Haters, Stereotypes, and Prejudices, Media Stars, Six Festivals, One Unforgettable Experience
On September 2, 2025, at Maksimir’s Vidikovac, amid inspiring conversations and a summer atmosphere, the program of the most exciting regional festival, Weekend.18, was presented.
From September 18 to 21 in Rovinj, the festival will bring together six themed sections, ten stages, over 120 panels and workshops, more than a hundred speakers and partners – three game-changing days.
“Since 2008, we’ve come a long way to 2025. This year, we’re celebrating our 18th birthday with the biggest edition yet. Alongside our regular topics, we’re introducing two brand-new festival formats – Investment.Weekend and Energy.Weekend – because our audience is asking for more. More knowledge, more inspiration, and more opportunities to connect,” said Tomo Ricov, Director of Weekend.18.
Weekend.18 Remains the Festival’s Beating Heart
This year, we welcome names that change the game: Lara Boro, CEO of The Economist Group, will discuss the role of media in a world of geopolitical chaos, while legendary author and journalist Michael Wolff will reveal what it’s like to report from the heart of U.S. politics. Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller, creator of the Trafficked series, will take the audience into the darkest corners of the black market. Mojmira Pastorčić, Editor and Host of RTL Direkt, will join the panel “Women in News: Truth and Responsibility in Times of Crisis.”
The panel on national stereotypes “A Serb, a Croat, and a Slovene” will feature Dragoljub Petrović, Editor of Danas daily, writer and columnist Ante Tomić, and singer-songwriter Zoran Predin, joined by Weekend’s ever-popular guest, TV host Zoran Kesić. “Haters: Who Are These Strange People?” will bring insights from RTL’s Zoran Šprajc, journalist Slobodan Georgiev, artist and host Ida Prester, psychologist Boris Jokić, and Robert Čoban, Co-owner and President of Color Press Group. Panels such as “Is America Still the Promised Land?”, “Truth Under Siege: Reporting in Global Crisis”, “Europe vs Big Tech”, and “Shame on You” are just a glimpse of what’s in store at Weekend.18. Check out the full program at www.weekend.hr.
People at the Center of the Third HR.Weekend
The third HR.Weekend will explore the future of work and leadership, including attracting and retaining talent, building motivating cultures, and developing leaders and HR functions. Panels and workshops will cover strategic HR-leadership partnerships, change management, pay transparency, the impact of AI, challenges in the public sector, and interpersonal and ethical workplace issues.
Key speakers include Ilya Bonic, President of Mercer’s Career Division and Chief Strategy Officer, who will discuss strategic people management; Asli Oktay, HR Director for BAT’s Adria cluster, presenting young talent development; Boris Vukić, Partner and Co-founder of Adizes Southeast Europe; Marina Matić, Co-founder of Lotse; and Antonija Kapović, HR Director at Bugatti Rimac, who will share best practices and real-life experiences. Explore the full HR.Weekend program here.
Latest Trends at AI.Weekend
“AI.Weekend had an incredible debut last year, but what we’ve prepared for this edition goes beyond even the highest expectations. Today, no one can ignore AI. We want to show how it can be an ally in business with practical use cases, but also demystify the overhyped myths. We’re bringing leading investors, successful startup founders, and top experts shaping the AI ecosystem across industries to spark honest conversations about the near future of AI. You’ll learn what groundbreaking projects are coming out of Croatia and what seasoned investors from Silicon Valley to Singapore think. AI isn’t just technology – it’s a question of responsibility and vision, and Rovinj is the perfect place for this dialogue,” said Nikola Pavešić, Director of AI.Weekend.
This year’s AI.Weekend brings even more inspiration and practical insights. How is AI reshaping healthcare, finance, and marketing? What’s next for generative intelligence? Speakers include Sheel Mohnot, Co-founder of Better Tomorrow Ventures; Vishal Harnal, Managing Partner at 500 Global; Victor Dodig, President and CEO of CIBC; Łukasz Gabler from TikTok; Ervin Jagatić, Product Director at Infobip; and many more. See the AI.Weekend program here.
Second Edition of Finance.Weekend: The Next Generation of Finance
Finance.Weekend opens the door to the world of modern finance with interactive panels, case studies, and networking opportunities instead of traditional lectures. Highlights include Michael Boyd, former Apple Treasury Director with 20 years of global financial project experience. Panelists discussing telecom financial control include Matija Kovačević (CFO, Hrvatski Telekom), Anita Lazović (CFO, Orion Telekom), and Matija Mandić (CFO, Telemach). Former NBA player and Sunset Sports Festival Director Damjan Rudež will explore the link between sports and business, while ESG implementation will be discussed by Ivana Krajinović (Partner, EY), Vedrana Jelušić Kašić (Board Member, PBZ), and Mitar Božić (CFO, Medlog Austria). Find the full Finance.Weekend program here.
Capital Meets Vision: The Premiere of Investment.Weekend
The newest addition, Investment.Weekend, brings stories of investments that change the world. Featured speakers include George Yeo, former Singapore Minister of Foreign Affairs and J.P. Morgan’s Chief Economist, Luis Oganes, Melk Bucher, Private Infrastructure Investment Manager at Partners Group; Jože Rant, CFO of Aircash; and Victor Dodig, who will appear on two different stages. The event is organized in partnership with the Zagreb School of Economics and Management. Dean and Festival Director Mato Njavro noted: “Investing in the future isn’t just about money – it’s about vision. That’s why we launched Investment.Weekend: a platform connecting those with capital and those with ideas, as well as everyone who wants to understand where global markets are heading. Our goal is to unite visionaries and foster the growth of new ideas.” Find the full program here.
The Future of Energy at the First Energy.Weekend
The first Energy.Weekend Powered UP by E.ON will focus on actionable solutions for energy transition: renewables, e-mobility, new business models, and ESG standards. Korado Korlević’s keynote “What Will the World Look Like in 2045?” will offer a glimpse into the future of technology, energy, and social change – and question humanity’s role in a new energy order. Other hot topics include “Power Up Talk: Power to the People”, “E-Mobility: A True Revolution or Just Marketing?”, and “When the Lights Go Out: Are We Ready for a Blackout?” See the full Energy.Weekend program here.
“Energy.Weekend is where knowledge, inspiration, and people come together – those who believe energy transition is not just necessary but an opportunity. It’s a place to hear the latest trends, connect with industry leaders, and discover ideas ready for immediate application. And beyond the business, the atmosphere is relaxed and stimulating – not just a conference, but a collective effort to shape the energy future,” said Vladimir Sabo, Managing Director of E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Croatia and Slovenia.
When the Sun Goes Down, the Party Begins
Weekend is not confined to conference halls. When panels wrap up, legendary parties kick off – and the stories last for months. Opening night features Tihomir Pop Asanović & Friends with a world-class jazz-fusion performance, followed by a spectacular set from global DJ superstar Jax Jones, brought to you by Omoda & Jaecoo. Ured za Ideje and Three Oh Two will host an unforgettable party featuring Tajči, Minea, Ilan Kabiljo, Vlatka Pokos, and Ivana Banfić. DJ Uroš and DJ Stanko Bondža will keep the dance floor alive. As the saying goes: In Rovinj, the best business conversations happen after midnight.
One Weekend, Six Worlds – And a Place for You
“Weekend is more than a gathering for the creative industry – it’s proof that events are economic drivers and powerful ambassadors for destinations. Our data shows that major events generate significant boosts in local spending within just a few kilometers – from restaurants and hotels to cultural and entertainment experiences. That’s why Mastercard invests in insights and partnerships with destinations and event organizers: to help them measure, plan, and build a sustainable future where cities are not just points on a map but true lifestyle brands,” said Gea Kariž, Country Manager at Mastercard Croatia. “Weekend is a cashless festival, ensuring convenience and showcasing how technology enhances the visitor experience. With Mastercard payment benefits and Priceless.com packages combining tickets and accommodation, our goal is to create moments that go beyond transactions – experiences people remember, share, and want to relive. Weekend in Rovinj is exactly that.”
Accommodation in Rovinj is provided by Maistra Hospitality Group. For the latest updates on the program and new speakers, visit the official website or follow Weekend on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok– there’s so much more to come. Until then, save the third weekend of September for Rovinj and join the Weekend of all Weekends!
