Ljubljana, 22 October 2025 – Yesterday evening, a ceremonial award presentation of the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme 2025 took place at the Ljubljana Castle, honouring outstanding individuals whose professional achievements and international reputation contribute to the development of the professional and scientific meetings and events sector in Slovenia.
The event, organised by the Slovenian Convention Bureau (KUS), was held with the financial support of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO), in cooperation with Ljubljana Tourism, destination clubs, and numerous partners from the professional community.
Established in 2018, the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme continues the tradition of recognising individuals whose dedication and professional excellence strengthen Slovenia’s position in the field of professional and scientific meetings and events. Over the years, it has grown into an important national initiative connecting Slovenian experts, researchers, doctors, academics, business leaders and other influential professionals.
Today, the programme brings together more than one hundred congress ambassadors, acting as a bridge between Slovenian expertise and the global knowledge community.
Fredi Fontanot, Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, emphasised during the ceremony: “Each congress ambassador represents a story of knowledge, courage and vision. Your achievements prove that Slovenia may be small in size, but not in ambition. We are proud to be building the future of Slovenia together – as a recognised destination of knowledge and collaboration.”
For 2025, fourteen new congress ambassadors received awards for their contribution to attracting significant international meetings and conferences to Slovenia.
A full list of recipients follows:
- Dr. Maja Česen Mazić, for the organisation of SIOPEN 2023, The Neuroblastoma Research Network
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vesna Geršak, for the organisation of daCi 2024, Dance and the Child International
- Dr. Klemen Grabljevec, for the organisation of ESPRM 2024, Congress of the European Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
- Dr. Igor Jenčič, for the organisation of NENE 2024, Conference of the Nuclear Society of Slovenia
- Sergeja Košir Jošt, for the organisation of CECR 2024
- Klemen Kristan, for the organisation of ECSITE 2024, European Network of Science Centres and Museums
- Prof. Dr. Uroš Marušič, for the organisation of MoBI 2024, 5th International Mobile Brain/Body Imaging Conference
- Nina Meško, for the organisation of daCi 2024, Dance and the Child International
- Prof. Dr. Darja Paro Panjan, for the organisation of *Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practice in Neonatology 2024
- Caroline Ris, International Congress Ambassador, for the organisation of the FIS 2024 Spring Technical Committee Meeting
- Prof. Dr. Božidar Šarler, for the organisation of EUROTHERM 2024, 9th European Thermal Sciences Conference
- Eva Šauperl, for the organisation of IFW 2024, International Fotona Weekend 2024
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ilija Tomanić Trivundža, for the organisation of ECREA ECC 2024
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Lorna Zadravec Zaletel, for the organisation of PanCare Meeting 2024
On behalf of the Slovenian Tourist Board, Ms Karmen Novarlič highlighted the importance of connecting destinations and the professional sphere: “At the Slovenian Tourist Board, we are proud to support the Slovenian Ambassador Programme, as we strongly believe in Slovenia’s potential — in its remarkable natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and above all, its exceptional intellectual capital.
On the occasion of this year’s announcement of the Slovenian Congress Ambassadors, we place a spotlight on those who, through their dedication and vision, co-create Slovenia’s future in the international environment. These are experts, researchers, business leaders, and thinkers who weave the story of Slovenia as a dynamic and open society. Through their work, the ambassadors strengthen Slovenia’s reputation and, with their commitment and vision, help shape the country’s future on the global stage. With collaboration and shared dedication, we are becoming internationally recognised as a land of knowledge, innovation, and creative solutions.”
Representing the Government of Slovenia, Ms Dubravka Kalin from the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, underlined the strategic importance of the sector “The professional and scientific meetings sector is not merely an economic driver, it is a catalyst for progress, knowledge exchange and international cooperation. The government will continue to support this field as a key part of Slovenia’s development policy and global visibility.”
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic focus on partnership and sustainability. The event was conceptually designed and produced by Creative Pro Adriatic, which ensured a refined and contemporary execution of the evening. The awards, crafted by Rogaška Glassworks, reflect the values of knowledge, collaboration and excellence, carrying the message that every congress ambassador is also an ambassador of sustainable development and responsible cooperation.
Over seven years, the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme has become a well-established national initiative with measurable results. To date, more than one hundred ambassadors have contributed to the organisation of over two hundred international events, generating tens of thousands of overnight stays and significantly enhancing Slovenia’s image as a destination of knowledge.
According to the KONGOST study (Turistica, 2023), the average expenditure of participants at professional and scientific events in Slovenia is 3.3 times higher than that of leisure tourists, confirming the high added value of this sector for the national economy.
Looking ahead, the Slovenian Congress Ambassador Programme will continue to connect Slovenia’s professional, scientific and business communities with destinations across the country.
Its mission remains clear: to strengthen Slovenia’s position as a trusted, sustainable and internationally recognised destination of knowledge and collaboration.
For further information:
Slovenian Convention Bureau
🌐 www.slovenia-convention.com
📧 info@slovenia-convention.com
and
Slovenian Tourist Board
🌐 www.slovenia.info
📧 pr@slovenia.info
📸 Photos: Jan Zorič, Slovenian Convention Bureau Archive
