The television and video industry has been undergoing changes in recent years that affect not only how content is consumed, but also how it is produced, distributed and monetized. Artificial intelligence, the rise of independent creators and new video formats are changing the relationships between traditional media companies, streaming platforms and audiences. These changes will be among the main topics at NEM Zagreb 2026, which will take place on December 7 and 8 at the Esplanade Zagreb hotel, bringing together international representatives of the television, media and technology industries.
This year’s program will be organized around three thematic areas: Content, Video Business and Connected TV. Alongside artificial intelligence and changes in content distribution and monetization, attention will also be given to the growing popularity of microdramas, vertical video formats, new viewing habits and upcoming Croatian projects. The event will also feature the NEM Awards ceremony.
Following the earlier announcement of Timothy Oh, General Manager and CMO of COL Group International, who will appear as a keynote speaker, the organizers have revealed the first names of the participants.
Among them are Božidar Abramović, CEO of Omnicom Media Group, Dorota Żurkowska-Bytner, Chief Revenue Officer at TVN Warner Bros. Discovery, Guy Bisson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Ampere Analysis, and Maria Rua Aguete, Head of M&E and Technology Fellow at Omdia. Also confirmed are Grigory Lavrov from Skydance, Elena Petrova from A1 International Business, Nikola Vrdoljak, Founder and Partner at agency 404, and Sandra Lehner, Entertainment Executive at TV Futurist.
The list of speakers also includes Aleksandar “Kojot” Ašković, Carlo Dusi, Erik Pack, Filip Bobiňski, Jan Frelek, Jan Maxa, Katarina Pavlović and Robert Franke, who will bring perspectives from different parts of the industry, from content production and development to distribution and new technological solutions.
Speaking about the changes that will shape the future of media, Nikola Vrdoljak from agency 404 points out:
“The media industry is going through one of the biggest transformations in its history. Artificial intelligence, changes in audience habits and new business models are changing almost everything we have taken for granted until now. I see NEM Zagreb as an opportunity to better understand what is happening, where the industry is heading and, most importantly, how to succeed in a world where changes are happening faster and faster.”
One of the questions that arises is how to retain audiences in an environment where content is distributed across an increasing number of platforms. Sandra Lehner from TV Futurist believes that attracting attention is no longer enough and that the industry must focus on building long-term relationships with audiences. At the same time, content creators are developing their own intellectual property and media brands, while television broadcasters and studios are reassessing their positions. For Central and Eastern European markets, finding a balance between relationships with local audiences and opportunities for international expansion is particularly important.
Another important topic will be the business potential of short vertical videos, whose relatively low production costs open up opportunities for creators to connect directly with audiences. Jan Frelek, CCO of Backscreen, announces that the monetization of this format will be at the center of their interest:
“Low production costs of short vertical videos encourage content creators to consider direct-to-consumer approaches. Backscreen is coming to NEM Zagreb to better understand what is driving this trend and to present its vision of new monetization opportunities that could fundamentally change the vertical video ecosystem. In addition, we look forward to spending quality time with colleagues from the media industry at the Advent market.”
The organizers will announce additional speakers and the official event program in the coming period, while more information about the already confirmed participants is available on the official NEM Zagreb website.
