Home PARTNER STORIES PARTNER NEWS ICCA Venue International Business Workshop organised in Ljubljana

ICCA Venue International Business Workshop organised in Ljubljana

CD-Congress Centre Ljubljana vowed attendees in close cooperation with partners

May 24, 2022

Planned to take place two years ago, ICCA Venues International Business Workshop finally took place in Ljubljana from 12 – 14 May 2022. The workshop aimed to establish long-term business opportunities between venues and association clients while offering a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices.

Together with local partners, Cankarjev dom prepared a tailor-made programme for 13 representatives of venues and 13 meeting planners coming from 13 countries.

A brief yet highly compelling two-day programme was designed to make participants feel Ljubljana’s pulse. In addition, the attendees visited select special venues for events and had a chance to try several authentic and unique experiences Ljubljana offers to event organisers.

“Nothing can be compared to the energy and relationships of F2F meetings.”

The highlights of the first day included a boat ride on the Ljubljanica river and an unforgettable welcome reception in Grand Hotel Union, where guests were acquainted with renowned Slovenian gins and mixed their own drinks. Finally, the attendees were pampered by a dinner in the atrium of the City Museum of Ljubljana whilst enjoying a performance by a national folklore group. During the dinner, they had a chance to go on a guided tour of the historical exhibition of the City Museum of Ljubljana.

The second day was devoted to business meetings, which took place in CD Club. Attendees who stayed at Grand Hotel Union had the opportunity to opt for the Urban electric car to transport them to the location.

In the afternoon, the organisers guided the attendees through the halls of Cankarjev dom and ensured each hall had a special surprise waiting for them. Gallus Hall, famed for its mighty pipe organ, invited the students of Ljubljana’s Academy of Music to create a magical musical experience. Linhart Hall, on the other hand, played host to the most famous Slovenian folklore group that was preparing for its annual performance. The organisers seized the opportunity and invited attendees of the workshop to marvel at the dancers. The bravest among them even learned a few basic steps. Another in a set of spectacular halls, the Štih Hall, known as a mesmerising and intimate event venue, greeted the attendees with a performance by two saxophonists. Kosovel Hall held a special surprise as a young artist amazed attendees with acrobatic stunts under the ceiling. The tour of Cankarjev dom concluded with enjoying coffee in the shade of mighty trees in front of Cankarjev dom.

ICCA representatives wrote: “Cankarjev dom promotes the history and culture of Slovenes and is well equipped to suit the needs of various functions. Additionally, their professionalism and organisation make them stand out from other venue organisers in the industry.” (Source: LinkedIn)

The day was rounded off with a visit to Ljubljana Castle where participants savoured the unmatched views of the city from Ljubljana Castle before indulging in gastronomic delights prepared by chef Igor Jagodic in Restaurant Strelec.

On the last day before the departure, guests had a chance to visit some more hidden gems of Ljubljana and admire Ljubljana Old Town from the river.

Dušica Todorović, Business Development Manager at Cankarjev dom, said: “It was a sheer pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic clients and peers. We did our best to exceed their expectations, and we hope that their experience was memorable. We are happy that we could offer a personal, visual and emotional experience. Nothing can be compared to the energy and relationships of F2F meetings.”

The workshop was organised by CD Congress Centre, in cooperation with the Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia Meetings, the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, Union Hotels Collection, Restavracija Strelec, KAVAL GROUP, Vivo catering, Jure Jezeršek and Marko Delbello Ocepek.

We have gathered a few quotes from attendees who praised the exceptional workshop.