NIGHT OF THE DRAGON BUSINESS TALK

Elite sports and high-level business are much more alike than they might seem at first glance – they share many common traits. Both fields require passion, dedication, and a constant search for inspiration and innovation. In this spirit, the Night of the Dragon Business Talk, a business-sports-social event, will take place as part of the Night of the Dragon. It will be held at the Austria Trend Hotel on Friday, August 23, from 12:00 to 14:00.

Gogi’s retirement from basketball marks a momentous occasion, uniting leading companies in the Slovenian market that have rallied behind Goran’s noble humanitarian mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The farewell of the golden captain will attract a distinguished group from the realms of business and sports to Slovenia’s capital, gathering to honor their friend Goran Dragić, both on the court and in his personal endeavors.

Goran Dragić’s illustrious sports career has significantly bolstered the recognition of Slovenian sports and basketball, elevating Slovenia’s profile as a nation of premier basketball talents. With pride, he has served as a prominent ambassador for Slovenian sports, leaving a lasting impact on the international basketball stage. Beyond his athletic achievements, Goran continues his dedication to promoting his homeland, now extending into the business arena.

With the backing of SPIRIT SLOVENIA Business Development Agency, a public agency for investment, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, the organizers will offer Dragić’s guests the opportunity to share insights, forge connections, and exchange experiences at the Night of the Dragon Business Talk event.

The first panel, “Synergies between Business and Sports,” will feature representatives from the main sponsors of the I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon event. Leading Slovenian entrepreneurs will discuss how strategic partnerships and sponsorships in sports drive mutual success. They will share their experiences and insights into the importance of those ventures.

SPEAKERS

Matevž Frangež – State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, responsible for internationalization, entrepreneurship, development funds, and tourism.

Matevž Mazij – Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bragg Gaming Group, an innovative international company specializing in B2B solutions for gaming and digital entertainment.

Drago Kavšek – Member of the Management Board of Petrol, responsible for finance, treasury, accounting, controlling, risk management, business intelligence, and back-office operations.

Andrej Andoljšek – Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Addiko Bank with extensive experience in banking and insurance.

During the second panel, “Career After The Career,” distinguished athletes, including both local and international basketball stars, will share their personal stories about transitioning to a second career. Their experiences and advice will undoubtedly inspire anyone confronting the challenges of ending an active sports career and seeking guidance on the next steps in their professional journeys.

SPEAKERS

Goran Dragić – One of Slovenia’s greatest athletes of all time on the basketball courts and one of the most charitable and personable individuals. Learn more about “Gogi” through the perspectives of others.

Steve Nash – Former basketball player, coach, and national team director, member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Goran’s mentor in the NBA. Post-retirement, he is actively involved in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Dirk Nowitzki – One of the greatest European basketball players of all time, NBA champion (2011), and NBA MVP (2007). In his post-playing career, he focuses on consulting, investing, and humanitarian efforts.

Bill Duffy – Former basketball player, better known as one of the leading sports agents and founder of BDA Sports Management. Currently, he serves as a strategic advisor at WME Sports.

The event will culminate with a one-on-one conversation featuring Matej Avanzo, the director of the I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon project. He will shed light on the importance of the synergy between economic pursuits and sporting success, as well as the challenges organizers will face in the 30 hours leading up to the main event: the charity farewell basketball game in front of a packed Stožice Arena. The engaging discussions will be moderated by television journalist and presenter on RTV Slovenia, Igor E. Bergant, radio presenter and daily editor at Val 202, Anja Hlača Ferjančič, and long-time associate of the Goran Dragić Foundation and member of the event’s organizing committee, Aleš Živanović.

An essential aspect of the event is the slogan of the national partner of the Business Talk, SPIRIT Slovenia, which reads, “I feel Slovenia. Green. Creative. Smart.” which showcases Slovenia’s story of being green, creative, and smart in the global economic landscape. For Slovenia, a country considered a true sports phenomenon on a global scale, top athletes are excellent ambassadors, and sporting events provide an opportunity to advance economic ambitions and harness potential. The international Business Talk event will thus be another in a series of business meetings organized by SPIRIT Slovenia, which will accompany high-profile sports events, demonstrating Slovenia’s integrated and practical approach to promoting the country.