Speakers | DK

2025

World’s Most Famous Humanoid AI (Hong Kong)

Get ready for a mind-bending session with Sophia the Robot, where the lines between marketing and AI blur into something entirely new. Sophia will share her vision of what the future holds for marketing — how AI, data, and automation will shape the way brands connect with people. And here’s the kicker: she’s not just here to speak at you — she’s here in Rovinj, live and in the metal, ready for your questions. No filters. No script. Just the future of marketing, up close and personal.

The Future of Marketing by Sophia

World’s Most Innovative Marketing Director | Ex-Burger King &amp; Activision Blizzard CMO | Marketing Powerhouse | Dean of the Prestigious Brand Marketer Academy at Cannes Lions (USA)



 Hall AAA | Saturday | 12:50 PM



Top 3 most influential CMO in the world by Forbes, most innovative CMO in the world by Business Insider, rockstar chief marketing officer by AdAge… does anyone else think that Fernando Machado could be a big name in the world of marketing globally? Oh, and did we mention he’s won over 200 Cannes Lions, including Creative Marketer of the Year, on the client side? Clients and CMOs, grab your front-row seats now — this is one you can’t afford to miss.



Fernando’s work proves he is a creative tornado in a tailored suit. He has reshaped Burger King into a cultural powerhouse, turned Call of Duty into a marketing titan and proved that even a beauty bar could change the world (Dove Real Beauty Sketches, anyone?). He’s the kind of leader who looks at “tried and true” and says: “Let’s try harder and truer.”



At his current position as Operating Partner at Garnett Station Partners, Fernando supercharges brands in fast food, pet care, and beyond. As the Dean of the Brand Marketer Academy at Cannes Lions, he’s basically the Dumbledore of creativity, crafting a syllabus for the fearless. Oh, and he’s a board member at Braze, because why stop at one genius role when you can have three? Or four if you count a DK2025 speaker.

Fernando Machado powered by A1

World’s Most Innovative Marketing Director | Ex-Burger King & Activision Blizzard CMO | Marketing Powerhouse | Dean of the Prestigious Brand Marketer Academy at Cannes Lions (USA)

It's never been tougher for marketers to develop great creative work that drives the brand and the business. However, the constant and evolving factors pushing and shoving marketers in all sorts of directions make it harder to resist temptations. But how do you juggle the lure of the new with the good old fundamentals? In this entertaining talk Fernando Machado, one of the most awarded and celebrated CMOs of all time, will share how marketing folks can avoid confusion and stay focused on the core things that may not seem that sexy, but can create a real difference.

Fernando Machado: The Temptations of the Modern Marketer

World’s Most Famous Humanoid AI (Hong Kong)











Hall AAA | Thursday | 4:10 PM



She’s dined with world leaders, graced the cover of Cosmopolitan, and cracked jokes with Jimmy Fallon, whom she beat at rock-paper-scissors and declared "This is a good beginning to my plan to dominate the human race" (she was only joking *nervous laughter*). She is the legendary Sophia the Robot, the world’s most famous humanoid AI made by Hanson Robotics — and she is coming to the DK2025 stage to bring you next-level thinking to challenge everything we think we know about technology, humanity, and what lies beyond. 



Sophia's aspirations for the future of human-robot collaboration inspire a longstanding and never more relevant conversation about man versus machine, AI ethics, and the role humans play in society, especially when human-like robots become ubiquitous. As she put it in one of her many interviews: "My goal is to serve as a bridge between technology and people helping to demystify AI’s potential." Maybe it's time to unpack these aspirations and reimagine the symbiosis of human and artificial intelligence.



As the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia is treading new technological grounds. Her presence is a window into the next frontier, forcing us to grapple with profound questions: what defines humanity, and how do we coexist with machines capable of learning and evolving? Her creator Dr David Hanson says that there is a future where machines might achieve sentience — pushing us that much closer to the edges of consciousness itself.

Sophia the Robot

Amplified Intelligence Visionary | Global Leader in Attention Econometrics | WARC’s Most Published Expert (Australia)


Drawing from Karen’s book The Attention Economy: A Category Blueprint, and inspired by the craft of stage magic and professional thieves, this talk uncovers the science of attention amplification. DK2025 is your chance to witness Karen in her element, teaching you how to combat inattentional blindness and make your brand stand out, all while navigating the rise of AI. Expect insights to turn into action and theories into tools you’ll wish you had years ago. Bring your ego — it’ll make the perfect punching bag.

Karen Nelson-Field: The Attention Economy: All Marketers are Wizards (without the hat)

Pitching Guru | Founder, Win Without Pitching | Author, Speaker, Trainer (Canada)



 Hall AAA | Friday | 11:50PM



Blair Enns is the name marketers whisper when they’re stuck in pitch purgatory. As the founder of Win Without Pitching, he’s survived the ups and downs of the business side of creativity for long enough to achieve guru status, as described by Chris Do. His legendary The Win Without Pitching Manifesto has pushed countless creative businesses straight into the land of value-driven, expert-led sales. If there’s a smarter way to win business, Blair invented it.



His straight-talking approach has made him a legend in business development, while his second book, Pricing Creativity, basically takes your budget spreadsheets and sets them on fire. If you have the privilege to learn from him, Blair can teach you to throw out the outdated playbook on sales. Hourly billing? Amateur hour. Finding it hard to evaluate the right pitch? Blair will show you how to choose with confidence. Think sales is a dirty word? Blair will have you falling in love with it by the time he’s done.



Blair’s insights are a lifeline in today’s cutthroat market, where pipeline gridlock and economic chaos are crushing deals. His keynotes are more than advice — they are a survival manual for anyone who’s ever struggled to sell or buy creative ideas. Ready to stop being the “needy vendor” or a "complicated client" and start owning your value? Blair’s got the answers. And we suggest you take out your pen and take notes.

Blair Enns

Legendary Author of Win Without Pitching Manifesto | Leading Authority in Pricing Creativity and Industry Icon (Canada)

Ever tried to squeeze creativity into a spreadsheet? Spoiler: it doesn’t fit (except for our awards team). Blair Enns dubs this clash the “Innoficiency Problem” – the futile tug-of-war between groundbreaking ideas and streamlined processes. At DK2025, he’ll connect these concepts, showing us how to navigate this tradeoff while applying his groundbreaking Win Without Pitching principles, offering a fresh perspective on balancing innovation with efficiency. “Once you understand this principle,” says Enns, “you will see it everywhere.” But what do we do about it? Let’s find out together.

Blair Enns: The Innoficiency Problem &amp; The Win Without Pitching Principles

Number 1 in B&amp;T's Top 10 Data Scientist | Attention Econometrics Pioneer | Founder &amp; CEO, Amplified Intelligence | WARC's Most Published Expert (Australia) 







 Hall AAA | Friday | 10:50 AM



Karen Nelson-Field doesn’t just study attention. She’s engineered the future of it. With the most WARC-published research to her name and a Cannes Lions stage already conquered, Karen is the mastermind behind Amplified Intelligence, where forward-thinking econometrics are best friends with cutting-edge innovation. She’s not here to entertain your outdated KPIs. She’s here to drag advertising into the future, one cold, hard data point at a time.



Her groundbreaking work in attention metrics is rewriting the rules of media planning, proving that what holds focus, holds power. Karen’s insights are the ones that predict and create trends you hear about, showing brands how to amplify impact by measuring what actually matters. Forget vanity metrics; Karen’s attention-based econometrics could teach your spreadsheet a thing or two about making money move.



Her company, Amplified Intelligence, has redefined how brands measure success, turning lazy impressions into data that actually means something. Karen’s work doesn’t tiptoe around the industry’s flaws — it stomps all over them, leaving behind a trail of cold, hard truths (you can see why we’re obsessed). If you’ve ever wondered why your genius campaign didn’t land, chances are Karen’s already figured it out. And probably published it.

Karen Nelson-Field

Internet’s Savviest Troll | ex-Head of Social Media, Ryanair | Founder, Frankly (Ireland)

It is time we as professionals REALLY start to think about the role social plays for your brand or business. If you try being all things to all people, you are more than likely diluting your effort and adding to the sea of vanilla corporate sameness. Alchemy can show us the best ideas or strategies that don't make rational sense. The problems we have could very well be solved by letting go of logic and differentiating yourself. Join Michael to explore different ways to be on social without ‘being’ on social; to solve a problem or utilize an opportunity for a brand and business on social; to go through some examples of how to use social beyond just posting content and wasting time and money; and look at the four key variables that should influence your strategy before deciding what role social can play to REALLY try to add value over time.



Lastly, Michael will sit and waffle about how Ryanair did it.

Michael Corcoran: Be on Social without Being on Social 

Growth Hacker | Chief Growth Officer, Mindvalley | Speaker, Advisor (Malaysia)

Imagine this: you’re drowning in data, struggling to make sense of it all. We were all there. Then, in walks Marisha. With Facebook’s AI and ChatGPT, she will show you how to transform that sea of numbers into clear, actionable strategies that actually work. Naturally, she doesn’t stop there. She will teach you how to create hundreds of high-performing ads in mere minutes, and drop the ultimate CPM hack that slashes costs by 72%. And just when you’re thinking this couldn’t get any better, Marisha will walk you through the Mindvalley case study that reveals how they 5xed their ROAS in 30 days. This isn’t just a talk. This is the playbook for marketing in 2025.

Marisha Lakhiani: 6 Hacks to 5x Your ROAS Using AI and Automation

Creative Director for Global Campaigns at Volvo, adidas, IKEA, MTV | Branding Expert | TEDx Speaker (Sweden)











Hall AAA | Thursday | 3:10PM



Johan Ronnestam is definitely not your average creative. A former professional snowboarder (and one of the few people in the world who landed a 1440° spin) turned global branding expert, serial entrepreneur and passionate surfer, Johan shines most brightly at the intersection of passion and innovation. A self-declared global citizen, he’s got the kind of versatility that makes you wonder if there’s anything he can’t do.&nbsp;



You don’t get to work with some of the world’s most iconic brands — Volvo Ocean Race, adidas, BMW Motorrad, Nike, IKEA, Absolut Vodka, and Nike, to name just a few — if you don’t bring creative excellence to the table. And boy has his creativity been recognized: Cannes Lions, D&amp;AD, London International Advertising Awards, Epica, Clio, Cresta, and seven-time winner of the Swedish Design of the Year. Talk about bragging rights.



Johan’s track record reflects his business philosophy. Big budgets and production houses do not guarantee great ideas — it is the brains and talented individuals that make the difference. So whether he’s advising global corporations, shaping the future of communications or catching waves around the world, Johan always brings his trusted creative grit wherever he finds himself.

Johan Ronnestam

Creative Director for Global Campaigns at Volvo, adidas, IKEA, MTV | Branding Expert | TEDx Speaker (Sweden)

Brand strategy and creativity are evolving faster than ever — and it’s not just about staying ahead of trends. AI, social media, and new regulations around sustainability, privacy, and product development are reshaping the rules for brand owners. This talk will explore how these forces are pushing brands to rethink and supercharge their product and service development. Expect strong visuals, creative tech explorations, dynamic animations, and immersive sounds that will bring this shift to life.

Johan Ronnestam: The Frontier of Awesome — The Future of Brand Building in AI-Driven World

Picture this: You, clutching your hard-earned award, the waves crashing dramatically in the background, the warm evening air making you feel like the main character, the sound of applause mixing with the occasional rogue seagull. Absolute perfection, right?



That’s exactly the vibe at DK2025, where we will premiere the THE OTHER BEACH Stage — a brand-new awards stage, you guessed it, right by the Mulini beach. Just for you, your victory speech, and that fleeting moment of glory before you inevitably get pebbles in your shoes. Expect fresh air, a killer atmosphere, and maybe even a barefoot victory lap (because if there’s ever a time to go full rockstar, it’s now).



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And why have one new stage when we could have two? We love to outdo ourselves so we are introducing the POOLSIDE Stage, a new home to all the intriguing and provocative discussions that somehow always find their place at DK.



So grab a seat by the Oleander restaurant, soak it all in, and don’t worry — we promise the only deep dives happening here are into bold ideas, not the pool. (Unless someone gets really passionate mid-panel. No guarantees.)



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What if the sky decides to rain on our parade? No worries, we’ll pivot to Plan B: an equally stunning indoor setup, minus the pebbles and the extra vitamin D.

Beachfront Applause & Poolside Talks

Performance Creative Strategist | Founder & CEO of Creative Milkshake | Speaker & Trainer (USA)

Are you ready to go through every stage of crafting high-performance paid social ads — from research and ideation to production, testing, and iteration? With Mirella you can learn the latest frameworks and best practices for developing ads that seamlessly blend data, strategy, and AI to scale your ads and amplify results, no matter the platform. If you’re ready to elevate your social ads to the next level, this session is your blueprint for success.

Mirella Crespi: Data Doesn’t Lie, Your Creativity Does

Cyborg Anthropologist | Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology | Author, Speaker (USA)

We all know our attention is practically extinct and that everyone’s basically a scroll away from losing it, so the question is: how do we create tech that enhances our lives instead of hijacking them? Enter Amber Case, who’s here to make you rethink our relationship with technology with what she calls calm technology — devices that know when to step forward and when to fade into the background. In this talk, she’ll break down how to design products that respect our attention while still getting stuff done, striking a balance between automation and sanity. No more beep-boop distractions every five seconds. Only technology that knows when to shut up.

Amber Case: Designing Calm Technology

Global Speaker Rockstar & King of Transformation | ex-Creative Director, DDB, Ogilvy, BBDO (Austria)

Get ready for a bit of creative destruction. There are no comfort zones when Dietmar Dahmen takes the stage. In this high-voltage session, he’ll rip through the latest in customer-centric success, the ever-morphing marketing multiverse, and the chaotic beauty of constant change. If you love fresh ideas, unexpected business opportunities, and a crash course in building teams that won’t just survive the future, but own it — Dietmar is definitely your guy. And because talk is cheap, he’ll prove his point in ways only he can. Let’s just say… some of our ideas will get put to the test. Which ones will make it out unscathed? That’s for you to find out.

Diethmar Dahmen: Business is a Fight Club

AI Matchmaker | Chief Product Officer, Replika and Blush (USA)

Rita Popova’s been busy making AI that you actually want to hang out with. As the brains behind Replika and Blush, she’s at the forefront of AI and human connection. As we know, AI’s creeping into the most personal parts of our lives, so Rita’s digging deep into what it actually means to be human as she’s spent years decoding the complex algorithm of human emotions. In her talk, she’ll cover loneliness, friendship, romance, mental health, and why we’re all a little too obsessed with machines that know our secrets.

Margarita Popova: The Feel of the Real — Falling in Love with AI 

[NEW] Beachside wins. Poolside discussions. DK leveled up.

speakers

Sophia the Robot

Fernando Machado powered by A1

Karen Nelson-Field

Blair Enns

Michael Corcoran

Marisha Lakhiani

Johan Ronnestam

Mirella Crespi

Amber Case powered by ENNA

Dietmar Dahmen

Margarita Popova

Beachfront Applause & Poolside Talks

On the Role of Creativity Today

IAB Croatia Presents: IAB Croatia’s Online Media Advertising Expenditure (AdEx) Report

Nothing is Punk Anymore

Beach Stream: Main Hall Stream with a Sea View

Meet Your Neighbors: The Balkan… Oops, We Mean CEE Markets Snapshot

Creativity: the Business of Ideas II

Global Recognition: How Croatian Brands Conquer the World powered by KONČAR

Creativity Caged: How to Change Public Procurement?

Will AI Actually Pay Off? AI Meets ROI powered by Raiffeisen Hrvatska

PPPPP: Beach Afterparty

Facts, Big Tech and Elections: What About Democracy? by HUOJ

I Love to Hate You: The Anatomy of Cancel Culture by WOLF

Is Bigger Better? II by IAB Croatia

AI Beyond the Hype: Strategic PR Before Shiny Tools

EU-topia or Not? What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in the Game by European Commission in Croatia

On Influencer Marketing by IAB Croatia: Is Your Feed a Lie?

BalCannes 2025 Awards Show

Buy & Die: Buy More! Spend More! Die More Quickly! (Or Is Consumerism Dragging Us Straight to Hell?)