GIE Annual Conference 2026 @ Ljubljana

Joining forces in Ljubljana!

We are delighted to invite you to the 23^rd GIE Annual Conference, taking place on 22 and 23 October 2026 at the Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, in the vibrant city of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

As GIE’s flagship event, the Annual Conference brings together policy-makers, industry leaders, and energy experts to explore the developments and future trends shaping Europe’s energy future. Under this year’s theme Infrastructure for a Net-Zero Europe, discussions will focus on how gas infrastructure can accelerate decarbonisation, strengthen energy security, and enable an integrated, resilient energy system.

Our Conference Host

We are proud to collaborate with our hosting partner, Plinovodi d.o.o., the operator of the Slovenian gas transmission system, which operates, maintains, and develops a safe, reliable, and technologically advanced gas infrastructure. With extensive experience and a highly skilled workforce, Plinovodi plays a key role in ensuring security of supply, supporting energy system stability, and strengthening Slovenia’s integration into the European energy market. As a trusted and responsible partner, the company actively contributes to the development of energy infrastructure in Slovenia and the wider region.

Plinovodi is actively driving the energy transition in line with Slovenia’s strategic objectives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the integration of renewable gases. A key focus is the preparation of gas infrastructure for green hydrogen and other renewable gases, such as biomethane. Through innovation, partnership, and long-term vision, Plinovodi is helping to shape a sustainable low-carbon gas ecosystem and a resilient energy future for Slovenia. To support this transition, Plinovodi has established the SLOH2U Platform, bringing together industrial users and key stakeholders to support their preparation for the future shift from natural gas to hydrogen.

23rd GIE Conference Programme

Building on the success of the 2025 conference in Athens, this year’s conference will feature an exceptional programme including strategic panel discussions, keynote interventions, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across the energy value chain.

Join the conversation as we unite industry leaders, policymakers, and energy experts to advance solutions supporting Europe’s transition to climate neutrality. Together, we will explore how infrastructure investments, technological innovations, and cross-sector cooperation can deliver a secure, resilient, and future‑proof energy system.

We look forward to joining forces with you in Ljubljana for an inspiring conference experience!

(Registration at reduced Early Bird rate available until 3 July!)

The GIE Conference Team

Grand Hotel Union Eurostars

GIE is pleased to announce that the Grand Hotel Union Eurostars has been chosen as the primary hotel for the 23rd GIE Annual Conference. Strategically located in the heart of Ljubljana, this exceptional venue offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, providing an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich cultural, culinary, and historical treasures.

The Jugendstil style Grand Union Hall will be the main venue for the GIE Annual Conference on 22-23 October and the Grand Hotel will also host the internal meetings on 21 October.

The Grand Hotel Union Eurostars, built in 1905, is an emblematic establishment that forms part of the living history of the city and the country. It is an imposing and beautiful building, an example of the Vienna Secession style, part of the Art Nouveau movement.

This hotel offers its guests elegant facilities decorated with care and attention to detail, such as its spacious rooms, where guests can rest comfortably and worry-free, or its extensive gastronomic offer thanks to the Kavarna Union café, where you can savour the best Slovenian dishes accompanied by delicious local wines.

Completing the hotel’s offerings is a wellness centre with a gym, a swimming pool overlooking Ljubljana Castle, a shopping gallery, and the largest congress centre in the city.

We are delighted to offer delegates exclusive preferential rates for their stay.

Booking Procedure
Booking link: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars

Room Rates
GIE preferential rate per night for 21 & 22 October 2026 – available rooms: 40
210 EUR – single use / 235 EUR – double use

2-day pre-stay and post-stay: 12% discount
185 EUR single use / 207 EUR double use

Arrival on Sunday 18.10: 15% discount
179 EUR single use / 200 EUR double use

Room details
Standard Room type: Superior Comfort Room
Amenities: breakfast included, free WIFI, resort fees not applicable
Hotel City Tax: 3.13 EUR per person per night to be paid at the hotel upon check-out

Grand Hotel Union Eurostars
Miklošičeva cesta 1
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
T +386 1 308 1989
Hotel website
(main conference venue)

Check-in : from 15:00 onwards
Check-out : from 12:00 onwards
Early check-in can be requested and approved upon availability at the discretion of the HOTEL; charges may apply. Late check-out fee is 50 % of the daily rate and is charged for all departures between 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Check out after 18:00 results in 100 % daily rate fee including all taxes.

Reservation Deadline
GIE preferential rates are applicable to hotel bookings between 18.10.2026 and 25.10.2026.

GIE Rates applicability time range
GIE preferential rates are valid until 4 August 2026. After 4 August 2026 rooms, reservations depend on availability.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to seven (7) days prior to arrival – no cancellation fee.
Cancellation within six (6) days prior to arrival or No show – Cancellation fee for the entire length of stay will be charged, excluding taxes.

Eurostars uHotel

Located right next to the iconic Grand Hotel Union Eurostars in the centre of Ljubljana, Eurostars uHotel shares some of its facilities. This partnership dates back to 1979, when the former Grand Hotel Union bought an additional building, which is now Eurostars uHotel.

Together, they boast the largest hotel conference centre in Ljubljana and offer excellent dining options for foodies who want to tickle their taste buds: famous Union Café. They also share a wellness area with swimming pool, massage treatments, saunas, and a terrace with superb views of the city.

We are delighted to offer delegates exclusive preferential rates for their stay.

Booking Procedure
Booking link: Eurostars uHotel

Room Rates
GIE preferential rate per night for 21 & 22 October 2026 – available rooms: 100
170 EUR – single use / 190 EUR – double use

2-day pre-stay and post-stay: 12% discount
150 EUR single use / 168 EUR double use

Arrival on Sunday 18.10: 15% discount
145 EUR single use / 162 EUR double use

Room details
Standard Room type: Superior Double or Twin Room
Amenities: breakfast included, free WIFI, resort fees not applicable
Hotel City Tax: 3.13 EUR per person per night to be paid at the hotel upon check-out

Eurostars uHotel
Miklošičeva cesta 3
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
T +386 1 308 11 70
Hotel website
(next to and connected to main venue)

Check-in : from 15:00 onwards
Check-out : from 12:00 onwards
Early check-in can be requested and approved upon availability at the discretion of the HOTEL; charges may apply. Late check-out fee is 50 % of the daily rate and is charged for all departures between 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Check out after 18:00 results in 100 % daily rate fee including all taxes.

Reservation Deadline
GIE preferential rates are applicable to hotel bookings between 18.10.2026 and 25.10.2026.

GIE Rates applicability time range
GIE preferential rates are valid until 4 August 2026. After 4 August 2026 rooms, reservations depend on availability.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to seven (7) days prior to arrival – no cancellation fee.
Cancellation within six (6) days prior to arrival or No show – Cancellation fee for the entire length of stay will be charged, excluding taxes.

Hotel Exe Lev

Sporting an impressive glass façade, Exe Lev opened in 1964 and rises high above a renowned former restaurant in the centre of Ljubljana. This hotel is located 600m from the main venue (an 8 minute walk).

Recently renovated, the hotel offers a contemporary design with retro touches, creating a warm ambience of timeless elegance while always respecting the history of its facilities.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its upper floors. Meanwhile, a vast variety of fine wines, cognacs and cocktails await guests in the cosy and inviting atmosphere of the bar.

We are delighted to offer delegates exclusive preferential rates for their stay.

Booking Procedure
Booking link: Exe Lev Hotel

Room Rates
GIE preferential rate per night for 21 & 22 October 2026 – available rooms: 50
130 EUR – single use / 145 EUR – double use

2-day pre-stay and post-stay: 12% discount
115 EUR single use / 128 EUR double use

Arrival on Sunday 18.10: 15% discount
110 EUR single use / 123 EUR double use

Room details
Standard Room type: Classic Double Room
Amenities: breakfast included, free WIFI, resort fees not applicable
Hotel City Tax: 3.13 EUR per person per night to be paid at the hotel upon check-out

Hotel Exe Lev
Vošnjakova ulica 1
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
T +386 1 308 11 70
Hotel website
(600m from main venue, 8min on foot)

Check-in : from 15:00 onwards
Check-out : from 12:00 onwards
Early check-in can be requested and approved upon availability at the discretion of the HOTEL; charges may apply. Late check-out fee is 50 % of the daily rate and is charged for all departures between 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Check out after 18:00 results in 100 % daily rate fee including all taxes.

Reservation Deadline
GIE preferential rates are applicable to hotel bookings between 18.10.2026 and 25.10.2026.

GIE Rates applicability time range
GIE preferential rates are valid until 4 August 2026. After 4 August 2026 rooms, reservations depend on availability.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to seven (7) days prior to arrival – no cancellation fee.
Cancellation within six (6) days prior to arrival or No show – Cancellation fee for the entire length of stay will be charged, excluding taxes.

InterContinental Ljubljana

For an even more luxurious experience, you can also consider the 5-star InterContinental Hotel Ljubljana, located 650m from the main venue (9 min walk)

Breathtaking panoramic views and Michelin-recognized dining await you at InterContinental Ljubljana in the tallest hotel in Ljubljana, with an iconic glass exterior. Luxurious rooms and suites featuring elegant marble bathrooms and stunning city views. Rejuvenate at the spa, relax at Bloom Lounge and experience gourmet rooftop dining at award-winning B-Restaurant.

Please note that no GIE Preferential Rates are available at this hotel

InterContinental Ljubljana
Slovenska cesta 59
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
T +386 591 28000
Hotel website
(650m from main venue, 9min on foot)