Dear AmCham Members and Friends,
AmCham Slovenia cordially invites you to the first AmCham Business Breakfast of 2026,
taking place in a year of profound symbolism and strategic importance as the
United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
This milestone coincides with a defining moment for the transatlantic relationship. Global power dynamics are shifting, economic competitiveness is intensifying, and Europe’s strategic role is being re-examined.
The discussion will be framed by core reflections:
- The strength of the transatlantic partnership has always rested on shared values and mutual economic benefit.
- Today, “partnership-not dominance” will shape long-term global stability and prosperity.
- A strong, confident, and competitive Europe is indispensable to a balanced and resilient transatlantic alliance.
- The transatlantic partnership remains the most important economic relationship in the world, both in terms of trade and investment.
- Mr. Cerar is one of Slovenia’s most prominent legal minds, having served as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2018 and later as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He contributed to drafting Slovenia’s Constitution and is widely recognised as a leading legal expert.
- Mr. Combs is the Executive Director of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, where he works with local economic development agencies to attract global investment to one of the United States’ most competitive innovation regions. Before this, he worked at the White House, in the U.S. Senate, and in North Carolina state government, giving him rare insight into how policy and business connect.
- Mr. Udovič has published more than 500 academic works and is among Slovenia’s most widely cited experts in diplomacy and international relations. He also trains future diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and regularly advises governments and EU institutions.
- Ms. Vodnik’s career spans from media entrepreneurship to leading AmCham Slovenia, where she is recognised for her strategic communication leadership and initiatives such as AmCham Young Professionals™ and Partnership for Change. At the European level, she has served as Vice Chair and Chair of AmChams in Europe and was re-elected in 2025 for another term.
- Ms. Žibret Kralj combines more than 20 years of experience in audit, finance, and corporate leadership with a passion for building strong, responsible organisations. Beyond leading Deloitte Slovenia, she is a driving force behind ESG, board diversity, and leadership development initiatives that shape how Slovenian companies are governed and run.
The AmCham Business Breakfast will open with a welcome address by Beno Ceglar, president of AmCham Slovenia and CEO of NIL.
The discussion will be moderated by John Denhof, CEO & Director of Subtle Insights, an American who has made Slovenia his home. After a distinguished career leading a bank, he has embarked on an independent professional path, bringing a unique transatlantic perspective.
Coffee to Connect – nov format
Ahead of the Business Breakfast, we are pleased to invite you to Coffee to Connect for the first time, taking place from 8:15 to 9:00. This informal gathering offers an opportunity to connect, exchange views, and get to know one another in a relaxed setting. The hosts this time will be representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana.
The AmCham Business Breakfast will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, Slovenska cesta 34, 1000 Ljubljana, from 9:00 to 10:30.
Prior to breakfast, you are warmly invited to join us for Coffee to Connect, an informal networking pre-event at the same venue, taking place from 8:15 to 9:00.
You can register via the link in the invitation you have already received by email.
