David explained how travel helped him get acquainted with the meetings industry and how he started in marketing and event promotion. Later, he joined the hotel industry before taking over the Bratislava Convention Bureau and directing on a new path. “I see that Bratislava is getting increasingly popular as we are placing ourselves on the map of New Europe’s event industry.”
On the question of what separates Bratislava from Vienna, David explained that the city’s slogan “Surprisingly Close, Exceptionally Smart” encapsulates the city’s spirit. What makes the city stand out is its location, accessibility and the Danube River. He emphasised that Bratislava competes with mid-sized cities, such as Brno, Ljubljana and Krakow. Instead of focusing on competition, David outlined cooperation as the catalyst for joint growth.
A trend frequently discussed during Ljubljana Talks, artificial intelligence, was another topic of the conversation. David mentioned that although AI can be a helpful tool, it can never replace in-person events such as IMEX or IBTM. Still, the Bratislava Convention Bureau will organise a specialised seminar for its members to empower and educate their community.
Ljubljana Talks is a collaborative effort in partnership with IMEX Frankfurt, Ljubljana Tourism, Slovenian Tourist Board, and Kongres Magazine. Moderating these engaging conversations are Gorazd Čad, the Editor-in-chief at Kongres Magazine, and Jan Oršič, the Head of the Convention Bureau at Ljubljana Tourist Board.
