What to expect?
The programme centres on four key thematic pillars with an emphasis on dynamic session formats. Moving away from traditional long presentations, the agenda prioritises shorter, interactive sessions, extended networking breaks, member-driven storytelling, and dedicated student engagement. Early outreach to association representatives and panel contributors strengthens the program’s relevance and diversity.
The ICCA CEC 2026 programme is designed as a dynamic, experience-driven journey that combines strategic insight, creative thinking, and meaningful networking. It is structured to actively engage participants and challenge conventional approaches within the meetings industry. The event opens with informal networking and business exchange, culminating in the official evening opening, setting a collaborative tone from the outset.
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Opening, Sunday, 6 September 2026 | |
| 14:30 – 16:30 | Discover Ljubljana with exciting city tours |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Parallel sessions: Business Exchange & ICCA Database Training |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Welcome reception and Opening of ICCA CEC |
| Day 1, Monday, 7 September 2026 | |
| 07:00 – 08:00 | Morning activation |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Coffee and networking session |
| 09:00 – 09:55 | Opening and plenary discussion |
| 10:00 – 10:45 | Sessions |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Coffee break |
| 11:15 – 12:50 | Sessions |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 14:15 | Post-lunch activation |
| 14:20 – 15:20 | Ljubljana Talks sessions |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Wrap-up |
| 16:00 | Site inspection of Cankarjev dom – CD Congress Centre Ljubljana |
| 19:00 | Evening reception at the City Museum |
| Day 2, Tuesday, 8 September 2026 | |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Morning coffee |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | The start of the day |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Coffee break |
| 10:00 – 11:30 | Sessions |
| 11:35 – 12:30 | Closing |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Site inspection of GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre |
| 19:00 | Unicorn Awards' winners ceremony |
Extra option: the Unicorn Awards' winners ceremony
Founded in 2012, the competition, formerly known as the Conventa Best Event Award, sought to unearth Europe’s most impressive events. Since then, the competition has become a benchmark for leading industry events across the Baltics, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. The competition aspires to showcase something scarce – unicorns – events that leave a lasting imprint, create communities and push the envelope.
You will have the chance to see the leading events across Europe as they win their much-deserved Unicorn trophies at Ljubljana Castle on 8 September 2026. Moreover, you will have the chance to meet event managers, creative heads, marketing experts, event organisers, providers of meeting services, representatives from companies, agencies, associations, and everyone else co-crafting the events and the advertising and marketing landscape.
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