In the past year, hidden guests analysed 38 unique event venues, divided into two categories. Twenty-four venues were assessed in the built historical venue category (repurposed to host events), while fourteen were evaluated in the outdoor and natural special venue category. The revised methodology enables assessors to make comparable qualitative assessments that reflect current trends in the events industry. In the ever-evolving events landscape, such event venues and properties are playing an increasingly important role.
The first category is dedicated to purpose-built historical and repurposed venues, comprising museums, galleries, castles, historical residences, industrial heritage buildings, former religious buildings, historical houses, theatres and educational facilities that now host events.
The second category comprises outdoor and natural event venues. Their main competitive advantage comes from the natural features, not built infrastructure. Such venues include (botanical) gardens, parks and natural areas, natural landmarks, such as waterfalls, caves, gorges and areas protected by law, vineyards and wine cellars, lakeside and riverside areas, coastal regions and mountain and Alpine venues.
Category A – SPECIAL BUILT VENUES
Historical and repurposed event buildings
Winner: CASTLE TAGGENBRUN, St. Veit, Austria, final score: 4.983
Taggenbrunn Castle & Winery demonstrates how heritage can be repositioned as a contemporary event platform without losing authenticity or authority. The revitalised castle complex feels confidently rooted in its landscape, where historical architecture, vineyards and modern event infrastructure coexist in natural balance. The experience is defined by a strong sense of narrative, elevated by panoramic views, curated art and a seamless integration of wine culture into the event flow. What distinguishes the venue is its ability to transform formal gatherings into emotionally resonant experiences, supported by professional execution and a clear strategic vision rather than spectacle.
Benchmark insight: Tagennbrun is a heritage-led destination venue, immersive storytelling through wine and art, panoramic outdoor and indoor event settings, strong sense of place, boutique-scale events with incentive-level impact.
2nd place: HANGAR 7, Salzburg, Austria final score: 4.978
Hangar-7 confirms its status as one of Europe’s most distinctive special event venues through a rare synthesis of engineering precision, architectural clarity and experiential dramaturgy. The landmark glass-and-steel structure operates simultaneously as an aviation hangar, a museum and an event platform, creating an environment where innovation feels authentic rather than staged. Its spatial openness, iconic aircraft collection and fluid indoor–outdoor transitions enable events that feel cinematic yet controlled. The venue’s credibility is reinforced by impeccable technical execution, disciplined logistics and a strong brand narrative that elevates gatherings from conventional formats into statement experiences.
Benchmark insight: Impressive architectural landmark, aviation-led storytelling, museum-grade setting for premium events, flawless technical execution, high-impact brand-driven experiences.
3rd place: LJUBLJANA CASTLE, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.951
Ljubljana Castle confirms its status as the city’s most authoritative special event venue through a rare combination of historical depth, strategic positioning and contemporary functionality. The medieval fortress, long embedded in Ljubljana’s identity, has been carefully transformed into a multifunctional event platform without diluting its cultural gravitas. The renovated interiors and adaptable meeting spaces are complemented by an expansive courtyard, which enables events ranging from protocol-level gatherings to large-scale cultural and corporate receptions. What defines the venue is its elevated sense of place, reinforced by panoramic views, controlled access via the funicular and an atmosphere that naturally lends credibility and symbolic weight to any event hosted within its walls.
Benchmark insight: Iconic city landmark, hilltop destination venue, large-scale courtyard events, protocol and ceremonial credibility, seamless integration of heritage and modern event infrastructure.
Category B – OUTDOOR AND NATURAL EVENT VENUES
Natural event venues
Outdoor and natural special event venues are outdoor or nature-based locations used for events, where the main value comes from the natural setting rather than built infrastructure.
Winner: BRIONI ISLAND, Brioni, Croatia, final score: 4.823
Brioni Island confirms its exceptional status as a special event and incentive destination through a rare synthesis of protected nature, historical prestige and controlled exclusivity. Set within a national park, the island offers a discreet yet powerful setting where events unfold in an environment defined by silence, scale and natural authority rather than architecture alone. The venue’s strength lies in its ability to host congresses, executive meetings and incentive programmes that feel intentionally removed from everyday reality, supported by disciplined logistics and clearly structured event zones. Experiences such as the Brijuni Safari reinforce the destination’s narrative depth, transforming formal programmes into memorable, place-driven encounters.
Benchmark insight: Island-based national park venue, incentive-led storytelling, controlled access and exclusivity, immersive nature-driven experiences, high-impact executive and incentive events.
2nd place: WIELICZKA SALT MINE, Krakow, Poland, final score: 4.771
Wieliczka Salt Mine confirms its position as one of Europe’s most extraordinary special event venues through an unparalleled fusion of heritage, scale and experiential depth. Located deep underground, the UNESCO-listed site offers a dramatic spatial narrative where carved salt chambers, sculptural details and monumental halls create an atmosphere impossible to replicate in conventional venues. Events are defined by strong immersion and symbolism, supported by carefully managed logistics and professional technical execution that ensure comfort despite the unconventional setting. The venue’s uniqueness lies in its ability to transform meetings and gala events into once-in-a-lifetime experiences anchored in authenticity rather than spectacle.
Benchmark insight: UNESCO heritage venue, underground monumental event spaces, immersive historical storytelling, high-impact gala and corporate events, controlled and professional logistics.
3rd place: POSTOJNA CAVE, Postojna, Slovenia, final score: 4.747
Postojna Cave confirms its standing as one of Europe’s most distinctive special event venues through a powerful combination of natural monumentality, scale and experiential intensity. The subterranean environment creates an immediate sense of awe, where vast caverns, dramatic formations and controlled lighting transform events into immersive encounters with nature itself. Despite the unconventional setting, the venue operates with disciplined logistics and clearly defined event zones, enabling gala dinners, exclusive receptions and high-impact incentive programmes. Its defining strength lies in its ability to deliver unforgettable events rooted in authenticity and spectacle without compromising safety or professional execution.
Benchmark insight: Natural monument venue, large-scale underground spaces, immersive sensory experience, incentive and gala events, controlled technical and logistical delivery.
“Special venues have become one of the key differentiating factors of destinations that wish to become or remain competitive. Our new methodology will help us evaluate them equally and systematically based on the hidden guest experience and transparent quality standards. Our goal is to showcase that excellence in the events industry today is created where space, content and experiences merge into a convincing whole,” summarised Gorazd Čad, the initiator of the Meetings Star evaluation and co-founder of Conventa.
About the Meetings Star Award
The Meetings Star, an independent, transparent evaluation of the quality of event destinations, hotels, and special venues, has set quality standards in the events industry for 16 years. It is one of the few accolades based on rigorous, objective criteria and standards. That is one of the reasons the award and the certificate of quality have earned an enviable reputation among event planners.
To learn more about the competition, visit https://meetings-star.eu/.
