This year, SEMPL is focusing on the importance of patience and, just weeks before the event, confirms that the best things are indeed worth the wait. New additions to the diverse international lineup of speakers include individuals who play a unique role in globally successful stories. Among them are Nebojša Mandrapa, a member of Novak Djokovic’s PR team and partner and director of personal and brand PR at the Serbian agency New Media Team; Maja Kremić, director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation; and Angelina Komarova, associate producer of the Netflix mega-hit Emily in Paris.
On the first day of the conference, Thursday, November 14, Nebojša Mandrapa, who has worked with Djokovic since 2011, will present the strategic development of Novak Djokovic’s brand. In a talk titled Beyond the Game: Crisis Management and Brand Evolution of Novak Djokovic, he will highlight key elements of crisis management and the intensive efforts needed to overcome challenging career moments. Using real-life examples, he will offer insights into the strategies employed to navigate setbacks, protect, and strengthen Novak’s public image. He will also showcase an archetypal map to illustrate Djokovic’s brand journey and transformational path from his early identity to that of a sports legend.
On Friday, November 15, in the morning, conference participants will get a glimpse behind the creation of the now-iconic Netflix series Emily in Paris through a talk by the associate producer of its third and fourth seasons, Angelina Komarova. Angelina has built a diverse career in the audiovisual industry in Ukraine and France, working on TV shows, music videos, commercials, and notably collaborating with Paris’s leading casting agency, Joule Studio. At the production house Firstep, she progressed from a production assistant to an associate producer on the TV hit. Through this experience, she gained expertise in rights management, brand collaboration, cast coordination, and fostering team synergy. She will share her rich experiences and on-set anecdotes in conversation with well-known Slovenian actor and host Domen Valič.
In one of the closing panels of this year’s conference, the work of the Novak Djokovic Foundation will be highlighted by the foundation’s director, Maja Kremić. The foundation, which focuses on early childhood development as a foundation for a better society, deeply believes in the potential of every child, regardless of background. In a conversation with renowned Croatian host, creative producer, and successful podcast author Ana Radišić, Maja will focus on the foundation’s long-term vision and legacy, challenges in achieving lasting impact, inspiring others to take action, the power of partnerships, and other aspects that will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The complete program and additional information are available on the official website, where you can also secure tickets to participate in the conference, which this year promises top-quality content and renowned international names from the worlds of advertising, media, TV industry, and sports.
