MBF in Rovinj: The Adriatic’s most prestigious B2B economic event

Over the course of four days, Rovinj brought together experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders from various sectors, and Yachts Croatia was also among the participants following the dynamic and content-rich program. 

More than 1,500 attendees and one hundred speakers from Croatia and abroad discussed topics that are already shaping the future — from artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies, to sustainable development, the transformation of urban spaces, the luxury real estate market, healthcare, and new business leadership models.

The opening day was marked by talks on the advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics. Prof. emer. Bojan Jerbić pointed out that robots with an intelligence quotient above 140 are already surpassing humans in highly precise medical procedures, and that the number of robots worldwide is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Audience reactions clearly reflected how strongly this topic resonates with the future of work and society. The program continued with artist Carlo Stanga, who presented a creative interpretation of contemporary cities, while a panel on housing, featuring Tomislav Kamenski, Aida Mujčić and Samir Kulenović, opened the discussion on whether a sustainable solution can be found for Croatia’s real estate market. Considerable attention was also drawn to the panel on hydrogen technologies, led by Ante Čikotić, Josip Ergović and Dr. Danica Maljković, who emphasized that Europe is entering a new race toward next-generation energy solutions. The day concluded with an inspiring keynote by Prof. Dr. Dragan Primorac titled “There Is No Room for Small Dreams,” underscoring the importance of courage in strategic business decisions.

As the conference continued, the lecture by Dr. Jaume Domenech, held with the support of Themelia, highlighted the importance of designing work environments that foster both productivity and employee well-being. Ana Šimunović presented communication methods for effective leadership, while Jasmin Alić spoke about building personal branding in the digital space.

The second day turned focus toward urban development and sustainable infrastructure. The panel “Riversides and Waterfronts,” moderated by Pier Nicola Currà, explored the potential of coastal cities as centers of cultural and economic growth, while the discussion on technological leadership stressed the importance of 5G networks and artificial intelligence in shaping future business models. The session on luxury real estate, led by representatives of Sotheby’s International Realty, highlighted Croatia’s growing appeal to international investors.

Healthcare prevention and innovations in the hospitality sector further complemented the program: Dr. Niko Mihić discussed applying sports medicine principles to the general population, while a panel featuring Ognjen Bagatin addressed the role of new technologies in managing complex business projects.

Throughout the event, visitors explored the exhibition area where INA, Končar, Nexe, Zagrebačka banka, Samsung, Sotheby’s and many others presented their latest solutions aimed at building a sustainable future. Evening gatherings and dedicated lounge zones created an ideal environment for relaxed networking and the exchange of ideas.

This year’s MBF was once again held under the patronage of relevant ministries and with the support of the Istria County and the City of Rovinj, reaffirming Croatia’s role as a meeting place for business visionaries. The next edition has already been announced for October 8–11, 2026, once again in Rovinj — a city that continues to stand as a symbol of innovation and change.

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