This week Slovenia is actively participating in the international business spectacle – IMEX Frankfurt. Between 14 and 16 May 2024, Frankfurt turns into the epicentre of meetings and events, bringing together thousands of global decision-makers and exhibitors from the industry. Slovenia is not just an observer, but a key participant, highlighting the many business opportunities in its home market.
Every year, IMEX Frankfurt attracts a multitude of meeting, event and incentive travel industry professionals from all over the world. It is the premier event for networking, education and networking, a great opportunity to explore business trends and exchange knowledge.
Dynamic presentation of Slovenia at IMEX in Frankfurt
Slovenia, a proud participant of this important event for more than two decades, is presenting its strong team this year. In addition to the Slovenian Convention Bureau and the Slovenian Tourist Board and, fifteen Slovenian providers of business meetings, events and incentive travel are also presenting themselves at the event.
The Slovenian stand number H80 hosts individual meetings and presentations, enriched with a selection of Slovenian culinary offerings. In addition, Slovenia is promoted through various business and social events and digital activities on the event’s online platforms and social networks.
Slovenian representatives conduct business meetings with clients and customers, organising corporate events, congresses, incentive trips and other professional events and meetings. There is also an increased interest from specialised event companies and associations and professional congress organisers who recognise Slovenia as a destination with high potential for their future events.
This year, Slovenia’s stand boasts a new visual identity, which was first presented at the IBTM World business trade show at the end of last year. Modernity and sustainability are key elements of the new image, which radiates a green future.
Slovenia on the rise: A new frontier in the ICCA Country and City Rankings for the year 2023
In tandem with Slovenia’s burgeoning presence in the global meetings and events sector, the recently released ICCA Country and City Rankings for 2023 unveiled Slovenia’s steady climb, with the nation securing the 41st spot worldwide in terms of the number of meetings held. Among European counterparts, Slovenia stood firm at the 22nd position. Ljubljana, the enchanting capital, showcased its appeal by clinching the 33rd spot in the European city rankings, reflecting its role as a premier meetings destination. However, the rankings have also unveiled opportunities for growth, as Maribor and Bled positioned at 157th and 167th place respectively in the European city rankings, indicating promising prospects for further exploration and development.
Future challenges and opportunities
Trends in business tourism show the growing importance of sustainability, mobility and inclusiveness. Despite global challenges, the number of events is constantly increasing, inspiring the whole industry. Slovenia has an excellent opportunity to develop in this environment, as the business meetings and events product is a key part of the current Slovenian tourism strategy.
Event organisers are increasingly looking for destinations that combine innovation, sustainability and a rich cultural heritage. In this context, Slovenia offers a unique experience complemented by the natural beauty and hospitality of its providers and people. With its wide range of business meetings and events, Slovenia actively co-creates the modern image of meetings and events. Nevertheless, Slovenia faces challenges such as the necessary upgrading of infrastructure and digital solutions, staffing challenges and competition from other destinations. However, these challenges also represent an opportunity for further development and growth of the industry, as they stimulate innovation and raise the quality of services to an even higher level.
A varied educational programme
In addition to a wide range of business activities, IMEX Frankfurt offers a rich and high-quality educational programme covering topics such as sustainability, community building, technology, innovation, digitisation and the resilience of the meetings industry.
The next stop of the Slovenian Convention Bureau in this year’s season of promotional business events is the C&IT Festival of Forums
This year, Slovenia will also present itself at some other global business exchanges – IBTM World, C&IT Festival of Forums in IMEX America, and in February, Slovenia presented itself at its home country, Conventa, when two fam trips to Slovenia were successfully carried out for international target segments. In addition to the business exchanges, Slovenia will also be presenting itself at two business workshops in selected European markets.
Your contact at the Slovenian Convention Bureau:
Jasna Jašič, Marketing and Communications Manager
*The events are financially supported by the Slovenian Tourist Board.
