We spoke to the organisers of the conference, who shared how they came up with the idea of organising the conference and why men are still afraid to discuss their emotions.
Q1: How did you identify and address the target audience for your conference?
The Men-Tal conference was not envisaged as a classic business event; it came to life thanks to the personal experience and internal desires of the main organiser, Marko Podgornik Verdev. After he faced a mental breakdown and journeyed on a path of healing, he felt the strong need to begin the discussion on topics that have been overlooked for too long in the business world – psychological safety, burnout, anxiety and loneliness.
The target audience formed organically: from entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts in mental health, to individuals who want a healthier, more humane work environment.
At the end of 2024, he lost a dear colleague, a fellow entrepreneur, who committed suicide. He publicly wrote about his loss and pain in a post on LinkedIn. That post incited a wave of positive responses from numerous entrepreneurs who thanked him for opening the delicate topic. All of them admitted they had faced similar distress but never dared to speak about it openly. That was the moment when it became clear that such a conference is not only welcome but much-needed. The target audience formed organically: from entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts in mental health, to individuals who want a healthier, more humane work environment. We spoke to them sincerely, without beating about the bush, sharing real-life stories. They recognised our sincerity, and it seemed they needed this debate.
Q2: What challenges did you face when organising the premier conference? How did you overcome them?
The greatest challenge we faced was entering a space where no previous model or comparable event existed in Slovenia hitherto. That meant crafting everything from scratch – we needed to create a bespoke programme, select the tone of communication, and shape the attendee experience. We cooperated with outstanding individuals who believed in our vision and were willing to share their personal stories without PowerPoint presentations or keynote speeches. We learned, adapted and supported one another along the way. Cankarjev dom played a key role as a space where trust and expert support are readily available.
Q3: What changes or improvements are you planning for the next conference based on what you learned this year?
Based on our experience, we will ensure the audience is even more diverse next year (from the perspective of gender equality and diversity of professions), introduce even more interactive content and double down on complementary activities for visitors (from discussion corners to creative breaks). We will emphasise additional supporting events year-round, as Men-Tal is not only a one-day event but a long-term movement.
Q4: How vital is the inclusion of renowned speakers to the success of the conference?
Immeasurable, not only because of their esteem but because of their willingness to share their truth. When known individuals speak publicly about their vulnerability, burnout and losses, this entices others to follow suit. Our success is based on sincerity, not star-studded lineups. That is why our speakers left such a profound mark.
Speaking about their thoughts on the topic were Dan Podjed, an esteemed anthropologist; Gregor Kirsch, body & mind coach; Aljoša Bagola, a best-selling author and marketing guru; and Dr Željko Čurič, a renowned psychiatrist, to name a few.
Learn more about the conference here.
