The HURA Party in Zagreb was a major event for the Croatian communications industry. Believe it or not, from five in the afternoon until midnight, more than a thousand people passed through. Almost everyone who needed to be seen and who wanted to meet others came. This is advertising – an industry built on communication. You can’t work in communications if you don’t communicate. That’s why Vedrana and I flew in from Sarajevo to Zagreb just to be at the HURA Party, to see in one evening everyone we wanted and needed to see. Of course, not everyone was there – some were still on vacation, but I know a few who interrupted their holidays, came to the Party, and then went back to relaxing. The HURA Party is not to be missed. Some asked in disbelief: “Did you and Vedrana really come from Sarajevo just for the party?” “Yes,” I replied. “Dunja’s invitation is never declined.” Apart from that, accepting the invitation was a rational move. To see all the friends, collaborators, and business partners we met at the party, we would have needed at least ten days wandering around Zagreb and Croatia. This way, you come, see everyone, talk, and go – all in one evening.
It was truly impressive. Over a thousand people, about ten well-equipped bars, and an incredibly positive energy. The industry is recharging its batteries and gaining momentum ahead of the final quarter when everything that needs to be fixed in business must be done to make the year as successful as possible.
Naturally, the first hug was with Dunja Ivana Ballon, who, with her team, gave her all to make everything as it was – and it was, as I said, extraordinary. The doors opened at 5 p.m., and things wrapped up around midnight. Dunja had a smile and a word for everyone. She immediately “claimed” me, so I spent most of the evening in her company.
She told me about HURA, their projects, the constantly growing workload, and the team that has already expanded to 10 employees. Impressive! I, in turn, spoke to her about Advertissimo. In fact, I shared with Dunja the first information about the conference and concert we are planning for February 20 next year. I asked her for help, and she promised – and when Dunja promises help, she truly delivers. With her, there are no empty promises. And we will really need help, because Advertissimo is an expensive and very demanding “toy.”
Soon we were joined by Jelena Fiškuš and Sean Poropat, the heads of agency Sonda from Vižinada (Istria). In addition to leading Sonda, Jelena also heads the entire Croatian communications industry as president of HURA. Next to Jelena, Dunja, and Sean, I must have looked to everyone like a cultural-historical monument.
Sonda is buried in work, with good results and satisfied clients. And me? I spoke to everyone about Advertissimo. Jelena thinks it’s an excellent project and believes it’s important for the advertising industry to connect with cultural events, something we sorely lack.
Then along came Vanja Činić (Bruketa&Žinić&Grey), one of our most beloved columnists. Everyone reads How to Mijau, it’s just that recently there hasn’t been one. He was on vacation, recharged his batteries, and promised to send a new text soon. I can’t wait.
There was also a “young man” who has just come of age. Tomo Ricov was much sought after at the party, as everyone wanted to hear something about the 18th Weekend. Despite our years (especially mine), we recalled the first gathering in Rovinj, how it all began, and how it developed. I remember all the Weekends I attended and how, after countless conversations during the day, I would return to the hotel in the evening as tired as if I had spent the whole day digging in a mine. Events like these are truly for younger people. I congratulated Tomo on his 18th birthday and also on the fact that he had turned the Weekend Media Festival into the most desirable event in the region. As we parted, he said he was very pleased with the interview published on the Media Marketing portal and with the questions sent to him by Sead Fočo.
Someone came up behind me and covered my eyes with their hands. Everyone laughed, and I had no idea who it was. When I turned around, I was stunned: Brankica Janković (Aquarius Banja Luka). I never expected to meet her in Zagreb. She had a meeting with a Zagreb client, and I learned that Aquarius had opened agencies in Belgrade and Zagreb, becoming, as far as I know, the first agency from BiH to expand organizationally to other markets. Brankica was gathering information on how her Zagreb agency could become a HURA member.
There was also Branko Eder (AOXI biolab), one of the old guard, my friend from the “partisans.” He studied my face, Dunja asked him what he was looking at, and he said: “Do you see this scar across the whole right side of his face? That’s from 35 years ago when Ekrem, after Golden Drum, had a younger colleague drive him to Sarajevo. At the exit from Zagreb there was a line of cars. The young man didn’t see well and drove Ekrem’s Nissan Patrol straight between two lanes of cars, and from the force of the impact ended up at the front. This scar is from the ‘door frame’ that smashed into Ekrem’s face. It will stay with him forever, and it could have been fatal if it had gone just a few millimeters deeper into his skull.” Branko and I reminisced about events we attended, friends we socialized with, and projects we worked on. For me, it was a rare return to the distant past. I hardly have anyone left with whom I can recall our “golden” days.
I rounded off my party contacts with Barbara Tolić-Aušić, one of Dunja’s closest associates. I correspond with Barbara often and receive from her very valuable information about HURA projects, which we gladly publish on the portal. Barbara knows everything and everyone in the Croatian communications industry. Whatever I need, I simply ask her. Talking with Barbara was a true pleasure for me and the perfect way to end my partying. Two hours was enough – for me and for the party. Dunja wanted us to stay longer, but I also wanted to free her from obligations. Suddenly, I thought of fish – I craved good grilled fish. On the way out, I ran into Kristijan Gregodić (Valicon), who tried to lure me back for a drink, ignoring the fact that I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in 30 years. Instead, I asked him where in Zagreb I could get good fish? “Konoba Dida,” Kris replied shortly. We hopped in a taxi and went straight to the tavern. Kris was right. I have never in my life eaten a better John Dory. From now on, if anyone asks me about seafood in Zagreb, my recommendation is Konoba Dida.
And last, but not least, with us for two days was our new associate from Zagreb, Antonija Barišić. Young, very smart, and in love with marketing. Just a mention for now – but in the coming years, you will hear a lot about her.
