On December 12, Zagreb will become the center of marketing innovation thanks to a brand-new project by Večernji List. The Brands & Trends Conference, taking place at Hotel Zonar from 10 AM to 5 PM, will gather top experts from Croatia and around the globe to address key challenges and opportunities of the digital era while offering actionable insights and strategies. With a focus on creativity, branding, and new technologies, the conference not only provides an opportunity to gain fresh knowledge but also to network with professionals in the marketing field.
This year marks Večernji List’s 65th anniversary, a milestone reflecting its inspiring legacy. It’s a chance to look back on what has kept the brand relevant for so long and what adjustments are necessary to continue thriving amid ongoing digital transformations. Managing a brand has shown us that companies with strong branding achieve up to 60% better customer satisfaction, while consistent brands see a 23% increase in revenue. This inspired us to organize a unique conference to exchange best practices, inspire one another, educate ourselves, and most importantly, apply these lessons to create healthier, longer-lasting brands, said Dražen Klarić, Editor-in-Chief of Večernji List.
The conference will feature panel discussions, lectures, workshops, and case studies covering topics such as how society influences brand evolution, achieving excellence in communication, innovations that captivate users, building brands on real-time data, the importance of art and science in effective advertising, and key elements of successful lead management.
Key Speakers and Highlights
Ana Andjelic, a global marketing expert and author of The Business of Aspiration, will discuss how modern brands can become “cultural hits.” With over two decades of experience working with top global companies like Hermès and Net-a-Porter, Ana will explore how successful brands shape society through innovative collaborations, engaging content, and distinctive visual codes. Her philosophy combines luxury, technology, and cultural impact, making her one of the most sought-after speakers in marketing.
Sorin Patilinet, Global Marketing Insights Director at Mars, will present The Art and Science of Effectiveness. This lecture delves into how emotional storytelling combined with analytics can transform campaigns. As a consumer behavior researcher and award-winning professional, Sorin will answer the critical question: How can marketing become a strategic driver of growth?
Marko Matejčić, a Croatian marketing professional thriving on the global scene, will share insights from his role as Senior Vice President at GroupM. Leading the Open Media Studio platform, he oversees a team of 43,000 employees managing over $62 billion in client media investments. Marko will provide actionable insights on why certain strategies work, when to introduce new creative concepts, and the value of investing in younger audiences.
Anselmo Tumpić, a creative mind behind the award-winning project It’s Time for Your Time, will present a case study that combines local authenticity with global standards. His work, recognized with a Cannes Lions award, demonstrates how simple ideas can create a strong emotional resonance with audiences.
Nikola Žinić, a leading Croatian creative strategist, will showcase the award-winning Marodi campaign. The project, honored at Cannes Lions, redefines brand-to-consumer communication. Nikola will share essential tips for creating outstanding campaigns, from solving brand challenges to leveraging emotions and innovative approaches.
Dario Marčac and Antonio Ereš, from Crew Media, will lead a workshop on creating successful lead generation campaigns on TikTok. As a leading TikTok influencer in the region and an expert in TikTok advertising, they will demonstrate how authentic content can engage younger generations and improve ROI.
Why Attend?
The conference presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals to enhance their skills, find inspiration, and network with industry leaders. Tickets are available at entrio.hr.
