On 9 December 2024, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel hosted the 13th Croatian Meetings Industry Forum, a key event for professionals in the MICE sector. Organised by the Croatian Meeting Professionals Association (CMPA) with support from the Zagreb Tourist Board and its Convention Bureau, the Forum gathered industry leaders to discuss trends and celebrate achievements.
Keynote speeches by Goran Pavlović, Secretary of CMPA, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Igor Radić, and Slavija Jačan Obratov from the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) set the stage for the discussions. The focus was on the growth of Croatia’s MICE sector and the vision for the future. CMPA President Ranko Filipović highlighted the association’s expansion, with a record number of participants this year, and expressed gratitude for the Zagreb Tourist Board’s ongoing support.
A highlight of the Forum was the update on the MEETEX project, Croatia’s premier B2B trade show for the meetings industry. Adem Braco Suljić shared that MEETEX 2025 will emphasise innovation and sustainability, with the event now scheduled for April to better accommodate international attendees.
This year’s Croatian Meetings Industry Forum focused on gastronomy in events, a central theme that explored the role of food in creating memorable experiences. Andrea Puizina from Virgin Hotels New York, chef Marijo Čapek, and clinical nutritionist Darija Vranešić Bender discussed trends such as sustainability, plant-based nutrition, and the use of local ingredients in event catering. The discussion highlighted how gastronomy can enhance the overall event experience.
The Forum also recognised outstanding professionals with the Croatian Meeting Industry Awards. The 2024 winners were:
- Client Category: Prof. Dr. Snježana Dotlić and the Croatian Society for Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
- HUPKT Member Category: Ana Rakić, Tatjana Koprtla, Martina Lučić Čanak, Margarita Marušić Kulaš, and Aleksandra Uhernik Durdek
- Public Sector Category: Tourist Board of Zadar County
Additionally, the 6th cycle of the meetings professionals certification program took place, offering a comprehensive educational experience. The Certified Croatian Meetings & Events Professional (CCMEP) certification, which requires recertification every five years, has now been awarded to over 130 experts in the field.
The Forum concluded by reaffirming the CMPA’s vital role in Croatia’s MICE sector and the importance of continuous education and collaboration to maintain the industry’s growth and global competitiveness.
For more information visit cmpa.
