In March 2026, Ljubljana became a global meeting point for urban innovators. Urban Future brought together 2,000 changemakers to exchange ideas, challenge conventions, and accelerate the transformation of cities, supported by a venue setup designed for collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability.
Urban Future 2026
25–27 March 2026
UFGC GmbH, CityChangers.org, City of Ljubljana
2,000 urbanists and changemakers from 290 cities in 48 countries
Urban Future is one of the leading global events dedicated to sustainable urban development, bringing together city leaders, experts, and practitioners who are actively shaping better cities. At the heart of the event are the “Urban Unicorns” — bold innovators in city administrations, determined changemakers in neighbourhoods, and constructive rebels who challenge established ways of thinking to drive real progress. The focus is on practical solutions, honest exchange, and real-life experiences — from successful projects to lessons learned through failure.
GR Ljubljana Congress and Convention Centre hosted a multi-layered event format, combining a plenary hall, exhibition area, and 10 parallel conference rooms. The Marmorna Hall was split between plenary and exhibition use, while additional spaces supported forums, sponsor activations, podcast production, and networking.
A dynamic mix of plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and informal exchanges defined the event. Custom-built scenography, interactive spaces, and strong visual branding created an engaging atmosphere, while seamless coordination of AV, IT, catering, and logistics ensured a smooth participant experience.
Sustainability was embedded throughout the event: from cardboard-based signage and minimal plastic use to a fully vegetarian catering concept. Recycling and responsible resource management were key priorities across all event operations.
Ljubljana played an active role in the event, not just as a host, but as a case study in itself. Participants explored the city’s transformation towards sustainability, liveability, and human-centred design, experiencing firsthand how long-term vision and collaboration with residents can deliver tangible results.
Throughout the event, the focus remained on practical solutions and real-world experiences. From bold innovators within city administrations to grassroots changemakers, the programme highlighted those actively shaping better cities. Urban Future in Ljubljana reinforced a clear message: transformation is already underway and collaboration is what drives it forward.
I wanted to take a moment to thank the GR Ljubljana team for all the support and passionate collaboration we received in the past year. It was one of our best venue experiences ever: a nice and focused team, uncomplicated, super reliable, always solutions-oriented, kind, very responsive … with a strong commitment to making things happen.”