14th Congress of European Association of Agricultural Economists in Ljubljana
The congress under the main theme “Agri-Food and Rural Innovations for Healthier Societies” took stock of the insights of scholars into all areas of agricultural, food, resource and rural economics. The Programme Committe and the Local Organising Committee organized an inspiring congress program consisting of pre-congress symposia, plenary sessions, contributed paper sessions, poster sessions, organized sessions, high level events and evening courses for young scholars.
Professional organizers were pleased with the quality and the number of scientific articles presented over the four days of the congress. A varied and carefully thought-out social program was prepared for the participants. The highlight was the “Down-town get-together” held at Pogačar Square and farewell dinner called “Walk through the Slovenian culinary and wine regions”. The catering was entrusted to master chefs of Kaval Group. Špela Terpin from GR explained: “We were pleased to host the congress with more than 600 participants coming from Europe and other parts of the world. Since participants are agricultural policy makers, special emphasis was placed on the presentation of local agriculture. The local cuisine served on the platform of the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was accompanied by a performance of indigenous Lipizzan horses.”
12 exciting study tours around Slovenia related to the congress topics were offered. For most of the participants this was a unique chance to explore different parts of Slovenia, meet Slovenian producers of wine, beer, cheese, meat and experience countryside and hospitality of local people.
Participation has exceeded all expectations when nearly 700 participants from all around the world attended the congress. Majority came from Italy, Germany and France, while participants from Brazil, Australia and Africa also attended the congress. Although the organization was a challenge, at the end all ran smoothly. Natalija Bah Čad, project manager at GO.MICE – professional congress organizer: “When we started to plan the congress we made a “pessimistic” projection for 450 to 600 participants. So, we are glad to exceed the numbers. Rooms were reserved in most of Ljubljana’s hotels well in advance. Although it is a high congress season in Ljubljana and hotels are fully booked, we have managed to make the last minutes bookings. We are happy all went as planned but most of all that we got very positive impressions about the city and the congress venue from participants.”
More at http://www.eaae2014.si/eaae/
The 40th World Scout Conference took place in Ljubljana!
Ljubljana Tourism and its Convention Bureau started the ongoing cooperation with the national scout association from the earliest stage of the bid preparation four years ago and also the City of Ljubljana lent its substantial support in the event’s organisation. Tatjana Radović, Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau, explained: “We cooperated in the bid strategy, liased with the local partners / suppliers to ensure Ljubljana would provide a competitive offer, supported the numerous promotions that the national scout association performed abroad throughout the year 2010, supported the bid presentation in Brazil in early 2011, site visits and kept in contact and reacted to the necessities of the local host committee whenever needed till the D-day. “
The opening ceremony of the conference received the patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Borut Pahor, who addressed the delegates from around the world.
The World Organisation of the Scout Movement – WOSM is the world’s largest educational youth movement, bringing together primarily young people. Nevertheless, the attendees of the conference are mostly middle aged and are successful and renowned individuals, entrepreneurs, businessmen, politicians and academics from all fields. Among the distinguished guests who were present at the conference a special mention goes to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Mr Alhendawi Ahmad.
The goal of the conference was to examine the operational guidelines of the Scout Movement throughout the world, to establish a policy of the global organization by 2023 and to adopt the measures necessary for the purpose of strengthening the movement.
The participants of the conference were also able to attend a varied programme of accompanying events, some of them open for the public. Thus, scouts’ workshops for children, a presentation of scouts’ activities and games followed by scouts’ bands performances took place at the central Congress Square during the WSC in the afternoon and evening hours.
Additionally, an open air exhibition of scouts’ photos “Youth in nature”, opened by the Mayor of Ljubljana, Mr Zoran Janković, was on view at the central promenade in Tivoli Park. All in all, Ljubljana really breathed in unison with the international scout community and proved to be a most hospitable destination. Tatjana concluded: “In numbers, the WSC 2014 generated around 8,000 overnights mostly in 3- and 4-star hotels, which for Ljubljana is quite a high number from a single event. The media coverage was also very good, and this congress was definitely one that attracted the wider attention of the local residents and was really felt in the city. The local Host team with all the volunteers invested an enormous amount of energy and time into this project and made a terrific job. No other word than – respect!”
Tesla superchargers now also in Ljubljana
These chargers are known as the most powerful chargers for electric vehicles worldwide. It is possible to recharge the battery of Tesla S for 500 kilometers of driving. Charging time is between 20 and 40 minutes. Chargers operate with the power of 135 kilowatts and they use 100 % clean electrical energy from the Elektro Celje Energija, electricity provider in Slovenia.
Superchargers add convenience for owners travelling from central European countries towards South. It is the first of several Superchargers that Tesla Motors Europe is planning to open soon in Europe until 2015 to support long distance travel and convenience charging free, for life.
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Austria Trend Hotel continues in sport spirit
As they hosted the world known English football club Chelsea at the end of July, which is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, they took their references on another level. Chelsea came to Ljubljana to play a friendly game against home town club Olimpija. During their visit they have stopped in Austria Trend Hotel to prepare for the game, enjoy in comfortable atmosphere and get some rest before playing. One could say Austria Trend superb culinary helped them to get a victory that evening, as the game in Stožice Arena ended with their victory 2:1.
In August Austria Trend Hotel hosted referees, officials, coaches and team members of “Ljubljana Cup 2014” – Junior Grand Prix of figure skating. Best skaters from all over the world, including Russia, competed in the legendary Hala Tivoli and had a chance to enjoy in Austria Trend Hotel hospitality.
The hotel itself established a unique program “Ljubljana – City of preseason games” in which all sport teams can come to Ljubljana to participate at friendly games before the start of the season, which are organized by professional Austria Trend Hotel staff. In the beginning of September they are expecting arrival of basketball club Zielona Gora from Poland which will have preparation for the new season in Ljubljana.
In October another event of European biggest martial art organization, the Final Fight Championship, is expected to be organized in Ljubljana, and Austria Trend Hotel will accommodate the best fighters from whole Europe again.
In November new season of Eurocup basketball is starting and also this year Austria Trend Hotel will host all teams playing against home favourite Union Olimpija in beautiful Stožice Arena where Eurobasket 2013 was held.
More at www.austria-trend.at/lju
Terme Čatež hosted two important conferences in the field of education
The National Education Institute organized the first annual conference for principals of Slovenian schools and kindergartens with a meaningful title – Educational leadership – Reality or Illusion. The conference took place on 20 August in Terme Čatež.
The event was attended by over 330 principals and representatives of various institutions in the field of education. The participants were greeted by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport. The conference served with many presentations from international guests like Norman Emerson, Scottish expert on curriculum and assessment, Vinko Logaj PhD, director of the National Education Institute (Developmental Work of the N. E. Institute), Stanka Preskar PhD, Head of the Regional Units Department of the N. E. Institute (Principal’s Assignments, Authorities and Responsibilities in the Light of System Changes) and Janez Krek PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Education (Education Plan, Action and Law).
The principals were active in six different workshops followed in the afternoon. The conference was concluded by the panel discussion about educational leadership – Does the legislation enable an efficient educational leadership?
More at http://www.zrss.si/konferenca-ravnatelji/
International Conference on Learning and Teaching of Mathematics (KUPM 2014)
The 2nd International Conference on Learning and Teaching of Mathematics (KUPM 2014) in the Organization of the National Education Institute was held in Terme Čatež on 21 and 22 August 2014.
The conference took place under the honorary auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor. It was attended by 400 teachers of mathematics in primary and secondary schools, teachers and education experts competencies in mathematics.
The primary purpose of the conference was the presentation of the new and original approaches to the learning and teaching of mathematics across the vertical and for all educational programs. Plenary lectures by invited lecturers, workshops and longer and shorter presentations by thematic areas were held by around 110 authors.
More at http://www.zrss.si/kupm2014/ and http://www.terme-catez.si/en/
