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.

A new feature we are introducing in 2023 is the “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.

2nd Edition of Try Before You Buy Experience

Niš, Serbia, 28 – 30 March 2024
Venue: Tami Resort Hotels – Constantinus Congress Centre
Organised by Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Niš

Why Niš?

Read the destination meetologue to learn more >>>

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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.

PROGRAMME

DAY 1 (Thursday, 28 March)

Afternoon: Arrival in Niš, check-in in the Hotel Tami Residence
14.00 Registration for hosted buyers in hotel’s lobby
15.00 Lunch – Tami hotel
16.30 – Site visit of Tami hotel
20:30 – 23:00 Get-together dinner
Location: Blackberry event centar (organized transfer)

DAY 2 (Friday, 29 March)

Breakfast
8:45 – 10:15 Site visit of Science-technology park Nis
10:15 – 17:00 Try before you buy programmes – Part 1
Hosted buyers and exhibitors will choose one of the tours. Participation at the tours will offer plenty of opportunities for networking and discovering the city
– Tour 1 Experience Nis – unveiling the secrets of the past & culinary chronicles
– Tour 2 Nis adventure – The pulse of nature in the heart of Serbia

17:00 – 19:00 Free time
19:00 – 23:00 Dinner for all participants – Tami Residence hotel, Sunset hall

DAY 3 (Saturday, 30 March)

Breakfast
08:15 – 08:30 Introduction to the one2one meetings
08:30 – 11.30 one2one meetings between suppliers and hosted buyers (20-minutes slots)

Departures / Optional site visit

Tour 1.

Experience Nis – unveiling the secrets of the past & culinary chronicles

Tour 2.

Nis adventure – The pulse of nature in the heart of Serbia

Nestled in the heart of Serbia, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the Balkans, city of Nis stands as a living testament of the passage of time. With roots dating back to ancient times, Nis has witnessed the march of Roman legions, felt the pulse of Ottoman rule, and endured the trials of modern history.

Join us on a journey through Nis – we will begin in Nis Fortress where you can explore its architecture and learn about its strategic significance, experience the vibrant local culture by strolling through Nis’s pedestrian street and old street with lively all-day atmosphere, visit the unique and historically significant monument Skull Tower, chilling reminder of the struggles for independence that provides insights into the region’s turbulent past, and finish walking in the footsteps of Roman emperors at archaeological site Mediana. Through this culture experience, we are also taking you to taste Nis, as Nis cuisine represents a specific set of traditional Serbian dishes that have been enriched by various influences, primarily from Eastern cuisines.
Regardless of how much time you spend in Nis, a visit to a tavern is an essential part of the experience of making memories that do not fade and stories to tell, whether it’s about the unusual food, the generous portions, the festive atmosphere or warmly welcomes, that you can only encounter in this city.

From ancient recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations inspired by historical influences, this tour offers a blend of cultural immersion and delightful flavours.

The city of Nis’s surrounding with its extremely favourable geographical position, embraced and protected by four mountains, offers an adrenaline-fueled playground for the adventurous soul – magical caves patiently created and skilfully modelled by nature, imposing mountains and gorges with perfect blend of nature, history, culture and local cuisine, hiking trails, rocks, and breath-taking views.

Unleash your inner explorer and discover the city’s wild side in hidden and amazing landscapes that will activate all five senses and make life time memories.
Join us on the journey where the Jelašnica River cuts its way through limestone rocks of Suva Mountain and creates a real rarity of the nature – the Jelašnica Gorge. In the length of only 2 km, many different morphological forms can be seen, as well as a large number of endemic and relict species. Stop for few bites of homemade cheese pie in traditional Brka restaurant on the way to the Sicevo Gorge. Between the norther slopes of Suva Mt. and the southern slopes of Svrljig mountains, the Nišava River has cut the wonderful Sićevo Gorge. The gorge is an impressive part of the Nišava basin, 17 km long. The Sicevo Gorge is a real heaven for all lovers of untouched nature, rafting, alpinism, mountaineering and paragliding.

We will finish the adventure in the Malča cellar from 1903 represents a unique synthesis of centuries-old wine paths. Lovers of wine and history can experience “Traveling through wine time” by visiting four wine houses from four different eras and getting to know so many ways of caring for wine.

The journey begins in the Roman House – the cellar with amphorae, then continues in the Nemanjic House, famous Serbian dynasty, the Yugoslav House of the mid-20th century, the Contemporary Winery and ends in the Roman Restaurant. The pleasure can be extended by purchasing various domestic products within the Malča Wine Cellar complex.

HOSTED BUYERS

Conventa and Tourism Organisation of Niš invite corporate and association meetings organisers from Europe to join the workshop. If you are interested to get to know Niš 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 4 March 2024.
Organisers will take care of your travel arrangement to / from Niš 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 Niš invite hotels, conference centers, special venues, DMC and teambuilding agencies to join the 2nd Try Before You Buy and meet meetings and events organisers from selected European markets.

Deadline for application is 4 March 2024.
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

Try Before you Buy Partners in Niš

BLeisure DMC
https://www.bleisuredmc.com/

BLeisure DMC crafts unforgettable corporate experiences in the Niš region, Serbia, and the Balkans. Specializing in events, meetings, and venue finding, we blend creativity and tech for unique brand-elevating moments. Inspired by the region’s heritage, we offer distinctive incentives, wine tours, and adventures with a sustainability focus. Utilizing digital tools, we redefine experiences with personalized webpages, mobile AR apps, and innovative design. Choose us for expertise, unique experiences, sustainability, and tech prowess. Let’s create impactful moments together.

Monodrama Doo Niš
www.mondorama.rs

The agency engages in various business activities, including summer and winter tourism, business tourism, and cruising. In the realm of congress tourism, both domestically and internationally, our services encompass: Organizing symposiums, congresses, and scientific meetings, Coordinating participation in professional meetings, Arranging visits to domestic and foreign fairs and stock exchanges, Providing complete preparation, organization, and implementation of gatherings and events in both national and international settings.

Nature Travel Office
www.naturetraveloffice.com

Since 2012, when Nature Travel Office agency was established, a team of people – inspired by their travels, connected by their passion for nature, as well as their common vision and goals – have been making an effort to show to our travelers a new view of Serbia and the Balkans.

Tami Resort Hotels
www.tamiresidence.com

Tami Resort is the four star congress and hotel complex in the heart of Nis city, which consists of Tami Residence with Annex and Constantinus Palace hotels. With 109 rooms, 3 luxurious suites, 3 senior suites, 3 restaurants, 1 banquet hall, congress center with 7 halls, Spa center with a swimming pool and 3 safe parking lots within the Hotel complex, Tami Resort is the biggest hotel complex in Nis and south-east of Serbia. Our expert team is available for professional designing and organizing all kinds of business events such as conferences, seminars, professional workshops, meetings, social and cultural events, and similar events. The ten-year experience and a huge reference list make us the leader in organizing all kinds of events that take place in Nis and in the southeast of Serbia.

Try Before you Buy Exhibitors in Niš

Radisson Hotel Park, Niš
https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-park-nis

Overlooking the beautiful Nišava River, Radisson Hotel Park, Niš offers a quiet and comfortable stay in the heart of the city. Our 72 stylish rooms and suites feature a wide range of amenities to help you unwind after a long day of work or leisure. Start your day off with a coffee or breakfast on our delightful terrace before heading out to explore all Niš has to offer. Host exclusive events at our modern meeting facilities. After a long day in the city, end your day by relaxing at our spa center.

Hotel Grand Kopaonik
https://www.grandkopaonik.com/

A gem among mountain hotels, Grand Kopaonik is a symbol of exclusivity and unquestionable quality. With four decades of experience, the hotel not only provides superior comfort, but dedicated and personalized service. In addition to leisure facilities, the hotel also has a congress center – a state-of-the-art space for organizing congresses, conferences, symposiums, seminars, team-building, corporate celebrations and similar events. Five congress and conference halls have excellent conditions for holding the most diverse gatherings and are equipped with complete audio and video equipment, and the dedication of our staff, professionalism and the quality of the Grand service, makes business meetings at the Grand completely unique.

Organiser

Hosting destination

Local partners

Past Events

1st Edition of Try Before You Buy Experience

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!