knowledge, decades of experience, and personalized services, Tour4U delivers tailor made, memorable MICE programs.

Lindner Hotel Bratislava

https://lindnerhotels.com/sk/hotels/lindner-hotel-bratislava

Lindner Hotel Bratislava, part of the JdV by Hyatt collection, is a stylish 4-star hotel ideally located above the Central shopping mall and transport hub near Trnavské mýto. The hotel offers 222 modern, soundproofed rooms and suites with panoramic city or castle views. Guests enjoy amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, underground parking, and easy access to Bratislava’s Old Town and business districts. The hotel features the elegant Restaurant with a terrace, the 13th-floor Outlook Bar & Lounge and 3 modern Conference rooms, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure stays.

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Grand Hotel River Park, Sheraton Bratislava & Crowne Plaza Bratislava

www.grandriverpark.com, www.sheratonbratislava.com, www.cpbratislava.sk

Grand Hotel River Park, a Luxury Collection (231 Rooms) and Sheraton Bratislava Hotel (209 rooms) are at the top of Bratislava hotels, ideal for any type of meeting or conference. Grand Hotel River Park offers 11 meeting rooms and Sheraton Bratislava offers 8 meeting room. All meeting rooms boast natural daylight, free WIFI connection and modern AV equipment.
Crowne Plaza Bratislava, 4* hotel combines the best central location (in the historical city center opposite the Presidential Palace and few minutes walking distance from the Bratislava Castle) with comfortable accommodation (224 bedrooms), modern conference facilities (14 function rooms, 1200 m2) and a superb cuisine. Hotel belongs to the IHG Group and has been partially renovated in 2025.

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Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava

www.falkensteiner.com

Design & Atmosphere
Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava is a stylish 4-star hotel in the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town—a short walk from the castle, Danube River, and historic streets.

EMERGE s.r.o.

www.emerge.sk

EMERGE is premium conference and event organizer ensuring high quality, precise and consistent services, always providing customized solutions to meet the demanding requirements of the modern competitive market. Company focuses primarily on meetings industry, secondly on destination management with wine and nontraditional wine regions as the highlights. EMERGE offers specific technologies and innovations tailored for any meeting.

HOTEL DEVÍN, a.s.

https://www.hoteldevin.sk

Hotel Devín**** is an iconic hotel in the heart of Bratislava, welcoming guests from around the world for decades. With direct views of the Danube and a prime location in the historic city center, it is ideal for sightseeing tours, city breaks, and relaxing wellness stays. The hotel offers elegant rooms in Art Deco style, excellent gastronomy, and a spa. Its fully equipped conference facilities for up to 150 guests provide the perfect setting for corporate meetings, incentive stays, and events with a touch of tradition and charm. We aim to deliver a unique experience that blends comfort, history, and top-quality service.

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Hotel Park Inn Danube

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-inn-bratislava-danube

Within walking distance of our 4* Bratislava hotel, you’ll find the city’s most beloved attractions. Feel the welcoming warmth in one of our 240 rooms, each of which includes modern amenities Dine at our 600-square-meter on-site restaurant, which serves culinary delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After dinner, unwind in our hotel bar and club or just dive into our pool with unique view to Bratislava castle! Planning a meeting in Bratislava? Take advantage of our large meeting and event space that can be divided into sections suitable for seminars, workshops, and smaller group gatherings.

Cestovná kancelária SATUR

https://www.satur.sk/

SATUR Travel is one of the largest Slovak travel agencies and also the oldest travel agency in Slovakia. In addition to summer holidays, we offer exotic vacations, ski trips, as well as group sightseeing tours with a Slovak guide all over the world. The Exclusive by SATUR brand is intended for clients seeking the highest level of comfort. The diversity of our offer, more than 90,000 satisfied clients every year, and our unique animation club Planet FUN with sports academies make us a market leader. Our slogan “NO ONE TAKES CARE OF YOU LIKE SATUR” embodies the care we provide to clients, business partners, and employees alike. Our work is built on the values of Reliability, Ambition, Trendiness, Uniqueness, and Joy. Pack your bags with us and travel — we’ll take care of the rest at SATUR Travel.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/btsdidi-doubletree-bratislava/

DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava – Business and conference hotel in Bratislava with 120 hotel rooms and the biggest conference room in the city.

Past Events

Past Editions of Try Before You Buy Experience

Niš Serbia, 28 – 30 March 2024
Organised by Conventa and Hosted by Tourism Organisation of Niš

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CITY OF NIŠ
your next destination

Let us introduce you to an interesting and developing MICE destination – the city of Nis. ↓

Nis is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the Balkans surrounded by breathtaking nature with diverse offers of incentive trips that range from adrenaline, and active to cultural and historical experience, with unique southern charm and hospitality, lively nightlife and authentic food and wines.

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Events in Niš

Niš is considered to be the development centre of the Serbian IT industry, a university centre with more than 30.000 students and a medical centre with experts from different fields of medicine. Nis is a city with good and easy transfer – an international airport, road network and traffic system in the city. It has sophisticated high quality event planning and organization service with modern, equipped hotels, conference halls, and venues that meet high standards for holding conferences, seminars, symposiums, and other gatherings and it offers excellent value for money.

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The Culture of Niš

The attractiveness of the city of Niš as a destination is reflected in the achievement of a perfect balance between business and leisure – it is able and capable, innovative and active.

Budapest, 1 – 3 September 2023
Organised by Conventa and Hosted by Budapest Convention Bureau

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MEET BUDAPEST
the city words can't describe

Budapest, the pearl of the Danube, where tradition meets innovation, combined with youthful and vibrant life to provide visitors with an experience they never forget! Rich in history and culture, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is home to stunning architecture, must-see monuments, exciting attractions, relaxing thermal baths, and a variety of culinary spots. Nevertheless, let’s not forget about the warm hospitality, locals are known for, that will make you feel at home right away.

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Events in Budapest

Should you be planning an event or convention at the perfect host city, look no further! With an unbeatable location, in the heart of Europe, Budapest can easily be accessed from all over the world. It is hard to find another city where you can bump into so many World Heritage Sites as you walk around it, and there aren’t many places where you find unique thermal water spas still in operation within ancient walls built in medieval times.

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The Culture of Budapest

Filled with mesmerizing architecture and diverse culture, Budapest offers an iconic landscape, adorned by the Buda Castle, the Parliament, the Chainbridge and St Stephen’s Basilica, providing a captivating backdrop for unforgettable events. Let’s discover our destination together at its best!