FUTURE LEADERS

Your Next Hire Could Be on This Stage

We organized a competition and challenged students to create innovative recruitment strategies for attracting top talent to the hospitality industry, focusing on key departments like marketing, operations, or F&B.

A huge thank you to all participants for your ideas and creativity - your submissions are being reviewed now, and the results will be published by the beginning of February!

At the event, we’ll see the top 5 finalists pitch their concepts live on stage to a panel of industry experts. Three winners will take home awards and prizes, proudly sponsored by BWH Hotels, Croatia Airlines and Samsung.

Inspiration for Your Business, Talent for Your Team

This is a your unique opportunity to meet the next generation of hospitality leaders and gain fresh perspectives on recruitment and employee engagement.

  • Talk in person to the finalists who are shaping the future with fresh, innovative ideas and a passion for excellence.

  • Gain insights into what motivates the next generation of talent.

  • Build relationships with potential future members of your teams.

STUDENT CHALLENGE PARTNERS

STUDENT CHALLENGE JURY

  • Kristian Šustar

    CEO and Member of Management Board, Jadran hoteli Rijeka, Croatia

  • Ana Bogović

    Hotel Manager, Hilton Hotels Zagreb, Croatia

  • Antonija Šarić

    Talent&Culture Manager, Movenpick, Croatia

  • David Taylor

    CEO & President of Management Board, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Croatia

  • Katica Šamija

    HR Director, Aminess Hotels & Resorts, Croatia

  • Martina Lucić Čanak

    Director, Best Stay Event, Croatia

  • Dinka Krčelić

    CEO, Trainer and Executive Coach, Projectus grupa, Croatia

  • Rusmir Rieger

    Cluster Operations Manager, Numa, Germany

  • Ivona Meissner BWH Hotels Best Stay Event 2025

    Ivona Meissner

    Area Director Austria & Central Eastern Europe, BWH Hotels Central Europe, Austria

  • Takuya Aoyama Hyatt Best Stay Event 2025

    Takuya Aoyama

    Vice President, Development, Hyatt International (EAME) LLC, Switzerland

  • Yvonne Tesch Falkensteiner Best Stay Event 2025

    Yvonne Tesch

    Group Director of Quality, People Development & Operational Excellence, Falkensteiner, Austria