TOPQUALITY

TOP HOSPITALITY

TOPORGANISATION Green for

tomorrow Green Ideas by

Sava Hotels & Resorts

Meetbusters

10 myths that you didn’ t dare to ask

Meetthe team

Bled for meetings

and events Iconic meetings

with character

MEETINGS WITH CHARACTERLifestyle Magazine

Issue 1 / 2015

Sava Turizem d.d.Dunajska 152, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija PublisherToleranca marketing d.o.o.Štihova 4, SI-1000T: +386 (0)1 430 51 03F: +386 (0)1 430 51 04E: gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu Director / Gorazd Čad

Meetings with character Editors BoardSaša Zor, Elvira Krupič, Mateja Legat, Špela Horvat, Špela Pipan, Janette Poglajen, Gorazd Čad, Polona Simšič

Project and marketing manager Gorazd ČadT: +386 (0)1 430 51 03E: gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu

DesignMediaIn

ContributorsPolona Simšič, Natalija Bah Čad

PhotographsMax Sušnik Archive Sava Hotels & Resorts, Archive Spirit Slovenia

CopyeditingRobert Cotter

%e magazine is not for sale

CoverPeter Irman

44 halls in 4 Slovenian cities

Over 5,586 sq.m of meeting space

More than 1,300 hotel rooms

3 attractive Slovenian MICE regions

14 hotels of 3, 4 and 5***** categories

6 apartment villages

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LET’S MEET WITH CHARACTER Saša ZOR, Director of Sales - MICE

Bled – healthy, !t, active and environmentally friendly;It is Monday morning and I’m driving from Ljubljana to Bled, our main MICE destination, with a huge smile on my face. Before I head to the o&ce, I stop at the Hotel Golf and take a moment to admire the view over Bled Castle and Lake Bled. %e early morning mists are rising from the lake, giving it an enchanting, mystical appearance.

I take a few deep breaths and think once again of how privileged we are to be working in this Alpine gem. To make sure it remains in this pristine condition, Sava Hoteli Bled has launched “Green for Tomorrow”, a brand that stands for environmentally friendly initiatives and represents our way of doing business – in connection with the local environment and the local community.

As I was absorbing the magic of Bled, my colleagues from the F&B department were preparing the morning co'ee break, where 100 attendees of an international association event would be served green smoothies, homemade granola, spelt biscuits and cereal co'ee to give them a maximum concentration boost. %e hotel director was signing the last few welcome letters that the housekeeper would place in each room along with chocolate bells and the legend of the sunken bell of Bled.

Meanwhile, the responsible MICE manager was getting ready to greet a client. Together they will sow seeds in a small clay pot; these seeds will grow into herbs, symbolising our relationship that will at the same time grow and develop. And with all of this Bled will host another event – and another success story. %ere are over 300 of them every year, each representing a set of promises and expectations that have been far exceeded.

%ere is a range of venues to choose from – the referee tower by the lake, the lido at Grand Hotel Toplice, the terrace outside the hall or the lake’s beach. Dinner can take the form of a banquet with the same menu that was served to the royal family, or it can be served on market stands under the “Taste Bled” brand, which brings together local culinary providers.

“I share something in common with each of these characteristics and these three destinations, so di'erent and so unique, have found their way into my heart. Together with my colleagues – the best team there is – we warmly recommend them to our clients.”

Ptuj – lively,energetic, fun and hedonistic; Full of impressions, new business ties and pride in our refreshingly original services and the professionalism of my MICE sales team, I return home to Ljubljana later in the afternoon. Having driven for just 30 minutes, I leave the green paradise behind and reach the small yet cosmopolitan capital. Tomorrow, an entirely di'erent experience awaits – I will be going to Ptuj, where we are hosting a small corporate event that will wrap up its formal part with an indulgent dinner in the spirit of Ancient Rome. %e event organiser’s aims are that as well as acquiring new knowledge, the participants will also develop closer bonds as a team and get to know each other better. In the evening, they will be greeted in the lobby by Marcus Antonius Primus himself; an Oriental dancer will welcome them with a performance, while a Roman slave will o'er libum, the bread of the gods. %e guests will all wear togas and enjoy the traditional Roman dishes at the Pool of Vespasianus... As tomorrow will be a new working day, breakfast will be served outside, at the Pinwheel of Health, where the guests will be guided through a set of breathing exercises by an experienced Qigong master. Ptuj is truly a town of superlatives with a unique, relaxed energy, enhanced by the temperament of the locals.

Prekmurje – in the spirit of tradition, hospitality and genuine warmth. Not far away, less than two hours from Ljubljana, the Sava Group has another two MICE destinations with a strong Prekmurje character. In Moravske Toplice and Radenci, time seems to stand still and storks still build their nests by the roadside. “Where are you rushing to? Why don’t you sit down (rst for a cup of co'ee and a slice of Prekmurje layer cake?” our receptionist asks me in the charming local dialect when

I come to the Hotel Livada Prestige. In Radenci, the rumours are )ying high: at the

LET’S MEET WITH CHARACTER | EDITORIAL

end of the year, the entire management team will hold a musical again for the hotel guests. Is there anything more precious they could give than their own time?

Prekmurje is the home of truly special people; it is a place where every guest is welcomed like an old friend. Here, we endeavour to use our varied range of hotel services with a local twist to preserve and enhance the charm of the destination.

RICH TRADITION AND REFERENCES

1894 2015

Events have been held in

Bled since 1894

Over 900meetings organized

every year inSava Hotels & Resorts

Sava Hotels & Resortsholds several annual events, like the Bled

Strategic Forum

ALL YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF

44 halls in 4 Slovenian cities

3 attractive Slovenian MICE regions

More than 1,800 hotel rooms

Over 5,586 sq.m of meeting space

PERFECT FOR WORK AND RELAXATION

A TEAM TO REMEMBER

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U S

HO

UL

D K

NO

WAB

OUT

SAV

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TELS

& R

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GREEN EVENTSdecrease of organic trash in Sava Hotels Bled in 2014 in comparison to 2013

of local ingredients used in catering within Sava Hotels Bled per year

of tap water served at meetings within within Sava Hotels Bled per year

of meeting organizers implemented some of the suggested “green” practices into their events

herbal plants that were plantedby Sava guests and partners

carbon footprintanalysis was made in Slovenia

30%

4.000 l

30%

300

1st

2 tons

A complete package of hotel, conference, wellness and other services

72 indoor and outdoor swimming pools

%ermal water temperaturefrom 22 to 38 °C

Over 50 team-building and incentive ideas

Fresh thinking with perfect combination of highly experienced personnel and young colleagues

Fresh

8 MICE experts covering all Slovenia

8 languages spoken

28-38 C

14 hotels of 3, 4 and 5***** categories

EVEN GREATER CHOICE 6 apartment

villages6 thermal and

spa resorts

1 golf course

4 wellness centres 5 camps

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Moravske Toplice

BledPtuj

Modernity & Diversity in harmony with nature

A combination of business andsocial life with a Roman twist

PTUJBLED

MEETINGSWITH CHARACTERS Ăƚ�ϯ�ƵŶŝƋƵĞ�ĂŶĚ�ĚŝǀĞƌƐĞ�ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶƐ

Foto Bled LTO

Where genuine Prekmurje hospitalitymeets profesionalism to perfection

MORAVSKE TOPLICE

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From 8th – 14th April, 2015, Bled hosted the International Air Tra&c Controllers Hockey Tournament, attracting approximately 300 players and supporters hailing from all over Canada, the U.S., Russia and Europe and making it quite an event.

Bled hosted one of the main international sports gatherings on Slovenian soil in 2015. From 9th – 12th April, 2015, the Election Congress of European Athletics (EA) brought together more than 50 countries’ delegations and in total more than 250 of the most prominent representatives of European and World Athletics.

%e ‘Train the Foot Trainer’ programme was initiated and is organised by IWDG (International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot) and IDF (International Diabetes Federation) and their event was attended by European delegates and experts from 17th – 21st February 2015 at Hotel Golf, Bled, Slovenia.

%e 12th Slovenian Conference on Plant Protection took place in the Grand Hotel Primus**** Superior in Ptuj from March 3rd - 4th, 2015. Grand Hotel Primus has helped Slovenia’s oldest town develop into a hub of business events and become a town with a comprehensive range of hotel, conference, gastronomy, gol(ng and relaxation facilities.

In order to preserve and develop its gastronomic heritage, the “Taste Bled” destination project was launched. Individual local partners joined forces to create an unforgettable culinary experience based on both tradition and modern trends. Fresh and seasonal dishes are presented in street-food style from wooden booths using only eco-friendly materials. %e concept has already been presented at the biggest destination events and as an alternative form of lunch/dinner break for the delegates of some hosted corporate conferences. “Taste Bled” is not just about food preparation and presentation; it also conveys the positive message of synergy and partnership between local suppliers.

The 12th Slovenian Conference on Plant Protection

Taste Bled

International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot

The Election Congress of European AthleticsAir Tra!c Controllers Hockey Tournament

WHAT’S NEWin Sava Hotels & Resorts 2015

No two visits to Slovenia are the same, as it is a destination that is constantly evolving. To help keep you up to speed, here are some of the latest things happening.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW | WHAT’S NEW

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BLED MEET BUSTERS10 congress myths that you didn’t dare to ask, or know whom to ask

MYTH 1: Bled is a tourist and congress icon of Slovenia

Bled is a global tourist icon characterized by the image of its island in the lake and the castle perched above it, sealing its rank amongst the hottest and most photogenic destinations of Europe.

MYTH 3: Bled has healingpowers on its congress participants

Bled has a mild, healthy, sub-Alpine climate, with the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. Moreover, it has genuine healing spring waters, which are used in the three swimming pools of the Grand Hotel Toplice (23 °C), Hotel Park and Hotel Golf, which o'er not only a pleasant swimming experience, but also the successful treatment of stress related illnesses, exhaustion, neuro-vegetative disorders and age-related fatigue. Bled has been known as a natural healing resort since 1895, when the Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli put Bled on the medical tourism map.

MYTH 2: Bled Island isthe only island in Slovenia

It is not the only one, but it is probably the most beautiful. %e most recognizable symbol of the island is the Church of Virgin Mary with a long and rich history, but the lush greenery hides even more interesting island buildings, such as the Wishing Bell Tower, the vicarage and Provost’s House, and a small hermitage with some mysterious legends.

MYTH 4: "e famous Bledcream cake was created in Bled

%e crispy golden brown crust, sprinkled with ground sugar, yellow custard and white whipped cream is o&cially protected as an original Bled cream cake – “kremšnita”. However, the original recipe was brought to Slovenia from Vojvodina by the confectioner Ištvan Lukaševič, who moved from Sente in Vojdovina to Bled, where the legend of “kremšnita” was (nally settled.

BLED MEET BUSTERS | BLED MYTHS

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MYTH 7: It is forbiddento swim in the lake

Lake Bled has some very nice beaches, the most attractive being “grajska plaza” just below the picturesque castle and the beach in Zaka. In the lake not only can you swim, but also compete in rowing, (sh, take a ride on a traditional Pletna Boat to the island or simply stroll leisurely around the lake. In the summer months, the water temperature even gets up to 25°C.

MYTH 5: It is possible to organisean event in the national park

%e best national parks in Europe o'er outstanding landscapes and the joyful experience of wilderness. %e only Slovenian national park, the Triglav National Park, is an alpine landscape considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. %e park administration is situated in Bled and from there it’s easy to explore the wonders of the park, in which you can participate in a variety of incentive programs.

MYTH 6: Bled is a place where congress participants can sleep in camps

%e eco-village “Gozdne Vile” o'ers a special type of accommodation, with its wooden huts following the latest trends in camping, but transforming the simple activity of engaging with nature into an altogether more glamorous experience: “glamping”. Gozdne vile consists of small wooden huts o'ering accommodation right in the heart of nature. %ey are similar to the wooden houses, called “kožarice, that the charcoal burners once built at Pokljuka for their summer accommodation. Eight huts have been manufactured from organically grown, untreated larch wood and covered with larch shingles. %ese have proved to be very popular among congress guests.

MYTH 8: Bled is only suitablefor small-size meetings

With 512 seats, the Bled Congress Centre (Festival Hall) is the town’s largest convention hall. It boasts a superb lakeside location in the very heart of the town, enabling easy access from several hotels of various categories, which are all within easy walking distance.

BLED MYTHS | BLED MEET BUSTERS

MYTH 9: Green meetings can be organised in Bled

Under the slogan “Green for Tomorrow”, Sava Hotels Bled took its (rst steps towards sustainability, such as consistent recycling, the reduction of energy and water consumption, the use of local suppliers and the development of eco-friendly goods.

MYTH 10: "e accordion is a typicalinstrument of Bled and theGorenjska region

%e Accordion is an indispensable part of Slovenian folk music and it was in the vicinity of Bled that the most successful Slovenian ensemble, %e Avsenik Brothers Ensemble, gave their performances. During their heyday from 1953 to 1990 they released around 120 records and cassettes to a total circulation of more than 30 million listeners. In total they have about 670 songs and to learn more about them you can visit their museum and restaurant in Begunje, not far from Bled.

BLED MEET BUSTERS | BLED MYTHS10

11PRESENTING BLED MICE TEAM | MICE CHARACTERS

Elvira KrupičHead of MICE Sales at Sava Hoteli Bled

PRESENTINGBLED MICE TEAMBe fair and moral

Challenging moments?%ere are many! For example, when I would like to make a proposal for a non-standard event; when I need more breakout rooms than there are meeting rooms available under one roof; when I need more sq.m of exhibition space than there are in all the foyers of the hotel; when I need 3 di'erent and appealing large venues for 3 evening social events outside the hotel; when I need more hotel rooms than are available at the time; when I need to (nd more parking spaces than the maximum capacity of the hotels and public parking areas; when I need to put myself in the shoes of a local CVB or a DMC; to create a great meeting scenario = an experience of a destination but with the main goal of selling as many hotel rooms, meeting area and F&B as possible.And then there is also when I need to solve an overbooking problem… I will never forget how we once needed to tell a groom and his bride a few days before their wedding that they would not be able to have their wedding reception in their dream banquet hall, as we had a double booking with a large banquet of medical doctors that we were not able to move anywhere else due to the number of guests.Lastly there is when I need to play so many roles: to be very practical when selling to a professor of physics, and very patient and creative when I am selling to a PR manager in one of the corporations.

Dream event?I have actually experienced a few of those and I would wish for more of that kind:• IPCC Working Group II: 340 delegates from all around the

world, staying for approximately 6 nights, using all three main hotels, one large plenary room, 30 breakout rooms, a welcome reception, a grand banquet dinner… so much publicity, receiving so much great feedback!

• %e Presidency of the Republic of Slovenia of the EU in 2008: having high pro(le international events and hosting all kinds of delegations every week throughout the half-year period. I would be happy to experience that at least once more. J

What’s your management style?To be honest and fair, and teamwork is important. I am not a dictator; con)icts need to be resolved immediately. I prefer to be a coach to my colleagues and share my knowledge, rather than do everything myself because I cannot trust anyone. Facts, details and accuracy are important with everything I am responsible for.

What would your keymanagement advice be?Be fair and moral with the things you do and the decisions you make. Be con(dent about your opinions and explain them with good arguments. And if you have knowledge and professional attitude, authority and respect will be easy to gain from your colleagues and clients.

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Ana TolarMICE Sales Manager at Sava Hoteli Bled

PRESENTINGBLED MICE TEAM^ĞůĨ�ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶƚ͕�ŇĞdžŝďůĞ�ĂŶĚ�ĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ��

Challenging moments?%e main challenge in every event I work on is undoubtedly how to organise it to ensure maximum success for the client and the company alike. Sometimes there is no end to the challenges – that is when it is important to keep your organisational skills at the highest level, but sometimes all you have to do is stay calm :)

Best event?On a personal level, it is de(nitely when, after the conclusion of a client’s (rst major event held in our hotel, they tell you that they have decided to organise all their other events here as well. It is also the greatest possible motivation that a client can give you.

Dream event?Umm, I don’t know... probably any event that goes smoothly, without any major problems. Each event poses its own challenges.

Alternative career? Since I have quite a few hobbies, I see my alternative career path somewhere in the cross section of my hobbies and formal education – perhaps ecotourism, major sport event organisation or something to do with photography and design. If I had to go through formal education again, I might choose something completely di'erent – graphic design, or website design.

What’s your management style?Considering the fact that I work very well within a team, this is how I make my decisions when it comes to major, important matters – I consult my colleagues in our department and in other areas, always striving to (nd the best solution for the company and the client.

What would your keymanagement advice be?Self-con(dence, )exibility, friendliness.

MICE CHARACTERS | PRESENTING BLED MICE TEAM

13PRESENTING BLED MICE TEAM | MICE CHARACTERS

Špela PipanMICE Sales Manager at Sava Hoteli Bled

PRESENTINGBLED MICE TEAM�ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŶŐ�ĂŶĚ�ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ�ǁŝƚŚ�ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ�ŝƐ�ŵLJ�ƉĂƐƐŝŽŶ

Challenging moments?I joined Sava Hoteli Bled after working for a company that produces wooden doors and furniture, so there was no connection with the MICE business at all. ‘Well’, I thought, ‘a sale is a sale, no matter what you’re selling’. Along with completely changing my (eld of work, however, my timing of starting my career at the Sava Group was of special challenge, as at the same time two of my colleagues were on their maternity leave, so there was practically no one who could lead me through the basics about this business! Even today we are still laughing about it (although at that time I did not!) when I remember picking up one of my (rst phone calls with a famous Slovenian DMC. It was a request for a conference and besides the plenary room they also wanted a few breakout rooms. Not having heard this terminology before, I asked  – “and what exactly is a breakout room?” So you can imagine the reaction on the other end of the phone!

Best event?In the last 5 years I have witnessed and coordinated various events. Many association, corporate and political events have taken place at our properties in Bled, but the Bled Strategic forum still has a special place in my heart. Over the past decade, the Bled Strategic Forum has grown into a successful platform for high-level strategic dialogue between leaders from the private and public sectors on key issues facing Europe and the world in the 21st century. It is also one of the leading international conferences to take place in the region and I look forward to being a part of it every single year- this year we will already host its 10th outing.

Dream event?I would say that practically every meeting connected to the army is a dream event, and not only because of the good looking soldiers. Normally they stay at the hotel for the whole week, having a very well organised programme with no last minute or even any on the spot changes, and consequently the participants are also usually more than satis(ed with everything.

Alternative career? It is quite stressful working in the MICE industry, especially if the process involves everything from selling and creating contracts to being on the spot when the meeting is taking place, so sometimes I think how nice it would be if I could be at home in my big garden, planting vegetables, making some healthy produce, with no stress at all. But I think that after a few days I would only be stressed again because there is no stress. 

What’s your management style?In one word: practical.

What would your keymanagement advice be?Communicating and working with your team and the client.

14 MICE CHARACTERS | PRESENTING BLED MICE TEAM

Mateja LegatMICE Sales Manager at Sava Hoteli Bled

PRESENTINGBLED MICE TEAM<ĞĞƉ�ŝƚ�ƐŚŽƌƚ�Θ�ƐŝŵƉůĞ�Θ�ƐŵŝůŝŶŐ

Challenging moments?%e (rst event of my career was a meeting of 13 Central European presidents, so I suddenly had this opportunity to learn about the real scope of event organisation. And I stuck with it.

%en there was a meeting for the wedding of a couple from England – me on one side of the table, the couple and about 10 of their relatives on the other.

Best event?A 2-week event for 180 scientists, mainly because we managed to keep up the WOW e'ect from the (rst day to the very last. %ey will be coming back to us in Bled next year.

Dream event? Earning EUR 200,000 at an event thatonly takes 3 days of work.

Alternative career? I don’t know why, but I have always wanted to have my own sur(ng school and considering how many windy days we have had in Bled recently…

What’s your management style?Constant and genuine relationships with my colleagues (with as few mood swings typical for women as possible).

What would your keymanagement advice be?Keep it short & simple & smiling.

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Janette PoglajenMICE Sales Manager at Terme Ptuj

PRESENTINGPTUJ MICE TEAM>ŝƐƚĞŶ�ƚŽ�ƚŚĞ�ŐƵĞƐƚƐ͕�ƚŽ�ƚŚĞŝƌ�ǁŝƐŚĞƐ�ĂŶĚ�ŶĞĞĚƐ

Challenging moments?In tourism, challenges are essential. %ey inspire me in my work, giving me the motivation to try to improve and enhance our implementation of the programme for each new event. Every event is special in its way – that is the magic of working in MICE.

Best event?I couldn’t say that there was an event that was my favourite or the closest to my heart – I (nd that there is something interesting about every event. As a person, I am absolutely a fan of new things and experiences, which is re)ected in my everyday work.

Dream event?My wish for events is to give the participants the opportunity to experience our Roman story and identify with the way of life back then. Each Sava Hotels & Resorts destination has its own story and I think the best events are the ones where participants can discover our chain as a whole. It could be an event that lasts a few days and which can be organised at all destinations, or an event that inspires the participants to want to visit all destinations to experience the other stories that Sava Hotels & Resorts has to o'er. Whatever the case, when the participants leave us, I always want them to feel like they have seen and experienced something new and are ready to face the challenges of their work.

Alternative career? I am very passionate about my profession, since it is something that I have wanted to do since I was little.As a young girl, I always dreamt about becoming a wedding planner. Now I organise all kinds of events, including weddings, which is just an added bonus.When you get up in the morning and think how lucky you are to have the job that you do, that is it!

What’s your management style?I am ambitious and always ready for new challenges. I would describe my management and MICE organisation style as innovative, varied, and )exible, ready to adapt to the wishes of the client.

What would your keymanagement advice be?I think the most important thing is to listen to the guests, to their wishes and needs, and to try to ful(l them as best as you can. %e easiest way to gain the client’s trust is by using your initiative in being ambitious when planning the event.

PRESENTING PTUJ MICE TEAM | MICE CHARACTERS

16 MICE CHARACTERS | PRESENTING MORAVSKE TOPLICE MICE TEAM

Špela HorvatMICE Sales Manager at

Zdravili!"e Radenci & Moravske Toplice

PRESENTING MORAVSKE TOPLICE MICE TEAMdƌLJ�ƚŽ�ƐĞĞ�ƚŚĞ�ŐŽŽĚ�ŝŶ�ĞǀĞƌLJ�ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ

Challenging moments?Just like the moment before jumping out of a plane 4,000 metres above the ground, it was the moment I decided to join the MICE team in Sava Hotels and Resorts. In both cases it was a wonderful experience that you can never regret, giving you more satisfaction and pleasure than you could have expected.

Best event?I would say: “the best is yet to come”.

Dream event? Every event that forms a solid basis for long-term collaboration with the client. It is a pleasure and an encouragement at the same time when, at the end of the event, the client is looking forward to encountering your destination again.

Alternative career? Scuba diving Instructor at El Nido - Palawan.

What’s your management style?Don’t live to work or work to live - just live enjoying your work. Only when you feel passionate about what you do and only when you (nd friends among your colleagues will you (nd the strength for great achievements.

What would your keymanagement advice be?Don’t present problems without solutions and at the same time try to see the good in every situation. Starting to see problems as a challenge is already half way to victory.

17BLED

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BLED FORMEETINGS AND EVENTS�>���Ͳ�ŝĐŽŶŝĐ�ŵĞĞƟŶŐƐ�ǁŝƚŚ�ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ

Bled is unquestionably among Slovenia’s leading meeting destinations. %e lake, island and castle are a truly unforgettable sight, with countless other natural and cultural attractions to stun visitors just a short drive away. A meeting in Bled will stay in the memory of attendees forever. As a recognisable iconic brand Bled stands out among other meeting destinations in the region.

TOP 5 PLACES WHERE PEOPLE MEET%e best places to meet, stay and incentivize in Bled are

HOTEL GOLF%e Golf Hotel is a modern conference and spa hotel standing on a small hill in the centre of Bled. With as many as eight function rooms and over 1,000 sq. m of meeting space, the hotel is the largest hotel convention centre in Bled, priding itself on its long- established tradition of hosting the most diverse meetings. A special feature of the Golf Hotel is the exceptional Živa Wellness Centre, which aims to further the heritage of Arnold Rikli’s 19th century healing methods and enhance them with a modern approach.

MICE GUIDE | BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS

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HOTEL PARK%e Park Hotel enjoys a central location on the shore of Lake Bled, close to the Bled Congress Centre and amidst Bled’s lively goings-on, which makes it a popular choice for business and leisure travellers alike. %e hotel boasts a conference centre with three halls, the largest of which seats up to 120 participants theatre-style and is divisible. %ere are two business o&ces, spacious exhibition areas and four additional function rooms located on di'erent hotel )oors. Beautiful views of the lake unfold from all of the meeting spaces.

GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE%e Grand Hotel Toplice boasts a prime location right on the shore of Lake Bled. %e (ve-star hotel has retained the elegant style of the 1930s and is one of Slovenia’s most distinguished hotels, o'ering traditional comfort and the highest level of services. %e hotel’s conference centre features two larger, divisible conference halls, as well as two smaller meeting rooms, several indoor exhibition spaces and magni(cent lakeside terraces ideal for co'ee breaks.

BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS | MICE GUIDE

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BLED CONGRESS CENTERWith 512 seats, the Bled Congress Centre is Bled’s largest convention hall. It boasts a superb, lakeside location in the very heart of the town, enabling easy access from several hotels of various categories that are all within walking distance. %e centre was built in 1961 for a major chess event and underwent a thorough renovation prior to Bled hosting the 1989 World Rowing Championships. %e facility is the prime setting for larger corporate, association, scienti(c and governmental meetings, as well as cultural events.

BLED CASTLEFor centuries the imposing Bled Castle has been watching over the lake and the town from its steep, 130m-high rocky mount. Written about as early as 1011, it is Slovenia’s oldest castle. Most of the castle today dates back to the Renaissance period, while the daunting stone walls stem from the Romanesque. %e castle is a unique viewpoint, with beautiful vistas across the lake, the island and the surrounding villages, even extending as far as the Karavanke and Julian Alps.

MICE GUIDE | BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS

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ESSENTIAL MEETING EXPERIENCESSTAY LOCALTake a Pletna boat%e pletna boat, the origins of which go back to the 12th century, are rowed by a boatman standing upright and are covered by a linen canopy, which is probably where their name originates from.

Boat tra&c on the lake was regulated by Empress Maria %eresa in the 18th century, who gave 22 families the rights to operate boats. %eir descendants retain these rights to this day.

HITTHE STREETSBled Island%e island on Lake Bled is a charming sight that together with the mighty castle adds to the enduring allure of Bled. %e ride in a traditional wooden ‘pletna’ boat to reach it is an adventure in its own right, but alternatively visitors may opt to row to the island themselves, while in particularly cold winters, when the lake freezes, it can even be possible to walk there.

PLAY THE GAMEBled Golf CourseSet in idyllic countryside and with majestic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, the Bled Golf Course ranks among central Europe’s most beautiful and oldest golf courses. Laid out in 1937, its 18-hole King’s Course was redesigned by Donald Harradine in 1972 and was joined by the 9-hole Lake Course in 1993.

%e two courses are suitable for beginners and professional golfers alike, and pride themselves on great open spaces and fairytale countryside. %is treat for gol(ng enthusiasts also has three practice greens and a driving range. If treading the fairways doesn’t appeal, the Alpine-style Lake House will surely beckon for an informal get-together in its pleasant, comfortable interior or on its shadyterrace overlooking the Lake Course.

BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS | MICE GUIDE

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ESSENTIAL INCENTIVE EXPERIENCESROWING WITH

OLYMPIANS ON LAKE BLED

Accompanied by Slovenian rowing Olympians, participants will learn basic rowing skills in professional racing boats. An eight person crew demonstrates the balance between individual strength and team performance.

%e experience will allow your team to feel the physical, mental and emotional aspects of working together – as well as learn how to move a boat e&ciently and with speed…

VITAL PLUS AT CAMPING BLED

%is multi-day ‘glamping’ programme focuses on your vitality and includes workout sessions such as morning yoga, cycling on Pokljuka and jogging, during which participants get to encounter the sights of Bled.

Invigorating breakfasts will be served on the pier, but lunch will (rst have to be caught and one of the dinners will feature live cooking by chef Simon.

CHEF’S TABLEA 3-hour event, the Chef’s Table is an ultimate culinary experience encouraging the team to pop into the kitchen with their colleagues to partake in an interactive cooking demonstration (lled with fun cooking tips and tricks, then afterwards to bond over a seated meal.

MICE GUIDE | BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS

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ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

Special venue: Vila Bled%e unique Vila Bled is in a majestic park right on the shore of Lake Bled, its setting outside the centre of Bled ensuring privacy for the most selective events. %e villa was constructed in 1947 on the site of a former royal summer home and subsequently served for decades as one of President Tito’s residences, before being turned into a boutique 1950s-style hotel. %e reception hall has direct access to a lake-side terrace and is a wonderful venue for meetings of various kinds, as well as gala dinners prepared and served by the highly skilled sta' of the Slovenian State Protocol Service, which manages the hotel.

Special Venue: "e Belvedere PavilionAn exceptional building set on 30-metre pillars in the hotel park, it was designed by Jože Plečnik, one of the greatest Slovenian architects, as the reception area of a new royal residence, the plans for which never came to fruition. It was later used by Tito for relaxed tea parties and today it makes for an outstanding setting for a standing reception with the most beautiful view across Lake Bled and the island.

Legend of the widow Poliksena and the sunken bellAround the year 1500, the castle administrator was a man called Hartman Kreigh, who reputedly ruled with an iron (st. One day, however, he disappeared without trace, never to be seen again. His wife Poliksena, also a merciless lady, was inconsolable. In his memory, she gathered all her gold and silver to have a bell cast for the island chapel, but while the bell was being ferried to the island, a severe storm sprang up, capsizing the boat and taking the boatmen and the bell to the bottom of the lake with it. Devastated, Poliksena left Bled to enter a convent. When the Pope heard her story, he had a new bell cast and sent it to Bled, but to this day it is said that on windy nights the original bell can still be heard tolling at the bottom of the lake.

BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS | MICE GUIDE

WHEN IN BLED – MUST HAVE GASTRONOMY

THE ORIGINAL BLED CREAM CAKEIt would be a sin to leave Bled without tasting the original Bled cream cake! Not every cream slice is the original Bled cream cake. Seven, the fairytale number, is the secret behind this legendary dessert. To make the original Bled cream cake, pu' pastry is folded seven times and left to rest overnight, so it is even lighter when baked in the morning. A light egg custard is boiled for precisely seven minutes before sti-y beaten egg whites are added to it and the mixture poured over the (rst layer of delicate pu' pastry. %e delicious custard cream is then topped with a layer of whipped cream and covered with a second layer of pu' pastry, which is then dusted with vanilla sugar. %e original Bled cream cakes are still made strictly to the recipe perfected by the pastry chef in the 1940s.

PRO BLED

10 real places that look like they belong in fairy tales, Trip Advisor

Number of bedsin 3* hotelsin Bled: 773

Number of beds in 5* and 4* hotels in Bled: 1.508

2002 Bledsunshine hours

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

4 °C

Bled is safe. Slovenia ranks among the safest destinations in the world.

Bled is compact, with all its facilities and sights being within walking distance.

Bled has excellent infrastructure. Its conference infrastructure is constantly being upgraded and modernised.

Accommodation options range from the simple to the sophisticated and are all good value for money.

Bled has a rich tradition in hosting meetings. It has been actively present on the world conference map for over 25 years, playing host to medium-sized corporate, association and governmental meetings of between 100 and 400 delegates, as well as frequent top-end sports events.

Many meetings have found their home in Bled, returning year after year.

Bled is attractive. Beautiful nature provides a fantastic backdrop that enthuses and inspires participants. %e lake, island and castle are a truly unforgettable sight, with countless other natural and cultural attractions to stun visitors merely a short drive away. A meeting in Bled will stay in the memory of attendees forever.

Bled is easily accessible. %e country lies in the heart of Europe and is easily accessible by air, road and rail. Ljubljana International Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Bled, while Klagenfurt Airport in Austria is another nearby option.

Bled o'ers superb cuisine. Bled gives you the chance to taste its regional fare in a traditional inn, or you can opt for the best gourmet cuisine created by the town’s new generation of contemporary chefs.

Bled blends business with pleasure. Be it an adventurous sporting activity, a cultural exploration or an oeno-gastronomic teambuilding programme, Bled is the right solution.

Competitiveprices of hotels (Hotels.com)

24 MICE GUIDE | BLED FOR MEETING AND EVENTS

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24 HOURS IN PREKMURJE1. Moments of Zen %e Pannonian aura

2. Quality timeListen to the waters )ow by the mill on the Mura river and see how the (nest )our is produced

3. Must see A stork in its nest

4. Must do Indulge yourself with the delicious layer cake known as the Prekmurska gibanica

5. Our pick Kodila ham production

PREKMURSKA GIBANICA1 NIGHT INCENTIVE / 24 INCENTIVE HOURS IN PREKMURJE

Overview:Prekmurje, the most exciting part of Slovenia, is set in the Pannonian plain and is an area where you can experience the feelings and joyfulness, as well as the travails, of the “people from the plains”. As the Prekmurje inhabitants live a good distance from central Slovenia, they tend to be even more welcoming when they do get a visit. Our “Gibanica” (Prekmurian layer cake) programme is a combination of Prekmurian melody, outstanding cuisine, a modern business environment and a wide range of various incentive programmes.

ITINERARY DAY 1: FLOW OF THE MURA RIVER10:00 Arrival at Graz or Zagreb airport

11:30 Arrival at Hotel Livada Prestige

12:00 Rafting on the Mura River – Round tripGo rafting on the romantic Mura River under the guidance of experienced wild water kayak and canoe competitors. At the last functioning mill (the Babič mill in Veržej) you will be served a “büjraška malica” lunch, which includes delicious regional specialties such as pajani krüj, zasika, česnek and žganica.

15:00 Visit to the beekeeper %e Bee’s Castle is an ecological beekeeping farm set in the beautiful surroundings of the Goričko nature park, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You will get the chance to see the beekeeper at work, understand the life of a bee family and also learn how honey “gets” from the )ower to the table.

17:00 Arrival at Hotel Livada Prestige, Sava Hotels & Resorts

17.30 Quality time! Take the chance to relax in the black thermalmineral water known for its therapeutic e'ects, particularly on rheumatism and musculoskeletal system problems, as well as for engendering a general sense of wellbeing.

19:00 Gibanica – %e Prekmurian layer cake is unique among dessertsand is recognised as a Slovene national culinary specialty. It prides itself on its European ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’ label, and you get to learn how to make the best one.

20:00 Dinner, Prekmurje style.

DAY 2: TIME TRAVEL: WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE 100 YEARS AGO?08:00 Breakfast, Prekmurje style.

09:30 Visit of one of best-preserved houses in Prekmurje andmeet with the craftsmen of the region: a potter, a roofer, a pumpkin seed oil producer and a genuine Prekmurje ham producer.

12:00 Lunch at a tourist farm.

14:00 Transfer to the airport.

Other options: Photo Safari or Golf and Goulash

PREKMURSKA GIBANICA | 24 HOURS IN PREKMURJE

%e motorway to Prekmurje was recently built, making getting from Ljubljana to Murska Sobota no longer an odyssey, but simply a hop, skip and a jump!

Hotel Livada Prestige,Sava Hotels & Resorts.

Tourist farms withauthentic local food.

%e Mura river connects the Slovenian region of Prekmurje to the Croatian Međimurje.

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%e approach to Prekmurje is in itself something special; a whole new world, one full of both history and the present day, opens up before you in one of the most picturesque and pristine Slovenian landscapes. %is is a region full of small congress stories waiting to be shared. And the story doesn‘t end here......the people of Prekmurje are people who are full of kindness and always willing to help, explained Špela Horvat, the energetic MICE specialist from Terme 3000. Her word can be taken as gospel, as she herself is a complete truly epitomisation of the Prekmurje character.

So, where to start?%e most important congress story is based in the Sava Hotels of Moravske Toplice and Radenci. %e hotel complex in Moravske Toplice houses a total of 6 conference halls covering 597 m2, while the 290 rooms available in three hotels allow on-site accommodation for conference guests. Zdravilišče Radenci boasts an easily accessible hotel conference centre comprising 8 multipurpose conference halls and rooms with top of the range technical equipment. Under one roof, you will (nd conference facilities, 419 comfortable hotel rooms and a range of health and wellness services that will enhance your business meeting with leisure activities.

What makes Prekmurje so special?For a long time Prekmurje has had its ‘gastro charm’ built on the core ingredients of pumpkin seed oil, Prekmurje ham, authentic vegetables with the Slovenian Lušt tomato, alongside many other local and seasonal treats. Gastronomy is an core element of their tourist attraction that in the past decade has really got itself into full swing. Ask the question: “What would you bring

your congress guest to the table?”, and you will get to hear of the Over Mura moving cake, the Prekmurje ham, ‘tunka’, ‘dodoli’ and a litany of other savoury goodies. And there are very many special venues for those who want to taste these treats and explore the gastronomical part of Prekmurje: with its most famous cellar open for tastings, the Marof Wine Cellar in Mačkovci, having a tasting room on the ground )oor with an excellent view of its sprawling vineyards and natural beauty. %e perfectly designed wine cellar is one of the most exciting special venues, but for the classic ambience the Marof mansion is another (ne option.

In nearby Prlekija there is Dom Penine, another special venue that is home of the renowned Radgonska sparkling wine. %e traditional tasting hall o'ers you a basic champagne tasting or a more complex guided or blind tasting experience. A true gastronomical institution is the Rajh restaurant in Bakovci. Passionately crafted culinary masterpieces set the restaurant apart as one of the most innovative in all of Slovenia. A culinary journey through

PREKMURJE | TIMELINE

PREKMURJE On the Pannonian sea

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this region isn’t complete without a visit to Šunkarna Kodila, where you can taste the legendary Prekmurje ham in it’s authentic environment.

Another spot not to be missed is the Mencinger restaurant, o'ering traditional Panonian gastronomy with local and seasonal ingredients in a nice, cultural ambience from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy epoch. In the many venues there is no lack of traditional produce with which you can spoil and delight guests before they have to leave, with the fragrant Kocbek pumpkinseed

oil the passion and inspiration for much of the local gastronomy, but it is just one small piece of a huge culinary story that would need much more space to list the whole gamut of providers. Simply sit back, relax and let time stand still for congress participants or a tourist fam as they enjoy one of the many restaurants serving excellent food accompanied by excellent wine.

By the river and on the waves of Mura%e Prekmurje ensemble is rounded o' with its many incentive providers who o'er various adventures in a broad but top quality o'er. %e Mura river might at (rst sight seem like a calm waterway, but taking a raft on it can o'er a very di'erent perspective of the river and its surrounding landscape. Muramar and Murski Čolnar are the most active companies for this activity. An especially lively location is lake Bukovnica; besides the healing Vidov spring it has an adventure park for proper adrenaline seekers! %en just a stone’s throw away your participants can learn about the di'erent principles of orchid growing, where you can be amazed at more than 300 di'erent kinds of orchids in the Ocean Orchids tropical

TIMELINE | PREKMURJE

garden. A totally di'erent incentive adventure is in visiting the Lušt greenhouse in the small village of Renkovci, where you can get to know how the Slovenian tomato makes it’s way from the (elds to the table. Or you can enjoy an educational story in Čebelji Gradič, which o'ers an unforgettable sustainable experience for all kinds of nature lovers. %ere is also a small house of organic shapes hiding in the heart of Slovenske Gorice; it is called the Pachamama centre and it creates amazing products through its own speci(c the alchemy it carried out with nature.

%ere is one thing that is certain: Prekmurje is an extraordinary congress destination waiting to be discovered. And once it is, the generous nature of the kind and hospitable people await you.

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BE

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Grand Hotel Toplice – History of an icon%e renovated Grand Hotel Toplice has an illustrious history; unlike the many new designer hotels coming on stream today, it has throughout its years collected and absorbed numerous fascinating tales of the guests who have been passing through its doors. %ere is one stand-out story dating right back to 1939, when Grand Hotel Toplice welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey. %e newlyweds from England had chosen Bled as their honeymoon destination, but unfortunately during their stay England had declared war on Germany and with the closed borders of Europe the Humphreys encountered a number of problems making their return journey. On their safe arrival home they decided to hang the photo of the beautiful Lake Bled, taken during their honeymoon, on their living room wall as a daily reminder of the romantic time they spent together in Slovenia. Over the following years the couple had three children, all of whom grew up listening to stories about the ‘fairytale’ place of Bled and looking at the photo that was still hanging on the wall after so many years. In 2015 their daughter, Diana, decided that she would visit this beautiful place that her parents remembered so fondly.

Grand Hotel Toplice – What’s it like?What makes the Grand Hotel Toplice so special is its old world charm and quaintness. %e creaking of well-preserved parquet )oors and the smell of old wood are reminiscent of the many stories we hear in childhood; this is a place where the imagination can really come alive! %e Presidential lounge radiates the history of the many important political leaders and diplomats who shook hands there and the many important agreements that were signed in that very same room. Every piece of the hotel tells its own story: the China with its gold logo, the silver plated accessories, the heavy furniture... Grand Hotel Toplice truly has an old soul that hasn’t lost any of its old charm.

Grand Hotel Toplice – Elevate your meetings %e Grand Hotel Toplice is renowned for hosting the most demanding protocol, social, business and education events. %e conference rooms are infused with the character, history and tradition of the hotel. %e atmosphere is particularly pleasant thanks to the natural light and magni(cent views of Lake Bled, but in order to enjoy the event in full, one also has to of course be well rested. Fortunately, the Grand Hotel Toplice is the King of comfort and relaxation, being one of the (rst hotels in Europe to have an air system that regulates the mattress (rmness. For an even higher quality sleep guests can also choose the type of pillow they prefer and, before settling down for the night, enjoy the good energy generated by the thermal spring located next to the hotel. To top it all o', they can also visit the in-house wellness centre, where they can get fully re-energized and revitalized.

"e traditional elegance of the hotel was just the way she had pictured it and she was so happy to experience it herself that she shared the story with the hotel sta$ and donated the original hotel receipt and caricatures of her parents made in Bled back in 1939.

GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE | BEHIND THE SCENES

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INCENTIVE WITH A VIEWTHE LAKE IS YOUROYSTER ‘SUPING’ ON LAKE BLED Incentive: ‘Suping’ is a modern form of recreation that also o'ers the social sides of nature exploration. %e wide boards specially designed to glide along rivers, lakes and calm seas are very stable and at the same time give your entire body a good workout. After being guided through the demonstration class by instructors who help put you on your feet on the board, you can ‘sup’ across lake Bled, all the way to the island in the middle of it, in the pleasant company of your friends on your (rst suping adventure. Starting at Mala Zaka bay, you’ll (nd the camp with all the necessary equipment there. Bon voyage!

ROMAN DINNERHedonistic experience

Incentive: %e ‘Roman dinner’ is a thematic culinary event, organised at the hotel swimming pools. It is a 4-hour programme starting o' with the ancient Roman general Marcus Antonius Primus and one of his Vestal virgins greeting the guests and telling them a short story about the history of Ancient Rome, followed by Oriental dancers performing, a wrestling bout, Lukullus sharing anecdotes about wine and much more. Guests are dressed in togas and can enjoy the swimming, feasting, regaling and all the other Roman treats…

DO YOU KNOWWHAT YOU’RE EATING?Incentive: Participants get acquainted through the centuries-old tradition of hanging and curing smoked ham from Prekmurje, as well as whilst they not only learn how to cook the “prekmurski bograč” stew, but compete in rustling up the best tasting one. %e programme is spiced up with a visit to a greenhouse in Renkovci, where the Lušt tomatoes - probably the best tomatoes in the country - are grown.

On top of all this the group get to know more about smoked ham, the meat specialty of “tünka”, the traditional desert “posolanka”, the potato dish “dödli”, and “gibanica”, the famous pastry dish of Prekmurje. It’s foodie heaven!

Wow factor: Catch your balanceCompany: Sava Hotels & ResortsCategory: Active experiencesBest time of the year: Spring to AutumnDuration: 3 hoursMinimum/maximumnumber of participants: 1 - 20Location: Mala Zaka bay at lake Bled, where your adventure begins.

Wow factor: A hedonistic experience: a Roman feast with Oriental dancers and a wrestling matchCompany: Sava Hotels & ResortsCategory: Culinary experienceBest time of the year: All year roundDuration: 4 hoursMinimum/maximumnumber of participants: 20 - 180Location: Terme Ptuj, Grand Hotel Primus****S, Slovenia

Wow factor: Culinary art by the Mura riverCompany: Sava Hotels & ResortsCategory: Active experiencesBest time of the year: All yearDuration: 10 hoursMinimum/maximumnumber of participants: 1 - 50Location: Moravske Toplice,Markišavci, Renkovci

INVENTIVE INCENTIVE | INCENTIVE WITH A VIEW, BLED, PTUJ, PREKMURJE

ABOUT THE EVENT%e landmark 10th meeting of political leaders, politicians, economists and various other experts all confronting the strategic challenges of the future is the main regional event and is comparable to the meeting held in Davos. %e Bled Strategic Forum has in recent years established itself as one of the most important international conferences at which participants from every continent discuss the main global political and economic challenges. Its primary purpose is to consolidate the image of Slovenia as an area where topical issues can be properly discussed and where the goal of tackling major problems is in (nding their best solutions. %e forum ordinarily attracts more than 500 participants from more than 40 countries. %e year 2015 also marked several major milestones, including the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.

CHALLENGES%e key challenge in implementing this event is in how to upgrade it annually and thereby continue to make it attractive for return participants. A further major challenge is the connection between the various stakeholders in Bled, which has to operate as a single entity during the event, especially so with it being held across di'erent locations, from Festival Hall to the elite congress centre in Hotel Golf. Other challenges include security and protocol, as numerous protocol type guests are in attendance.

A SHINING CASE

EVENT: 10th BLED STRATEGIC FORUM

DATE: 31th August – 1st September 2015

CLIENT: Bled

PARTNERS: Ministry of Foreign A'airs of the Republic of Slovenia

TYPE: Congress with integrated events

BLED

SOLUTIONHaving chosen a location that can facilitate a superb technical execution of the event already ensures that we are half way to success. For many years we have also been developing the various measures to introduce ‘green meetings’ that have been sought by the organisers. Detailed analysis of past events is a good basis for adjustments to the programme and content development that help return participants continue to remember the conference and their hosts. For this, cuisine, authenticity and the hospitality of the locals all play an important role.

AFTER THE EVENTAcknowledgements of the many satis(ed customers are certainly the best measure of our success! As a result of some in)uential people visiting the Bled Strategic Forum for the (rst time, Bled acquired some other international events (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II: 340 delegates from all round the World staying and working for 5-6 days; and IWC – v 2016 coming for the second time).

BLED | A SHINING CASE 31

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ABOUT THE EVENTOver 100 participants gathered in Ptuj to discover the latest products of the company Husqvarna. %e brand has been at the pinnacle of global manufacturers of power tools for several decades and is today synonymous with quality and longevity. %is key event took place across several locations that were presenting di'erent products (lawn mowers, power tools etc.) which participants were able to test out on the grassy areas. At each location food and drink catering was provided and in the evening the Primus market took place in Club Gemina, at which no less than Emperor Antonius Primus himself took the time to show participants around the camp.

CHALLENGESA major challenge was in arranging the catering outside the hotel, because of the bad weather, but the event was nevertheless carried out successfully. %e event was also very demanding to implement, as the client requested strict branding with the aim of consolidating the brand and a preferred presentation combining the modern and the traditional.

A SHINING CASE

EVENT: CONGRESS HUSQVARNA

DATE: 15th – 19th September 2014

LOCATION: Terme Ptuj

CLIENT: Husqvarna Austria GmbH, Industriezeile 36, A-4010 Linz

EXECUTION: Grand Hotel Primus, Tacit Hall, Club Gemina, and other outside areas (parking lot, lawn behind the hotel)

TYPE: Product launch

PTUJ

SOLUTIONA comprehensive solution was sought for the client in which the entire hotel and its surroundings would “breath” the event and be fully equipped in accordance with the client’s corporate image. Business partners from abroad (mainly Austria) were also in attendance and they were impressed by how the Roman stories were also mixed into their event.

AFTER THE EVENT%e quality of service and the ambience of the Grand Hotel Primus****Superior delighted the client. He was keen to stress the almost endless possibilities o'ered by the historic town and the green surroundings of the hotel.

A SHINING CASE | PTUJ

ABOUT THE EVENT%is was a meeting of a mixed international commission that rotates between di'erent countries. In addition to the focussed work of the event, it also included a press conference and had a series of bilateral conversations. One of the important factors for the selection of Moravske Toplice was its the location on the edge of the Pannonian Plain. As a number of extremely acute natural disasters have escalated the signi(cance of this topic, the event received a lot of media coverage.

CHALLENGES%e event is an international one with an emphasis on cooperation between di'erent countries, which places several technical requirements upon hosting it, including being able to deal with demanding translation. Due to the pro(le of the public sector client, it was also necessary that the event was carried out very carefully and with precision.

EVENT: 16th REGULAR MEETING OF THE PERMANENT SLOVENIAN – HUNGARIAN COMISSION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS

DATE: 8th December, 2014

LOCATION: Hotel Livada Prestige, Terme 3000

CLIENT: Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Protection and Rescue

EXECUTION: Terme 3000

TYPE: International conference

A SHINING CASEMORAVSKE TOPLICE

SOLUTION%e event was very tightly organised, with the )ow of information smooth and on time, which is extremely important for public administration events. %ere was an emphasis on providing a suitable working environment for participants that also allowed for socialising and sharing experiences.

AFTER THE EVENTGiven the proverbial hospitality of Prekmurje, the objectives were all reached and exceeded. %e event opens up new possibilities for business cooperation.

MORAVSKE TOPLICE | A SHINING CASE 33

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STOPOVER WITH CHARACTER

Perched atop a cli' rising 130 metres above the glacial waters of Lake Bled, Bled Castle, with its history reaching back to 1004, has for over a millennium o'ered the (nest view of Bled island, the town of Bled and the wider landscape of the Gorenjska region.

When organising a conference in Bled, the castle is a central element of a superb experience. %e Knight Gašper Lambergar %eatre Group, dressed in medieval costumes, transports audiences to the Middle Ages when they give their performances of medieval culture and entertainment that really brings authentic historic life to the castle atmosphere. Other parts of the castle double up as a museum, a traditional manual printing shop and the castle wine cellar. Alongisde all this, the recently renovated castle restaurant o'ers local and regional dishes made in contemporary and sophisticated ways, all with the aim of preserving the gastronomical heritage of Slovenia and the Upper Carniola region.

During the balmy months, the castle courtyard hosts many cultural events, of which ‘Medieval Days’, when knights portray medieval life to visitors, is the most popular.

BLED CASTLE

On the banks of the river Mura and located near Verzej, Babic Mill is the only )oating mill on the river. %e )oating mill is a unique invention that uses the natural energy of water e&ciently and allows farmers to make ground, whole-wheat products. At one time over 90 mills operated along the Mura river, but today only the Babič mill remains in operation and it is where you can buy a wide range of freshly milled )our.

Babič Mill has an interesting history: in 1912, the Babič family bought an old mill that was )oating on the river, but it was completely destroyed in a (re (fteen years after. %ey then constructed a new mill at the same spot a year later, and in a bid to protect it from another disaster they set up the mill house by the river bank and put the mill wheel on special boats. However, this mill was washed away by the river and the family was forced in 1947 to again build a new mill.

! !(È$5�,+(-��! !(È�2�,(++�

On the uppermost slope of the Slovenske Gorice hills, which extend almost as far as the river Drava, there rises a mighty, forti(ed construction - the castle of Ptuj.

Today’s edi(ce has been reconstructed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with the oldest written record of it dating from the 12th century, and it now functions as a museum where visitors can inspect musical instruments used in the past by wealthy Ptuj noblemen and citizens, as well as their furniture, paintings and the small, everyday objects of household furnishings from the second half of the 16th to second half of the 19th centuries. From its wide collection of exhibits the traditional Carnival costumes and masquerade (gures are the most colourful.

In the summer months the castle courtyard, surroundedby the mighty castle walls, is a perfect venue for social events,being also accessible by foot from the Hotel Primus.

PTUJ CASTLE

STOPOVER WITH CHARACTER | BLED, VER!EJ, PTUJ

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MEET THE TEAM

BLED - BEHIND THE SCENES An interesting team of colleagues sharing strong personalities, rich knowledge and broad experience are behind every successful event in Bled and ensure that everything runs smoothly. We took a look behind the scenes at some of the Bled team...

%e charming and ever-positive media technician says that, no matter what, he would always work with multimedia and video production. It is a skill that has been with him since high school, but he has been wooed by the endless possibilities of video production that the internet has opened up. He has experienced everything from euphoric events with network marketing to a live surgical operation, where along with the other participants he trembled for the life of the patient (fortunately the surgeon didn’t tremble…). He mixes his stressful work with building personal relationships with congress organisers and guests, and he has made many close friendships over the years. He thinks the future will bring more live transmissions and a di'erent, more relaxed arrangement of meeting space with the maximum utilization of networking. Dejan recommends that the congress organiser meets him at least an hour before the event to double check that everything is working properly; the human factor is mostly blamed for technical problems, as the equipment rarely fails, so it’s good to eliminate this as fully as possible. You also have the chance to meet him in a parallel world where he creates interesting stories with his colleagues in the working collective “Drhal”. He has certainly been inspired whilst listening to conferences and events!

“Content is becoming more important and with a superior technical performance we make sure that events are expressed properly.”

EXECUTION OF EVENTS IS BASED ON TRUSTDejan Krupič, Multimedia technician

A good barman can always recognise the mood of a guest and, when needed, empathise with it. He can read minds and knows how to prepare the “real thing” – the right drink for the right moment. He will take time for his guests, even if the event is delayed until late into the night. Barmen who can do this, such as Miran, are today on the verge of extinction. For Miran, being a barman is a profession, a hobby and a mission. He is constantly learning, teaching at Hospitality school and testing new recipes at home that will delight his guests at Hotel Golf. He travels around the world to extend his knowledge and as a member of the Executive Committee is active in the Association of Barmen of Slovenia.

Being a barman is a pleasant, responsible and di&cult profession, but is always repaid through the gratitude of satis(ed guests; guests appreciate his energy and say that his good will picks up their day. %e biggest award a barman can receive is when a congress guest returns to Bled as a tourist and becomes our congress ambassador. A huge number of congress organisers have returned to Bled, and it is in no little part thanks to the positive energy of top barman, Miran Berlogar.

“Women love cocktails that combinethe )avours of pineapple and coconut.”

A BARMAN AS A WAY OF LIFEMiran Berlogar, Barman

BLED " BEHIND THE SCENES | MEET THE TEAM

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PTUJ - BEHIND THE SCENES Ever wondered what might be going on at the hotel reception before your event, or what might be the challenges for the chef’s team? Maybe what the thoughts are, or what the ‘team talk’ might be, to inspire the team of waiters before going out in front of the guests? Going behind the scenes we get a glimpse of that world…

When he was only 10 years old he was already under the spell of top cuisine, as this is when he (rst started seriously experimenting with food in his home kitchen. From this point on, cooking as a mission and a profession was the logical choice. His path took him all the way to the famous restaurant of Gordon Ramsey in London. %ere, he realized how di&cult the profession is, which strengthened in him the belief that he will shift the culinary boundaries of Slovenia. He is most proud of dishes that he creates with the team, and during our visit we were unable to resist the heavenly made ravioli. %ere are no boundaries for Simon’s culinary team when organising events; top quality organisation and a professional team is taken as read. %e location is also not an obstacle, since they have already carried out events at almost all of the most picturesque spots of Bled. Simon is also happy to share his culinary knowledge, exchanging and modifying his recipes depending on the style of cooking of those curious to learn from him. When developing your own style traveling helps a lot, and Simon is on a culinary journey at least once a year, a period where he gets to savour new )avours and polish and re(ne his cooking techniques. A typical trademark of Simon and the team is seasonal cuisine with local ingredients executed with top culinary techniques, the result “married” to one of the excellent Slovenian wines. %e exceptional talent ranks him amongst the top three chefs currently coming from the hottest culinary destination of Slovenia.

“Slovenia has superb cuisine thatlacks on international visibility.”

BLED’S CULINARY NEW WAVESimon Bertoncelj, Top Chef Grand Hotel Toplice

%e work of a head receptionist is always dynamic and changing, with a stream of diverse guests passing through and the essential mission being to satisfy almost every need in a discreet and courteous way. It’s hard work, and work that Branka Serba fell in love with at a time when the foundation of the tourist o'er was apartment complexes and long before the emergence of the modern Primus Hotels. Today, she knows that congress guests can be distinguished from regular guests by their focus on the event and the task of the reception is that they provide the agreed services and room in the quickest time possible; there is less time to chat and socialize. Over the last decade the work at the reception has changed technologically, but discretion, friendliness and professionalism remain the guiding principles. An e'ort has to be made for each and every guest and her motto remains: “treat guests how you would like to be treated”. She recognises that many guests are returning to the destination because of the diverse o'er of Ptuj and Hotel Primus, and it is with great satisfaction that she promotes her native city. Congress guests want to explore Ptuj too, as the city centre is just a stone’s throw from the hotel. %e guests are always stunned by the extraordinary cultural heritage and the rich choice of events and activities in Slovenia’s oldest city.

“Hotel Primus connects the past with the present,and I believe guests feel it at every step.”

THE BIJOU CITY OF PTUJ Branka Serba, Front O&ce Manager

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At home in the kitchen and in the company of her culinary team, Bernarda’s enthusiasm for cooking has been with her from a very early age, so she quickly picked up every essential skill. Today, she is responsible for a big team in Hotel Primus that prepares everything from small lunches to the most demanding services at main events. In the business of cooking she is most attracted to the arrangement of food on the plates and their decoration. %e work on the preparation of food begins early in the morning and the whole process is a great challenge that draws on a lot of organisational knowledge. Time planning and )avour combinations are extremely important, and it is also really important to know how to stay calm.

Following local tradition, on the hotel’s menu there are many dishes based on poultry and she always swears on seasonal, locally grown food. Bernarda’s kitchen is primarily focussed on ‘healthy’, and “Be (t” is a special programme where meals are made up solely on the recommendations of recognized nutritionist Mojca Cepuš.

%e desserts are especially popular with guests, from the Primus cake to the other, various unleavened cakes. Her biggest challenge is the revival of old Roman recipes that are especially famous and that she wants to prepare for congress guests.

“I really enjoy cooking, althoughcatering is very strenuous for women.”

BE FITBernarda Kepe, Chef

Damjana Trstenjak isn’t short of optimism and goodwill. And not only that, but she is able to brew up what is probably the best co'ee in Ptuj! Damjana was inspired by working with people in the bar back in Economics school and since then she has always understood and knew how to listen to guests’ needs. She has been working in Hotel Primus for seven years and is today one of the hotel’s most recognizable faces who is always looking forward to the friendly smiles of guests and cheering them up with a good morning co'ee and some positive energy.

Positive energy is indeed her mantra, something that she always gets back when she shares it, a characteristic that is typical for this part of Slovenia and is something that foreigners particularly appreciate. %e small things, like a friendly, glowing smile, cost nothing, but can really brighten up the day for a congress guest.

Understanding that congress guests stay at hotel for a shorter time, she knows that they must be very well looked after and that even a few short minutes of socializing can determine whether the guests will decide to return. %e food service, which is particularly important for large congresses, is therefore a real team e'ort. Without this team and the mutual trust that has been engendered, the success would be di&cult to achieve.

“We locals are really friendly and hospitable,and love to show our city to our foreign guests.”

COFFEE AND A SMILE CAN MAKE A BEAUTIFUL DAY Damjana Trstenjak, Bar Attendant

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MORAVSKE TOPLICE - BEHIND THESCENES HOTEL LIVADA PRESTIGEWe’ve gone behind the scenes of the Hotel Livada Prestige in Prekmurje to open up some of the more private views to our readers. We believe that here you will truly be able to get a feeling for the melancholic and hospitable Prekmurje soul. %ere is no doubt you’ll be excited about the Prekmurje congress experience, especially with the exceptional people there to care for your well-being.

Prekmurje is a region that believes it emits a special energy, and Rado Rac’s energetic career in tourism in Prekmurje is almost as long as Slovenian independence. As a concierge, he often has the (rst and the last contact with hotel guests and he knows that when you say a friendly ‘hello’ to a guest after an exhausting journey it can immediately transform their day. Rado likes to really make an e'ort and remembers the habits and needs of his regular guests. Over the course of a long career you can experience everything and a good concierge also becomes something of a psychologist, who with broad experience can anticipate the demands and expectations of guests. Conference guests are in this respect no di'erent to the regular guests, perhaps only in being more familiar with the appreciation of professionalism and hospitality. It is important to cooperate with a guest from arrival right through to departure, and the best feature of a concierge is that he knows how to observe and recognize a guest’s needs; sometimes just one word will make a guest feel properly cared for. Rado likes to advise the younger colleagues and o'er them sound guidance, and as a true sportsman advises them that the concierge profession requires dedication with both body and soul, as the work can sometimes be hard and stressful.

“I am pleased with dynamic work thatincludes meeting new people and meeting their expectations”

FIRST IMPRESSION IS IMPORTANTRado Rac, Concierge

With her parents associated with tourism it was natural that Tanja always wanted to work in a hotel and know what was going on behind its walls, so pursuing a hotel career was a logical outcome and in no better a place than Prekmurje, the land of hospitality and friendly, charming and open-minded people. It helps that Tanja is the personi(cation of all of these traits and for her every guest is a story in itself, and she has endless interesting stories, such as one from the past when she and her colleagues even organised a funeral for a pet!

%e tourism o'er in Prekmurje has fundamentally changed since its inception; the main reason for coming was once the thermal water, but now active leisure and adventure is equally important. %e sense of adventure is certainly not lacking in Prekmurje, and nor is a superb cuisine. %e Hotel Livada Prestige reception team is working hard to have as much information available as possible in order to o'er the full range of the genuine Prekmurje experiences to guests. Tanja’s motto is that it is always necessary to (nd the right solution for guest satisfaction.

“Tourism is people, and from a very early ageI was fascinated with life in a hotel”

YOU HAVE TO LOVE TOURISMTanja Husar, Front O&ce Manager

MEET THE TEAM | MORAVSKE TOPLICE " BEHIND THE SCENES

Working as a waiter in the army, where he immediately loved to engage with guests, made a lasting impression of the hospitality profession on Andrej Regoršek. His private catering career now continues as part of a large restaurant orchestra with more than 170 employees and his congress guests extend to pension-age guests with an awareness of healthy diets and latest food trends. %e Hotel Livada Prestige cater to this with their native recipes that are prepared in a modern way with a creativity that can leave you speechless, such as with their excellent Locata Panonia dessert. %is is a modern interpretation of the traditional Gibanica (layered cake) and epitomises the culinary philosophy of the hotel. %e close contact with local suppliers and the strong cooperation with them is a part of their new, culinary trademark and Andrej is proud of the expertise of its team, which is the bedrock of their success and quality. %is once shy culinary orchestra is today making the best culinary music in Slovenia and has been crowned with many awards. With Andrej you are in very safe hands also for both wine and food for weddings – he is a sommelier and wine lover, and a great connoisseur of Slovenian wines. He is especially impressed by the exceptional quality that the winemakers of Prekmurje have recently been achieving in their harmonic wines with moderate alcohol and sugar levels going perfectly with the local cuisine.

“%e people, hospitality, helpfulness and cuisine in Prekmurje are incomparably better than in other regions I have known.”

PEOPLE AND CUISINEARE THE HEART OF PREKMURJEAndrej Regoršek, Director of Food and Beverage

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At Sava Hotels Bled we are committed to environmentally friendly initiatives. On an annual basis we recycle more than half of the waste generated and our consumption of energy generating products and water decreases year on year. We make investments in the improvement of the local environment and always choose local providers when possible. When it comes to product development, we follow the same philosophy.

We are proud to have acquired the ECO-DAISY – the EU certi(cate for environmentally friendly tourist accommodation.

BECAUSE WE CARE, we strive for:• less air pollution;• more e&cient consumption of energy and

other natural resources;• less pollution of the environment and the

local area;• the use of organically produced food.

Glamping (an eco-village of forest huts)

Situated within Bled Camping, the village has a strong environmental )avour. Built from untreated, non-impregnated larch wood and combined with the environmentally friendly nature of the services and activities available, the passive eco-houses contribute to reducing the Bled Camping carbon footprint. %e eco-huts (wooden huts) comprise a village away from the ordinary camping area. %ere is an outdoor wood-(red hot tub next to each hut. %e outdoor hot tub adds a special charm and gives guests a unique camping experience.

Ornithology trailSince the 100 ha area of the Bled Golf Course is home to at least 41 species of birds, we have designed a fascinating loop trail for bird

GREEN FOR TOMORROWSAVA HOTELI BLED: ACTING GREEN

watching. We are also dedicated to improving the nesting conditions for the local birds.

Green EventsGreen for a better tomorrow

Choosing Bled for your meeting means choosing a green meeting. %is sends a clear message to your partners that your dedication to excellence includes social responsibility. Sava Hoteli Bled recycles 50% of its annual waste, keeps reducing energy and water consumption from year to year and favours Slovenian providers. Products developed by Sava Hoteli Bled for the purposes of environmental protection and raising awareness among hotel guests include virtually carbon neutral natural water and a line of products marketed under the name “Zeleni za jutri” (Green for tomorrow).

Green guidelines at Sava Hoteli Bled:• Usage of sustainable energy: Conference

facilities with natural lighting.• Reducing power consumption: %e

temperature in the conference halls is adapted to the natural conditions: it is slightly lower in winter and slightly higher in summer. %ere is always an optimum microclimate in the halls to ensure that the audience feels comfortable and stimulated to participate fully in the event.

• Usage of recycled materials

• “Fill your water bottle”: Water is poured fresh into a reusable bottle where its natural qualities are preserved. We try to avoid selling bottled water, particularly packaged in plastic bottles.

• “Buy local and fair”: purchase from providers that have a commitment to local products and fair trade.

• Working towards “Zero waste”: encouraging event organisers to implement practices that reduce the total waste going to land(ll (less paper work, smart IT solutions…)

• Usage of sustainable transport: Sava Hoteli Bled combines 6 hotels within walking distance and we encourage participants to use bicycles, boats or even carriages to move around the destination.

• Plant a herb: With the knowledge that business clients want to do something good for the environment and leave their positive mark on the destination by planting the seeds of good cooperation and also re-visiting Bled, the idea of a “Herbal Garden” was launched. %e typical Slovenian herbs are planted in clay pots with a positive message written on them and afterwards a herbal garden is made from them near to our Sava Hotels Bled.

ACTING GREEN | GREEN FOR TOMORROW

FO

OD

ISM Spring catering ideas

Incorporate the best of the spring season in your reception menu, with fresh fruit and vegetables a must! Let the mouth start watering with thoughts of Spring Lettuce with Avocado Dressing and Pistachios, Grilled Fonda Piran Sea Bass with Buttered Potatoes and Sautéed Baby Spinach, and a hearty slice of Raspberry Pie.

Ptuj healthy breakfastDo something good for yourself – start the day with a balanced, healthy breakfast! If you want to stay in shape, maintain a healthy diet or just lose a bit of weight, the nutritionist Mojca Cepuš working together with Sava Hotels & Resorts chefs suggests you take a bowl of )akes (60g), cover it with plain yoghurt (1 pot – 200 ml) and add blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. An easy way to enjoy an energy-(lled start to the day!

Moravske Toplice - Prekmurian dinner When the air smells like Prekmurje, you know that something really delicious is being cooked up. %e top chefs in the Terme 3000, Moravske Toplice restaurants and cafe create dishes that add to the long list of reasons why guests love returning here time and time again, and have been doing so for the past (ve decades. Try the typical Prekmurje dishes like Bograch, Tunka or homemade pork sausage with sour turnip, while for dessert the famous Gibanica is an absolute must!

Bled – traditional (nger foodIndulge yourself with little culinary delights to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets with a selection of canapés accompanied with wine or an aperitif. Try GRČA Karst Prosciutto with Bohinj Cheese or Veal Terrine with Goose Liver, Green Lettuce, Homemade Fig Marmalade, Herb Dressing, Brioche and Butter. Delicious!FO

OD

ISM

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Prekmurska gibanicaIn the world of desserts the Prekmurska gibanica is a peculiarity and is also heralded as a Slovene national culinary specialty, priding itself on its European recognition of ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’.

%is old Prekmurian festive and ritual dish takes its name from güba, or guba (meaning fold), and has had a home along the Mura river for a very long time. %e oldest written source dates back to the year 1828, when the priest Jožef Kosič scripted a text mentioning the gibanica as a special Prekmurian dish that ‘is a must at wedding festivities and is also served to workers after (nishing a big project. %e gibanica is cut into triangular pieces and placed in a pile on the table. Everybody is served a piece that could be eaten or taken home’.

%e special recipe and production technique gives a slice of Prekmurska gibanica a unique look that is de(nitely further enhanced by the variety of colourful stu&ngs that give the end-product its special charm and allure. It is further distinguished by its rich array of fragrances and )avours, as well as its pleasant texture, all of which evoke the epicurean senses of softness, succulence, and fullness.

Prekmurska gibanica has joined the illustrious EU list of traditional dishes whose recipe and traditional production techniques are protected. %e European Commission has also registered idrijski zlikro(, a type of ravioli from the western town of Idrija, as a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) from Slovenia and from the information available on the European Commission website a further Slovenian product or foodstu' registered in such a way is the extra-virgin olive oil from Slovenian Istria, which has a ‘Protected Designation of Origin’.

Mojca Cepuš also recommends:• -If you want to stay in shape: eat seasonal,

local, unre(ned food – it contains the most biologically active substances.

• If you want to maintain a healthy diet: half of your daily intake of food should consist of vegetables.

• If you want to lose a bit of weight: (ve meals a day. %e (rst three meals should be the largest and consist of carbohydrates, while your evening meals should consist of vegetables and proteins.

• If you want to lose a lot of weight: Reduce your calorie intake. Keep your meals to below 500 kcal or 2090 KJ and replace your usual dinner with a good vegetable soup or salad.

• If you are highly active and face a lot of stress on a daily basis, remember to maintain your sugar level throughout the day. %e easiest way to do this is by eating snacks - always keep a handful of nuts in your pocket. Your diet should include food rich in vitamin B5, such as avocados, eggs, fat-free beef, trout, cheese, sun)ower seeds, cauli)ower and broccoli.

Especially for meetings: try some brain food: vegetables,

(sh, pumpkin seeds, walnuts or hazelnuts.

Do something good for yourself – put together a balanced, healthy meal at meetings!

Working with nutritionist Mojca Cepuš the chefs at Terme Ptuj have put together some tips and suggestions for a healthy diet for your wellbeing at meetings.%e tips are easy to follow when planning any of your events.

Don’t eatůĞƐƐ�Ͳ�ĞĂƚ�ďĞƩĞƌSo, what is the best dietary advice that Mojca Cepuš can give you?

• Find healthy food that makes you feel great and integrate it into your lifestyle.• Short-term diets never bring long-term results.• Stay away from white sugar.• Don’t avoid high-quality composite carbohydrates and healthy fats before 4pm,• as they are essential for giving energy. If you don’t eat them during the day, you are

sure to compensate• for that in the evening or the following day.• In the evening, focus mainly on vegetables and proteins.• Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.• Don’t forget to have a snack, even if it’s just nuts or soup with rice noodles from a

vacuum )ask.

CULINARY IDEAS | FOODISM

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