Through their international activities, the organisation of key events and connecting Slovenia with global MICE networks, the award recipients have made significant contributions to promoting Slovenia as a top destination for international congresses, conferences and other professional events. The award ceremony honoured their outstanding achievements and their impact on the internationalisation of Slovenia in the context of scientific, expert and business meetings.
New this year
This year’s awards ceremony was especially significant due to the introduction of a brand new accolade, the International Congress Ambassador Award, which was presented to Iain Bitran, Executive Director of the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM). Mr. Bitran has chosen Slovenia to host the prestigious ISPIM Innovation Conference 2023, which focused on innovation and the circular economy. His passion for Slovenia and its potential for growth in the international congress market has made him a true ambassador of our country.
For her many years of work in organising international scientific events, Prof. Bojana Beović, PhD, distinguished expert in infectious diseases and President of the Slovenian Medical Chamber, was awarded the title of Honorary Congress Ambassador. Mrs. Beović has been particularly recognised for her leadership of the expert advisory group during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for having organised numerous international scientific events that have elevated Slovenia’s profile in the global healthcare field.
The Green Commitment and sustainable carbon footprint measurement
The entire project is financially supported by the Slovenian Tourist Board, a strategic partner of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, committed to a green future. The event was held in line with the Green Commitment which includes the sustainable organisation of events with a reduced environmental impact. This year, the carbon footprint of the event was measured as part of the Planet Positive Event methodology. Participant mobility data was collected and all the necessary procedures for certification were carried out. In this way, both international and local events can reduce their environmental footprint and increase overall sustainability by focusing on sustainable practices.
To this purpose, the Slovenian Convention Bureau has prepared documents such as the Green Action Plan and Sustainable Accessibility, which will be published on the website. The documents outline concrete actions to further improve sustainable practices in the organisation of congresses and conferences.
The Slovenian CVB congratulates all the winners and commends them for their extraordinary contribution to the promotion of Slovenia as a global events destination. With their international activities, professionalism and organisation of top-class events, they have been key in furthering the reputation of our country on the world MICE map. Through their efforts, Slovenia is becoming recognised as a place where experts meet and exchange knowledge, experience and ideas, contributing to growth and development in various fields from scientific and economic to cultural and social, and promoting international cooperation and innovation.
Celebrating success and building the future
The Congress Ambassador Programme is not only a recognition of distinguished individuals but also an important tool for promoting Slovenia as a top destination for international events. The programme enables Slovenia to build recognition in the worldwide MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, events/exhibitions) sector and contributes to its reputation in scientific, business, cultural and sporting circles. Furthermore, Slovenia gains numerous opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and the development of innovation and new expertise.
The programme focuses on providing assistance and support to the organisers of international events during all stages of their implementation. By connecting local experts with international partners and networks, the Slovenian Congress Bureau and its partners can provide all the necessary conditions for the successful organisation of events, and the expansion of Slovenia’s visibility on the global congress market.
The event was designed and executed by the agency Paideia, creating an unforgettable experience with its exceptional professionalism and dedication. In doing so, it has once again proved its important role in supporting the Slovenian professional meetings industry and its highest standards.
At the award ceremony, the award winners received unique crystal plaques, specially made for them by Rogaška Glassworks, world-renowned for its phenomenal quality. The event was rounded off with a culinary feast by Jezeršek Catering. This moment of celebration was an opportunity to reconnect and share visions for a future in which Slovenia continues to play a key role on the international congress map.
With a growing number of standout congress ambassadors and a commitment to organising top-class international events, Slovenia is already preparing for a bright future. The programme provides a strong foundation for building long-term international connections as Slovenia continues to host events that will contribute to its development and growth in the global professional meetings and events market.
Learn more about the Slovenian Congress Ambassador programme here.
