In November, Croatian business leaders from around the world will converge in Zagreb for the 10th MG2 Conference. This year’s event will feature the inaugural ‘MG2 Excellence’ awards, celebrating individuals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening Croatia’s global economic connections.

The upcoming MEETING G2 conference, themed „A Decade of Business Connections,” is set to take place on 14-15 November 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb.

The event aims to deepen business ties between Croatians both in the homeland and abroad. Over the past nine years, it has attracted more than 1,300 participants and facilitated networking among nearly 400 successful business professionals from 35 different countries.

Once again, the conference enjoys the backing of key state institutions, with sponsorship from the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, and the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.

Since 2015, the conference has been organized by the Association for Business Networking of Croatians at Home and Abroad – MEETING G2, a diverse group of Croatians from both the diaspora and the homeland.

This year’s attendees will have the chance to participate in various panel discussions addressing important issues such as demographics and education, sectors ripe for diaspora investment like tourism and Banovina aid, and presentations on Croatian business chambers operating internationally—many of which remain unfamiliar to local Croatian entrepreneurs.

A major highlight this year is the introduction of the „MG2 Excellence” awards. Ten exclusive awards will be presented to successful Croatian men and women—business leaders from both Croatia and abroad—who have significantly strengthened economic links between Croatia and the diaspora.

Each award recipient will receive a unique statue, symbolized by Mate Croata’s stone sail. Of particular interest to the Croatian public will be the recipients from the diaspora, many of whom are highly successful yet relatively unknown in Croatia.

“For the past decade, we’ve focused on connecting Croatians at home and across the globe. This mission continues, with many challenges still ahead. As we mark our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to highlight, through these awards, the exceptional individuals who have made substantial contributions to Croatia, both on a global and domestic scale.

Everything starts with individuals, and here in Croatia, we must better organize ourselves to ensure that those wishing to invest are supported by Croatians worldwide. At the same time, we must showcase to our diaspora the business opportunities available in Croatia. Beyond our borders lies vast potential, and we must recognize that over 4 million Croatians—an entire second Croatia—live abroad, eager for closer connections with us and the homeland. During the conference, we will present fascinating projects and engage in discussions on current key topics.”