Meetings Star Award celebrates the winners in 2024

On 21 February, the coveted Meetings Star Awards, the annual competition for the best destinations, meeting venues and individuals, took place in Cankarjev dom. Winners were announced in fifteen categories. The event was attended by 500 dignitaries and key stakeholders in the meetings industry. The award has become a reference point and sort of “Michelin” guide of the meetings industry. 

Since its inception, the coveted award has become recognised among event organisers in the meetings industry as one of the only awards based on precisely defined criteria and standards. The assessors evaluate a destination based on the Meeting Experience Index, which includes 75 evaluation criteria. Hotels and venues are evaluated based on the visit of the hidden congress guest, who assesses their quality on the basis of 654 evaluation criteria.

The Meetings Star Awards 2023/2024 were announced in five categories:

A. Best Meeting Destinations in 2023/2024

Among 129 evaluated destinations, winners were announced in four categories (XL, L, M and S destinations) and an additional category that includes destinations in New Europe.

B. Best Meeting Hotels and Convention Centres in 2023/2024

Among 279 certified hotels from twenty countries across New Europe, the winners were announced in five categories (city, resort, spa, boutique and convention centres). The organisers awarded two special awards for the most creative and most sustainable venues).

C. Dreamcatchers/Influencers in 2023/2024

Influencers within the meetings industry were selected among 279 nominated candidates from 24 countries. The award was given to leading destination representatives, meeting agencies, hoteliers, catering companies, technology providers, innovators, marketing and live event agencies and experts in sustainability.

The hidden guest assessors evaluate the quality of destinations based on the Meeting Experience Index matrix that includes 75 evaluation criteria.

The winning destinations are the best ambassadors of their countries and deserve recognition for their exceptional results. Thus, it is our honour to present the best of the best in 2023/2024 and congratulate them on behalf of the team behind the project.

XL MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host more than 2,000 congress attendees (39 evaluated destinations)

Winner: VIENNA, Austria, with a final mark of 4.77

Vienna is a city tailored to the needs of event attendees and meeting planners. The Austrian capital is developing as a smart city of the future, which includes excellent accessibility, great public transport, an abundance of green surfaces and sustainability at the fore. You can only travel this elegantly and simply in Vienna. The airport offers superb flight connections, too. Guests only need up to twenty minutes of elegant travel to the airport terminals. Vienna is the epicentre of innovations in the meetings industry, led by creative start-up companies. Vienna has topped our evaluation for several years. The city is also incredibly successful in various comparisons, including the annual ICCA Country & City Ranking. The city’s model includes a top-down organisational structure, providing meeting subsidies and regularly reporting about meeting statistics. It is clear that a well-organised and managed destination with clear branding can easily retain the leading spot in our comparison. Vienna remains the number one destination in our comparison, which the competition should look up to with respect. Kudos to Vienna for their work in 2023/2024.

L MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 2,000 congress attendees (29 evaluated destinations)

Winners: LJUBLJANA, Slovenia and TALLINN, Estonia 

TALLINN, Estonia, with a final mark of 4.50

Our evaluation team vividly described why Tallinn is a leading destination in this category. Giorgio Armani once said elegance does not mean being noticed but being remembered. That is, in a way, a definition of timeless elegance and minimalism we believe Tallinn represents. Combine that with incredible professionals and a start-up culture enshrined in Estonian society, and it seems Tallinn is the perfect event destination. Tallinn is home to professionals who always keep their promise and walk the talk. That is one of the reasons we believe the outpost stands out in the so-called second-tier category of destinations. Development plans are afoot throughout the city – from new hotels to meeting venues and destination management initiatives. The Estonian Convention Bureau and the Tallinn Convention Bureau work hand in hand to promote the city. Other destinations can take notes. Tallinn is the heart of the Baltic meetings revolution because it invests tremendously in hotels and venues. Tallinn has an offer that far exceeds the city’s size. Tallinn is a superb choice, should you wish to organise your event in Armani style.

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, with a final mark of 4.50

Our evaluation team described Ljubljana as an inspiring city that grows on you. The city’s trump card is its diverse range of experiences centred around landscape diversity, heritage and access to nature. Ljubljana is a step away from nature and the picturesque countryside. Guests can experience parts of Slovenia even in the city centre or venture out of town after attending an event. Everything is within arm’s reach. That is why Ljubljana is ideal for organising events responsible to nature and society. Ljubljana has everything more renowned meeting destinations do but offers all that in a boutique, enticing and professional package. The professional team of the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, operating under Ljubljana Tourism, has a clear vision and strategy. To conclude, our evaluation team wrote Ljubljana is a prototype of a modern meeting destination, as it offers a green, healthy, safe and stress-free environment for event organisers.

M MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 1,200 congress attendees (27 evaluated destinations)

Winner: DUBROVNIK, Croatia, with a final mark of 4.35

Second only to Venice, Dubrovnik is among the most visited and iconic Adriatic tourist destinations. Once countless tourists leave the city after the summer season, guests of conferences, congresses and events take their place. This target group appreciates the incredible mix of nature and history, improving air accessibility and high-quality hotels. The truth is that Dubrovnik has been changing its philosophy to develop more responsible tourism. In the words of the city’s Mayor, Mato Franković, less is more. The meetings industry follows that motto, especially the incentive offering. Dubrovnik is developing more incentive programs responsible towards the environment, society and attendees. Not least, Dubrovnik is the flagship of the Adriatic meetings industry because it perpetually invests in tourist and traffic infrastructure. The competition is not too far behind, though. In 2023/2024, Dubrovnik remains a destination where you can host the most demanding events in the region.

S MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 600 congress attendees (30 evaluated destinations)

Winner: GORIŠKA BRDA, Slovenia, with a final mark of 4.09

Goriška Brda is a passionate and energetic destination bustling with life. If you wish to be in contact with nature and soul, look no further than Goriška Brda. The boutique incentive destination is ideal for authentic experiences for smaller groups and is unmatched in Slovenia. First, wine lovers and gourmets discovered the charms of this diverse destination, followed by filmmakers and event organisers. Although meeting venues and conference capacities were absent a few years ago, the situation has improved significantly. In addition, the destination is close to several regional air hubs. As a developing sustainable destination, Goriška Brda is included in the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. Our assessors believe the destination is a best-case example of an excellent incentive destination. The incredible locals, who cherish spontaneity, intuition and positive vibrations, play a visible role in its development. The natural and cultural heritage and wine and gastronomic offerings represent the foundation of the destination’s development.

BEST IN NEW EUROPE
 The leading meeting destinations in New Europe

WINNER: PRAGUE, Czech Republic, with a final mark of 4.64

If you seek an exemplary convention bureau that works according to the principle of a public-private partnership, you will regularly hear about Prague. The boutique team that started the city’s transformation in 2008 now numbers eight leading industry professionals. It is hard not to compare the city’s transformation with Škoda, the automotive brand Czechs are immensely proud of. Today, Škoda is a respectable brand that is competing with the best. Similarly, the meetings industry in Prague can now go toe-to-toe with more renowned destinations. The city is, in fact, among the top ten destinations in the XL category. There are many reasons for its winning streak, not least because Prague offers an expansive and diverse offer, has several leading creative agencies and maintains its immaculate image. Prague ticks all the boxes to remain one of the most popular regional meeting destinations for years to come.

Among 277 certified hotels from 19 New Europe countries, winners were announced in five categories (city, resort, spa, boutique hotels and congress centres). Special categories awarded the best Slovenian hotels and convention centres.

Each hotel received up to three stars in accordance with our criteria:

3 STARS⭐⭐⭐ – final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 STARS⭐⭐ – final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 STAR⭐ – final score from 4.41 to 4.60

According to the evaluation by our hidden congress guests, THE BEST MEETING HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES in 2023/2024 are:

CITY MEETING HOTELS
103 certified hotels

WINNER: W BUDAPEST, Budapest, Hungary with a final mark of 4.99

Our hidden guest assessors had this to say about W Budapest: “Entirely different and grand.” The hotel is different thanks to its innovative and meticulous renovation that aims to attract a specific target group. The hotel dons a slew of preserved details, from a breathtaking staircase, original terrazzo, windows renovated to look as if they were from 1886, stucco details to frescoes and more ornaments that one could explore for days. The building has undergone a stunning renovation. We can say the hotel is grand because of its unmatched offer and services that rekindle the idea of grand hotels in a modern and youthful way. Hence, we believe W Budapest heralds a new era for luxury hotels, bringing back glamour and transforming hotels into the epicentres of urban social life. W Budapest has excelled in connecting the local community, with its instantly recognisable lobby protruding onto Andrássy Avenue. Although the radical colour combinations seem bombastic, everything is perfectly measured, apart from the high price. Yet, even the prices will eventually adapt to the market prices. The top of the hotel pyramid in Budapest is dynamic, ever-changing and exciting. At present, the glamorous newcomer has taken the crown. Thumbs up!

RESORT MEETING HOTELS
65 certified hotels

WINNER: GRAND BRIONI HOTEL, Pula, Croatia, with a final mark of 4.99

Grand Hotel Brioni Pula has shown that modernist architecture can withstand the test of time. The revamp was radical and sensible enough to have elevated the original extremely functional architectural design. Its style closely resembles modern architectural concepts with a less-is-more approach that has been winning over critics. Above all, we believe the Istrian outpost of Pula has gained a five-star gem that will gain a loyal base of followers. At its core, the hotel is superb and, in many ways, extraordinary, setting new standards in this part of the Adriatic. We do not doubt your attendees will cherish the hotel, too, not least because Grand Hotel Brioni Pula has been hosting public figures and VIP guests for half a century. This hotel is a game-changer that will convince event organisers to discover the tremendously diverse offer of Pula instead of Rovinj, Opatija and Portorož. The incredibly professional staff helped the hotel win the award for the best resort meeting hotel in 2023/2024.

SPA MEETING HOTELS
27 certified hotels

WINNER: AQUAHOUSE HOTEL & SPA, Varna, Bulgaria, with a final mark of 4.91

Aquahouse Hotel & Spa is an appealing and elegant hotel whose creators and architects ensured the architecture will remain timeless. The minimalist interior is equally impressive and typical of modern design hotels. The hotel feels impressively inviting and, more importantly, guest-friendly and well-thought-out. The hotel can stand toe-to-toe with the best meeting hotels in our comparison. Its thermal spa offer is perhaps the best among all. In addition, the hotel’s conference offer makes it perfect for all types of events. We believe incentive events suit it best. The value for money is particularly impressive. Given the Ultra All Inclusive concept, the price is surprisingly affordable, although still high for Bulgarian standards. Guests seeking world-class quality for a reasonable price should put this hotel on the list for their next event. Aquahouse Hotel & Spa has filled the gap in the Bulgarian coastal meetings offer. Its game-changing design has earned it three Meeting Stars.

BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS
49 certified hotels

WINNER: VILA PLANINKA, Jezersko, Slovenia, with a final mark of 4.98

The investor set a goal to redefine what a boutique, five-star, sustainable hotel stands for. Five years after opening, the hotel is still in excellent shape, fully occupied even in the off-season. Vila Planinka illustrates how popular boutique meeting hotels are becoming. The hotel’s sustainable formula comprises an original story, intimacy and serenity. At the same time, the hotel can host strategic meetings, teambuilding programs and meet-ups of luminaries. Vila Planinka is an ideal incentive hotel that can be rented for events. There are many reasons why guests feel great here. We were most impressed by the service efficiency, quality design and the convincing team – the hotel family. The superb Restaurant Vila Planinka, which recently received the coveted Michelin recommendation for the third consecutive year, plays a crucial role in satisfying guests. Its culinary offer and philosophy earned it a place in the Michelin Guide for 2023. We are not surprised the hotel has become an ideal model of a sustainably oriented boutique hotel that will hopefully gain many admirers in Slovenia and beyond.

CONVENTION CENTRES
33 certified convention centres

WINNER: HUNGEXPO, Budapest, Hungary, with a final mark of 4.97

Hungexpo is far more than a classic exhibition centre. It is the largest Hungarian convention centre and represents a transformation hub for the entire meetings industry in Budapest. Hungexpo is among a handful of exhibition centres that comprehensively renovated their exhibition centre instead of making aesthetic corrections like other venues. Their brand new exhibition centre now easily competes with regional competitors. Furthermore, they ensured the venue was fitted with the latest technological equipment, providing top-tier service needed for organising elite events. Add to that superb functional design, and Hungexpo is arguably the most balanced regional venue that offers excellent value for money, too. The bar has been set high by Hungexpo also because the management does not have to consider protecting architectural heritage. What the venue does have is plenty of space and excellent management led by GL Events. They understand the market and clients across the globe. The new Hungexpo is undeniably inspiring and mirrors the zeitgeist of the meetings industry after the COVID-19 crisis. Other exhibition centres in the region can take notes.

MOST CREATIVE VENUE

WINNER: ONOMA Hotel, Thessaloniki, Greece, with a final mark of 4.88

What is the hotel of the future, and how can it satisfy new generations of Instagram hotel guests? How can a hotel become completely personalised for guests, and most importantly, how to start a hotel revolution? The essence of the hotel hides inside, where guests wonder if they walked into an eclectic living room, party space, funky bar, restaurant or basketball court. The hotel can even turn your room into a gaming retreat, a wine-tasting room, a rock haven or a sweet corner. Inspiring! Even though Onoma Hotel is no longer a fresh face on the hotel scene of Thessaloniki, it still brings a smile to its guests’ faces with its original concept, excellent execution and quality. One of the most pleasant surprises in the regional hospitality industry is incredibly outlandish, inclusive, and fun, all while being spacious, cosy and inviting. That is why it deserves the award for the most creative venue in 2023.

MOST SUSTAINABLE VENUE

WINNER: SUNROSE 7, Bohinjska Bistrica, with a final mark of 4.95

Sunrose 7 was the first to herald Bohinj’s transformation as an authentic sustainable tourist destination with added value and plenty of authenticity. The hotel became the proud recipient of the new international award Climahost and the Triglav National Park Quality Label. Climahost is the European selection of the best sustainable practices for accommodations in the Alps, awarded by an esteemed international expert jury. These are just two certificates on the hotel’s long list of accolades. The list includes the Travelife Gold and Green Key certificates, awarded soon after opening in 2019. The hotel goes beyond hoarding certificates because the owners aspire to address every single SDG goal, from energy management, water use, managing waste, cooperating with the local community and local food suppliers, empowering guests about sustainability and starting initiatives for the well-being of society. Sunrose 7 is a hotel that cares about the future. That is why it earned three Green Meeting Stars in 2023/2024.

The Meetings Star Award crowned the best Slovenian city meeting hotel, best Slovenian resort meeting hotel, best Slovenian spa meeting hotel, best Slovenian boutique meeting hotel and best Slovenian convention centre. You can see the list of finalists here.

BEST SLOVENIAN CITY MEETING HOTEL

WINNER: INTERCONTINENTAL LJUBLJANA, Ljubljana, Slovenia with a final mark of 4.92

Intercontinental Ljubljana was among the first to herald a change in Ljubljana’s hospitality industry. After seven years, it has evolved and become Slovenia’s leading city meeting hotel. There are three reasons for its dominance. The exceptional staff represents the heart of this great hotel. Second, the incredible gastronomy has a distinct connection to local ingredients. Lastly, the hotel’s sincere sustainable aspirations will inspire other city hotels to act responsibly towards the environment, guests, the community and employees. To top it off, the hotel has been achieving tremendous business results and has fostered synergies at the destination and among other Intercontinental hotels. Not to forget, Intercontinental Ljubljana is acquiring a refined sheen resembling top-of-the-line whiskeys. That is why our assessors deem this hotel Slovenia’s best city meeting hotel.

BEST SLOVENIAN RESORT MEETING HOTEL

WINNER: KEMPINSKI PALACE, Portorož, Slovenia with a final mark of 4.91

Last year, we wrote about several reasons why Kempinski Palace Portorož has retained its position as the leading Slovenian meeting hotel. First, the hotel is managed by the esteemed Kempinski hotel chain. Second, the hotel is a textbook example of impressive Secession architecture from the turn of the 20th century. The hotel has become an integral part of the architectural veduta in Portorož. When organising events at Hotel Kempinski Palace, expectations are high. The hotel easily meets the expectations in terms of hotel service. An outstanding team that works like a well-oiled machine justifies the reputation of the Kempinski hotel chain. This year’s evaluation has shown the hotel has retained its quality and is the preferred choice when staying on the Slovenian Coast. We can write the same summary: the excellent five-star Kempinski Palace still proudly holds the title of the best Slovenian resort meeting hotel.

BEST SLOVENIAN SPA MEETING HOTEL

WINNER: WELLNESS HOTEL SOTELIA, Podčetrtek, Slovenia with a final mark of 4.84

Hotel Sotelia has been synonymous with quality among wellness guests for some time. Its design has earned it numerous awards. The hotel never hid its ambitions to bring a genuine wellness experience to the meetings industry, which other competitors have not done yet. In addition, the distinctive architectural design has many admirers; small details always attract the eye. In all respects, this is a superb hotel with conference facilities for smaller events. Paired with the rich tourist and sports offerings of Podčetrtek, the hotel is ideal for organising various incentive programmes. Hotel Sotelia proves that quality architecture never goes out of fashion. When you add superb hotel service on top of that, you have a formula for successful events. In the package with the hotel, you can discover a destination full of positive surprises, often overlooked and, as experts say, on the right way to go from words to actions in terms of sustainability.

BEST SLOVENIAN BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTEL

WINNER: VILA PLANINKA, Jezersko, Slovenia with a final mark of 4.98

Sustainable transformation within the hospitality industry is crucial for creating a more responsible meetings industry. How to make a sustainable transformation in practice is best illustrated by Vila Planinka. The exemplary hotel represents a new generation of boutique hotels that should inspire large hotels. The hotel shows that less is more and that tourism can be developed in harmony and balance with nature and locals in Jezersko. Under the slogan “Less, but better”, the Alpine outpost is part of a broader initiative of Alpine villages that promotes harmony between people and nature. The slogan encapsulates the essence of Vila Planinka. This pioneering hotel goes the extra mile to deliver and redefine quality. That is why the Hidden Guest assessors believe it deserves the title of best Slovenian boutique meeting hotel in 2023/2024.

BEST SLOVENIAN CONVENTION CENTRE

WINNER: BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE, Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, with a final mark of 4.92

An impressive conference building was designed by architects Bevk and Perovič for the Slovenian EU Presidency in 2007. Brdo Congress Centre is tucked away in a stunning natural setting within the protected area of Brdo Park. After seventeen years, the interior still appears fresh and welcoming, functioning as a space that prompts dialogue and discussion. The entire building and its halls seep into the surrounding nature. We were most impressed by the central meeting hall, which boasts a high ceiling and is ideal for even the most demanding projects. Brdo Congress Centre is an exemplary congress centre, and other investors can take inspiration from it. Its accompanying incentive offer makes it the leading congress centre in Slovenia. In a way, the congress centre doubles as a special venue. It can elevate any event with its distinct appeal.

Gorazd Čad emphasised: “The hidden congress guest methodology ensures that meeting hotels and convention centres are evaluated objectively. The cornerstone of our methodology was to offer information that is analysable on-site based on a set of criteria and a visit by the hidden congress guest. The Meetings Star Award has become a reference point and a sort of Michelin guide for the meetings industry. Personally, I believe our project fosters the development of the entire meetings industry.”

Now in its tenth edition, the two-phased selection of influencers in the regional meetings industry concluded with online voting. The evaluation has an equal balance of male and female candidates. Among 279 candidates, 48.15% were women nominees, and 51.85% were male.

Aneta KSIAZEK
Poland Convention Bureau

Aneta took the helm of the Poland Convention Bureau in December 2022, just in time for the bureau’s 20th anniversary. Poland Convention Bureau operates as part of the Polish Tourism Organisation, where Aneta worked as a Conference Specialist between 2008 and 2018 before taking over the Poland Convention Bureau. Aneta has earned rich experience in her career, having worked as a delegate of the Polish Tourism Organisation in Brussels. After she became the Director of Poland CVB, a real revolution happened in Poland’s meetings industry. In a short time, Poland became one of the hottest markets globally. The innovative campaign “Poland. More Than You Expected” was impossible to overlook. Aneta and her team completely repositioned Poland as a meeting destination in a few years. Beyond her work to improve Poland’s recognition, Aneta actively cooperates in the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe. What inspires us most about Aneta’s work is her holistic and balanced approach that is always inclusive and connects stakeholders. All those who voted for her as the dreamcatcher of the year recognised that.

The organisers emphasised that the Meetings Star Awards recognise hard work, creativity and innovation. Congratulations to the winners!

To learn more about the competition, visit https://meetings-star.eu/.

CONVENTA AMBASSADOR

Teodora Jilkova, Bulgaria Convention Bureau

Teodora Jilkova has been a partner of Conventa since the very first edition. Tedi, as her friends call her, is one of the most recognisable people in the regional meetings industry, who advocated that Bulgaria needs a well-managed convention bureau and excellent promotion. Although her work encompasses many sectors of the meetings industry, her love remains events. Her work in this field is priceless because of her incredibly positive energy and heartfelt approach, always accompanied by professionalism and expert know-how. Teodora is also the best advocate of her home country, Bulgaria. That is why many of us today know not only Sofia but also Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv, and Velingrad. The whole of Bulgaria, in fact. In recent years, she has been focusing on industry clusters. In her words, our industry is incredibly connected by them. Together with Teodora, we helped develop this informal way of connecting companies and other organisations across South-East Europe for various projects. Without Tedoroa and her love for Conventa, we would never have established such authentic connections with Bulgaria as we have today.

CONVENTA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Tatjana Radovič, ex Ljubljana Tourism / lLjubljana Convention Bureau

Tatjana Radovič has been among the most recognisable individuals in the Slovenian and European meetings industry for years. She was involved in every part of the industry, but destination marketing remained her greatest passion. Often, colleagues from abroad associate Ljubljana with Tatjana. Without her, there would be no Ljubljana Convention Bureau or the Slovenian Convention Bureau, let alone Slovenian meeting standards, the IMEX Challenge Slovenia, countless promotional campaigns or one of the best Bid Books in Europe. Conventa would not be the same today without Tatjana’s efforts. Throughout her career, Tatjana helped connect the event with partners. Her unselfish approach made her one of the most important members of Conventa’s external team. She did not lose faith in Conventa even when the event faced dire times. Her colleagues always appreciate her devotion and enthusiasm. Many innovations we implemented at Conventa are thanks to her meticulous cosmopolitan eye. Tatjana has always represented Ljubljana and Slovenia with a subtle style. Why she deserves the Conventa Lifetime Achievement Award is best captured by a paraphrase of the city she keeps dear to her heart: “Tatjana is Ljubljena – Tatjana is Loved”.

CONVENTA HALL OF FAME

Mojca Gobina Mravlje, Sava tourism

If we had to describe Mojca Gobina Mravlje in the spirit of team sports, we would say she is a teammate who is always there to catch a pass. She supported Conventa when the event was dedicated only to the Slovenian market. Mojca is a professional who event organisers always associate with Portorož and Bernardin Hotels. In her career, she helped create numerous innovative sales and marketing campaigns. Above all, we remember the campaign named Top of the Adriatic, which helped place the destination of Portorož on the map of leading regional destinations. All who have cooperated with Mojca describe her as a charismatic professional who always keeps her promise. To event organisers, that means the most. Mojca has directly or indirectly mentored countless colleagues who are now in leading positions across the meetings industry and tourism. Her contribution to the meetings industry is priceless. Because Mojca sincerely believes in Conventa’s values and supports our event, she deserves the Conventa Hall of Fame Award 2024.