The first day of Ljubljana Talks at IMEX Frankfurt kicked off with energy, insight, and a fresh take on the future of the meetings industry. Hosted by the dynamic duo Gorazd Čad and Jan Oršič, this relaxed talk show format offered a stage to some of the most inspiring voices in the field — from combat pilots turned mental agility coaches to event revolutionaries shaking up how we think about innovation and inclusion.
Spanning topics from brave leadership in high-stakes environments to sustainable strategies and the evolving role of creativity in live experiences, Ljubljana Talks proved it’s more than just conversation — it’s a catalyst for rethinking how we meet, connect, and create impact through events.
The first speaker at the session was Sarah Furness, a former RAF combat helicopter pilot turned mental agility coach. In her talk titled “From the Cockpit to the Conference Room”, she explored how combat leadership principles can elevate performance and resilience in the meetings and events industry.
Sarah drew compelling parallels between flying high-stakes missions and leading complex, fast-paced events. She emphasized that both roles require adaptability, strong teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Just as a pilot helps people get from where they are to where they need to be, event professionals guide audiences toward meaningful outcomes.
She also spoke candidly about the importance of mental wellbeing, highlighting how even the most resilient individuals can burn out if they don’t prioritize self-care. Drawing from her military background, she shared how changes in behavior are often the first sign that someone may be struggling and need support.
Her story—from watching Top Gun as a 12-year-old to stretching her arms to meet pilot entry requirements—was both humorous and inspiring, reminding the audience that leadership begins with courage, discipline, and humility.
“To truly be creative and to dream, you need to have space to do that.”
Day 1 of Ljubljana Talks at IMEX closed with Degmo Daar, a strategist and changemaker and a passionate advocate for inclusion and responsibility in the events industry. She emphasised that true inclusion means shifting focus from what organisers want to what the audience actually needs —“flipping the chart,” as she put it. Degmo highlighted the importance of creating space for real conversations, not just presentations, and pointed out that the best ideas often emerge informally, like at the coffee stand. She addressed the mental health toll on both organisers and attendees, calling for more conscious, human-centred event design.
On industry trends, Degmo noted that while DEI is increasingly politicised and even rolled back in some places, it’s still vital: “If we don’t include DEI in our work, it’s not just a mistake—it’s suicide.” Looking ahead, she defined the future of events in three powerful words: people, connection, equity.
