Between 10 and 13 September, 2023 Ljubljana welcomed 1,550 international participants from 63 countries attending the EUROTOX 2023. This marked the first time the Slovenian Society of Toxicology had the privilege of hosting an EUROTOX Congress, a triumph largely attributed to the exceptional leadership of Dr. Lucija Perharič, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. While Ljubljana was originally chosen to host the event in 2019 with a scheduled 2021 Congress, the global pandemic necessitated a postponement to 2023.
The GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre itself proved to be an ideal venue for the congress, offering well-lit joined halls, 3,500 square meters of exhibition space adjacent to the plenary hall, and ample breakout rooms, totaling an impressive 12,000 square meters. With this layout, the event achieved a record-breaking industry and poster exhibition, featuring 81 exhibitors and approximately 600 posters.
Under the captivating theme of “Toxicology – multidisciplinary science leading to safer and sustainable life,” Ljubljana proved to be the perfect canvas for this remarkable congress. With sustainability deeply ingrained in the city’s ethos, having been named the European Green Capital in 2016 and earning a coveted spot on the Global Top 100 Sustainable Destinations list for eight consecutive times, it’s clear that sustainability is part of the city’s DNA.
With this commitment to sustainability in mind, EUROTOX 2023 embraced eco-friendly practices throughout the event. Delegates enjoyed complimentary access to the city’s public transport system, eliminating the need for paper materials as essential information and conference programs were readily available through a dedicated congress app. Additionally, delegates were treated to exceptional quality tap water rather than bottled water, further reducing plastic waste. Jezeršek Catering, the congress caterer, contributed to this eco-friendly initiative by providing environmentally friendly packaging and minimizing food waste.
The success of EUROTOX 2023 can also be attributed to the exceptional team effort led by the Professional Congress Organiser, K.I.T. Group GmbH from Dresden, who upheld the highest standards of experience, talent, professionalism, and passion. Alongside the GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre team, they created a remarkable success story.
“We have benefited enormously from the high professionalism of the GR staff. From the first enquiries to project planning and on-site implementation – everything was always quick, solution-oriented, proactive and at fair conditions. On site, we were particularly impressed by the high level of commitment to solve unexpected problems, which always occur at a congress with more than 1,500 participants and 80 exhibitors, to everyone’s satisfaction. And on top – GR works together with one of the best catering companies in Slovenia, whose offer made our participants go into raptures.” Jessica Heimbecher, Conference Manager, K.I.T. Group GmbH Dresden
Hosting 1,550 delegates inevitably impacts energy consumption, but the GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was well-prepared with its own solar power plant, marking a significant stride towards energy self-sufficiency and a reduced carbon footprint for such events.
Behind the scenes, the dedicated team at GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre showcased their expertise in seamlessly managing the congress, meeting the unique needs of delegates, and earning the full trust of the organizers. Their impressive accomplishment was reflected in the positive feedback from attendees, solidifying their reputation as leaders in the industry. As a testament to their exceptional work, a new slogan emerged: “GR is #OneStepAhead,” leaving EUROTOX with elevated standards and unforgettable memories.
In summary, EUROTOX 2023 in Ljubljana was a testament to the power of international collaboration and sustainable event planning. With the support of dedicated professionals and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, this congress left a lasting impact on both its attendees and the beautiful city of Ljubljana.
GR Ljubljana, Kongres Magazine
