The New Year is not only a time for fresh resolutions, new goals, and personal transformation – it is also a time to celebrate the people who inspire us to grow with their knowledge, charisma, and ideas. Speakers have extraordinary power: they boost motivation, clarify thoughts, open new perspectives, and encourage us to dare more.

As part of this year’s Best of 2026 selection, which has been connecting locals and lovers of Slovenia for 15 years, voting took place for the prestigious title Speaker of the Year – Slovenia’s Best Speaker 2026. After an exceptional response and a record number of votes, the selection concluded with the announcement of the winner who, with their performance, vision, and impact, most strongly impressed the audience. Among 20 outstanding finalists representing the very best of Slovenian public speaking, entrepreneurship, science, creativity, and personal growth, this year’s title was awarded to the speaker who left the strongest impression with their authenticity and clear message.

👉 Find out who became Slovenia’s Best Speaker 2026.

⭐ What Is Best of Speakers?

Best of Speakers is one of the most respected categories in the wider Best Of Slovenia selection, where residents and fans of Slovenia choose the country’s finest individuals and experiences.

This category celebrates outstanding speakers — people who push boundaries, share powerful insights and influence personal and professional development across industries. During the Festival of Decisions, finalists present their ideas and visions on stage, and the audience ultimately chooses the winner.

Last year’s title went to Nastja Mulej, a communication expert and the only Slovenian Master Trainer of Dr. Edward de Bono’s thinking methods.

This year’s winner of Best of Speakers 2026 is Marko Podgornik Verdev

The conclusion of this year’s Best of Speakers 2026 selection sent a strong message: Slovenia values courage, authenticity, and content that goes beyond classical frameworks. With the title Speaker of the Year – Slovenia’s Best Speaker 2026, Marko Podgornik Verdev, an unconventional entrepreneur, author, and outspoken advocate of human-centered capitalism, won convincingly.

At the final event, Verdev impressed the audience with an honest, energetic, and provocative performance in which he spoke without embellishment about the future of work, attitudes toward success, and the importance of humanity in the business world. His style, which combines entrepreneurial experience, personal stories, and clear positions, left a strong impression on both the audience and professional public.

The title confirms that today’s most valued speakers are those who dare to speak the truth, raise uncomfortable questions, and at the same time inspire change. Marko Podgornik Verdev has undoubtedly marked the year 2026 with his vision and charisma.

⭐ TOP 20 FINALISTS FOR SPEAKER OF THE YEAR 2026

A remarkable selection of experts from business, science, technology, psychology, sports, communication and personal development.

🔹 Miha Škerlavaj

Innovation, leadership and organisational culture researcher (EF UL, BI Norwegian Business School).

🔹 Dr. Dan Podjed

Anthropologist, researcher of technology and modern life, professor and author.

🔹 Marko Verdev

Unconventional entrepreneur, author of Govorim and advocate of human-centred capitalism.

🔹 Eva Esih

Psychologist specialising in digital recruitment and HR with a focus on cultural fit.

🔹 Bernarda Škrabar Damnjanović

Internationally certified detective, OSINT/OPSEC/HUMINT expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Security Studies.

🔹 Branka Bizjak Zabukovec

Digital marketing expert, lecturer and strategist with 20+ years of experience.

🔹 Darko Đurić, PLY

Motivational speaker, two-time world champion para-swimmer and ambassador of resilience.

🔹 David Žalec

Entrepreneur and founder of Sadje v pisarni (Fruit in the Office), promoter of workplace wellbeing.

🔹 Dr. Jure Kocman

Business transformation and healthcare expert, currently with Roche Slovenia, Croatia and BiH.

🔹 Ladeja Godina Košir

European leader in circular economy and co-author of major sustainability roadmaps.

🔹 Luka Pregelj

Quantifly specialist in organisational diagnostics, HR analytics and AI-powered team management.

🔹 Matevž Frangež

Lawyer, former MP and expert in strategic communication.

🔹 Nik Škrlec

Actor, TV host and memory-technique master, known for reciting thousands of digits of π.

🔹 Nina Pozderec

Psychologist focused on psychological safety, agility and new forms of work.

🔹 Peter Mesarec

AI consultant, director of Seos.si, expert in SEO, digital marketing and AI in business.

🔹 Rebeka K.

Engineer of the Year 2024, expert in robotics, human-centred technologies and machine vision.

🔹 Samo Kumar

Bankart, specialist in digital transformation and secure payment technologies.

🔹 Suzana Perman

Former TV host turned public speaking mentor and storytelling expert.

🔹 Teja Potočnik

Winner of the European Young Inventors Prize 2025 for microchip energy-efficiency innovation.

🔹 Žiga Vavpotič

Entrepreneur, former CEO of Outfit7 (Talking Tom), author and social impact innovator.

📣 Why Should You Vote?

Because ideas shape the future.
Because speakers inspire action and personal growth.
Because your vote supports the people who make Slovenia think, dream and evolve.

Voting is quick, simple and open to everyone.