In a world where emotions sell better than ever and values are calculated by algorithms, the country’s biggest festival of creativity, digital, and communications is putting a spotlight on the issues shaping how brands, consumers, and society interact.
What does rebellion look like in the age of branded resistance? Is advertising today truly responsible — and can it be part of the solution in an era of sustainability challenges? Why is talking about money still such a taboo? What does consumer trust mean in 2025, and what happens when public mistakes go viral? These are just some of the questions on the table at the eleventh edition of DK Festival, taking place 15 — 18 May at Hotel Lone in Rovinj.
We dive deep into the crossroads of advertising, culture, and psychology, bringing together brand leaders, agencies, bankers, indie creatives, media experts, and academics for raw, sometimes uncomfortable — but absolutely necessary — conversations. Whether you’re a consumer, a creator, an advertiser, or just a human navigating a constantly shifting world, this one’s for you.
BUY & DIE: BUY MORE! SPEND MORE! DIE MORE QUICKLY! (OR IS CONSUMERISM DRAGGING US STRAIGHT TO HELL?)
Advertising has fueled consumption and shaped our perception of value for decades. But in the face of the climate crisis, can we pivot this system to support a more sustainable model — or is advertising without overconsumption just a pipe dream?
This urgent and complex question will be tackled by Karla Andrić (Founder, Haiku Comms / Sustainability & Social Impact Strategist, Anti-Greenwashing Advocate, #EUClimatePact Ambassador), Ana Brajković (CEO, Circled) and Vinko Filipić (CEO, Greencajt) with Damir Ciglar (DK Festival Organising Committee Member and CEO, Imago Ogilvy) moderating.
I LOVE TO HATE YOU: THE ANATOMY OF CANCEL CULTURE by WOLF
What happens when a single moment changes everything?
Once rooted in accountability, cancel culture has morphed into a system of snap judgments and public takedowns — leaving little room for fact-checking, growth, or comebacks. In a time when forgiveness is disappearing from public discourse, the big questions are: How do you recover from mistakes in the digital age? Is redemption even possible?
With Aleksandar Stanković (journalist) as moderator, panelists Ella Dvornik, Ana Čerenšak (Psychologist, Mental Training Center) and Manuela Šola (CEO, Komunikacijski laboratorij) will dig into real-life stories and explore what it takes to survive in a world quick to cancel.
BEYOND THE CHECKOUT: THE NEW RULES OF CONSUMER TRUST powered by STUDENAC
Trust in retail runs deeper than buying habits — it’s about the psychology behind consumer behavior and how brands bond with their communities. In a time when authenticity is currency, how do we rebuild trust between merchants and their customers?
This panel will spotlight the science behind consumer loyalty, belonging, and meaningful brand connection. Speaking on the topic are Tatjana Spajić (Corporate Communications Director, Studenac Market), Anđela Buljan Šiber (Founder, iZone and DK Organising Committee Member) and Senka Brajović (Partner, Improve Research & Analytics) moderated by Maroje Sabljić (CEO, B2B GLOBAL).
CAN MONEY TALK BE SEXY? powered by ADDIKO BANK
Money’s a daily reality yet talking about it still feels awkward — even taboo. Why is that, especially in a society where oversharing is practically standard?
This panel explores the cultural, social, and psychological forces behind our discomfort with financial conversations. With input from comms pros, psychologists, and financial experts, it aims to change the way we talk about money.
On the panel: Petra Bašić Jantolić (Managing Director, Business Development, Addiko Bank), Davor Bruketa (Creative Director and co-owner, Bruketa&Žinić&Grey, and DK committee member), Martina Trboglav Podvorac (Psychologist, Therapist and Owner of Private Psychological Practice) and DJ Rea (Rea Hadžiosmanović, DJ, music curator/music journalist/music consultant, founder of Puding creative service) and their moderator Petar Tanta (Director, CTA komunikacije).
NOTHING IS PUNK ANYMORE
Rebellion used to have a uniform — ripped jeans, battered sneakers, and a clear rejection of corporate everything. But now rebellion drops as a limited-edition collab with a slick ad campaign. Is every subculture already commercialized? Can anything stay real, untouched by market forces, in a world where even protest has a sponsor?
Moderated by Marko Šesnić (Co-Founder, Studio Šesnić&Turković, HURA and IAB Croatia board member), the panel features Ela Barić (Brand Manager, Radenska Adriatic), Domagoj Davidović (Creative strategist, MinusMinus Agency) and Maro Pitarević (Creative Director, Real grupa).
Beyond these highlights, DK Festival will also dive into topics like creativity, AI, and business, featuring standout sessions including:
- PPP: Pitch Me If You Can — Guide to Fair & Smart Agency Selection powered by Ožujsko pivo,
- On Influencer Marketing by IAB Croatia: Is Your Feed a Lie?,
- The Experience Economy: Events as the Frontline of Brand Experience,
- Why Your Business Needs a Gamer’s Mindset by Game Changer and many others.
Don’t forget — this year’s festival features an impressive lineup of global leaders in creativity, digital, design, attention economy, pitching, AI, and more. Be part of the conversation and the experience from 15 — 18 May in Rovinj.