Ljubljana Talks

The final day of Ljubljana Talks at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 wrapped up on a high note, diving deep into what truly matters in the meetings and events industry: people. From thought leadership to trailblazing new formats, today’s conversations reflected a collective commitment to making events more human, more intentional, and more sustainable.

From start to finish, Day 3 was a powerful reminder that behind every great event are people who care—about the experience, the environment, and each other.

Ljubljana Talks

The third day of Ljubljana Talks at IMEX opened with Tahira Endean, a pioneer in human-centric event planning. She emphasised the importance of designing events that consider the whole human experience, from providing quiet workspaces and wellbeing rooms to facilitating open conversations about mental health and resilience. Tahira highlighted how the industry is evolving to support personal stories and vulnerabilities, creating spaces where attendees can refresh, connect meaningfully, and engage authentically. She also reflected on sustainability efforts in the event world and shared insights from her diverse career journey, illustrating how passion and adaptability shape the future of event management.

“ As event designers, we need to create opportunities where people can find all sorts of connections. Whether it’s personal introductions, meetings, or creating education spaces – people must feel comfortable asking questions and connecting.”

Joining Jan and Gorazd behind the microphone were also Petra Stušek, CEO of Ljubljana Tourism, and Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, who reflected on this year’s record-breaking IMEX Frankfurt, highlighting strong industry resilience, collaboration, and a growing focus on well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability. They emphasised the importance of human connection amid increasing digitalisation and praised the event’s meaningful “Tough Talks” sessions. As Carina Bauer put it,

“These talks give people an opportunity to learn from others, to get some advice, and maybe for some catalysts to do more with that when they get home.”

Ljubljana Talks

Both women noted the value of candid discussions and open dialogue between policymakers, stressing that embracing change and innovation while fostering trust and collaboration is essential for the future success of meetings and events. Regarding the future, Petra remarked, “We have to get comfortable with the fact that we’ll constantly be uncomfortable.”

The last guest on the Ljubljana Talks podcast, joining Gorazd, was Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I. Barnes announced the launch of M&I Expo, a new quality-focused trade event set for April 2026 in Abu Dhabi. He spoke about the event’s vision and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s potential as a rising global meetings hub, praising its location, infrastructure, and innovation. M&I Expo will cap attendance at 1,000 to ensure meaningful connections between buyers and suppliers. With over 21 years of experience, Barnes stressed M&I’s commitment to creating impactful events that mix business with pleasure. He said,

“It was central to our mission to create an event that is not only productive but also enjoyable—mixing business with pleasure.”  

Ljubljana Talks

As this year’s Ljubljana Talks draws to a close, one message stands out: meaningful change in the events industry begins with courageous conversations. Whether it’s reshaping event design, fostering trust between stakeholders, or launching new formats that prioritise quality over quantity, it’s clear that the human touch is what truly sets impactful events apart.

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