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The campaign primarily aims to present those people who have decided to live and work in Slovenia, but are not of Slovene descent. Their talent and personality are the key factors that directly contribute to the building of a multicultural and closely-knit society with the consequent development and openness of Slovenia. Moreover, they contribute to creating prejudice- and stereotype-free cooperation between various nations.
The Guest Star team considers expatriates to be an essential element in building a modern cosmopolitan society on the sunny side of the Alps.
Variety is the spice of stars! Since expats are active in many different yet equally important fields, the future stars are in four categories: Culture, Diplomacy, Business and Sports. The factor qualifying the candidates for nomination is being active in Slovenia for more than half a year. Until this year, the winners were selected by a popular vote on the internet and Radio SI phone-in programmes. This year again, the final results are going to consist of two parts: 40% from the readers and 60% from an expert jury composed of authorities from each category; the jury will have the final word in short-listing the candidates.
Guest Star is an eagerly anticipated event every year, and has been a tremendous success since its first launch. Despite the fact that there are only four awards, there is most definitely a much greater number of stars twinkling on the sky that night. This unique event has always been an opportunity to meet friends and spend a wonderful evening enjoying exquisite company, impressive performances, delicious culinary delicacies and some the best Slovene wines. The final event has seen many glamorous venues around Slovenia. This year the course is set towards the east - to the actual European Capital of Culture Maribor.
As the initial idea behind these marvellous evenings is booming, sois the atmosphere since the true essence of the events is deeper and nobler than merely winning the awards. The Guest Star campaign and ceremony attract increasing media attention every year, bestowing even more recognition and prominence on them. Apart from uniting outstanding foreigners, it also brings together the most prominent Slovenian guests from business, art and diplomatic circles, as well as the highest representatives of the state.
This year's Guest Star will be no exception in achieving excellence.
The organizers' goals remain true to the now well-established tradition: emphasising the significance of friendship and the sense of equality between Slovenians and people
from other cultural environments. You can contribute to a yet another joyous evening by voting for the selected candidates.

Check out which are the Guest Star 2011 nominees at www.gueststar.org or visit Guest Star Facebook page!