63 years of events at GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

The year 1954 saw the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana get a new convention centre, which today goes by the name of the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. Located right in the city centre, as a well-preserved modernist architectural complex it is one of the city’s main landmarks and is also to this day one of the leading Slovenian convention centres. In June 2017, the company raised a glass to its 63^rd anniversary, which of course means that there is a lot of history, experiences and some amazing stories (if only the walls of GR could talk… :)) in these past six decades…

Architecture and history go hand in hand at GR
GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was conceived by renowned Slovenian architects according to the plans of Branko Simčič, Milan Mihelič, and Ilija Arnautović, and was built from 1954 until the late 1960s. With this project they successfully created a magnificent and interesting monumental building wrapped by an extensive open area of a pleasant green environment with its own fountain. The Kupola Hall was built in 1958, the Jurček Pavillion in 1960 and the Marmorna Hall in 1961, with other premises being added until as late as 1987. With the exception of the Kocka Hall, all halls bear the stamp of modern functionalist architecture and are protected as architectural heritage.

The latest works to the GR complex was a full renovation between 2005 and 2009 and in 2012 the Pavillion Jurček was remodelled into a contemporary multi-purpose reception space with a day bistro that serves as the main entrance, reception desk for delegate registration and a press room. Under the pavilion and extending outside is a brasserie operated according to a concept of the Kaval Group catering chain. The original modern architectural ideas and execution of GR are still visible today and can be understood at first glance – the building emphasizes a tradition in a modern form and their 63 years of great heritage and cultural background is of unparalleled value in today’s role as the leading Slovenian convention centre.

Ljubljana becoming a Mecca for the congress industry
The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, which has been present on the international association meetings market for more than thirty years and can therefore be regarded as an established yet fresh destination, can welcome meetings for up to 2,200 delegates in its two largest congress venues, one of them being the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. The compact layout and “walking city” dimension of Ljubljana, the European Green Capital 2016, is definitely one of its advantages, making it logistically a very easy destination to organise an event, not to mention a beautiful one with everything needed for a successful event too.

About GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre
Slovenia’s leading convention venue in was established in 1954, with the first exhibitions opened in 1955. It is an ideal venue for congresses, conventions, conferences, fairs and other social, corporate, cultural and education events. In recent years it has become one of Slovenia and the region’s leading centres, hosting many international congresses (from pharmaceutical, medical, sports, political and many others), conferences and, on the other side, many corporate and social events, as well as also executing global interactive exhibitions.

The venue is located in the city centre and just a hop from all the popular cultural and historic monuments. It is also easily accessible, being just a few minutes away from the main railway and bus station and with a city bus stop in front of the main entrance. It also has 2,500 parking spaces in close vicinity, useful for the 400,000 visitors it attracts per year.

GR is a member of international organisations and associations such as ICCA, UFI, CEFA, AIPC and AmCham Slovenia, and their congress team regularly participates in all of the major trade fairs and congress tourism exchanges at home and abroad, where they present the offer to event organisers from around the world.

A multi-purpose venue with 20 multifunctional halls for all kind of events
GR´s 20 multifunctional halls with 12,323 m² of exhibition space provide an excellent venue for various events of different sizes (from chamber to events for a few dozens of visitors, or major public events for over 2,000 people), whether they be turnkey events or not. Their Congress department truly takes care of everything and adapts to each and every client and their requirements. Together with their long-standing external partners they guarantee to make the magic of your event truly materialise. Every event, every customer, every animation of a different group of visitors requires a different approach – at GR they embrace this challenge and through a dynamic approach to event delivery make every event a special one.

The future looks bright – a toast to the next 63 successful years ahead!
Action going on in all the halls, even in the outside spaces…everything is possible at GR, and after so many years the company has recognized that it’s time for some changes to stay at the top of its game – and GR certainly knows how to adapt. In 2017, they announced a cooperation with the Dekon Group, an announcement stemming from their previous successful cooperation in bringing some major congresses from Istanbul to Ljubljana – like EuroGeo Conference (EuroGeo6) and the 34th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine a year before – helping GR prove itself to be the best of the best.

The Slovenian capital is becoming a popular MICE destination in the heart of Europe and GR is happy and proud of their success stories, so they have opened their door to the new challenges ahead.

Dont stress, just relax! GR does all the rest! GR – to another 63 successful years!