KOMferencija 2023.

As the only professional organization for public relations in Croatia, HUOJ brings leading global communication and innovation trends to the country. The theme of the Split edition of KOMferencija 2023 was excellence and the role of public relations in socially desirable changes. Among the panelists, speakers, and attendees were top communicators and experts from various fields, both from Croatia and neighboring countries, alongside media representatives who are regular guests at such conferences.

The goal this year, held in Split, was to bring together public relations professionals from all sectors and familiarize them with the latest trends in the field. There was also an emphasis on promoting ethical principles and professional standards, which require open and transparent communication between organizations and their publics, thereby contributing to the quality of public dialogue and building citizens’ trust in organizations and their activities. At the end of the event, participants were offered opportunities to upgrade their existing knowledge with presentations primarily focusing on European business trends.

In a short period from November 30 to December 2, 2023, over 500 PR professionals, journalists, and communication experts from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in one place — the Croatian Home in Split — in two halls with parallel programs. Participants had the opportunity to attend lectures by domestic and international speakers, and to engage in discussions and workshops of various formats. It was also an occasion for new business opportunities, collaboration, and education on new European trends in a somewhat informal setting.

For our students — future communication specialists and potential PR professionals — this was a unique chance to meet top experts in communication sciences and learn about the strengths and challenges of their future profession. They heard firsthand what to expect and how to secure their ideal job after graduation. As official volunteers of KOMferencija, first- and second-year students of the Communication and Media program participated in organizing the event, gaining valuable experience of this kind. They enriched their knowledge by attending quality expert and academic lectures and learned how theory is applied in practice. They also had the opportunity to interview some of the panelists and made contacts useful for further practical education.

We are truly grateful to the organizer — the Croatian Public Relations Association — for involving them in the organization of such a significant and important conference for us!
 
Marijeta Babik