Kranjska Gora / Bohinj / Bled – From 20 to 23 September, 2026, the international business and sports event Meet Sleep Cycle took place in the heart of the Julian Alps, combining high-level B2B networking, exposure to top-tier infrastructure for the meetings industry, and active exploration of Slovenia’s natural and cultural wonders by bike.
The event attracted 21 international invited partners and 16 Slovenian meetings industry suppliers to the Julian Alps. Participants replaced traditional conference halls with scenic cycling routes and, through a dynamic multi-day program, experienced firsthand why Slovenia is considered one of the most exciting and sustainability-focused destinations for business meetings and incentive travel.
As the event’s founder, Chris McQue, pointed out in an interview with Kongres Magazine:“We learn more about someone in three days cycling together than in three years working together.” He added that cycling event delegates quickly become “business friends for life”, as tackling challenges on the road forges bonds that are closer knit than those formed in traditional conference settings (source: Kongres Magazine).
Three days of active exploration of the Julian Alps
The program took participants on a curated route featuring expert lectures, business meetings, local cuisine and an outstanding cycling experience.
The official start took place in Kranjska Gora, where the Ramada Hotel (Hit Alpinea) provided comfortable accommodations for the cyclists. After the introductory presentations, participants set out on a 21-kilometer warmup route to the Fusine Lakes, and the evening program and networking continued in pristine nature at the Jasna Natur Resort.
The second day was devoted to professional sessions and B2B meetings in the unique ambience of the Planica Nordic Center. The business meeting opened with an introductory address by Ana Robič Zima from the Slovenian Convention Bureau, followed by exceptional presentations from Karmen Novarlič (Slovenian Tourist Board), James Latham (The Iceberg / JMIC), Francisca Flajs (Planet Positive Event), and Maja Pančur (Bled Tourism Board). Next were the individual B2B meetings and a lively cycling stage to Bohinj. Upon arrival, participants treated themselves to relaxation at the Bohinj ECO Hotel and concluded the day with a tour of the historic Villa Muhr and a sustainable dinner at the Hotel Bohinj.
The final day of cycling took delegates across picturesque routes from Bohinj to Bled. Along the way, they visited the Gartner Cheese Farm and the Ambrožič Educational Apiary, discovering the region’s authentic offerings. Upon arrival in Bled, where the Park Hotel provided accommodations and the Sava Hotels & Resorts ensured comprehensive support, the event concluded with a gala dinner at the Bled Castle and the superb culinary experience prepared by Jezeršek Catering.
Sustainability in practice and strong partnerships
Another distinct feature of this year’s event was an independent assessment of its sustainability and environmental impact using the Planet Positive Event methodology. By measuring actual impacts, the organizers view sustainability not merely as a marketing tool, but as a pillar of responsible development in the meetings industry.
The Meet Sleep Cycle event is an excellent example of the successful collaboration among key players in Slovenian tourism, as the following organizations participated in its execution: Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenian Convention Bureau, Liberty Adriatic DMC, Sava Hotels & Resorts, Bohinj ECO Hotel, Hotel Bohinj, Hit Alpinea, Bled Tourist Board, Kranjska Gora Tourist Board, Planet Positive Event, Jezeršek Catering, and Jasna Natur Resort.
ELAN Group provided bicycles for the cyclists, while Naturalica Foods (Teta Frida) supplied additional energy along the way.
Events like this confirm Slovenia successfully combines business hospitality with active lifestyles and sustainable development, presenting itself to the international public as a premier MICE destination.
Official website of the Meet Sleep Cycle event: https://meetsleepcycle.com
Foto: Grega Cuderman
