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NEM Zagreb 2026 has announced its first group of speakers, bringing together leading international executives and experts to discuss the trends, challenges and business opportunities shaping the future of the television and video industry. Following the confirmation of Timothy Oh, General Manager & CMO at COL Group International, as keynote speaker, NEM Zagreb has revealed its first speaker lineup, featuring professionals from across the international media landscape.

The first confirmed speakers, listed alphabetically, include:

• Aleksandar “Kojot” Ašković, YouTube SEO and Strategy Expert
• Božidar Abramović, CEO, Omnicom Media Group
• Carlo Dusi, Executive Producer, Turning Point Pictures
• Dorota Żurkowska-Bytner, Chief Revenue Officer, TVN Warner Bros. Discovery
• Elena Petrova, Head of Group Content, Broadcasting and Media Solutions, A1 International Business
• Erik Pack, Co-Managing Director, EP Pictures
• Filip Bobiňski, Producer, Show-runner, CEO Dramedy Productions
• Grigory Lavrov, VP Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management CEEMEA, Skydance
• Guy Bisson, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Ampere Analysis
• Jan Frelek, CCO, Backscreen
• Jan Maxa, Director of Content and Production, FTV Prima
• Katarina Pavlović, Content Director, Yettel Serbia
• Maria Rua Aguete, Head of M&E, Technology Fellow, Omdia
• Nikola Vrdoljak, Founder and Partner, 404 agency
• Robert Franke, Managing Director, Intaglio Films
• Sandra Lehner, Entertainment Executive, TV Futurist

The programme will explore the impact of artificial intelligence, changing business models, the growing influence of content creators and new opportunities in vertical video, reflecting the transformations currently reshaping the industry.

Nikola Vrdoljak, Founder and Partner at 404 agency said: “The media industry is going through one of the biggest transformations in its history. Artificial intelligence, changing audience habits, and shifts in business models are reshaping almost everything we have taken for granted so far. I see NEM Zagreb as an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what is happening, where the industry is heading and, most importantly, how to succeed in a world where change is accelerating.”
Sandra Lehner, Entertainment Executive at TV Futurist, stated: “One of my biggest takeaways from NEM Dubrovnik earlier this year was that attracting attention is no longer enough; the real challenge is turning it into lasting audience relationships and sustainable businesses. That's becoming even more relevant as creators develop their own IP and media brands, while broadcasters and studios rethink their roles in an increasingly fragmented entertainment landscape. At NEM Zagreb, I'm particularly looking forward to exploring what happens when these worlds converge, from new partnerships and business models to the question of who ultimately captures value. For Central and Eastern Europe, where local players must balance strong domestic audience relationships with ambitions for international growth, these discussions are especially relevant. I'm excited to return to NEM, hear fresh perspectives from across the region and explore how the industry can turn emerging opportunities into viable businesses.”
Meanwhile, Jan Frelek, CCO of Backscreen, added: “The low production cost of vertical video shorts makes content makers think about going direct to consumer. Backscreen is coming to NEM Zagreb to understand this drive and share its vision on the game-changing, money-making options available in the ecosystem of vertical video, while also enjoying some quality time with the media tribe at the Christmas Market.”

The event will take place on December 7–8 at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, gathering producers, broadcasters, streaming platforms, content creators, brands, agencies and technology companies.