Ljubljana, 20 October 2026 – Yesterday’s gala evening at the Ljubljana Castle was dedicated to the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme. Organizers and partners recognized outstanding achievements in event organization, honouring leading experts whose efforts, knowledge and international reputation strengthen the capabilities of Slovenia’s MICE industry.
The event, organized by the Slovenian Convention Bureau (KUS), took place in partnership with the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO), Ljubljana Tourism, destination clubs, and numerous partners from the professional community.
Since its inception in 2019, the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme has grown into a key driving force behind Slovenia’s meetings industry. By awarding new honorary titles, the initiative is further advancing its mission of bringing together top experts, researchers, and business leaders. The community of more than 100 congress ambassadors remains a steadfast bridge that successfully places Slovenian knowledge and potential on the global map, creating long-term opportunities for the entire country through visible international events.
“Each idea begins as a small thread. Encountering other knowledge and experience, it grows into a community able to place Slovenia on the international map of excellence. When you bring an international event to our country, you’re not just bringing participants, you’re bringing wisdom and opportunities for new partnerships. It’s precisely in this professional resonance that the true strength of Slovenia’s meetings industry is, and together we’re building the future.”
New recipients of the title “Slovenian Congress Ambassador 2026”
- MSc Tanja Cegnar – for the organization of the event EMS 2026, European Meteorological Society Annual Meeting
- Brigita Gorjup – for the organization of the event WRO Open Championship Europe 2025
- Saša Grašič – for the organization of the event IFIP SEC 2025, 40th International Conference on ICT Systems Security and Privacy Protection
- MSc Mirjam Jan-Blažić – for the organization of the event 65th International Foundry Conference Portorož 2025
- Mitja Margon – for the organization of the event Opti Worlds, 2025 Optimist World Championship
- Dr. Benjamin Marjanovič – for the organization of the event SKAA 2025, Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopy to Arthroplasty Symposium
- Luka Milčinski – for the organization of the event ESVV 2025, 13th Congress of the European Society for Veterinary Virology
- Azra Pucko – for the organization of the event IDO I feel dance, I feel Slovenia Hip hop, Popping, Breaking and Hip hop battles World Championships 2025
- Matej Rus – for the organization of the PODIM Business Conference
- MSc Lili Steblovnik, dr. med. – for the organization of the event Fetus as a Patient 2025 (38th Congress of the Fetus as a Patient Society & 25. Novakovi Dnevi)
- Barbara Toplek– for the organization of the event IX. Conference of the Association of General Practice/Family Medicine South East Europe (A GP/FM SEE)
- Assoc. Prof. Maja Trošt, dr. med. Neurology – for the organization of the event AAMD, 2nd Alpe Adria Update on Movement Disorders 2025
- Prof. Dr. Dejan Verčič – for the organization of the event BledCom 2025, 32nd International Public Relations Research Symposium
- Matic Vogrič – for the organization of the event EAOO 2025, European Academy of Optometry and Optics Annual Conference 2025
- Doc. Dr. Kristina Žagar Soderžnik – for the organization of the event 17th Multinational Congress on Microscopy (17. MCM)
The head of the Ljubljana Convention Bureau at Ljubljana Tourism, Maruša Nučič, added:
“Convention tourism is of strategic importance to Ljubljana, as it brings know-how and ideas to the city, strengthens international ties and generates significant economic benefits. Congress ambassadors play a vital role in this, as their reputation and networks open doors to international congresses and reinforce Ljubljana’s profile as a standout congress destination. The fruits of their efforts remain in the city long after the last lecture ends.”
Dubravka Kalin, Director General of the Directorate for Tourism at the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sports emphasizes the importance of MICE tourism as a pillar of sustainable development in tourism, the economy, and knowledge transfer:
“Slovenia must build its competitive advantage on excellence, sustainability, innovation, personal experience and, above all, knowledge. We strive for a high-value-added MICE industry that strengthens Slovenia’s international recognition, creates business opportunities and bolsters development. In this, our congress ambassadors are eminent allies: people who, through their own reputation, also build our country’s reputation. Slovenia may be a small country but thanks to people like you, our ideas can be as big as the world.”
A stage marked by aesthetics and sustainability
The conclusion of the awards ceremony presented shared values, aesthetics and a commitment to sustainability. The agency Creative Pro Adriatic shaped the evening’s holistic experience with seamlessly directed production.
Throughout the event’s content-rich program, Žan Sterle served as the host, while the versatile artist Boštjan Gombačprovided a soulful musical and artistic touch, beautifully complementing the evening’s message. As a lasting memento, the new ambassadors received unique handcrafted plaques from Rogaška Glassworks in Rogaška Slatina. With their elegance, these plaques symbolize vibrant bonds and responsible collaboration for the future.
The Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme demonstrates that the true strength of the meetings industry is measured not only by the number of events organized, but above all by the lasting value they create for society. Since the outset, congress ambassadors throughout Slovenia have facilitated high-profile international meetings, scientific symposia and professional conferences, events that have brought leading global experts to Slovenia and generated an exceptional number of overnight stays and business opportunities.
Photos: Jan Zorič
