Join us at IMEX Frankfurt
20-22 May, 2025

Frankfurt, Germany
stand A125

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, Ljubljana Tourism, Slovenian Tourist Board, 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.

Partners:

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.

Liesbeth Switten is the Secretary General at AIB-Association of Issuing Bodies. Liesbeth transitioned from environment/energy lawyer to leading an esteemed association that guarantees the origin of European energy consumption under the European RES Directive.

Hailing from the 2nd most sustainable city in the world (according to the GDS Index), Katarina Thorstensson is an authority in sustainable strategies, growth and green tourism. She is also the Head of Sustainability and Senior Advisor of several high-profile events and Initiator and Chair of the City Destinations Alliance | CityDNA – Knowledge Group Sustainability.

Jesse Gainer works as a Vice President, Growth & Partnerships at C2 Montréal, which is a Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations company with an estimated 146 employees; and founded in 2010.

Connor Bryant is a visionary circular economy entrepreneur dedicated to designing a future without waste. As the co-founder of Rubbish Ideas, a pioneering circular economy design consultancy, Connor has been at the forefront of transforming how businesses approach sustainability since its inception alongside his university colleague, Jack Schneider.

Bo Kruger is the owner, facilitator, meeting designer and management consultant at Moving Minds. He designs and facilitates engaging meetings, conferences, and workshops, and he also helps develop personal or company antifragility, enabling growth despite adversity and randomness.

Heather is a visionary leader where creativity, technology, and humanity merge to create spectacular experiences. A multidisciplinary maverick, she has led high-profile events and multi-format immersive experiences, directing passionate teams that push the boundaries of possibility. During her 19 years as a leader and executive at Burning Man, Heather played a pivotal role in technology, design, and cross-functional leadership

Sven Bossu became the first CEO of AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres, in May 2020. He is responsible for finding and developing opportunities to upgrade member services and expanding collaboration with like-minded associations in the meetings & events industry.

Anita Paic is the Director B2B Management of Vienna Convention Bureau. She is an expert in strategic marketing communication with many years of international corporate experience. She has gained this experience in several management positions within the global tourism industry – including at FMTG Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group, Sacher Hotels and Marriott International.

Jose G. Arguarod is the co-founder of Sports & Events World. As Founder he works in partnership with his clients on a global scale in order to help them meet their business goals and grow their brands. He am also involved in the launching of new product lines and opening of new markets.

Guy Bigwood is a CEO and Chief Changemaker at GDS-Movement. He is a sustainability consultant with 19 years of experience driving circular and regenerative economy initiatives. He specializes in co-creating strategies, building coalitions, and engaging stakeholders to accelerate change. A dynamic speaker, he has delivered 400+ talks in 42 countries, earning 23 sustainability awards. His expertise spans smart cities, sustainable tourism, and systems change.

Angela Guillement is the Executive Director of INCON. She is passionate at connecting, engaging and building community, across countries, cultures and sectors with a focus on supporting associations and business alliances. She is a Board member of the European Society of Association Executives and loves encouraging association professionals to join the growing community.

Monica Molina is a DEI Consultant at DEI Consultoria. Professional with 20 years of experience in the tourism sector on sustainability and accessibility from the fields of teaching, research and consulting. She likes to connect with the tourism ecosystem and create synergies between all the stakeholders from the Academia, private business, public organizations and NGOs.

Annalisa Ponchia is a Sustainability Manager at AIM Group and a seasoned business events professional with 30+ years of global experience. She has led roles as a PCO founder, CEO of a European Medical Association, and Director of International Business Development for a leading global PCO. A CMP and CMM-certified expert, Annalisa excels in leadership, project management, and fostering innovation to enhance delegate experiences. She is a passionate mentor, speaker, and advocate for growth and transformation in the industry.

Tatár György is the founder-owner of HotelPremio Group. He has been working in the industry for over 20 years.

Paula Blomster is a Congress Manager at Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre. She is driven by results, energized by people, committed to sustainability, inspired by arts and innovation.

Richard is CEO and co-founder of Worldwide Events. An industry veteran and serial disrupter Richard has 25 years of experience building businesses in the hotel sales, marketing and distribution space. Formerly CEO of Great Hotels of the World, Richard started Worldwide Events in 2004 and developed market leading event brands including m&i, Private Luxury, and TFest.

Samantha Perez is the founder of MICE logic. With 25+ years of experience in meetings and events, sales strategy, and hotel operations, she specializes in transforming hotel and venue businesses. Her focus is on leveraging technology, strategic thinking, and team engagement to enhance profitability and customer value. Expertise includes digital sales strategy, MICE revenue management, innovation, and sales team development.

Miriam Pijuan is a Project Manager at the Catalan Tourist Board. She does technical coordination of the BEFuture project, an EU-funded project that aims to re-shape Europe’s business events sector towards a more sustainable, resilient and tech future.

Sergi Verdejo is a Project Manager at Padcelona. He dedicates himself to creating projects he enjoys and has fun with. It’s one of the perks of being part of Padcelona. Beyond events, you’ll find him with his family, immersed in dinosaurs, or at a history exhibit.

PREVIOUS EDITIONS:

Ljubljana Talks at IMEX Frankfurt