HIDDEN GUEST: Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

• Opened: 1955
• Halls: 24 halls
• Theater max: 2200
• Category: E-Convention Centre

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre, which along with other exhibition centres grew in post-war Yugoslavia in the fifties with substantial financial investments, reflecting the rapid post-war development in the country.

LOCATION

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre are located on the Dunajska road, north of the Ljubljana railway station. Its location close to the city centre represents a significant competitive advantage and also contributes from a sustainable point of view. Beyond convention activity, the proximity to shopping, entertainment, recreation etc., also responds to the needs of conference delegates. Accessibility by public transport is gaining importance, so the current location is very suitable for congress tourism.

ACCESSIBILITY

Location in the city centre provides time and cost-effective access by plane, train and bus. Positioning the convention centre downtown also minimises the cost of transfers and allows time savings (hotels – convention centre, convention centre – outside the meetings industry, convention centre – public transport). In addition, it allows for sustainable behaviour of congress organisers and participants (the use of public transport, walking and cycling).

COLD APPETIZER – Architecture and Aesthetics

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre were planned in the modernist style by the architect Branko Simić and built in the tradition of boldly designed exhibition spaces. The most impressive hall, Kupola, originally hosted sports and cultural events, which they later gave space to in the newly built Hala Tivoli and Cankarjev dom. After her model there similar halls were taken forward in the Belgrade and Skopje Fairs. An important part of the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre is also the circular, partially glazed pavilion E or ‘Jurček’, which took its name from its spongy structure and today serves as an impressive entrance hall and registration area.

WARM APPETISER – Staff and customer service

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre team have over ten years of experience in organising meetings, congresses, fairs and special events. The centre has hosted events of the highest importance, such as the 13th Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE, the 15th session of the ACP-EU and many others. A breath of fresh air has come through the new administration in the last few years in improved services and becoming comparable to international centres with a high level of professionalism and a thorough knowledge of the meetings industry.

MAIN COURSE – Quality of facilities

The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre today consists of seven large halls and several smaller conference rooms. The most sophisticated design, the Kupola Hall, was built in 1967 and is the first building in the former Yugoslavia with monocoque construction (with no intermediate support). The Kocka hall is the largest space available for various events, mainly for concerts. The Marmor Hall is primarily intended for conferences. Hall C, designed by Milan Mihelič in 1967, is also interesting. The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre was completely renovated from 2001 to 2008. In 2011, the complex was expanded with four new halls: Oda, Gazela, Sonet and Meduza.

DESSERT – Catering and additional offer

An important part of the offer is the 10,194m2 of outdoor areas, which can be used for accompanying events, such as parking or show rooms. Customers have many catering providers from different category qualities, including the best Slovenian catering companies. A nice addition is the Beer Shop Bunker, where you can choose from 70 different types of beer. This is also a nice place for small private parties. A coffee shop snack bar, which offers a variety of coffees and hot drinks, also operates within the Beer Shop Bunker.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Like all congress centres of this type are the basic prices for the bare halls, where you need to add costs for equipment in order to arrange your event.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The exemplary decorated Jurček pavilion, which after renovation became an elegant and spacious entrance hall and reception room.

MAIN FACILITIES
– Kocka Hall, max. 2200 participants
– Kupola Hall, max. 1600 participants
– Marmorna Hall, max. 1400 participants
– Urška Hall, max. 500 participants
– Povodni Mož, max. 560 participants
– New halls Sonet, Oda, Gazela and Meduza for receptions and exhibitions
– Srebrna Hall for receptions and exhibitions
– Forum (smaller conference room)
– Jurček (special room for registrations and admissions)

EXTRAS
External PLatform – 10,194 m2
The only exhibition and convention centre in Ljubljana with specialised knowledge and own production fairs

FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention centre is positioned as a mid-sized regional exhibition and convention centre. As a result of a number of past investments and reforms and with the new administration in place they have really lifted the level of infrastructure and come in line with the highest international standards. After the renovation, the centre functions in a very fresh and tidy way and gives the impression of a well-maintained centre that is the equal of similar centres in Europe.