The largest edition of Weekend festival to date will bring together leading figures from business, technology, media, finance, healthcare and energy in Rovinj from 24 to 27 September. Organisers have revealed the first part of the programme, featuring eight thematic festivals and dozens of international speakers, reinforcing Weekend’s position as one of Southeast Europe’s leading platforms for business and innovation.
Festival Director Tomo Ricov said Weekend has evolved far beyond its origins as a communications and media festival, becoming a platform that connects industries, experts and ideas. This year’s edition, held under the patronage of Maistra and Mastercard, will offer four days of discussions focused on the trends shaping business and society.
Among the headline speakers is Mate Rimac, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rimac Group, who will take part in an exclusive one-on-one conversation about the growth of Croatia’s technology sector, global competitiveness, innovation and the future of one of Europe’s most successful technology companies. Joining him will be Dr Jack Kreindler, one of Europe’s leading experts in healthtech, human performance and healthy longevity, as well as Emil Tedeschi, President of the Management Board of Atlantic Grupa, who will share his perspective on leadership and the evolving business landscape.
A major addition this year is the inaugural Tech.Weekend powered by Telemach, expanding last year’s AI.Weekend into a broader technology festival covering artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and emerging technologies. The programme will feature Igor Čanadi, a member of OpenAI’s technical team, while attendees will also see a humanoid robot developed by Croatian technology company Abysalto.
This year’s programme also introduces a strategic partnership with InterCapital, one of the region’s leading investment firms. Investment.Weekend will focus on capital markets, investing, real estate and artificial intelligence, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs and financial experts to explore practical investment opportunities and the future of finance.
Weekend.19 will also debut Health.Weekend, dedicated to healthcare innovation, longevity and medical technologies, while the new Education.Weekend powered by Končar will examine the future of education, workforce skills and the impact of artificial intelligence on learning and careers.
Returning festivals include Finance.Weekend, HR.Weekend and Energy.Weekend poweredUP by E.ON Croatia, each bringing together regional and international experts to discuss corporate finance, leadership, talent, energy transition and sustainability.
Other confirmed speakers include Ulrik Haagerup, founder of the Constructive Institute and one of Europe’s leading advocates of constructive journalism, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, one of the world’s best-known experts on leadership and talent management, along with numerous business leaders, entrepreneurs and academics from across Europe.
Weekend.19 will take place in Rovinj from 24 to 27 September, with organisers expected to announce additional speakers and programme highlights in the coming weeks.
