Fredi Fontanot is a prominent figure in Slovenia’s tourism and meetings industry, currently serving as the Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau since August 2023, following a year as Acting Director. He brings over 25 years of leadership, marketing, and event strategy experience, with deep roots in destination development, digital tourism, and sustainable events. He became an economist in 1993 (Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana), and he graduated in Marketing and Public Relations in 2015 (DOBA Business School, Maribor).
Q1: What motivates you to support Conventa Crossover and the CBEA competition year after year, and what value does this partnership bring to your organisation?
Conventa Crossover brings together people, knowledge and vision. We support it because we believe that projects like this truly push boundaries and give a voice to our region. For our organisation, this partnership means being part of a community that grows together.
Q2: Conventa has built its reputation on collaboration. How does being a strategic partner strengthen your brand’s network and business opportunities?
The partnership gives us access to the right people and ideas. They strengthen our credibility and open the door to new connections and business opportunities that we could not create on our own.
Q3: What elements of Conventa Crossover do you consider most unique compared to other international events?
Above all, the combination of bold content and relaxed, almost intimate energy stands out the most. Rarely does an event combine creativity, knowledge, and genuine camaraderie so convincingly.
Q4: The 2025 edition used the motto No More Boring Meetings. In your view, how could this approach shape the wider meetings and events industry?
This is a slogan that calls for change. If we want meetings to inspire and create value, they must become experiences. Conventa is proof that this can be achieved.
Q5: In your opinion, what impact do Conventa Crossover and the CBEA competition have on positioning Central and South-East Europe in the global events market?
Both projects demonstrate that the region has quality and creativity at the highest level. They are changing the market perception and opening the door to new business opportunities and collaborations.
Q6: Sustainability is one of the core values of the Conventa brand. How does this align with your company’s strategy and actions?
We understand sustainability holistically: as a responsibility to people, the environment and the community. Conventa shares the same values, so the connection is natural and authentic.
Q7: What trends in the meetings and events industry are you most excited about, and how is Conventa Crossover helping you explore them?
I’m passionate about finding a balance between digital and personal, and creating truly transformative experiences. Conventa is a place where we can actually test these trends.
Q8: As a partner, what has been your most memorable Conventa Crossover moment thus far?
What I remember most are the moments when expertise and sincere human energy intertwine, inspiring speeches, unexpected debates, and the feeling that we are really co-creating something different.
Q9: Looking ahead, what further steps should Conventa Crossover take to stay relevant?
May it maintain its boldness and openness to new formats and continue to engage young talent. It will remain relevant as long as it is a place where vision and practice meet.
Q10: If you were to describe Conventa Crossover in three words to an international colleague who has never attended, which words would you choose?
Creative, connecting, inspiring.
Explore more about the Slovenian Convention Bureau here.
