FIRST ROUND OF QUESTIONS
Q: Building long-term partnerships is the essence of the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme. What turns a business contact into genuine collaboration?
MOJCA: I have always believed that people choose destinations, but they return because of people. The first event may be won with a competitive proposal, an attractive venue or a strong destination. The second, third and every event after that is earned through trust. Genuine collaboration begins when both sides stop thinking in terms of “client” and “supplier” and start working as partners with a shared ambition: to create an event that people will remember.
For me, collaboration is built in the small moments – the honest conversations, the willingness to challenge ideas, the flexibility when plans change and the confidence that, whatever happens, you will solve it together. Those are the foundations of partnerships that last for years.
Q: You have organised numerous events in Slovenia over the years. What about the country first made you return?
CAROLINE: Bernardin Resort is an ideal choice for hosting a conference. The resort is located by the sea. Since we usually visit ski resorts in the winter, we’d like to offer our participants a seaside destination. The hotel is perfect because it offers rooms, meeting spaces – everything under one roof.
Q: What makes Caroline an exceptional client?
MOJCA: Some organisers manage projects exceptionally well. Others create communities. Caroline does both. What has always impressed me is her straightforward way of thinking. She approaches every challenge with clarity, focuses on solutions rather than obstacles and brings an extraordinary depth of expertise to every decision. Even in the most demanding moments, she can stay positive and move the team forward.
She has a clear strategic vision and incredibly high standards, yet she leads with openness, curiosity and respect. She listens, welcomes different perspectives and gives her partners the confidence to contribute beyond what is expected. And there is one more thing that everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Caroline will recognise—her smile. It is not simply a smile; it is a quiet reflection of who she is. You see it most when everything has fallen into place, when every detail has been thoughtfully managed, when the team is working in harmony, and she feels surrounded by people she trusts. In those moments, her genuine warmth shines through, creating an atmosphere that instantly puts everyone at ease.
Working with Caroline never feels transactional. It feels like building something together. That is a rare quality and one of the reasons why people genuinely enjoy working with her.
Q: What makes Mojca an exceptional destination partner?
CAROLINE: Mojca is truly the heart and soul of the hotel. Our collaboration has grown far beyond a business relationship. Over the past years, she has become an incredibly important person in my life. Her professionalism, warmth, dedication, and genuine care make every project a pleasure. I deeply value her friendship, support, and the trust we have built together. Working with her is not only an honour but also a true privilege.
SECOND ROUND OF QUESTIONS
Q: Looking back, which event are you most proud of delivering together?
MOJCA: Without hesitation, I would highlight the FIS Technical Spring Meetings and Calendar Conference. What makes this event so special is that it goes far beyond the traditional definition of a conference. It is the place where the international skiing community comes together to shape the future of the sport. It is where visions are shared, strategic decisions are made, competition calendars are defined,d and important changes for future seasons are discussed and agreed upon.
Our role is to create the right environment for those conversations to happen naturally. Every detail—from the meeting spaces to the informal networking opportunities—helps create an atmosphere where collaboration thrives. These events are not simply about delivering an agenda; they create space for dialogue, trust, networking and a stronger international community. Being part of that process is something I am genuinely proud of.
Q: Being recognised as a Slovenian Congress Ambassador is a testament to your long-standing commitment to the destination. What does this honour mean to you?
CAROLINE: I am, of course, particularly honoured by this, and it gives me great encouragement to continue promoting this destination. Perhaps I can help spark greater interest among other event organisers and countries, since we operate in an international industry.
Q: International event organisers have an array of destinations in the region to choose from. What makes Slovenia and Portorož stand out to clients?
MOJCA: Slovenia often surprises people. On paper, we may appear to be one of the smaller destinations in Europe. In reality, that is one of our greatest strengths. Being compact means everything is within easy reach—venues, hotels, experiences and people—creating a destination where logistics feel effortless, and collaboration comes naturally.
Portorož offers something that many destinations aspire to—a congress destination where delegates can leave the meeting room and, within minutes, find themselves by the sea, enjoying exceptional gastronomy, sharing ideas over dinner, or simply experiencing the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. That creates a different rhythm for an event and leaves delegates with memories that extend far beyond the meeting room.
But if I had to identify our greatest advantage, it would be our people. We genuinely care about every project entrusted to us. International organisers often tell us they never feel like just another booking—they feel like part of our story.
Q: How important has your partnership with Mojca and the local team been to you?
CAROLINE: This collaboration is incredibly important. We’ve known each other for a long time, which is always an advantage. Working with Mojca and her team is incredible. She doesn’t see any problems—only solutions. The whole team always goes above and beyond for us.
THIRD ROUND OF QUESTIONS
Q: What is the biggest misconception international organisers have about Slovenia before they organise their first event here?
MOJCA: Many expect Slovenia to be beautiful. They do not expect it to be so professionally mature. People are often surprised by the quality of our congress infrastructure, the expertise of our teams and our ability to deliver complex international events to the highest standards. They discover that our size allows us to be agile, responsive and highly personalised.
By the time the event is over, Slovenia is no longer simply the destination they were curious about—it becomes the destination they confidently recommend, enthusiastically propose again and return to for future events. I believe there is no greater compliment for any destination.
Q: What qualities do you look for in a destination, and how has Portorož met those expectations?
CAROLINE: For us, the size of the hotel—including the meeting rooms—is important. It’s always difficult when we have to choose destinations where the conference rooms are located in an external convention centre. Logistics are challenging—people would prefer to stay close to the venue so they can meet and have a coffee or a drink between meetings.
Q: How does the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme help Slovenian suppliers strengthen ties with international organisers?
MOJCA: The programme celebrates something our industry sometimes forgets: congresses are built on relationships. Every successful international event represents years of conversations, shared experiences, mutual trust, and people who continue to believe in one another long after the closing ceremony.
The Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme gives visibility to those relationships. It acknowledges the ambassadors who bring knowledge, networks and opportunities to Slovenia, while also recognising the local partners who help transform those opportunities into successful events.
The willingness of international organisers to return, recommend Slovenia, and entrust us with future projects is perhaps the strongest proof that genuine partnerships create lasting value for everyone involved.
Most importantly, it creates confidence for the future. A successful collaboration naturally leads to new ideas, new opportunities and new events. The willingness of international organisers to return, recommend Slovenia, and entrust us with future projects is perhaps the strongest proof that genuine partnerships create lasting value for everyone involved.
Q: From an international organiser’s perspective, what advice would you give colleagues who have never organised an event in Slovenia?
CAROLINE: Bernardin Resort is ideal—it has space for both small and large events.
Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to visit Piran and/or Portorož in the evening and discover new little restaurants. The value for money is more than worth it.
FINAL ROUND OF QUESTIONS
Q: If you could describe Caroline as an ambassador in three words, what would they be?
MOJCA: Visionary. Authentic. Generous.
Visionary because she constantly looks ahead and challenges convention. Authentic because she builds relationships with honesty and integrity. Generous because she shares knowledge, creates opportunities for others and understands that the strongest communities are those where success is celebrated together.
Q: What role should destinations and organisers play together in creating more sustainable and perhaps regenerative events?
CAROLINE: Since we have a very international presence, guests must have the option of travelling by train and car as well, rather than just by plane. Bernardin Resort has a proven track record of implementing sustainability measures that are of great interest to us.
Discover all about the Slovenian Congress Ambassador programme here.
