Program

Filip Sušac was born in 1991 in exile, and since 1998, he has been living in Vukovar, where he completed his elementary and high school education. In 2016, he earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science from FERIT in Osijek, after which he continued working at the faculty as a PhD student. Today, at 33 years old, he is a family man and an athlete, and has been serving as the Deputy Mayor of Vukovar since 2021. His political work has also been recognized on the international stage; as a member of the Young Elect Leaders Network (YEP), he participated in prestigious professional development programs in the USA and China in 2023.

Mr. sc. Stjepan Adanić was appointed President of the Management Board on October 21, 2021.
He graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb in 1983.
He completed the postgraduate specialist study of National Security of the Republic of Croatia in 2012, and received his master’s degree in labor law and management from the Faculty of Law in 1989. He has been working at JANAF since 1998, when he was elected Director of the Legal, Personnel and General Affairs Sector, with an interruption due to his duties as State Secretary at the Ministry of Family, Veterans and Intergenerational Solidarity from 2007 to 2011. From 1991 to 1998, he was Assistant Minister of Defense and Head of the Military Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Franjo Tuđman. In 1990, in the first multi-party democratic elections, he was elected President of the Varaždin Municipal Assembly.
As an active participant in the Homeland War and a general in the Croatian Army, he is the recipient of several high state decorations and awards. He is the author of several books and professional papers.

He graduated with a degree in naval architecture from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, where he began his professional career as an external associate on projects involving structural analyses of marine structures. Leaving his associate position at the faculty, he continued his education at the Bled School of Management, where he earned an MBA degree, thereby steering his career toward organizational management at en2eco, Cronomar, and ultimately at iCat as the founder and director of the company. His professional interests are centered around the development of innovations and innovative projects, maritime “green” vessels, and new models of maritime transport.

He began his professional career in 1985, and since 1992, he has been successfully managing the company Grad-export d.o.o. Vinkovci as its owner and managing director. Alongside his extensive experience in the real sector, he served as a special advisor to the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Crafts, as well as the Minister of Labor and the Pension System, from 2016 to 2017.

Through his education, he earned degrees as an engineer of final wood processing and a graduate engineer of agriculture. As one of the founders of the HDZ in Vinkovci, he served as a member of the City Council for three terms, and today he is active as a member of the party’s Presidency and president of the national HDZ Community of Entrepreneurs and Craftsmen. He regularly shares his entrepreneurial knowledge with students as a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Economics in Osijek.

Jedan od vodećih hrvatskih geopolitičkih stručnjaka s posebnim naglaskom na područje trgovine i logistike, izvanredni profesor na Fakultetu političkih znanosti.

Dr. Dražen Marko Lučić is the Founder and Managing Director of “LuDraMar Consulting” Ltd. and serves as an advisor to the board of an investment fund. He earned his doctoral degree at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb. Following over 20 years spent primarily in senior management roles at Ericsson, mostly across Western Europe, he returned to Croatia, where he served for ten years as the head of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM), followed by seven years at the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) as Head of the Department for Information Security. He is a certified cybersecurity auditor and a lecturer at the Faculties of Computer Science and Information Technology and of Geodesy and Geomatics at the University North. He is also an external associate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb. He has been and continues to be a member of numerous working groups, committees, and councils at the national level concerned with cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Martin Obradović is the Sales and Partner Channel Director at Dell Technologies for the Adriatic region, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta. In this role, he is responsible for sales development, partner network management, and strengthening technological solutions for the public and private sectors.

His work is particularly focused on the application of innovation, the development of strategic partnerships, and the creation of sustainable technological solutions that help organizations navigate increasingly complex business and security challenges.

Dr. sc. Karlo Knežević is a doctor of computer science and an expert in artificial intelligence and data processing. He is employed as the head of the department for artificial intelligence, analytics, and information at Sofascore, where he is responsible for the strategic development, leadership, and implementation of advanced systems in a production environment. He actively connects scientific research and industrial practice through research and development, educational, and professional projects at the national and international level. He places a special emphasis on the responsible use of technology, people development, and making complex topics accessible and understandable to a wider audience. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Croatian AI Association – CroAI.

Darko Bilandžić is an expert in applying AI to business, with over 15 years of experience in marketing and advanced technologies. He is the founder of the AI PRAKTIKUM brand, through which he has educated more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and managers across Croatia and the region—focusing on workshops, automation, and AI solutions for real-world business challenges.

In addition to leading the Creatos agency, he serves as the Marketing Director of the Museum of Vučedol Culture. He is also a recipient of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s (HTZ) “Man: The Key to Success” award—a distinction that places him among the few who don’t just speak about AI from a stage, but live and breathe it in their daily operations.

Bruno is an IT entrepreneur and co-founder of AltiBiz Ltd., a company specialising in software development for project planning and collaboration. He graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in 2008, earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science. He has built his professional experience and skills working on enterprise projects and applications as an external associate and consultant in Croatia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. One of his personal interests is ecology, and he has pursued further education on waste-to-energy at the University of Connecticut.

Michael Glazer, B.Sc., M.P.A., J.D., began his financial and advisory career in New York and is now based in Southeast Europe, where he has worked for more than 30 years as an investment banker and business advisor. Shortly after arriving in Southeast Europe, he and two Croatian partners founded what became the leading independent Croatian securities firm. He was elected as the founding president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia (the first AmCham in this part of Europe) and the founding vice president of the Turnaround Management Association Croatia (TMA Croatia).

Michael Glazer currently provides companies with strategic advice on the consequences of economic, political, and social events for their business operations, and assists local and foreign clients in business expansion, particularly into and out of Southeast Europe, as well as in Africa, North America, and other markets. He helps companies with acquisitions and securing financing, assists distressed companies, their owners, and creditors, and advises families considering or involved in transitioning a family business from one generation to the next. His strong background in entrepreneurship and technology (having served as a systems analyst and CIO for several companies he founded) along with his team and project management skills have led him to develop a specialty in technology transfer, working with technology-based startups and scale-ups, and advising high-level executives.

He currently advises, among other clients, a company that invented a new technology for the 3D printing of surgical implants, a ship design company, a large cloud solutions provider entering the European market, and a Dutch company acquiring a promising German medical device company.

He graduated from Yale Law School (J.D.), the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University (Master in Public Affairs with a focus on international relations and economics), and the University of New Hampshire (Bachelor of Science in Physics).

Pero Miloš, a mechanical engineer (Dipl. Ing.), is the director of the project design company Naval Design Solutions d.o.o. (NDS) based in Zagreb, where he is responsible for naval architecture design, prototype manufacturing of low-volume specialized industrial products, and the development of technical solutions for both the commercial and public (military) sectors. Applying his broad 25 years of experience in the maritime shipbuilding industry and work on demanding military and civil projects in Croatia and abroad, he works alongside the NDS engineering team to develop innovative approaches to Croatian shipbuilding and specialized prototype manufacturing. He is particularly dedicated to fostering business and technical industrial connections between smaller project design firms and manufacturers within Croatia that possess the potential to gather local experts and attract Croatian professionals living abroad, thereby securing a stronger shipbuilding and industrial development for Croatia and effectively catching up with more developed EU countries.

Ida Rukavina obnaša dužnost povjerenice agencije Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, državne agencije za ekonomski razvoj usmjerene na jačanje gospodarskog rasta u sjeveroistočnoj Minnesoti. Pod Idinim vodstvom, ova državna agencija radi na diversifikaciji regionalnog gospodarstva podržavajući inicijative povezane s poduzetništvom, zajednicama, radnom snagom i obrazovanjem.

Guverner Minnesote imenovao ju je na ovu funkciju 2022. godine, dok ju je 2025. godine imenovao i u Savjetodavni odbor lučke uprave Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Ida ima bogato radno iskustvo na regionalnoj, državnoj i saveznoj razini vlasti, a diplomirala je u područjima američke politike (upravljanja) te zagovaranja i političkog liderstva.

Ida je treća generacija hrvatskih iseljenika u Americi (Hrvatica u SAD-u). Njezin otac, Tom Rukavina, bio je zastupnik u Zastupničkom domu Minnesote više od dva desetljeća. Njezin djed, Martin Rukavina, radio je u rudnicima u regiji Mesabi Iron Range u Minnesoti. Idini prabaka i pradjed, Thomas Rukavina i Lucija Bašić, oboje su rođeni u Konjskom Brdu pokraj Perušića u Hrvatskoj, nakon čega su imigrirali u Sjedinjene Američke Države i naselili se u sjevernoj Minnesoti, zajedno s mnogim drugim hrvatskim iseljenicima.

Port Authority Vukovar

American-Croatian Congress (ACC)

Local Action Group (LAG) UNA

Acting Editor of the Program for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, HRT

Tatjana Halapija is a member of the Meeting Second Generation Association (MG2), the co-organizer of the Vukovar Business Forum conference, where she serves as the moderator for the panel “Development of Medicine and Healthcare in Vukovar.” She is an architect with 29 years of professional experience and has been designing, consulting, and advising clients for the past 18 years through her own company, Nada projekt d.o.o., based in Zagreb (info@nadaprojekt.hr).

Throughout her career, she has designed and participated in the development of numerous schools, museums, commercial buildings, hotels, tourist resorts, multi-family and residential buildings, as well as family homes. She has specialized in designing healthcare facilities for both the public and private sectors. Her portfolio includes the design and execution of numerous reconstruction projects within public hospitals in Zagreb, Rijeka, Opatija, Zadar, Varaždin, and Osijek, as well as the construction of multiple private specialty hospitals, clinics, and polyclinics in Zagreb and beyond. Additionally, she consults and advises clients on selecting properties that suit their specific needs, helping them choose options that accommodate both their current operations and potential future business expansions.

For over 5 years, she has been a member of the Professional Supervision Committee at the Croatian Chamber of Architects, where she is an active member.

For 13 years, she has been the Croatian member of EECFA (Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association, www.eecfa.com)—an association of construction sector research forecasters from 8 Eastern European national research institutions (Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine), coordinated by the EECFA headquarters responsible for common methodology. As the Croatian representative, she prepares the Croatian EECFA report twice a year, providing construction forecasts for both civil engineering and building construction as a whole. She regularly monitors developments in the Croatian construction sector and contributes to the EECFA blog regarding Croatian market conditions.

CroMed je udruga industrije medicinskih proizvoda, a Damir Detić je njen predsjednik. Članice udruge su kompanije Medtronic, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, Olympus, Roche, Hartman, Beckam, Coulter i BD.

Dr. Juginović is currently based at Harvard Medical School, specializing in the neurobiology of sleep, while concurrently pursuing advanced training in clinical diagnostics and the treatment of sleep disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research focuses on the impact of sleep quality on human health, with a specific emphasis on brain function and the digestive system.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Juginović serves as a consultant for elite athletes and sports clubs, where he works on optimizing sleep to enhance athletic performance, reduce the risk of injury, and accelerate recovery.

He is the co-founder of the Croatian non-profit organization Med&X, which bridges the gap between the Croatian and international medical and scientific communities. The organization collaborates with world-leading institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, the Mayo Clinic, and the Cleveland Clinic, facilitating professional development for Croatian medical students, physicians, and scientists through international programs.

Dr. Juginović is the author of the book Sleep Science Made Simple and a member of the editorial board for the prestigious Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. His work and expert commentary have been featured in leading global media outlets, including The New York Times and Forbes.

Miodrag Katalenić is an additive manufacturing and medical modeling specialist, as well as the co-founder and director of the company CATEH, which manufactures customized implants. He focuses on innovation, additive manufacturing, certification, and quality control according to ISO 13485. He developed and brought to market the brands 3DmoldX and EVOPEEK patient-specific implants registered in Croatia and the EU, which are funded in our country by the HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund). He designed and manufactured the implant for the first Croatian surgical procedure involving the implantation of a 3D-printed skull replacement made of PEEK material at the Dubrava University Hospital. Between 2010 and 2022, he participated in four EU international projects focused on the development of additive manufacturing and its applications. In this field, he is the author and co-author of several peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters. He completed education in “Design for Additive Manufacturing” at Lund University (Sweden) and trained in the application of additive manufacturing with the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturers. He is employed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb in the Medical Engineering Laboratory. He is a veteran of the Croatian War of Independence, where he served as a medical unit commander—an experience that influenced his professional specialization and area of interest.

President of the Board of VUPIK Plus d.o.o. (Podravka Agri).

Mr. Jurić is a long-time manager and head of legal affairs at Vupik. He is a lawyer by profession who, after graduating from the Faculty of Law in Osijek, was employed in Belje, and then took over the management of Vupik's legal affairs. During his career, he coordinated numerous projects from all business domains, with an emphasis on legal affairs, corporate governance and relations with unions.

Dragan Solić is the Head of the Livestock Production Development Department at the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food. The department manages the application of performance control results across various branches of livestock production and integrates them into active farm management systems. He began his career as the head of milk purchasing at the “Slavija” Dairy in Staro Petrovo Selo, during a time when cow milking was still done by hand and daily meetings with producers enriched both sides. He is particularly dedicated to promoting the quality of animal products through sensory evaluation systems, introducing animal welfare assessment systems in farm conditions, and debunking the unjustified emphasis on livestock production as a cause of climate change. He was responsible for the initial training of entrepreneurs regarding the EUDR Regulation, colloquially known as the Deforestation Regulation. Last year, he received the Communicator of the Year award presented by the Croatian Association of Agricultural Journalists.

Prof. dr. sc. Tomislav Vinković is a full professor at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek, where he has built his entire scientific career focused on sustainable crop production. His work is primarily aimed at modern cultivation techniques, the application of biostimulants, and biofortification, on which he has published over 80 papers in international databases. Alongside his rich teaching and mentoring experience, he has distinguished himself as the leader of numerous projects and by serving as Vice-Dean and Head of Department. With his active engagement in domestic and foreign professional associations, he successfully connects scientific research with practical application in agriculture.

Goran Hudec was born in Zagreb in 1950. He is a father of two and a grandfather of one. He attended the 15th Mathematical and Physical Gymnasium as part of its very first generation. He studied at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Zagreb, where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.

From 1975 to 1996, he was employed at the Brodarski Institute (Marine Research & Naval Architecture Institute) in Zagreb, where he worked on the development of marine and naval systems, such as hydroacoustic remote control. From 1996 to 2020, until his retirement, he worked at the Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, as a Tenured Full Professor, where he taught courses within the electrical engineering group of subjects. He is the author of two university textbooks, co-author of five chapters in a third university textbook, and the author of more than 80 scientific and professional papers.

In the field of astronautics, he has authored several scientific papers, including “JERS radar data in environment pollution monitoring – Zagreb example.” In the field of room acoustics, he holds the patent HR PK20100404 B3. He is an honorary member of the Acoustical Society of Croatia, an honor he is particularly proud of as it represents recognition for his scientific and professional work by peers in his specialized field.

As a member of the Hemp Cooperative, he cultivates industrial hemp and works on its application in construction. This year, construction is planned to begin on a second house in Croatia built with hempcrete blocks.

Sports activities have always been a vital part of his approach to life—from his youth (winning the Bled May Day Regatta in the coxless four in ’68) to his veteran years (Croatian champion in the sprint aquathlon – 500m swim + 2.5km run, competing in the M75 category). In the meantime, among other achievements, he has run two Boston Marathons (’97 and ’17) and completed a full “Ironman” triathlon at the age of 62!

His excellent physical fitness supports hobbies such as “collecting” the highest volcanoes across the continents—he has successfully climbed the highest volcanoes of Asia (Damavand, 5671m) and Africa (Kilimanjaro, 5890m), and came very close to the summits of Elbrus (Europe, 5642m) and Ojos del Salado (South America, 6900m). For this summer, he plans an expedition to climb Mount Ulawun—the highest volcano in Australia and Oceania.

Davorin Štetner is a Croatian entrepreneur and investor born in 1981 in Zagreb. He has served as the President of CRANE (Croatian Business Angels Network) since 2015 and has been a member of the Parliamentary Committee on the Economy since 2025. Additionally, he served as an advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia from 2015 to 2020.

He began his career at the age of 20 and gained prominence in 2011 by acquiring the Formula 1 television rights for Croatia, becoming the youngest private owner of such rights globally. He is the owner and partner of several projects, including the GP1 TV channel and the Tihočaj Estate, which specializes in Wagyu cattle breeding. He is also the co-founder and managing partner of the Croatia Ring international racing track project, which is included on the List of Strategic Investment Projects of the Republic of Croatia.

Active in international business and sporting organizations, including EBAN and the FIA, Štetner played a key role in bringing the WRC (World Rally Championship) to Croatia. He is a former president of the Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation and the founder of the successful Kreator Racing Team.

With extensive experience in diplomacy and business, he has participated in numerous international forums and has traveled to over 90 countries.

HBOR, Regional Office Manager (Osijek)

CROATIAN AGENCY FOR SMALL BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND INVESTMENTS (HAMAG-BICRO)

As the owner of a Sydney-based company and co-owner of Entrax Commercial Interior Fitouts, Sonja Palić has been building a successful career in the construction industry for over two decades. Through her work, she has specialized in developing functional, efficient, and aesthetically high-quality commercial spaces, providing tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Her vast international experience brings exceptional value to the panel, which addresses one of the key challenges of the Croatian economy – how to better connect the diaspora’s potential with the domestic market and investment opportunities.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Palić is deeply engaged in the community. She is the co-founder and president of the AUS–NZ Croatian Women in Leadership initiative, launched in collaboration with Ambassador Betty Pavelich. The organization brings together women of Croatian descent in Australia and New Zealand, actively promoting leadership, networking, and mutual support.

Sonja Palić has also made a significant impact on the local business community, becoming the first female president of the Sydney Hills Business Chamber in its 28-year history. During more than five years on the Board of Directors, she actively contributed to the development and strengthening of the business environment.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community and leadership, she was named Woman of the Year in Baulkham Hills in 2021, further confirming her influence and dedication.

Eugen Šušak was born in 1973 in Široki Brijeg. He completed his academic education at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Throughout his career, he has held responsible positions in international companies and public institutions, including Strabag AG, Alpine Mayreder Bau, the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, the Council of Ministers of BiH, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. Since 2018, he has served as the Deputy Director of TT Kabeli Široki Brijeg. He is a father of three, and in addition to Croatian, he speaks English and French fluently.

Nikola Meteš is a successful advertising professional currently serving as a TAAG Supervisor at Publicis Groupe, where he leads global MarTech and AdTech initiatives for Mars Inc., a portfolio of over 100 brands present in 70 markets. His work is focused on the application of automation, analytics, and digital strategy with the goal of improving efficiency, performance, and innovation. As a dedicated member of the ACAP community since its inception, Nikola has held multiple leadership positions and currently serves as the president of the organization.

John Gašparac (full name John Mathias Gasparac) is currently the President and CEO of BURAi Global.

His role at BURAi Global and background include:

As President of BURAi Global, Gašparac focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in business processes and connecting technology with human potential.

Before joining BURAi in September 2025, he spent almost three decades at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), where he held senior positions such as Country Managing Partner for Croatia.

He was educated at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and holds the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) title.

Ivana Perkušić, a graduate lawyer by profession, began her career at the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Sydney, Australia, where she lived for several years.

After returning to Croatia, she continued her professional career at the Ministry of Justice, where she passed the bar exam, and later moved to the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

With the establishment of the Central State Office for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, she became Head of the Welcome Office, dealing with issues related to the status and integration of Croatian emigrants and returnees. She later became an advisor with special status for Croatian diaspora affairs and Deputy State Secretary.

By taking on the role of Assistant Head for Legal Affairs at the City of Zagreb, she gained experience working within local and regional government administration and actively participated in the city’s post-earthquake reconstruction processes.

With the establishment of the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, she assumed leadership of the Directorate for the Implementation of Public Policies for Immigration, continuing her work and dedication to the Croatian diaspora.

Philip is a Senior Lecturer with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and joined the School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors in September 2004.

Prior to his appointment at UCLan, Philip was employed as a Lecturer with Blackpool and The Fylde College, where he delivered Lancaster University degree programmes in tourism and hospitality management. Previously, Philip had been employed as a Management Consultant with the Coverpoint Consultancy Group, now based in Reading. His main task here was to provide strategic and operational business advice and guidance to a diverse range of blue-chip companies and independent operators throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. British clients included Pfizer plc (Kent), Pearson plc (London), Inns of Court (City of London), Safeway (London & UK), Roadchef (UK), International Centre for Life (Newcastle), as well as a range of major property development and retail organisations, including LendLease (UK), Bluewater (Kent), Trafford Centre (Manchester), Liffey Valley (Dublin) and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (Bristol).

Before engaging as a Management Consultant, Philip spent a number of years working for the Parkdean Holidays Group, with a final position of General Manager. His main task here was to manage holiday park business operations within the Group’s Scottish portfolio at Perth (Erigmore House) and Ayr (Sundrum Castle). Philip also spent a number of years working for Vardon plc, where he was employed as a Project Manager opening up new build catering operations within leisure complexes at Doncaster, Sheffield, Gloucester & London. Philip, a qualified chef, has also undertaken engagements with Swallow Hotels, Bass, Toby Grills, Newcastle Ruby Club and the NHS, either in a management or operational capacity. Philip is also a School Governor for Montgomery High School (A Language College) which is located in Bispham, Lancashire.

Philip’s academic portfolio includes a Higher National Diploma (Newcastle College) and Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management (Lancaster University); a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master of Arts degree in Tourism Management (University of Northumbria) – both awarded with Distinction; and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE – University of Huddersfield). His Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis was entitled ‘Consuming Dark Tourism in Contemporary Society: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis’ (UCLan).

Current Teaching Activities:

Philip teaches across a range of tourism, hospitality and event management undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the School, combining his extensive operational management and consultancy experience with his business and social science education.  Current teaching modules include:

• Dark Tourism: Macabre Attractions & Exhibitions
• Festivals & Events in Society
• Arts, Entertainment & Cultural Events
• Marketing for Hospitality, Tourism & Events

Philip is a Course Leader and manages all undergraduate international tourism management degrees for the University, and sits on a variety of academic panels and committees within the Faculty of Management. He also is a Visiting Tutor for UCLan Interns who are placed across the UK and Europe, USA, China, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand

Current Research Projects:

Philip’s current research interests revolve around the concept of dark tourism, the act of travel and visitation to sites, attractions and exhibitions which has real or recreated death, suffering or the seemingly macabre as a main theme. In particular, Philip is interested in the fundamental interrelationships between tourists and dark tourism sites, attractions and exhibitions with the wider cultural condition of society.

Philip is also founder and Editor of The Dark Tourism Forum, the premier online subject resource facility for dark tourism and a global alliance of dark tourism scholars and industry practitioners (visit http://www.dark-tourism.org.uk/). Other research interests include rural landscape ideology and rural tourism governance, and the role of festivals and events within society. Philip has been Academic Convenor for a number of national and international conferences at UCLan. He is also an Editorial Board Member for the academic journal ‘DIFFUSION’. Philip also acts as a Peer Reviewer for a range of international academic journals.

Philip also acts as a Media Consultant on the subject of dark tourism to various press and broadcast institutions across the world. Clients include:

• BBC (UK)
• The New York Times (USA)
• Travel Weekly (UK)
• Independent on Sunday (UK)
• The Guardian (UK)
• Barna-Alpher Film Productions Inc (Canada)
• Endemol Productions (Netherlands / UK)
• The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (Germany)
• Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (Austria).
• The New Scientist (UK)
• Blackpool Gazette (UK)
• Rex Entertainment Productions (UK)
• … and a host of independent / freelance print media

Born on January 11, 1985, in Mostar. He completed general high school (gymnasium) in Grude and graduated from the Faculty of Tourism Destination Management at the University of Dubrovnik.

He has been employed at the Croatian National Tourist Board since 2010. Throughout his professional career, he has performed duties related to business supervision, coordination, and cooperation with the system of tourist boards at all levels, as well as activities aimed at improving the efficiency and development of the tourism system. Since 2020, he has been leading activities related to the allocation of funds for tourist board projects in tourism-underdeveloped areas through the Fund for Underdeveloped Tourism Areas and the Continent, as well as projects for associated tourist boards. These initiatives are focused on the development and promotion of tourism products in destinations, communication and advertising activities, destination management projects, and projects financed by EU funds.

In addition to these activities, he coordinates and actively participates in the education and award systems for individuals, organizations, destinations, and tourist attractions within the framework of the Annual Croatian Tourism Awards project, which are traditionally presented as part of the largest national tourism event, the Days of Croatian Tourism.

Founder and Director of the luxury travel agency Tag Along Travels

Director of the Vukovarski vodotoranj

Astronomer, teacher and founder of the Višnjan Observatory

Austrian swimmer, Olympic medalist and representative of Austrian Croats in the Croatian Government Council.

He was born in 1976 in Osijek, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He built his professional identity at the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Coaching (bacc. cin.), and is also a proud holder of the highest UEFA Pro coaching license.

His journey began with a long-standing playing career in the top three tiers of Croatian football, which he actively pursued until the age of 35. Today, he applies his wealth of experience to his work within the Community of Sports Associations of the City of Osijek, while for the past ten years, he has been a key employee of the Croatian Football Federation.

As an HNS Regional Instructor for the Osijek Football Center, he oversees and develops the eastern football region. He places a special focus on youth development and has been intensively involved for five years in a strategic project to scout talents of Croatian descent in the diaspora, directly shaping the future of Croatian football.

Multiple European table tennis medalist, long-time Croatian national team member. Motivational speaker and author of the book “I love life”.