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

Podgorica, 26 – 28 September 2025
Organised by Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Podgorica

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CITY OF PODGORICA
your next destination

Let us introduce you to a vibrant and evolving MICE destination – the city of Podgorica. ↓

Nestled between dramatic mountains and the shores of the Adriatic, Podgorica offers a mix of modern energy and timeless natural beauty. This dynamic capital of Montenegro surprises with its unspoiled surroundings, opportunities for unique incentive experiences, and a blend of business and leisure rooted in the country’s authentic Mediterranean and Balkan heritage.

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Events in Podgorica

As the economic, academic, and administrative heart of Montenegro, Podgorica is a city in motion. It boasts excellent connectivity with an international airport just minutes from the city center, a solid road infrastructure, and seamless logistics. A growing number of modern hotels and meeting facilities cater to conferences, congresses, and corporate events of all sizes. The city’s MICE scene is evolving with professional service providers, innovative venues, and competitive prices that make it an attractive and cost-effective choice.

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The Culture of Podgorica

Podgorica is a destination that naturally blends business with a laid-back southern lifestyle. It’s a city of contrasts – where Roman ruins meet vibrant café culture, and where nature is never far. The spirit of the city lies in its authenticity, openness, and the genuine hospitality of its people – making it a place where meetings become experiences.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

DAY 1 (Friday, 26 September)

Arrivals to the destination and welcome dinner

DAY 2 (Saturday, 27 September)

Program option 1

09:00 Departure
09:10 Museums and Galleries of the Capital City – The City Museum of Podgorica harbours archaeological, cultural, ethnographic and historical collections.
10:10 Old Town (Stara Varoš) – The Old Town, with its urban and architectural forms, customs, lifestyle and oriental characteristics, was a core of the old Podgorica in the period of Ottoman Empire (1474-1879). The symbol of the Old Town is a Clock Tower.
11:00 Old stone bridge at Sastavci – The bridge on Sastavci is the oldest bridge in Podgorica. It is located in the heart of the City.
11:30 Departure for Cetinje – Cetinje is the old royal capital of Montenegro. The rich history, combined with specific geological position makes the nature generous towards its inhabitants as they live in the nearness of two national parks with totally different eco systems, historical heritage is of unique charm and indistinctiveness so you will surely leave with unforgettable memories.
12:10 Visit to museums in Cetinje – Cetinje is called the city of Museums. The Palace – the King Nikola Museum, then Njegoš Museum Biljarda, the Art Museum of Montenegro features precious relics from the long state history.
13:30 Departure for Rijeka Crnojevića – With its stunning surroundings, tucked away on the scenic shores of Lake Skadar, Rijeka Crnojevića will impress you at first glance.
14:15 Boat cruise on Lake Skadar – Skadar Lake is one of the most important tourist resources of Montenegro and Podgorica. Thanks to its rich flora and fauna, the crypto-depression phenomenon, habitats of rare and endangered bird species, it is a lake like no other in the region and beyond.
15:30 Departure for Oblun Resort – The fusion of Mediterranean and Continental national cuisine broadly characterizes the gastronomic offer in Podgorica. A specific type of cabbage – raštan is grown in Podgorica area, and a unique specialty is a dish made of raštan and smoked meat. Japraci, Podgorica popeci, kačamak, cicvara, various kinds of cheese, prosciutto, are the indispensable part of national cuisine. You can enjoy to live preparation of tradicional dishes by local chef.
16:00 Lunch
17:30 Return to hotel
18:15 Free time
20:00 Departure for gala dinner
20:30 Dinner in the Šipčanik Wine Cellar – Wine cellar Šipčanik is a majestic wine cellar located in the heart of the vineyard. The basement is positioned at an average depth of over 30 meters below ground. You can enjoy to wine tasting during dinner.

*By choosing this program, you will discover the natural beauty and cultural-historical landmarks of the Capital City and the Old Royal Capital of Montenegro, as well as Skadar Lake National Park.

Program option 2

09:00 Departure
09:15 Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ – The monumental Cathedral of Christ´s Resurrection in Podgorica, due to its exceptional and artistic value, represents a unique religious shrine. The biggest bell weighs around 11 tons and it is the biggest in the Balkans.
10:15 Royal Complex at Kruševac – The main building of the complex is the former residence of the Petrović dynasty the ´Palace´. It was built in 1891 and represents one of the most prominent cultural monuments.
11:00 Risto Stijović Gallery – The Risto Stijovic Gallery named after the most famous Montenegrin sculptor and founde r of modern art in Montenegro, was founded in 1970, and since 2018 it is located in his birth house, in Stara Varoš.
11:45 Old Town (Stara Varoš) – The Old Town, with its urban and architectural forms, customs, lifestyle and oriental characteristics, was a core of the old Podgorica in the period of Ottoman Empire (1474-1879). The symbol of the Old Town is a Clock Tower.
12:30 Old stone bridge at Sastavci – The bridge on Sastavci is the oldest bridge in Podgorica. It is located in the heart of the City.
13:00 Departure for Virpazar – A famous excursion site and transit spot when enjoying a cruise on Skadar Lake and visiting cultural and historical monuments, monasteries and fortifications concentrated on the picturesque islands called “small mounts”.
14:00 Boat cruise on Lake Skadar – Skadar Lake is one of the most important tourist resources of Montenegro and Podgorica. Thanks to its rich flora and fauna, the crypto-depression phenomenon, habitats of rare and endangered bird species, it is a lake like no other in the region and beyond.
15:30 Lunch at Besac Fortress – The wealth in water bodies has resulted in fish specialities being the main or, at least, indispensable part of every meal. You can enjoy to live preparation of traditional Skadar dishes by local chef.
17:00 Return to hotel
18:00 Free time
20:00 Departure for gala dinner
20:30 Dinner in the Šipčanik Wine Cellar – Wine cellar Šipčanik is a majestic wine cellar located in the heart of the vineyard. The basement is positioned at an average depth of over 30 meters below ground. You can enjoy to wine tasting during dinner.

*By choosing this program, you will explore the natural beauty, religious sites, and cultural-historical landmarks of the Capital City, as well as Skadar Lake National Park.

DAY 3 (Sunday, 28 September)

One2One meetings, lunch, departures (around 14:00)

Organiser

Hosting destination

HOSTED BUYERS

Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Podgorica invite corporate, association and agency meetings organisers from Europe to join the workshop. If you are interested to get to know Podgorica 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 31 July 2025.
Organisers will take care of your travel arrangement to / from Podgorica 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

Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Podgorica invite hotels, conference centers, special venues, DMC and teambuilding agencies to join Try Before You Buy experience and meet meetings and events organisers from selected European markets.

Deadline for application is 31 July 2025.
Registration fee is 950,00 EUR (22% V.A.T. will be charged where applicable). It includes attendance of 1 representative in all activities according to the programme, access to the application for pre-scheduling meetings with hosted buyers, table for one2one meetings, promotion on the website and in the e-newsletters.

Read the Terms & Conditions.

Become a Supplier

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!