From Bolivia to USA – Croatian success stories at big jubilee conference 

Croatians from 33 countries will participate in the 10th Anniversary Meeting G2 Conference.

The 10th Meeting G2 Conference, set to take place on November 14th and 15th, 2024, at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb, will feature 10 panels, motivational speeches, and presentations from Croatian organisations in the diaspora.

This event will be centred around the theme “A Decade of Business Connections,” bringing together both the domestic and global Croatian community for two days of networking, knowledge sharing, and recognition.

The event, expected to attract around 200 participants, will offer a comprehensive agenda, including discussions on current topics like tax reform, policies for Croatian expatriates, demographic measures, and investment in Croatian heritage sites.

One of the key highlights of the conference will be the presentation of the “MG2 Excellence” awards, recognising outstanding Croatians who have fostered strong business ties between Croatia and the world.

Motivational Speakers and Key Initiatives

One of the key speakers, Tomislav Kuljiš, the owner of Bolivia’s largest supermarket chain, will share his insights on the importance of business connections and leadership.

The conference will also feature initiatives like CroActivas from South America, which aims to promote business links among Croatians in the region, and Solange Juvella – BRACRO from Brazil, both focused on strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit within the global Croatian community.

The Women Leaders panel will be another fascinating segment, featuring the daughters of three notable Croatian Americans.

The panel will include Jerka Jennifer Maglica, daughter of Toni Maglica, founder of Maglite; Jennifer Kerum, daughter of Toni Kerum, owner of the best catering service in Hollywood; and Maya Sertić, daughter of Matt Darko Sertić, who returned from Silicon Valley to start several successful companies in Sisak, Croatia.

(Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

Hot Topics on the Agenda

The second day of the conference will feature nine panels covering a range of current topics that are of interest to both Croatians living at home and abroad. These discussions will include:

• New Forms of Education and Tourism

• Sport as a Bridge Between Nations with contributions from Croatian sports icons Ivica Kostelić and Josip Joe Šimunić

• The Growing Croatian AI Scene

• How to Bring Expats Back to Croatia – Taxes and Status, addressing the challenges and opportunities in encouraging Croatian expatriates to return and invest in their homeland
A special panel on Demographics and the Workforce: Will Asia or South America Save Us? will delve into the significant changes in Croatia’s population, with 40,000 people leaving the country last year and 70,000 foreign workers arriving.

It will explore the regulation of issues such as the grey zone in foreign worker imports, and the importance of integrating these workers into Croatian society through language and cultural training.

(Photo: Meeting G2 Conference)

Investment in Croatian Heritage

Another significant topic, Investing in Cultural Heritage as a Catalyst for Economic Growth, will be presented by the Brothers of the Croatian Dragon society. They will showcase the potential of Croatia’s cultural heritage, which, despite being underappreciated, could serve as a powerful engine for both cultural and economic development.

The Grand Finale: MG2 Excellence Awards

The conference will conclude with the highly anticipated MG2 Excellence awards ceremony. Five successful Croatians from the diaspora, as well as five Croatians who have returned from abroad and started thriving businesses in Croatia, will be honoured for their contributions to strengthening connections between Croatia and the world.

The names of the ten award recipients will be revealed at the gala dinner on Friday, November 15th, at 8:00 PM, in the Crystal Ballroom of the Westin Hotel.

For a full agenda, visit the Meeting G2 Program, and those interested in attending can register online.