Just one month remains until Vukovar Business Forum – Meeting G2.12!

Don’t miss this premier event from May 21–23. Join us in the Hero City to connect Croatian business professionals from the homeland and abroad

This May, Vukovar is set to become the epicenter of economic activity as it hosts the Vukovar Business Forum – Meeting G2.12 from May 21 to 23. This international summit will bring together investors, entrepreneurs and experts from both Croatia and the global diaspora. To mark the occasion, a press conference was held this week at the Vukovar City Hall, where the preliminary program for this unique business gathering was unveiled.

While the Vukovar Business Forum is making its debut, the Meeting G2 Association brings the extensive experience of its traditional conference, now celebrating its 12th anniversary. The result of this powerful synergy between the City and the Association is:

VUKOVAR BUSINESS FORUM – MEETING G2.12

The Mayor of Vukovar, Marijan Pavliček, emphasized that even in its inaugural year, this event holds immense significance for the entire region. “During those days, Vukovar will be a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, new ideas, and technology. Although this is the Forum’s first edition, it will be the largest economic conference in Eastern Croatia,” Pavliček stated. 

The conference aims to showcase the numerous benefits Vukovar offers to entrepreneurs – ranging from legal tax incentives to concrete measures for boosting employment and investment. Mayor Pavliček particularly highlighted labor market trends: “Today, Vukovar enjoys record employment levels since the end of the peaceful reintegration, and we don’t plan on stopping there. The city is focused on the youth, job creation, and restoring the industrial strength it once held. 

The President of the Meeting G2 Association, Antun Krešimir Buterin, underlined the vital importance of connecting the Croatian homeland with its diaspora. “Our goal is to bring as many business professionals from the diaspora as possible so they can experience the potential of Vukovar and Slavonia firsthand,” said Buterin. He added that over the past 11 years, MG2 has gathered more than 2,300 participants – Croatian business leaders – from 36 countries worldwide. 

Buterin also pointed out the profound symbolism of holding the conference in Vukovar. “For us, the Hero City represents the perfect place for unity – Vukovar is where we want to demonstrate that Croatia can truly prosper through collaboration with its diaspora,” he emphasized.

Deputy Mayor Filip Sušac noted that interest in the conference is already exceeding expectations. “With a month still to go, 70% of panelist slots are filled, and over 60% of our total capacity is booked. We are welcoming top-tier experts and eminent companies from Croatia and abroad,” said Sušac, who expects over 300 participants and approximately 30 exhibitors.

The Forum will feature both a conference and a trade fair component, allowing participants not only to network and exchange knowledge but also to present concrete business projects and opportunities.

The organizers aim to shatter the common misconception that major business events are reserved exclusively for Zagreb or the Adriatic coast. “Slavonia has so much to offer—from a resilient economy to world-class gastronomy and hospitality,” Sušac concluded.

The press conference also featured Boris Podobnik, President of the Association of Voice of Entrepreneurs (UGP), which supports the event, as well as Ivan Sarić from the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP).

Vukovar Business Forum – Meeting G2.12 carries a powerful message: the city that stands as a symbol of Croatian history and sacrifice is now rapidly positioning itself as a city of new opportunities, investment, and growth.

In a Homeland War, Vukovar showed us the power of an unbreakable spirit. Now, in peace, we must channel that same spirit into joint projects and progress! From Resilience to Growth!