Organized by Sun Event in collaboration with Novartis, Mikro+Polo, and Kreativna baza, with the support of the Diversity Charter, the European Union, and the National Institute of Public Health

1st Slovenian MEN-TAL Conference
Organized by Sun Event in collaboration with Novartis, Mikro+Polo, and Kreativna baza, with the support of the Diversity Charter, the European Union, and the National Institute of Public Health
Burnout, stress, depression, and mental distress have become an integral part of the modern business world. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees face daily pressures that often go unnoticed—until it’s too late.
The 1st Slovenian MEN-TAL Conference is the first business event in Slovenia that addresses mental health in the workplace without sugarcoating the issue. We will bring together leading experts in psychology, business leadership, and personal development, as well as entrepreneurs who have personally experienced burnout and mental distress.
The conference offers practical solutions that companies and individuals can immediately implement in their daily practices. It is designed as a space for open discussion, experience sharing, and learning about key strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and fostering a healthy work environment.
The conference is organized by SUN EVENT in collaboration with Novartis, Mikro+Polo, and Kreativna baza, with the support of the Diversity Charter, the European Union, and the National Institute of Public Health. All funds raised through registration fees and sponsorships will be donated to ŠENT – the Slovenian Association for Mental Health and UP-ornik.
Conference Program
08:30 – 09:00 | Participant Arrival
09:00 – 09:10 | Conference Opening
The opening will feature keynote addresses from the organizers and sponsors.
09:10 – 09:30 | Gregor Kirsch
Former military rescuer with experience in war zones, specialist in organizational culture.
09:40 – 10:10 | Aleš Vičič
Slovenia’s most renowned sports psychologist, who has worked with over 150 elite athletes and 60 Olympians.
10:10 – 10:40 | Dan Podjed
Anthropologist researching the impact of technology on life and work, recipient of the Bob Award.
10:40 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00 – 11:30 | Dr. Vita Poštuvan
Psychologist and researcher specializing in suicidology, working daily with individuals in mental distress.
11:30 – 12:50 | Panel Discussion 1: Burnout and Mental Struggles in the Business World
A discussion with top experts and entrepreneurs on recognizing and preventing burnout.
Moderator: Nejc Jaka Sekula
12:50 – 13:20 | Lunch & Networking
13:20 – 13:40 | Asst. Prof. Dr. Monishankar Singha
Psychologist, former Buddhist monk, expert in mindfulness and mental resilience.
13:40 – 15:00 | Panel Discussion 2: Mental Health and Leadership in Crisis Situations
Leaders and experts will share their insights on the role of leadership in employee mental health.
Moderator: Maja Monrue
15:00 | Conference Closing
The conference brings together the expertise of leading professionals, entrepreneurs, and scientists, offering an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and exploring new solutions in the field of mental health in the business world.
1st Slovenian MEN-TAL Conference
Registracija / Registration
Speakers and Presenters
Aleš Vičič – Leading sports psychologist specializing in working with elite athletes and coaches.
Gregor Kirsch – Former combat rescuer, organizational culture specialist, and business consultant.
Dan Podjed – Anthropologist researching the impact of digitalization on society, recipient of the Bob Award.
Dr. Vita Poštuvan – One of Slovenia’s leading researchers in suicide prevention.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Monishankar Singha – Psychologist, former Buddhist monk, and expert in mindfulness.
Aljoša Bagola – Creative Director of the Decade, author of a book on burnout, and keynote speaker.
Boris Kobal – Actor and director who will use humor to highlight mental health in the arts.
Eva Boštjančič – Researcher focused on the impact of organizational culture on employee mental health.
Marko Podgornik Verdev – CEO of Mikro+Polo and initiator of the Men-Tal movement.
Dr. Željko Ćurić – Psychiatrist and psychotherapist advising managers, hostage negotiators, and special forces.
Julija Peklar – Expert in burnout and psychological resilience in the workplace.
Event Host: Blažka Muller
