Today marks the conclusion of the 15th AmCham & Spirit Slovenia Business Development Delegation to the U.S., taking place from January 6 to 10, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 19 representatives of the Slovenian economy began their visit to Nevada 2025 by attending CES 2025 – the world’s leading technology trade show. The event is considered a hub for global innovators and emerging technological trends, with 4,500 exhibitors from 155 countries showcasing their innovations this year. The agenda of the 15th Business Development Delegation also included visits to top American companies and organizations that are transforming business and society.

CES Fair and Visits to U.S. Organizations

CES is a place where brands make deals, meet new partners, and industry leaders reveal the latest achievements and boldest breakthroughs. The largest tech trade show puts company innovations in front of B2B and B2C customers, investors, media houses, potential partners, and influencers. Viewing new products is the primary motivation for attending, meaning participants are prepared to explore and connect with technology that is changing our way of life. Among the exhibitors was Bird Buddy Wonder, a top Slovenian company, which showcased how technology can connect people with nature. Delegates met with exhibitors working on databases, smart city development, and various other sectors, including health technology, energy, robotics, IT, aviation, space, and biotechnology.

After two days at the CES tech fair, the delegation visited the Debra March Center of Excellence in Henderson, Nevada. This center is the result of a successful partnership between the city of Henderson and the College of Southern Nevada. By closely collaborating with local industry partners and the school district, the center educates and retains talented workers for manufacturing companies, thereby strengthening the local economy. The visit provided Slovenian businesspeople with valuable insights into best business practices, as manufacturing companies in the region no longer need to worry about sourcing qualified and highly trained workers. At the Debra March Center of Excellence, they also met with representatives from the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and City of Henderson, including former Henderson mayor Debra March, who shared her invaluable experience and insights on the city’s development and successful transformation into an economic and innovation hub.

As one of the founding partners of Slovenia Biotech Hills, AmCham Slovenia was also keen to learn about the best practices of Roseman University of Health Sciences. During the visit, Slovenian business representatives explored how the university, with its advanced infrastructure and programs, supports the rapidly growing biotech industry in Nevada, which saw a 22% growth between 2018 and 2021. Roseman University has created research-oriented graduate programs that support the biotech sector. The MSPS program, which includes internships at biotech companies, enables students to actively contribute to the industry even before graduation.

Before returning to Slovenia, the delegates will also attend a presentation by ChargerGoGo Company, a company offering an innovative network of stations for renting portable battery chargers for devices, aiming to become the global standard for smart and sustainable mobile charging solutions. Their batteries are universally compatible with different devices, allowing easy on-the-go charging. Users can return the batteries to any station they find via a mobile app. 

They also visited the largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), known for promoting MMA and being a leading platform that brings together top athletes from various disciplines. During the visit, they met with UFC management and toured their state-of-the-art facilities, including training centers where elite athletes prepare. Special attention was given to the company’s operations, marketing strategies, and innovative approaches to global sports event promotion. They also discussed organizing large-scale events followed by millions of viewers worldwide, and how UFC contributes to the development of sports, the entertainment industry, and local communities. Furthermore, they had the opportunity to learn how UFC uses technology and digital platforms to expand its global presence and connect with fans.

Opening Opportunities in U.S. Markets

The delegation enabled Slovenian companies to connect with global trends, innovative practices, and new business partners, supporting the growth and development of the Slovenian economy, including its biotechnology.

Ajša Vodnik, CEO of AmCham Slovenia and Chair of the umbrella organization AmChams in Europe, said before the start of the delegation: “The delegation- as ours- underscores the vital importance of international exchange and developmental visits. Such initiatives are crucial for nurturing business ties, encouraging knowledge transfer, and strengthening strategic partnerships on a global scale. We say Slovenia is right-sized and boasts exceptional niche companies that are global leaders in their respective sectors. With a robust ecosystem of innovative businesses, we stand as a premium partner for U.S. companies looking for specialized solutions and strategic alliances. Furthermore, Slovenia serves as an excellent gateway to the European market, offering a dynamic business environment, world-class expertise, and unparalleled agility. Our companies are well-positioned to provide cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and niche products that resonate with the evolving demands of the global economy. As we embark on this delegation, I encourage all participants to embrace the opportunities ahead, foster meaningful connections, and share ideas that drive mutual growth. Let us pave the way for new success stories between Slovenia and the United States.”

Daša Avsec, SPIRIT Slovenija:  “The United States is a priority market for increasing trade and export of Slovenian products and services, as well as attracting foreign investors. SPIRIT Slovenia has been systematically carrying out numerous activities on this market for years to ease Slovenian companies’ entry into this key market. These activities include economic delegations, business-investment conferences, and the direct marketing program to promote Slovenia as an attractive location for foreign investment. This delegation was also exceptionally successful, with companies expressing great satisfaction with the results achieved and the opportunities that have opened for them in the U.S. market.”

You can read more about the participants of this delegation HERE.