18th edition of Conventa
Between 10 and 12 February 2026, Ljubljana will once again become the epicentre of the global events industry, hosting the 18th edition of Conventa. The renowned trade show will take place across nine unique venues across the city. Under the theme “The Art of Meetings,” Conventa will combine a trade show format, a diverse programme, experiential networking, and sustainable practices.
The event is reaffirming its status as a must-attend for event organisers in New Europe. At the same time, the event is rendering Ljubljana a buzzing hub of ideas, connections and a space for reflecting on the future of the events industry.
The programme of the 18th edition of Conventa, scheduled for 10 to 12 February 2026, brings numerous novelties:
The central theme of Conventa is The Art of Meetings
10 to 12 February 2026
Conventa 2026 places The Art of Meetings at its core, highlighting the art of connecting people, ideas, and places. At a time when events are losing their personality, Conventa restores humanity, aesthetics, and meaning. In 2026, Conventa encourages organisers to create thoughtful experiences where business and art seamlessly intertwine.
The entire city as the venue of Conventa – nine unique locations
10 to 12 February 2026
Conventa will take place in nine handpicked locations in the heart of Ljubljana. The main programme is hosted at Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, the hub of knowledge at Center Rog, while networking continues at Ljubljana Castle and Cankarjev dom. The programme is further enriched by six additional special venues dedicated to the experiential side of Conventa.
New venue: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars
10 to 12 February 2026
For the first time, Conventa 2026 is taking place at Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, one of Ljubljana’s most iconic hotels with more than a century of tradition. The event will take place across the hotel’s entire conference facilities, enabling flexibility, a high level of organisation, and a holistic experience for exhibitors and hosted buyers.
Conventa Experience Crawl
10 and 12 February 2026 from 15:00 to 17:30, six special venues across Ljubljana
The Conventa Experience Crawl is an immersive afternoon programme of Conventa 2026, opening a new dimension of networking and destination discovery. Over two days, hosted buyers visit six special venues in the heart of Ljubljana, where art, hospitality, and purpose-driven business connections come together under the The Art of Meetings concept.
Enough talk about sustainability. It’s time for SWITCH.
10 February 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00, Center Rog
SWITCH is a joint project by Conventa and Planet Positive Event and serves as the introductory event to Conventa Week 2026. It is designed as a practical laboratory for sustainable and regenerative events, where participants not only learn about sustainability but also experience, test, and measure it in practice. A manifesto will also be presented, offering a strategic framework for the future of the events industry.
Conventa Trend Bar – different generations, one future of event marketing
10 February 2026, from 16:00 to 18:30, Center Rog
Conventa Trend Bar is an interactive content format by Conventa, focused on the latest trends in the events industry. This year’s edition will bring together different generational views on event marketing. Three directors from leading agencies will share real-world examples and uncover what works in event marketing now and in the future.
Meetings Star 2026 – The Michelin Guide of the events industry
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 19:30, Cankarjev dom
The announcement of the best destinations, venues, and individuals has become a key benchmark for the events industry. The winners for 2026 will be revealed at a prestigious gala ceremony at Cankarjev dom.
The first selection of the leading special venues in New Europe
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 19:30, Cankarjev dom
For the first time, Conventa 2026 presents a curated selection of the leading special venues in New Europe, based on the Meetings Star methodology. The independent evaluation covers historic venues, purpose-built facilities, and natural locations, with a strong focus on experience, spatial quality, sustainability, and unique context.
Conventa after-party
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 22:00, Cankarjev dom
Conventa’s legendary after-party needs no special introduction. This year, the event will be creatively enriched by Creative Pro Adriatic, the event’s official sponsor.
The most extensive regional FAM trip programme
12 to 14 February 2026, 11 destinations across New Europe
A record-breaking eleven FAM trips will offer participants a first-hand experience of New Europe destinations following the conclusion of the main Conventa programme.
VERA – VAR for the events industry
Conventa has implemented VERA, an advanced AI system that functions as the VAR of the events industry. Based on over 60 criteria, verified by data and human judgment, VERA ensures the transparent, ethical, and objective selection of hosted buyers who deliver added value.
Conventa Survival Guide
Conventa’s new Survival Guide is a thought-out companion for attendees, guiding them through the programme and all Conventa experiences. Beyond practical information and sustainable tips and guidelines, it enables attendees to focus on meaningful meetings and genuine connections.
Conventa's sustainable activities
Conventa’s Green Zone
Tuesday, 11 February 2026, Center Rog
As part of its CSR activities, Conventa will enable innovative companies to present their services at no cost. The exhibitors include Knof, Ekozarček, Destilator and Circular Change.
Green Information Point
11 and 12 February 2026, Grand Hotel Union Eurostars
On both days, green guides are available to visitors, who will guide them through Conventa’s journey of sustainable transformation using an interactive screen. With engaging data, the green guides dispel common myths, present useful tools, and show the path to more responsible events.
Conventa Walk and Talk
10 and 12 February 2026, Grand Hotel Union Eurostars
The organisers encourage participants to walk by providing a map that shows not only distances between event locations but also the number of steps and calories burned. With this simple tool, the organisers have significantly reduced the event’s mobility-related carbon footprint.
Environment-friendly catering
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 18:30, Cankarjev dom
In cooperation with Jezeršek Catering, the organisers will address food waste at events and outline practical solutions for more responsible catering. Attendees will be introduced to an environmentally friendly menu that demonstrates how sustainable practices can combine quality, flavour, and environmental responsibility.
Summary of key statistics
HOSTED BUYERS AT CONVENTA 2026
| The number of all confirmed hosted buyers | 192 |
| The number of confirmed hosted buyers from the Alpe-Adria region | 44 |
| The number of confirmed hosted buyers from Europe, the US and the Middle East | 148 |
| The number of hosted buyers’ countries | 38 |
EXHIBITORS AT CONVENTA 2026
| The number of exhibitors | 129 |
| The number of exhibitors in the Experience Zone | 5 |
| The number of exhibitors’ countries | 18 |
| Index hosted buyers/exhibitors | 1.48 |
Data from previous editions between 2009 and 2026:
- 3,989 hosted buyers from 47 countries
- 2,211 exhibitors from 19 countries
- 56,813 pre-arranged business meetings via the matchmaking system
- 146 FAM trips
Learn more about Conventa here.
