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SLOVENIA – The Meetings Star Award competition recognises winners in 2025
The 15th anniversary of the Meetings Star Award celebrated in 2025
Following the official award ceremony of the Meetings Star Award competition, 134 destinations from 33 countries and 315 hotels and convention centres from 21 countries in New Europe earned bragging rights as the recipients of the coveted stars. Among the venues competing in the competition, 158 won three stars, 106 won two and 54 venues earned one Meeting Star. A further 29 received the so-called Green Meeting Stars. This year, the competition was enriched by 43 new hotels and convention centres and 5 new destinations.
The award and certificate are among the most respected award competitions in the industry, awarded based on precise criteria and standards. The assessors evaluate the quality of destinations based on the Meeting Experience Index, comprising 75 evaluation criteria. Similarly, hidden guest assessors visit hotels and convention centres and evaluate their quality based on 681 detailed criteria. The awards were handed out during a gala award ceremony on the stage of the Grand Foyer of Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana.
For the season of 2024/2025, the new stars were awarded in three main categories:
A. Best Meeting Destinations in 2024/2025
Among 134 destinations that cooperated, the winners were announced in four destination categories (XL, L, M and S destinations) and a special regional category “Best in New Europe”.
B. Best Meeting Hotels and Convention Centres in 2024/2025
The winners were announced in five categories (city, resort, spa, boutique hotels, and convention centres) among 315 certified hotels from 21 countries of New Europe. This year, the organisers also rewarded the most sustainable venue and the most creative venue.
C. Influencers of the meetings industry in 2024/2025
The influencers within the meetings industry were selected among 283 nominees from 24 countries. The awards were handed to leading destination representatives, meeting agencies, hoteliers, catering companies, meeting service providers, meeting innovators, marketing agencies that organise events and experts in sustainability.
BEST MEETING DESTINATIONS IN 2023/2024
The hidden guest assessors evaluate the quality of destinations based on the Meeting Experience Index matrix that includes 75 evaluation criteria.
The winning destinations are the best ambassadors of their countries and deserve recognition for their exceptional results. Thus, it is our honour to present the best of the best in 2024/2025 and congratulate them on behalf of the team behind the project.
XL MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host more than 2,000 congress attendees (40 evaluated destinations)
Winner: COPENHAGEN, final score: 4.82
Copenhagen is more than a destination; the Danish capital is an experience that will change how you view event organising. The Danish concept of Meetovation formally no longer exists but remains embedded in the DNA of local event organisers. You can explore it by observing their way of life, how they prioritise content over form and how they host their events. In the Danish capital, event attendees are always the stars of the show. Copenhagen is a trendsetter in sustainable practices, from sustainable architecture and locally produced food to responsible events. The city is a role model everyone in destination marketing should look up to. Projects like CopenPay are another reason the Danish capital deserves the title of the best XL Meeting Destination in 2025.
L MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 2,000 congress attendees (32 evaluated destinations)
Winner: ZAGREB, final score: 4.53
Zagreb is a city pleasant and comfortable for event participants. Despite being home to over a million people, the Croatian capital is compact and easily accessible. A few strategic investments, including the new airport terminal and new Croatia Airlines fleet, have made Zagreb a leading regional meeting destination. The city’s favourite colour is blue, which might explain why many event organisers showed up with events out of the blue. Many new hotels that are among the best in the region and numerous phenomenal event venues contribute to its appeal. The Zagreb Convention Bureau, working like a well-oiled machine, also contributed to its dominance this year, not to mention the superb air accessibility, among the best in the region.
M MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 1,200 congress attendees (31 evaluated destinations)
Winner: DUBROVNIK, final score: 4.39
Can you imagine the Adriatic Sea without Dubrovnik or Venice? The Republic of Ragusa once dominated the region and was considered the Hong Kong of the Renaissance era. The character of Dubrovnik’s people is reflected in the inscription above the entrance to the St. Lawrence Fortress: “Freedom cannot be bought, not even for all the gold in the world.” The city’s charm has endured and continues to attract countless tourists and event organisers. One of the most iconic destinations in our comparison also deserves the top spot thanks to new projects. These include hotel renovations, new flight connections to the US and the newly-built Pelješac Bridge. Dubrovnik is the undisputed flagship of regional tourism. It is often the first association event organisers have of the region. We tend to compare it with more renowned European competitors. Dubrovnik is ageing like fine wine and showing no signs and seems head and shoulders above competitors.
S MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 600 congress attendees (31 evaluated destinations)
Winner: KRANJSKA GORA, final score: 4.15
The most renowned Slovenian winter and sports centre has become a popular event hub thanks to the Skiing World Cup and Planica Nordic Centre. If we put aside the largest sports events in Slovenia, Kranjska Gora is also an up-and-coming incentive destination. Slowly but surely, Kranjska Gora has developed a year-round programme. Once the winter season comes to an end, the event season starts. The Alpine destination deserves first place thanks to its exceptional incentive experiences unlike any other in Slovenia. Planica is the incentive epicentre to blame for this. Kranjska Gora is also undergoing a culinary revolution and hotel evolution among luxury boutique hotels. Regardless of event type, you will be in the safe hands of seasoned event organisers in Kranjska Gora, who master everything from mega spectacles to small seminars and workshops.
BEST IN NEW EUROPE
The leading meeting destinations in New Europe
Winner: WARSAW, final score: 4.70
Nowhere in Eastern Europe is the withdrawal of socialist collectivism and the arrival of neoliberal individualism as apparent as in Warsaw. The towering skyscrapers dominating the city centre resemble New York and show the changes and opportunities Poles capitalised on. The changes were swift and far-reaching, not excluding the events industry. New hotels and copious event venues mushrooming across the city now form the backbone of the Polish meetings industry. Event agencies are well-developed in Warsaw. What we are most impressed by is the creativity of their production. Polish event agencies are among the leading in Europe. Worth mentioning is the superb organisation within the destination and the proactive approach of the Warsaw Convention Bureau and the Polish Tourism Organisation. All this makes Warsaw the new Meetings Star of New Europe’s meetings industry.
The founding father of the methodology, Gorazd Čad, explained: “Our evaluation is, above all, a tool to improve the competitiveness of individual destinations. It offers destinations an external view of their offer with the aim to drive constant growth and help destinations achieve excellence. As the process is systematic and continuous, the improvement of an individual evaluation criterion can be observed over time. Destinations use our methodology predominantly because they wish to become or stay competitive worldwide. Our research, furthermore, provides up-to-date qualitative and quantitative information to advance the strategic development of destinations.”
OVERVIEW OF THE BEST HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES
The MEETINGS STAR is a holistic methodology of evaluating quality, resulting in a clear answer regarding a provider’s services, as it is based on the hidden congress guest evaluation.
In each category, individual hotels and venues are segmented into three sub-categories in light of the points they achieved in the evaluation by the hidden congress guest:
Each hotel received up to three stars in accordance with our criteria:
3 STARS⭐⭐⭐ – final score from 4.81 to 5.00 (Exceptional Venue)
2 STARS⭐⭐ – final score from 4.61 to 4.80 (Excellent Venue)
1 STAR⭐ – final score from 4.41 to 4.60 (Quality Venue)
According to the evaluation by our hidden congress guests, THE BEST MEETING HOTELS AND CONVENTION CENTRES in 2024/2025 are:
CITY MEETING HOTELS
Winner: KIMPTON BEM BUDAPEST, final score: 4.99
This hotel masters almost everything and evokes a sense of a spread-out magic land for events with its hybrid design. It has all the attributes of a top-tier hotel and a compelling story to share with its guests. The hotel honours the building’s past while forging a brighter future. In terms of professionalism and unbelievable personal kindness, the staff is world-class. The surreal, at moments rebellious, and provocative design deserves a similarly high ranking. It provokes emotions and smiles, which is rare in most hotels. Kimpton Bem blew us away with its eclectic design, designed by the world-renowned designer Marcel Wanders, who created a fairytale atmosphere with Hungarian mythological elements. The hotel prides itself on superb rooms, delightful cuisine, the unique Fennen Rooftop Bar and flexible meeting rooms. Kimpton Bem is another remarkable hotel in Budapest that has set the bar high for rivals across the city. One of the reasons is its focus on and offering for the meetings industry.
RESORT MEETING HOTELS
Winner: SCHEIBLHOFER THE RESORT, final score: 4.99
Scheiblhofer deserves a slew of superlatives. The hotel stretches on an impressive estate measuring 84,123 square metres. The additional offerings of the hotel are incredibly diverse, and the wine list is among the richest in this part of Europe. If you organise a large event in this hotel, you can almost book the entire village of Andau.
The hotel is distinctly different, unique and special in a positive way. It can be considered a wine hotel, spa resort or purebred meeting hotel. This philosophy gives the hotel character, setting it apart from the competition. Scheiblhofer blends elegance, refined design and top-tier cuisine with local wine tradition, creating an unforgettable experience for business events. Boasting meeting rooms in three locations, stretching 1940 square metres, and connected to a wine cellar, the hotel offers an ideal space for incentive and business events. All this is topped by an exquisite hotel, holistic spa and sustainable approach. Scheiblhofer The Resort is more than a hotel; it is a destination for unforgettable events.
SPA MEETING HOTELS
Winner: HOTEL MATERRA, final score: 4.94
While countless hotels blow their own horn and brag about sustainability, a hotel near Osijek became a paragon of sustainability without any superfluous pomp. In a time when most hotels grumble about staff shortages and their diligence, this Slavonic pearl showed the opposite picture. It is delightful to see young, enthusiastic locals who work with pride in the hotel. Seemingly, only when a hotel investor is not a classic hotelier can a hotel develop a less conventional, more radical hotel story. All this captured our imagination when staying in the hotel that positioned Osijek on the regional map overnight. Hotel Materra has opened the way for incentive groups who previously bypassed this part of Croatia. We believe this neglect is undeserved, as Osijek and its new hotel have plenty to show. Hotel Materra deserves to be named the best Spa Meeting Hotel because it seamlessly blends contemporary architecture, fantastic sustainable design and world-class hospitality. It turns heads with its elegant design, quality materials and authentic Slavonic charm.
BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS
Winner: MAMULA ISLAND HOTEL, final score: 4.99
You will doubtless feel splendid during your stay in the most original boutique hotel in the region, marvelling at the authentic hospitality that always places the guest in the limelight. The ambience is sophisticated and minimalist, oozing quality and subtle prestige. Mamula Island Hotel is a beautiful and astounding hotel. Throughout our stay, we pondered about the essence of this elegant outpost with a hint of dramatic design. Its species – original hotels – have long been endangered and brought to the brink of extinction because of generic designs and mediocre hotel services in other hotels that resemble automated service. On the other side of the spectrum, hotels such as Mamula Island make super demanding guests tick and meet (almost) all expectations for a luxury incentive hotel. Mamula Island Hotel deserves to be named the best Botique Meeting Hotel in the Meetings Star 2025 competition because of its unique history, stunning location and flawless luxury experience. Its final, near-perfect score of 4.99 makes it the best in its category.
TOP 10 BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS
LARGE CONVENTION CENTRES
Winner: SAVA CENTAR, final score: 4.98
Sava Center may seem like a brand-new congress centre, but its name betrays a prosperous decades-long history. Thanks to the regenerative renovation of the venue and new planned investments, Belgrade has acquired a congress district in dimensions not found at any other destination between Vienna and Istanbul and Milano and Baku.
Sava Center earned its cult status because of its inclusivity and outward approach embedded in its DNA. Sava Centar deserves to be named the best Large Convention Centre in the Meetings Star competition 2025 because of its impressive renovation, huge capacities and strategic role in the region. The investors renovated this flagship by preserving the incredibly original architectural heritage while installing state-of-the-art technology, including an immersive hall, energy-efficient infrastructure and world-class sound systems. With 46 halls, the largest accommodating 4050 guests and 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, Sava Centar is the ideal choice for the largest international events. The innovative gastronomy, professional team and exceptional accessibility have further solidified its position as the leading meeting hub in the region. With Sava Center, Belgrade has again become the event capital of Southeast Europe.
TOP 10 LARGE CONVENTION CENTRES
BOUTIQUE CONVENTION CENTRES (up to 1,000 attendees)
Winner: LCK LUBLIN CONFERENCE CENTRE, final score: 4.97
Every visitor of Lublin’s novel mid-sized conference centre feels welcome here. The same can be said for Lublin, which is easy to navigate on foot, has plenty of lush green spaces (a large public park fronts the centre), and is human-centred. The architectural harmony of LCK and CSK, in tune with Lublin’s green lungs, truly impressed us. We rarely come across such an inventive and attractive combination that connects the creative industries, tourism, event management, science, and the meetings industry.
LCK Lublin Conference Centre deserves to be named the best Boutique Convention Centre in the Meetings Star competition because of its innovative architectural design, superb technical equipment and flexibility for event organising. Its vertical design, with 13,000 square metres and 11 halls, enables event organisers to host any event, from conferences to exhibitions. The technical sophistication, including the superb audio-visual equipment and modular spaces, ensures world-class production. A significant contribution comes from the exceptional team, who passionately promote the region and the meetings industry. LCK is not only a convention centre but a catalyst for the development of Lublin as a meeting destination.
TOP 10 BOUTIQUE CONVENTION CENTRES
MOST CREATIVE VENUE
Winner: NOBU HOTEL WARSAW, final score: 4.98
This American-Polish jewel is undisputedly a game-changer. Many have said it is more than a hotel. That is one of the reasons it has become an icon in Warsaw. The Polish interpretation of the original is genuine, modern and, as apt for the brand, refined, monolithic and minimalistic. At the same time, Nobu Warsaw is a professional event venue that goes beyond the Nobu character. It seems like a zen urban bubble amidst the heart of Warsaw. It deserves the award for the best City Meeting Hotel in the Meetings Star competition because of its unique combination of stunning design, culinary delights and exclusive hotel offerings. The unique “flatiron” design, the work of Medusa Group architectural studio, is an architectural achievement that combines modernism with Japanese elegance. Nobu Hotel Warsaw offers six modern meeting rooms, with the Sakura Event Room being its largest (180 sears), all creating a captivating ambience for prestigious events with their open design and green terraces.
MOST SUSTAINABLE VENUE
Winner: THE BRIDGE MGALLERY WROCLAW, final score: 4.96
The industrial charm of Wroclaw’s flagship hotel has quickly made it a local favourite. Its organic connection with the city and the locals is what makes it stand out from the competition. The unmistakable black interior, recognisable brick facade and attention to detail render it one of the city’s best. The ebullient personnel, always willing to help, ensure every guest has a memorable impression of the hotel and the city. Each room in the hotel is, in a way, a nod to the rich artistic legacy of Polish painters. This originality helps the hotel edge out city competitors with more generic designs. Wroclaw’s industrial newcomer is not cordoned off from city life; it functions as a meeting place for locals to convene and exchange ideas. Sustainability and CSR activities are top of the list for management at this hotel, and rightfully so, as Wroclaw is one of the greenest cities in the region. Wroclaw now has a hotel that bridges industrial and contemporary and deserves to be the winner in our evaluation of the best regional hotels.
BEST SLOVENIAN MEETING HOTELS AND VENUES IN 2024/2025
The Meetings Star Award crowned the best Slovenian city meeting hotel, best Slovenian resort meeting hotel, best Slovenian spa meeting hotel, best Slovenian boutique meeting hotel and best Slovenian convention centre.
BEST SLOVENIAN CITY MEETING HOTEL
Winner: INTERCONTINENTAL LJUBLJANA, final score: 4.92
Hotel Intercontinental Ljubljana is synonymous with prestige, innovation and superb hotel service. It combines luxury accommodation, mouthwatering cuisine and world-class capacities that make it one of Slovenia’s best city meeting hotels. Its guests can enjoy peerless service that leaves a lasting impression, while the refined gastronomy revolving around local ingredients impresses even the most demanding guests. The hotel is setting new industry standards with its sustainable campaigns, proving luxury can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. With a strategic location in Ljubljana’s heart and splendid views from the top floors, the hotel offers an ideal environment for the most complex business events and meetings. All of the above helped Intercontinental Ljubljana win the title of the best Slovenian City Meeting Hotel in 2025.
BEST SLOVENIAN RESORT MEETING HOTEL
Winner: KEMPINSKI PALACE HOTEL, final score: 4.91
Kempinski Palace Portorož is an iconic resort meeting hotel that blends a rich history, timeless elegance and unmatched hospitality. Its magnificent Crystal Hall, synonymous with prestigious events, and its modern congress centre make it a perfect venue for business events and gala ceremonies. The hotel staff exceeds expectations with its professionalism, making an overnight stay a lasting experience. The cuisine, based on local ingredients and seasonal menus, is unrivalled and complements the luxurious stay. With its strategic location in the heart of Portorož and a well-equipped spa centre, Kempinski Palace Hotel strikes a perfect balance between work and relaxation. Because of all that, Kempinski Palace Portorož is more than an ordinary hotel. It is an institution and a paragon of hospitality that deserves to be crowned the best Resort Meeting Hotel in Slovenia.
BEST SLOVENIAN SPA MEETING HOTEL
Winner: RIMSKE TERME, final score: 4.87
The oldest Slovenian spa was first discovered by the Romans as early as 39 BC. Despite a tumultuous history, the spa survived through the ages until its revival in 2011 on the bank of the Savinja River. Since the grand (re)opening, the spa has been on an upward spiral, now becoming the first adults-only spa in Slovenia with a world-class conference centre. Rimske Terme also pampers guests with superb gastronomy and an exceptionally holistic hotel offering. What earned it the title of the best Slovenian Spa Meeting Hotel is the incredible staff, alongside the modern and versatile conference centre that is a perfect choice for any event. Rimske Terme is undergoing an evolution and presents a getaway for visitors wanting a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle. The management is developing a super quality offering whilst paying homage to the local tradition. Rimske Terme presents an ideal incentive combination.
BEST SLOVENIAN BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTEL
Winner: VILA PLANINKA, final score: 4.98
Vila Planinka deservedly became the best Slovenian Boutique Meeting Hotel in 2024/2025. The hotel’s guiding philosophy, “less is more” combines sustainability, boutique design, and superb gastronomy. Its idyllic location in Jezersko is characterised by pristine nature, pure air, and spectacular views, which create a perfect environment for strategic and exclusive events. Vila Planinka stands out from the competition thanks to its refined architecture, warm, natural materials, and world-class staff, which ensures quality service. The Michelin-recommended hotel restaurant, helmed by chef Blaž Derlink, impressed us with seasonal, local cuisine. Vila Planinka is a best practice case of sustainable luxury and a pioneer project setting new standards for boutique hotels. Our assessors confirmed the hotel is still the leading in its category after a year has passed.
BEST SLOVENIAN CONVENTION CENTRE
Winner: CANKARJEV DOM, Cultural and Congress Centre, final score: 4.93
Cankarjev dom is the heart of creative events in Slovenia. Over 3,000 events that take place annually reflect the creativity of Slovenian society and reflect society today. The experience of organising events in Cankarjev dom is different from anything else. You could say that Cankarjev dom is the only Slovenian congress centre and organiser that offers holistic congress service. That includes everything from professional congress organising to flawless technical execution. Cankarjev dom is a member of the IAPCO association and thus upholds strict international standards. It deserves to be among the winners of the Meetings Star as it represents a leading meeting centre for Slovenia and the region. Its greatest advantage is the synergy of culture and congress tourism that enriches every visitor’s experience. The technical refinement, modern and renovated halls and sustainable orientation have cemented its leading position. Its final score of 4.93 attests to its status at one of New Europe’s most prestigious convention centres.
MOST CREATIVE SLOVENIAN MEETING HOTEL
Winner: HOTEL ONE66, final score: 4.82
Countless satisfied guests have confirmed the hotel’s slogan is true: Hotel One66 is your best friend in Ljubljana. Ljubljana’s locals eagerly awaited the opening of a hotel with an unusual story. The hotel brought a much-needed different approach to conventional meeting hotels. In a few years, it has established itself as one of Ljubljana’s most innovative and creative venues. With its unique design, it went beyond the classic framework of a hotel and now offers a one-off experience for events. The Loft, a multifunctional space within the hotel, has quickly become a venue tailored for the younger generations – a space where meetings can take place under a basketball rim or alongside a session of table tennis. This ambience is relaxing but dynamic at the same time. Moreover, the hotel’s concept revolves around a rich local history and urban/industrial design that offers visitors an original visual and content experience. With its daring approach, eclectic ambience and versatile opportunities for event organising, Hotel One66 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and creative regional event venues.
MOST SUSTAINABLE SLOVENIAN MEETING HOTEL
Winner: FOURPOINTS BY SHERATON LJUBLJANA, final score: 4.83
Fourpoints by Sheraton Ljubljana is a hotel that does not share its sustainable aspirations aloud but goes from words to actions without excess pomp. Its 140 kWp solar plant, installed on the roof, has reduced the hotel’s CO2 emissions by 72 tonnes annually. For every overnight stay, you will receive a precise calculation of the room’s carbon footprint, which currently amounts to 18.95 kg per room per night. The hotel is among a handful of those that measure their water footprint, which amounts to 268.13 litres per room per night. Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana became the first hotel in Slovenia to receive the prestigious BREEAM certificate (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). More importantly, the hotel was among the first in the region to offer electric charging stations for EVs. Sustainability is one of the hotel’s guiding principles. The hotel symbol, the European robin, proudly presents their environmental aspirations. The immediate vicinity of the pristine forest only underlines the symbiosis with nature. Because of its comprehensive approach to sustainability, Fourpoints by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons deserves the title of the most Sustainable Slovenian Meeting Hotel in 2025.
Altogether, 315 certificates were awarded for the 2024/2025 season. Since the start of the evaluation, we have evaluated 652 hotels and 49 convention centres. Only 45% were awarded the certificate of excellence.
Commenting on the methodology of the evaluation, Gorazd Čad, said: “The hidden congress guest methodology ensures that meeting hotels and convention centres are evaluated objectively. The cornerstone of our methodology was to offer information that is analysable on-site based on a set of criteria and a visit by the hidden congress guest. The Meetings Star Award has become a reference point and a sort of Michelin guide for the meetings industry. Personally, I believe our project fosters the development of the entire meetings industry.”
INFLUENCERS OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY
The two-phased selection of influencers in the regional meetings industry concluded with online voting. The evaluation has an equal balance of male and female candidates. Among 279 candidates, 48.15% were female nominees, and 51.85% were male.
The selection of the Most Influential People of New Europe has earned recognition from the international meetings industry through Kongres Magazine’s partner network. Only individuals who meet strict criteria are placed on the list. Each candidate is segmented into various comparable categories. That is one of the reasons why the selection has become a credible and professional platform.
The selection of the Most Influential People of New Europe has earned recognition from the international meetings industry through Kongres Magazine’s partner network. Only individuals who meet strict criteria are placed on the list. Each candidate is segmented into various comparable categories. That is one of the reasons why the selection has become a credible and professional platform.
The nominees are evaluated based on clear criteria on a scale from 1 to 5:
1. CREDIBILITY: Trust and credibility are two core values in event organising. The candidate is recognised as a highly credible individual in the regional meetings industry.
2. CREATIVITY: The candidate showcased creativity and agility in their work. Particularly during COVID-19, they executed innovative projects.
3. RESULTS: The candidate achieved financial or other multiplicative results that were well above average compared to the regional average.
4. LEGACY: The candidate left a permanent mark by working for the common good of the meetings industry. Even in COVID-19 times, they strived to find a way out of the crisis.
INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR 2024
Dimitris GANITIS
Thessaloniki Convention Bureau
Dimitris Ganitis is the Managing Director of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. After becoming the Director in January 2024, he quickly began connecting all members of the meetings industry in Greece with his positive and proactive approach. Dimitris is also the Deputy Chair of ICCA’s Mediterranean chapter, where he strives to improve cooperation and grow the regional MICE industry.