ABOUT THE FAIR
The SOBRA in Gornja Radgona is an international trade fair held every two years in September, focusing on defense, security, protection, and rescue. Organized by Pomurski sejem d.o.o., a seasoned exhibition organizer based directly on the fairgrounds in Gornja Radgona in northeastern Slovenia, the event is ideally located near the Austrian border. This strategic position allows it to attract professional visitors from across Central Europe, including both public institutions and private sector representatives.
SOBRA serves not only as an exhibition platform but also as an interdisciplinary forum that actively promotes exchange between armed forces, civil protection, humanitarian organizations, and businesses. What sets it apart is the combination of technical displays with hands-on operational scenarios, such as demonstrations by the Slovenian armed forces, police, fire brigade, and the Red Cross. International military and rescue units are also regularly present, emphasizing the event’s cross-border relevance.
The fair covers a wide range of specialized topics. In the field of defense, it highlights modern equipment, systems for armed forces, protective gear, vehicles, and weapons technologies. The protection and rescue sector focuses on disaster response solutions, including specialized vehicles, rescue equipment, boats, and medical devices – all tailored to emergency scenarios such as natural disasters, hazardous material incidents, or flooding. The security section concentrates on police work, private security services, surveillance technologies, building protection, data security, and preventive measures against burglary and natural hazards.
A core feature of SOBRA is its technological depth combined with strong practical orientation. It showcases not only innovative products – from ballistic protection gear to IT and communication technology and bomb disposal systems – but also their real-world application in operational contexts. This provides significant value for professional visitors seeking in-depth insights into current developments and proven solutions.
The Pomurski sejem fairground offers a modern infrastructure tailored to the needs of both national and international participants. Professionally managed and easily accessible, it is optimally equipped for hosting a specialized event of this scale. The trade fair is open exclusively to industry professionals, particularly decision-makers, emergency personnel, technical directors, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
With its clear thematic focus, international scope, and hands-on demonstrations, SOBRA has established itself as a key meeting point for safety and operational readiness in Europe – every two years in September, in a region perfectly suited for cross-border cooperation.
On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 4 days of the fair, from 21. September to 24. September 2023, about 120 exhibitors from 11 countries on the SOBRA in Gornja Radgona. The SOBRA takes place biennially, and therefore for the eleventh time previsibly in September 2027 in Gornja Radgona.