The competition at the Slovenian Advertising Festival (SOF) once again confirms its role as a central professional benchmark, highlighting the most relevant works of the Slovenian advertising scene and setting standards for creativity and effectiveness. Winning awards not only brings prestige but also directly impacts the reputation of agencies, brands, and individuals, opening the door to new business opportunities. Applications for this year’s edition are open until April 2, 2026.
All as last year, only better
SOF 2026 remains consistent with a structure based on three key pillars of excellence – three sections that offer different perspectives but share the same goal: to recognize and reward creativity that pushes boundaries, opens new ways of thinking, and creates long-term value. Each section is overseen by a dedicated jury, led by distinguished professionals who evaluate contemporary creativity comprehensively and without compromise.
Creative Jury
The president of the creative jury is Milena Jakovljević, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder (DROM agency). She is joined by Miha Avsenik (Art Director, Luna \TBWA), Miha Bevc (Creative Director and Partner, Herman & partnerji), Jože Gerečnik (Creative Content Author, Futura DDB), Eva Gjörek (Creative Director, Agencija 101), Andraž Grulja (Senior Designer, SHIFT), Matija Kocbek (Designer and Founder, Reformatic Studio), Matej Kodrič (Creative Director, POVEM) and Mirka Modrinić (Senior Creative Consultant, Pristop).
“I am interested in creativity that does not hesitate. Ideas that are clear, bold, and executed with determination. Executions where every detail is thoughtfully considered and decisions are backed by experience. Innovation is welcome, but never an end in itself. This year, we will reward projects where you can feel: ‘this is it.’ Clarity, when a team believes in itself, and an impact that stays with us long after the festival quiets down.” – Milena Jakovljević, President of the Creative Jury
Business Jury
The business section is led by Aleš Petejan, Marketing Director (Mastercard Slovenija). The jury also includes Andrej Krajner (Director of Brand and Communications, NLB Skupina), Nataša Mohorč Kejžar (Research Director, Ipsos Slovenija), Lidija Rakuša (Marketing Director, SPAR Slovenija), as well as Milena Jakovljević (DROM agency), Miha Bevc (Herman & partnerji), Matija Kocbek (Reformatic Studio), Matej Kodrič (POVEM) and Mirka Modrinić (Pristop).
“This year’s judging is a great honor for me, as together with experienced colleagues we evaluate projects that stand out through creativity, strategic thinking, and authenticity. I believe in ideas that bring real value to people and stem from understanding their needs. That is also the core of this section dedicated to works that prove themselves through measurable creative impact. The most valuable projects combine honesty, innovation, and lasting influence, and we hope to reward many of them this year.” – Aleš Petejan, President of the Business Jury
Media Jury
The media section is chaired by Uroš Cuder, Director of Media Strategies (Media Publikum). The jury includes Matjaž Klipšteter (Director, Taktik), Jaka Satler (Head of Media Department, Publicis Groupe Slovenia), Tomaž Žontar (Head of Service Development and Innovation, Europlakat), as well as Milena Jakovljević (DROM agency), Miha Bevc (Herman & partnerji), Matija Kocbek (Reformatic Studio), Matej Kodrič (POVEM) and Mirka Modrinić (Pristop).
“Media creative excellence goes beyond the traditional choice of channels, as it is based on a deep understanding of data, insights, and the behavior of target groups we aim to reach. The rapid development of the media landscape offers us more and more new opportunities to connect data understanding with creativity through innovative approaches and create communication breakthroughs that push the boundaries of our profession.” – Uroš Cuder, President of the Media Jury
SOF once again confirms its role as a platform where creativity, strategy, and business results meet, but also as a place where the direction of the industry becomes clearly visible. In a time of rapid change, competitions like this become a reference point for understanding standards of excellence, not only through awarded works but also through ideas that shape the future of communications.
