Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword from the future anymore — it’s here, loud and proud, and it’s rewriting the rules of business, branding, and how society functions. That’s why this year’s DK Festival, 15 — 18 May in Rovinj, is going all in with real talk and real examples on what AI is actually doing to our industries. Expect big questions and even bigger brains.
Can’t-Miss Hot Topics Include:
IAB Croatia’s PPP: The Decade We Learned There’s No Such Thing as Online Privacy — powered by Ožujsko Pivo
Remember when we thought our data was private? LOL. In this no-filter, laid-back session, we’ll tackle how AI tools have turned privacy into a quaint memory — and whether we’ve just accepted surveillance as the cost of “free” content. Leading the convo: Mario Frančešević (Founder/CEO, SeekandHit, Member of HURA and IAB Croatia Board), Saša Milinović (Digital Director, OMD, Member of HURA and IAB Croatia), Marko Mikeš (Client Solution Manager Lead, Aleph, Member of IAB Croatia), Sonja Stahor Gašpar (Digital Business Director, JGL), Tihana Ana Reljić (Attorney-at-law / partner, REZIME, law firm) and Zoran Savin (CEO, IAB Slovenija).
Will AI Actually Pay Off? AI Meets ROI powered by Raiffeisen Hrvatska
AI promises everything: more profit, smoother ops, redefined markets… but where’s the actual value? Is it innovation, optimization, or just snazzy presentations? Hear from Dalibor Kovačević (Executive director of IT, Raiffeisen Hrvatska), Roni Kert (Bugatti Rimac) and Hajdi Ćenan (Community Ambassador, AG2), with moderator Roko Kalafatić (Head of Video Content & Lider’s Podcast Host, Member of IAB Croatia), as they cut through the hype and focus on what really matters: results.
VOX POPULI: Predictions & Trendspotting
No crystal balls, just sharp insights. We’re diving headfirst into the trends shaping tomorrow — from AI mania and cookiepocalypses to wild media formats and the eternal hunt for The Next Big Thing. Unfiltered takes from Nebojša Grbačić (Co-founder, Creative Director, Cvoke, Member of HURA & IAB Croatia), Krešimir Macan (New Podcaster on the Block & Communications Advisor, Špica s Macanom), Nikola Vrdoljak (Director, 404, Member of HURA & IAB Croatia; Partner, Myty Group) and HURA, IAB Croatia and DK Festival Director Dunja Ivana Ballon. Expect bold opinions and zero hesitation.
Is Bigger Better? II by IAB Croatia
Big biz = big comms strategy. But does “more” really mean “better”? In the world of big business, communication isn’t just about crafting a message — it’s a full-on strategic operation. Marija Franić (Head of Corporate Affairs, Kaufland Croatia), Ema Huskić (Manager Area Marketing, Mastercard), Tamara Karagity (Corporate Communications and Marketing Director, INA Group) and David Flam (Marketing Director, Maistra Hospitality Group) are stepping into the spotlight to share how the big leagues really play the game. Moderation is in expert hands with Ivana Krajinović (CEO, Večernji list) who’ll make sure the conversation cuts through the corporate speak and gets real about what it takes to make big comms work — and when bigger might just mean more to lose.
AI Beyond the Hype: Strategic PR Before Shiny Tools
AI tools are popping up daily like mushrooms after rain — but real innovation doesn’t start with software, it starts with the right question. Forbes 30 Under 30’s Dawid Adach (Co-founder, CogniVis.AI) is here to flip the script on AI in comms, PR, and marketing. Bonus: a hands-on Q&A hosted by Kristina Laco (Director, Komunikacijski ured Colić, Laco & Partners, Member of HURA and IAB Croatia Board).
AI, IT & Advertising’s Relationship Status? It’s Complicated. by UNIT
When tech and creativity collide, it’s not always a match made in heaven. Hear how data becomes storytelling (or a chaotic mess) from Ivan Bešlić (Chief Strategy Officer, Sofascore & President, UNIT) and Stjepan Zelić (CEO, Hypefy), with moderator Martina Sokač Saraga (CEO, MSS Puls). It’s part love story, part horror film — you decide.
And that’s just the beginning. This year’s DK you’ll also have the opportunity to take part of these interesting discussions From Witch Hunt to AI: Lessons from Yuval Noah Harari, Protecting Children in the Digital Playground by UNICEF, You Still Pretend to Understand Blockchain? UX/UI to the Rescue! by Alice in Blockchains, The Science of Influence: Why Media Agencies Are More Powerful Than Ever, AI-Powered Bullshit: Creativity’s Future or Digital Delusion? Fight! by CroAI.
Oh, and of course — global creative rockstars, design legends, pitch-masters and tech innovators are also on the way to Rovinj to blow your minds.
Featured photo: Matija Habljak/PIXSELL