Slovenian Global Forum
Slovenia on the global stage
A conference that opens new opportunities in global markets. Secure your place on 9 June 2026 in Maribor.
A winning momentum
The outstanding achievements of Slovenian athletes are consistently strengthening Slovenia’s visibility on the world map. At this year’s forum, titled Slovenia on the Global Stage, we reveal how Slovenian companies can sharpen their positioning through the visibility of high-profile sporting success.
The global reputation of Slovenian sport is an opportunity for a boost in international markets. Through discussions and meetings, create your winning formula for business success on a global scale.
This year's speakers
Meet experts and businesspeople who will share their experiences for international success on our stage.
Alenka Potočnik Anžič
Marketing Director and Management Committee Member at Hisense Europe
dr. J. Simon Rofe
Professor of Sports Diplomacy and Management, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University (United Kingdom)
Ilka Štuhec
2x Downhill World Champion
mag. Leon Korošec
Director of Winter-Sport Division at Elan d.o.o. and Senior Vice President Elan Group
Sara Vehovec
Director of Department Corporate Social Responsibility and Event Management at Zavarovalnica Triglav
dr. Andraž Vehovar
CEO at Berk-Vehovar Composites d.o.o.
Matej Avanzo
CEO at Sportanzo d.o.o.
Tomaž Ambrožič
Managing Director at Sport Media Focus
Luka Železnik
Co-Founder and Managing Director at KingsBox
Kristina Radej
Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Addis Ababa, accredited to Ethiopia and Kenya, and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the African Union in Addis Ababa
Bernard Šrajner
Minister Plenipotentiary / Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, based in Moscow
mag. Marjana Majerič
Executive Manager at Chamber of Commerce and Industry Of Slovenia for Strategic Development and Internationalisation
mag. Dušan Pšeničnik
Minister Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and National Coordinator for Global Gateway
Programme
8.30 - 9.30
REGISTRATION AND MORNING NETWORKING WITH COFFEE AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
9.30
ECONOMY AND DIPLOMACY THROUGH SPORT
dr. J. Simon Rofe,
Professor of Sports Diplomacy and Management, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University (United Kingdom)
SLOVENIA’S WINNING BRAND: SPORT AS A PLATFORM FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION
Alenka Potočnik Anžič,
Marketing Director and Management Committee Member at Hisense Europe
dr. J. Simon Rofe,
Professor of Sports Diplomacy and Management, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University (United Kingdom)
mag. Leon Korošec,
Director of Winter-Sport Division at Elan d.o.o. and Senior Vice President Elan Group
Matej Avanzo,
CEO at Sportanzo d.o.o.
Moderator: Tomaž Ambrožič,
Managing Director at Sport Media Focus
11.20 – 11.50
COFFEE BREAK WITH LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
11.50
MARKET OF OPPORTUNITIES – SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: FOCUS ON ETHIOPIA, KENYA, UGANDA, RWANDA, AND TANZANIA
Kristina Radej,
Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Addis Ababa, accredited to Ethiopia and Kenya, and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the African Union in Addis Ababa
MARKET OF OPPORTUNITIES – CENTRAL ASIA: FOCUS ON KAZAKHSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN
Bernard Šrajner,
Minister Plenipotentiary / Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, based in Moscow
MARKET OF OPPORTUNITIES – GLOBAL GATEWAY
mag. Marjana Majerič,
Executive Manager at Chamber of Commerce and Industry Of Slovenia for Strategic Development and Internationalisation
mag. Dušan Pšeničnik,
Minister Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and National Coordinator for Global Gateway
WHEN RESULTS TURN INTO RECOGNITION
Ilka Štuhec,
2x Downhill World Champion
HOW DID WE CONQUER THE WORLD?
Sara Vehovec,
Director of Department Corporate Social Responsibility and Event Management at Zavarovalnica Triglav
dr. Andraž Vehovar,
CEO at Berk-Vehovar Composites d.o.o.
Luka Železnik,
Co-Founder and Managing Director at KingsBox
13.30 - 17.00
LUNCH AND NETWORKING ON THE TERRACE
14.00 - 17.00
B2B MEETINGS
Organised B2B meetings with 42 economic advisors from Slovenian embassies around the world, 10 business clubs in foreign markets, and representatives of SPIRIT, SPS, SID Banka, GZS in OZS are available by prior registration.
Location: B2B Meetings
The program may be adjusted until the event takes place.
SGF builds a strong ecosystem
Direct access to a network of 42 economic counsellors, 10 business clubs, SPIRIT, SPS, SID Banka, GZS and OZS.
Last year, we held 162 individual meetings with one goal: to turn a conversation into an opportunity.
The wealth of experience from speakers who know how to translate the discipline of elite sport and the boldness of innovation into a long-term economic advantage.
Meetings that open doors to the world
Prearranged business meetings are designed to achieve tangible results. Instead of spending months searching for the right paths and contacts, we provide you with direct access to 42 economic advisors from Slovenian embassies around the world, 10 business clubs in foreign markets, and representatives of SPIRIT, SPS, SID Banka, GZS and OZS who open doors to new markets in one place.
Slovenian Global forum goes beyond the scope of ordinary networking and creates a highly efficient environment for achieving business goals.
Secure your place on 9 June 2026 in Maribor.
Networking with a view
Maribor is once again the venue for the Slovenian Global Forum. With its tradition of world-class sporting events and the oldest vine in the world, the city symbolises success and resilience, which are key foundations for entrepreneurship and penetration into foreign markets. The venue provides an excellent environment for networking and establishing long-term business partnerships.
In accordance with our green commitment, we invite you to choose more eco-friendly modes of transport to attend the forum.
Join forces on the way
By choosing environmentally friendly transport, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also demonstrate that modern entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We invite you to choose public transport, a bicycle, or arrive on foot. Take advantage of the comfort of the train, which brings you almost to the doorstep of the venue, or opt for a carpool with other participants.
Become part of the green change. Choose a sustainable way to reach the event, say no to plastic, and help us plan for zero waste. Together, we are building an environmentally responsible conference.
