REDUCE & Mind Festival 2026

Opening event | Friday, September 25, 2026 | REDUCE

Slaven Stekovic is a molecular biologist, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential minds in the field of longevity and health. With scientific depth and entrepreneurial drive, he brings the latest findings in biology to practical application—clearly, tangibly, and with international appeal. As the author of three bestsellers and a sought-after speaker, he gives talks at universities, companies, and on major stages worldwide—from Cambridge to San Francisco. Honored with the Forbes 30under30 award, ranked among the top 100 MBAs, and repeatedly named one of Austria's leading young entrepreneurs, Slaven represents a new generation of science-driven innovation.

Keynote speech & presentation | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | REDUCE

Dr. Manuela Macedonia is a neuroscientist, author, and experienced science communicator. Her focus is on language memory—in particular, how the brain stores and retrieves words and learns better through movement. In addition to her research activities at JKU, Dr. Macedonia inspires a wide audience through lectures, books, and media appearances, in which she conveys complex neurobiological concepts in an understandable and practical way.

Yoga workshops & relaxation sessions

In 2015, the massage therapist completed her yoga teacher training out of pure passion for yoga. In her workshops, she inspires people to increase their well-being through regular practice and to bring body, mind and soul into harmony.

Lectures on "Holistic Medicine"

As a spa doctor and general practitioner, she takes a holistic approach. She combines many years of experience in general medicine and traditional Chinese medicine with energy work and mindfulness training.

Lectures and workshops on acupressure – "Targeted pressure points for self-help – humorously brought to the point."

Hannes Steiger has been working as a massage therapist at REDUCE in Bad Tatzmannsdorf for 50 years. After a study trip to China, acupressure became his passion. He shares his extensive knowledge of targeted acupressure massage in workshops, lectures, massages, and books.

Lectures and workshops on conscious nutrition, healthy cooking, nutrition during menopause

In 2024, the dietitian completed her studies at the University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria in Linz. She combines her passion for nutrition, good food, and creative cooking with in-depth expertise. She enthusiastically demonstrates how healthy eating can be enjoyable, individually tailored, and suitable for everyday life.

Early Bird Meditations & Relaxation Training

She completed her studies in psychology at the University of Vienna and completed her postgraduate training as a clinical psychologist and health psychologist. With joy and enthusiasm, she encourages guests in workshops and lectures to focus their attention on themselves and their health.

guided bike tours and fitness sessions

Manuel Stadelbauer brings his passion for exercise to the Fit & Relax Lounge as a trainer. With a wealth of experience—including as a certified fitness trainer, massage therapist, and mountain bike guide—he motivates our guests to be more active and is always on hand to answer any questions. His credo: "The true strength of life lies not only in physical health, but in the ability to find inner peace and balance. Your health is not the product of your genes, but of your choices."

The physiotherapist completed her studies in 2012. This was followed by many years of further training in the fields of manual therapy, therapy for chronic pain, and therapeutic climbing. Due to her own enthusiasm for a wide variety of sports, it is important to her to inspire people to exercise and to help them regain their mobility after injuries or other ailments.