Program platform of this year’s FESTO is based on identification of upcoming marketing and communication processes, on the ground of already established trends, new tools and techniques which include modifications of existing developmental processes in the industry of market communication. Those changes were, until only yesterday, visible only on the horizon, and already today they are reality which will in the upcoming times within this profession shape a frame of what will be modern and applicable in the next few years on the market.

Year after year, by watching intersection of reached creative and production level of domestic advertising it is confirmed that the role of market communication in Croatian economy is significant. Market communication industry strongly, directly and indirectly, increases Croatian competitiveness. Therefore, it is self-explanatory that the first panel debate, which opens FESTO is entitled "To be present in the EU", wanting that in open conversation numerous participants from the fields of the state, economy, profession, give their opinions including on how much can be done in raising conscience on recognisability of the state as a brand or single product of the EU.

Second debate, in which will participate the leading men from three Croatian national televisions (HRT, NOVA i RTL) competitors on television market, will present their opinions on what will globalisation and digitalisation bring as oppose to the question what will in production – in program and marketing – bring global directives and audio –visual directives. This exactly is the main theme of a debate on advertising self-regulation, the path that Croatia still has to pass.

Croatia in dominant segment of advertising industry is a part of highly developed advertising markets. Only in distribution of audio-visual products is seriously behind developed markets, which obviously limits media offer and by that and advertising potential as well.

But there is FESTO! To openly speaks of all problems, but also to be a stage of opinion exchange and good company. And fun, by all means!

I wish you plenty of business pleasure in this three FESTO days.

President of the Management Board of HOZ

Tibor Gojun