Join us at IMEX Frankfurt
14-16 May, 2024

Frankfurt, Germany
stand C540

WHAT IS LJUBLJANA TALKS?

A relaxed talk show with captivating guests from the meetings industry unveiling intriguing stories and shaping the future of the meetings industry.

Ljubljana Talks is a collaborative effort in partnership with IBTM World, Ljubljana Tourism, and Kongres Magazine. Moderating these engaging conversations are Gorazd Čad, the Editor-in-chief at Kongres Magazine, and Jan Oršič, the Head of the Convention Bureau at Ljubljana Tourist Board.

Jan Oršič is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the tourism industry, particularly in the realm of business travel. Holding a University B.Sc. in Communication, he currently serves as the Head of the Ljubljana Congress Office at Turizem Ljubljana and leads the Convention Bureau at Ljubljana Tourism. Since 2009, his focus has been on the meeting and business travel sector, actively participating in international associations such as ICCA, SITE, and ECM. He strongly believes that meetings, events, and incentives have the potential to shape a better future world.

Claus Raasted serves as the Director of the College of Extraordinary Experiences, and is the host of The Innovation Coaching Podcast. He travels the globe as a keynote speaker, and has been both a Coach and Senior Advisor at the consulting giant McKinsey. Raasted is the author of 45 books, among them “Cultivating Crazy: Why You Need Idiots If You Want Innovation” and has been called “a cross between Thor, Mick Jagger and Lady Gaga”. He also has a past in reality TV, but these days, who hasn’t?

Eszter Mattiassich-Aszody is Head of Global Events at Siemens Healthineers and Partnership Manager for the World Economic Forum, with nearly 17 years at Siemens. Previously, she led Communications for Siemens Energy in Australia and New Zealand and Marketing Communications for Siemens AG in Australia and the Pacific, focusing on digitalization and Industry 4.0. She’s experienced in employee and leadership communications, and has a journalism background. Eszter holds degrees in Communications, Grammar, Literature, and has a passion for cultures, travel, runs book clubs, and enjoys motorbike riding. As a Hungarian-Australian dual citizen in Germany, she thrives on cultural immersion.

As the pioneering force behind isla and TRACE by isla – the definitive carbon measurement platform for events, Anna has led the charge in the UK event sector’s progress towards a sustainable future. Her ambition to ensure environmental stewardship is at the front and centre of events has nurtured a business, a dedicated team, and a movement that resonates far beyond the UK, garnering international acclaim. Articulate and dynamic, Anna empowers event professionals with the confidence and belief that they can take charge and change the future. She’s a believer that with the right education and resources in hand, eventprofs have the power to be a collective force for good, driving the industry and planet towards a more vibrant future.

Colja Dams is owner and CEO of VOK DAMS worldwide, an international agency that has been at the forefront of the international events and live-marketing industry since 1971. Its many international awards and distinctions confirm VOK DAMS’ reputation as one of the leading agencies worldwide, both for live and digital formats. Colja has focused on developing and strengthening the company’s performance dimensions strategy, internationality, quality and creation. It was under his leadership that VOK DAMS branched out internationally, with currently 300 employees working at 19 offices in 12 countries. His passion has always been to drive innovation in communications, to discover potential in new technologies and to break new ground.

Stephanie leads SAP’s Global Event Management team, orchestrating tier 1 and flagship in-person and digital experiences worldwide. Notably, she spearheads SAPPHIRE NOW and exclusive SAP Select events. She fosters a culture of trust and innovation, encouraging team success through managed risks. Diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are central to her event planning, ensuring alignment with SAP’s values. With a background in business operations and teaching, she emphasizes personalized experiences and storytelling. Stephanie’s leadership prioritizes community building within her multicultural team and for event audiences.

Aneta Książek, Head of Poland Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation, epitomizes passion-driven leadership, inspired by Confucius’ wisdom. With degrees in tourism economics and diplomacy, she has spearheaded the bureau since 2019, with prior experience in leisure tourism and the meetings industry. Aneta holds certifications in event management and incentive specialist roles, earning accolades like the Meeting Planner Power Award twice. Recognized for her contributions to Polish tourism, she received the “Merit for Tourism” award. An avid educator and industry influencer, she shares insights through classes and columns, earning distinctions such as #EventProfsPL and “Top 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry 2022.” An adept leader, Aneta fosters robust business networks and collaboration across various industry sectors.

Currently leading a project on Life in the Future at Blue Scope Berlin, Pia orchestrates engaging workshops where participants from diverse disciplines envision life in 2050, complemented by dynamic stage programs including keynotes, panel discussions and artistic contributions. This format, held multiple times annually, enjoys international participation. Beyond professional endeavors, Pia is actively involved in the She Means Community, championing gender equality in the events sector. Co-initiating She Means Young, Pia fosters dialogue among aspiring professionals on topics such as fair compensation and team integration. With a passion for gender equality advocacy and a rich background in event management, Pia brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to every engagement. Throughout event organization, Pia consistently seeks to incorporate multiple perspectives on (gender) equality.

Flavie de Bueil, Chief Organising Officer of City Destinations Alliance, boasts over 20 years of experience in the Tourism and Meetings Industry. Beginning in customer relations in insurance and hospitality, her passion for international relations blossomed. With a Tourism Management and Culture degree, she transitioned into European Cities Tourism, eventually leading to her pivotal role in transforming it into City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA). As the driving force behind CityDNA, she aligns Tourist Boards, Convention Bureaux, and Destination Management Organisations across Europe, focusing on sustainability and competitiveness. Flavie oversees organizational management, advocates for community engagement, and enjoys family time, swimming, and hiking.

Experienced Producer with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Skilled in Sales, International Business Development, Event Management, Management, and Marketing. Strong business development professional.

With over 25 years’ experience in congress management and consultancy globally, Genevieve specializes in driving innovation and social impact in tourism and business events. Awarded the “Social Impact Award” in 2023 by the Events Industry Council, she excels in strategy, human-centered design, and sustainability practices. As Managing Director of the International Society of Limnology, she leads with strategic vision. Her work centers on maximizing organizational impact through lean startup methodologies, social entrepreneurship, and technology integration.

Bettina leads the Copenhagen CVB congress team and works closely with both associations, academia, organisations, companies and government in welcoming congresses to the capital region. Continuously pursuing the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for the meetings industry, she has been the initiator of Copenhagen Legacy Lab, which received the GDS Innovation Award 2021 and the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award 2022. Bettina is actively involved in organisations including ICCA, BestCities, The ICEBERG, CityDNA and ESAE. She received the ICCA ‘Inspirational Woman Award’ in 2018 and was named ECM Community Hero in 2020.

Business development expert, advisory, local expertise and consultancy for MICE organizers. Initiates and manages all aspects concerning the development of MICE and Business Events in Bratislava. Highly motivated marketing professional with an international background in the hospitality, travel trade and meetings industry. Networking, building relationships with meeting professionals.

Natascha Ringerthaler has been working with the Salzburg Convention Bureau team since 2017. The Salzburg event expert has already held several positions in her seven years at the Salzburg Convention Bureau and her area of responsibility has grown steadily alongside her tasks. As Sales & Marketing Manager and Deputy Director, she is the point of contact for agencies and corporates in the DACH region and is responsible for the digital content strategy. Natascha is a real mountain enthusiast and feels at home on the peaks – whether on skis or exploring new ideas for events and incentives.

Carina is a dedicated leader in the business events sector, championing sustainability, diversity, and leadership development. With a rich history of industry involvement, including leadership roles in AEO, EIA, SITE Foundation, and MPI, she’s received prestigious awards like the SITE Richard Ross Past Presidents’ Award and PCMA Wayfinder Award. Since 2009, as CEO of IMEX Group, she’s been instrumental in its growth and success. Outside work, she enjoys family time, adventure sports, and philanthropy, serving as Chair of the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation. Carina’s passion for making a positive impact shines through her professional and personal endeavors.

Petra Stušek is the Director of Ljubljana Tourism and President of the City Destinations Alliance. Her leadership has garnered numerous awards for Ljubljana, including the prestigious “Tourism for Tomorrow” award. Under her guidance, Ljubljana has excelled in sustainable tourism and digitalization, earning recognition as the Best Destination in Europe 2022. Stušek holds degrees in arts and business management with a focus on tourism. Beyond her professional achievements, she enjoys running, cycling, climbing, skiing, and reading. Previously, she led the 01 group in PRSS and maintains connections with former colleagues.

Christian is the Creative Director for Germany at fischerAppelt. As an expert for brand and product staging and immersive experiences, he manages interdisciplinary creative teams at the interface of staging, architecture, multimedia, interaction and design.

Fredi is Director at Slovenian Convention Bureau. Working in tourism and marketing fuels Fredi Fontanot’s passion. Being in Portorož and Piran presents a significant opportunity for him to leverage all his skills, personal characteristics, and knowledge. He makes himself available to clients, helping them find the perfect hotel, conference room, venue, or activity, offering direct access to this Mediterranean gem. The team operates like a close-knit family, collaborating and communicating effectively to achieve the goal of attracting more guests to Portorož and Piran year-round, ensuring their satisfaction throughout their stay.

Vesna is the Head of MICE at Slovenian Tourist Board.

PREVIOUS EDITIONS:

Ljubljana Talks at IMEX Frankfurt