CBEA event competition
I will remember the hot summer of 2012 for more than one thing. That year brought one of the most scorching heat waves in Slovenian history. At the same time, our idea to continue hosting an event competition for the best events matured. We started the project in January. The idea and concept we envisioned inspired me to create the format of the event competition that exists today.
a destination or country cannot hope to compete in the big leagues without such a festival.
That year, I first experienced the EUBEA festival personally. Born in 2009, the competition amazed me with its structure, unique jury concept, and above all, the charisma of its founder, Salvatore Sagone. Seeing the competition lit a fire in me. I felt an urgent need to create something similar in our so-called New Europe region. One thought crossed my mind (still relevant today): a destination or country cannot hope to compete in the big leagues without such a festival. Only world-class event destinations hosted such festivals back then, such as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Austria.
Not even premier European and global trade shows, such as IMEX or IBTM, offered something similar. Most of all, I was captivated by networking with a community of event organisers, with whom I shared a unique work approach, lifestyle, and myth-busting attitude. The entire competition was scented with “creative casual” style.
It seems impossible that the elementary concept has stood the test of time and the test of artificial intelligence today. Sometimes, I have the feeling that it is a miracle that live competitions are still a vital component of events; they resemble ancient rebels not willing to give in. Event competitions present a space to dream, admit mistakes, ponder and reflect, create a space of freedom, and seek authenticity.
I directly associate the best event competition with the theatre. The etymology stems from the Greek word theatron (θέατρον), which translates to space for watching. That was our guiding principle since the first edition – to foster a safe space where attendees can look into the creative, spiritual, and social crystal ball that reflects the time and predicts the future. At the same time, we wanted our concept to become a transformative refuge where colleagues can see a glimpse of our industry’s heartbeat.
This year, I was most thrilled by a longstanding jury member who said the selection of finalists was the best ever.
I could say that I envisaged the competition for my own pleasure, to check the competitiveness of our region. This year, I was most thrilled by a longstanding jury member who said the selection of finalists was the best ever. That gives me more reason to be proud of all the submitted projects, including a record number of Slovenian projects.
Events are a universal language
As I reflect on the live pitching, which took place at Ljubljana Castle on Monday, 8 September 2025, I am overwhelmed with emotions. The inspiring projects are almost like a remedy for my body – they quicken my heartbeat, give me goosebumps, and sometimes, prompt me to encourage and applaud the winners and finalists. Almost like being at a rock concert. The best projects always appeal to my emotions. They push me out of my comfort zone in many ways, excite me, sadden me, provoke happiness, anger, fear, and often, love. Most importantly, they engage my mind and soul, but only if they are well presented, not through picture-postcard photos, but through a transparent dialogue with us, the audience, and the expert jury. Almost always, these are projects not created for profit, honour or fame, but because of the power and energy all events have: they are a universal language everyone talks.
The Conventa Best Event Award remains a competition honouring creative, persistent, bold, and brave projects. Yet, it also remains a competition that punishes the boastful, vain, and self-important ones. It is unpredictable like life itself: it can surprise, excite, and sometimes disappoint.
Events have the capacity to shake us up, thrill us, present a mirror, and transport us from harsh reality. The competition is perhaps just an excuse to meet, listen to one another, and recognise ourselves in the stories we create. That may be why the winners received standing ovations this year. CBEA is not just an award, but an accolade, showing we are all part of a community that connects our competition.
For the past fourteen years, we have been unveiling the events industry’s most captivating stories, fostering passion for event organising. I hope you will join us to award the best regional events next year. The best events are those that change us.
See the winners of CBEA 2025 here.
