The first ADriatic Festival of Integrated Communications and Creativity concluded this weekend at the Maestral Resort & Casino in Budva, bringing exceptional energy, inspiration, and exchange of experiences among regional and international leaders in communications, marketing, media, design, and the creative industries.
Over two days, the audience had the opportunity to attend outstanding keynote lectures, “one-on-one” conversations, and workshops within the “Let’s Support Them” program, dedicated to the development and affirmation of young talents under 30. The “Why So Serious?” segment brought together top experts from creative industries and communications through inspiring presentations and discussions.
The festival also hosted two world premieres – the launch of new books by Dr. Max McKeown, visionary and bestselling author, who presented “Super Adaptability”, due to be released in print in the coming days, and Richard Shotton, behavioral science expert, whose book “Hacking the Human Mind” was published last month.
In addition, the first day featured inspiring talks by Saša Savić, one of the most awarded leaders in the advertising and media industry in the U.S.; Ivan Stanković, a pioneer of advertising who has been pushing boundaries for more than 40 years; and Branimir Brkljač, a visionary who began his career at Komodisk, and through Studio Moderna and the Top Shop brand became synonymous with TV sales in the region.
The married couple Ana Tkalac Verčić and Dejan Verčić demonstrated how they turn theory into practice and knowledge into strategy. After the break, Sanja Lalević, Global Sales Enablement Director at Aleph, offered an answer to the question: “What does success in marketing really mean?”
Niko Slavnič, professor in MBA programs, presented “7 Fast Habits for Creatives of the Future,” while Nastja Mulej, a thinking coach, held a workshop on “Six Thinking Hats.” Anđelko Trpković, a leader with more than 25 years of experience in the communications industry, spoke about the “History of the Future,” and the first day ended with Vladimir Vulić’s lecture “The Secret Recipe of an Unforgettable User Experience.”
The second day of the Adriatic Festival began with a conversation with Martín Guevara Duarte, nephew of Che Guevara and a writer living and working in Spain. Following the “revolution” story, a discussion with Dr. Ivan Medenica, professor at FDU in Belgrade and Cetinje, explored Generation Z. Dragan Močević, one of the key figures of the business scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, spoke about “Family Businesses – From Balancing Challenges to Communicating Solutions.”
Marijana Kadić Bojanić, Executive Director of TV Vijesti and Daily Press, gave a presentation titled “Media and Advertisers – Whoever Survives Will Scream,” while Ivan Minić, consultant and entrepreneur, discussed the impact of the human species on the planet and its inhabitants. In the final morning session, Darko Buldioski answered the question “Why Should Marketers (Care About) User Experience?”
In a packed hall dedicated to the “Let’s Support Them” program, the brilliant creative Ivica Spasovski, the man who brought the first Golden Cannes Lion to Central and Eastern Europe, held a workshop titled “Give Every Chance a Chance.”
After the lunch break, a new chapter of the festival was opened – “Meet Beat”, a segment dedicated to music for advertising, film, theater, gaming, and television, emphasizing the importance of sound in creative expression. Regional names such as Irena Popović Dragović, Ana Krstajić, Teya Dora, Aleksandar Protić, and Milica Fajgelj performed, leaving a strong impression and confirming that creativity knows no boundaries.
Particular attention was drawn to the “Let’s Support Them” program, organized in cooperation with the Parliament of Montenegro and NLB Bank, giving young people the opportunity to connect with professionals, present their projects, and participate in interactive workshops. The program inspired numerous participants to turn their ideas into concrete actions and initiatives.
“The Adriatic Festival is proof that the region has the strength, knowledge, and creativity to create a platform that inspires and connects. This is just the beginning of a beautiful story that will grow year after year and bring new energy to our industry,” added Vladimir Vulić, Program Director of the festival.
“Our goal was to connect creativity, business, and social responsibility, but also to create an atmosphere where people are truly inspired. After two days of the Adriatic Festival, seeing an audience leaving with smiles, full of ideas and enthusiasm, is our greatest success. It proves that the region has enormous potential and that the Adriatic Festival has become a new meeting place for people eager for knowledge and real experiences,” said Svetlana Kunčer, a member of the organizing team.
Throughout the weekend, Budva lived in the spirit of creativity, togetherness, and inspiration, becoming the new regional center of ideas shaping the future of communications.
More photos are available via the link.
