The New Year is a time of fresh resolutions, new goals and personal transformation. It’s also the perfect moment to celebrate the people whose words inspire us to grow, think differently and take action. Great speakers have the power to spark change — and Slovenia is full of remarkable individuals who are shaping society with their ideas.

As part of the Best of 2026 awards, which for 15 years have connected locals and lovers of Slovenia in selecting the best the country has to offer, the prestigious competition Speaker of the Year – Best of Speakers 2026 is once again underway. After last year’s incredible response, this year brings an even stronger lineup of inspiring thinkers, innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, performers and motivators.

Public voting is open until December 15, 2025 — now is the time to support your favourite!

👉 Cast your vote here: https://speaker.si/

⭐ 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, the competition is more impressive than ever.

⭐ 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.

👉 Vote until December 15 at www.speaker.si