40. international conference CEFEC
Reuse, Innovation and Green Jobs: Unlocking inclusive business models for the future
Bled, Slovenia
4.-5. june 2026
The 40th CEFEC conference will explore how reuse and green economy innovation can foster the creation of sustainable and inclusive jobs.
The focus will be on young entrepreneurs and showcasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
PROGRAM
Location: Festivalna dvorana Bled, Cesta svobode 11, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
08:30 – 09:30 Reception and Registration of Delegates
09:30 – 09:40 Official welcome
09:40 – 10:20 Opening Keynote:
Green economy – driven business models that create social and economic value
- dr. Violeta Bulc, Founder & Curator of Ecocivilisation Movement,
Global Chair for G100, Former EU Commissioner & Deputy PM of
Slovenia, entrepreneur, innovator - dr. Janez Potočnik, former European Commissioner for the
Environment and Ambassador of the Chapter Zero Slovenia
initiative - Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement (TBC)
10:20 – 11:00 Panel discussion:
Who are the key players in the EU’s social economy
- Felicitas Kresimon, General Secretary of CEFEC
- Matjaž Malgaj, Competitive Circular Economy & Clean Industrial
Policy, European Commission - dr. Marinka Vovk, CPU, REUSE network Slovenia
The conversation will be led by Marin Zver, president of SFE CEFEC
11:00 – 11:30 Hight-Level Panel
How can reuse and green innovation become a driver for creating inclusive jobs in Europe?
- Neva Nahtigal, director RREUSE Europe
- Reuse center Kierrätyskeskus – TBC
11:30 – 11:50 Coffe Break & Networking
11:50 – 13:00 Social innovation:
Community-Based Models that Work
- Matjaž Rakovec, The mayor of Kranj (TBC)
- Anže Rajh, Junior Development Project Manager, ETRI group, Slovenia
- Rok Ramšak, Head of Postgraduate Studies Office at IEDC
- Eva Kotnik, President of the National Youth Council of Slovenia(TBC)
The conversation will be led by Mojca Markizeti, Founder and Leader of
Improve X Advisory, Expert of Strategy, Sustainability & Innovation, ESG
13:00 – 14:30 Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 The Money Behind the Change: Financing Social Impact and transition
A deep dive into financial tools that make circular and socially responsible business models scalable, resilient and future-proof.
- Niko Klanjšek, Slovenian entrepreneur, advisor and investor
- Primož Šporar, Euclid Network – the European Social Enterprise Network
- Gregor Tomše, Fundacija Vincenca Drakslerja
- Lenka Puh, Trust institut. Etri group
- Sparkasse (TBC)
- Jukka Linberg, Silta-Valmennusyhdistys ry (TBC)
15:30 – 16:00 Coffe Break & Networking
16:00–17:00 Green Jobs 2.0: How Circular Innovation Is Creating the Professions of the Future
- Goran Jeras, Ethical Finance Expert at Echoes & ZEF (Croatia)
- Ivan Božič, director, Humana Nova; The new & green economy in
the field of textile waste (Croatia) - Christos Bantianidis, director Evrosilk; Silk Challenge Inclusion:
Creating Inclusive Opportunities Through the Development of Medical
Silk (Czech Republic) - Zdenka Kovač and Marjeta Lužnik, Co-factory and Good for good.
17.00 – 17.30 Discussion / Questions
19:00 Official Networking Dinner
The conference is accompanied by practical examples of social entrepreneurship.
Exhibition&Fair of social enterprises: Social Enterprise in Action: From
Purpose-Driven Marketing to the Art of Sustainable Buying”
Location: Festivalna dvorana Bled, Cesta svobode 11, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
OR
Kranj, Tržič (Study visit – by bus)
8:30 – 13:00
OPTION 1: Europe in Transition: EU projects driving innovation, sustainable development and new green skills, ensuring long-term sustainability for future progress.
Coffe Break & Networking
Networking & Discussion | OPTION 2: Best Practice Study Visits By bus: (location Tržič and Kranj) Return to Bled |
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at Local Cooperative
14:00 – 14:15 2026 SFE CEFEC Award Ceremony
Presentation of Results – CEFEC Academy, 5th Edition
Petru Vasile Gafiuc, CEFEC Academy coordinator
UPI Žalec, Academy Programme Provider
14:15 – 15:00 Reflection Session: Key Lessons Learned and Strategic Next Steps
15:30–16:00 Outlook and closing of the conference:
CEFEC Conference 2027
Final words by the 2026 CEFEC President
16:00 – 17:00 General Assembly
EXHIBITION FAIRE
An accompanying exhibition will take place during the conference.
By purchasing products you support social enterprises that operate in accordance with the principles of sustainability, reuse and inclusive society. Pre-ordered products will be available for pickup during the conference, and delivery in Slovenia is also guaranteed.
Oatmeal cookies with cranberries
€6.50
Stainless steel bottle
€15.00
Walnut Potica in handmade ceramic Potičnica
€30.00
Chocolate granola
€5.00
Granola with dried fruit
€3.00
The form for participation in the fair is included in the conference registration form.
Conference Dining and Gala Dinner with Miša Koplova
CEFEC 2026 is organized as a sustainable event, and this principle will also guide the entire conference dining experience.
LOCATION, ACCESSIBILITY, TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION
To make your arrival at the conference as carefree as possible, we have collected all important information about the location, accessibility, transportation, and accommodations on this link.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
- Participation in the conference is free of charge.
- The Gala dinner is available at an additional cost of EUR 80.00 per person.
CEFEC AСADEMY
1.-5. june 2026, Bled, Slovenia
The conference will feature a five-day CEFEC Academy, which is a central part of the Erasmus+ Green Leaders project.
The Academy will offer participants high-quality lectures, interactive workshops, individual mentoring, and expertly guided visits to selected sustainable projects, such as eco-friendly shops.
MAIN SPONSOR – PANVITA GROUP
The Panvita Group is one of the leading Slovenian agri-food systems in the field of sustainable and modern agricultural production. By connecting agriculture, horticulture and a cooperative network, it develops innovative approaches for local, high-quality and responsible food production. With an emphasis on sustainable production, technological development and long-term partnerships, Panvita strengthens food security and connects the chain from production to market.
