The Sunset Sports Media Festival concluded with incredible success, reaffirming its position as one of the most significant sports media event sin Europe and beyond. In addition to the opportunity to listen to the most decorated American football coach, Bill Belichick, and the legendary soccer player Alessandro Del Piero, visitors also had the opportunity to listen to the lectures of numerous famous domestic and international experts and athletes, and learned firsthand everything about new opportunities, projects and innovations from the world’s sports media, marketing and business. Held at one of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic coast, the festival highlighted the importance of networking essential for the progress and further development of all entities involved in these industries and promoted Croatia as a must-visit sports destination that offers exceptional hospitality.
An inspiring story by Alessandro Del Piero
The first day of the festival was marked by an exclusive conversation between legendary Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero and renowned sports journalist Guillem Balague. Del Piero captivated the audience by sharing his life stories, challenges, and future plans, including his announcement of obtaining a professional coaching license.
His passion for football and unwavering dedication were an inspiration to all present, and the guest list included award-winning producer and Creative Director of CBS Sports Pete Radovich, celebrated Olympian Ivica Kostelić, legendary boxer Željko Mavrović, Ferrari Esports Manager Rong Chen, FIBA’s General Director of Media and Marketing Frank Leenders, Champions League Presenter Eva Murati, State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Josip Pavić, NK Istra Football Coach Paolo Tramezzani, popular Serbian tennis player Bojana Jovanović, ELPA Director Boštjan Nachbar, AC Milan Marketing Director Tania Moreno, Executive Vice President of Digital at CBS Sports Jeffrey Gerttula, and many other esteemed names.
A historic moment with Bill Belichick
At the Sunset Sports Media Festival, Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina presented a Croatian passport to Bill Belichick, one of the most respected minds and most trophy-winning coaches in American sport. In his conversation with Pete Radovich, Bill Belichick exclusively shared his rich career journey with the audience and revealed that he was only late to training once; when Croatia played one of the biggest matches in its history at the World Cup in Qatar, sending football powerhouse Brazil home after a penalty shootout. Bill Belichick proudly wore Croatian insignia at NFL games, therefore the director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, awarded him a special recognition for his contribution to promoting Croatia during his professional career in the USA. „Bill Belichick is known for not liking public appearances, but here he relaxed and shared his emotional stories, which delighted the audience. Croatia, with its hospitality and beautiful landscapes, enchanted Bill and all our guests. The organizers of the Festival and the environment itself allowed us to create an intimate and warm atmosphere where everyone felt at home. I am proud that we managed to bring such big names to Croatia and show them all the eauties that our country has to offer. The Sunset Sports Media Festival has become a place where a real family atmosphere is created, making it special and unforgettable“, said award-winning producer and Creative Director of CBS Sports Pete Radovich.
Instructive lectures and networking
The rich festival program with a series of interesting lectures and panels brought different insights and knowledge about international sports management through the perspective of gloally recognized academic experts, how sports and politics collaborate in transcending all borders, how major sports and media entities such as NBA Entertainment, GNK Dinamo, and Gazzetta dello Sport manage the digital production ecosystem in a rapidly envolving industry, will AI replace sports journalists, all about the challenges in managing large players’ unions, what is the secret of success of the world-famous Croatian company Sofascore, which is also a strategic partner of Sunset Sports Media Festival, and at the Fortis Club announced a new partnership with Brazilian football legend Zico and presented its redesigned Player of the Season Award.
„By partnering with the Sunset Sports Media Festival, we have successfully merged two positive stories; Croatian passion for sports and innovation in the technological world. We gathered the biggest professional athletes and experts from the fields of sports media, marketing and business on a global level, which resulted in the achievement of all our goals and raising the festival to a completely new level.” said Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Sofascore Ivan Bešlić. With great gratitude to all participants, speakers, athletes, media experts, sponsors, and business partners who contributed to the success of the Festival, Sunset Sports Media Festival Director and celebrated NBA star Damjan Rudež concluded: „In just three years, we have become a key platform for connecting athletes, media experts and business leaders, providing space for the creating new friendships, exchanging ideas and developing innovations. Guests are thrilled with the Festival concept and Croatia, and the posts they shared on social media have reached an impressive number of people worldwide, further promoting the richness of our country. After this year’s edition, which brought together the biggest global names, the goal of becoming the most relevant conference of this kind in the world is definitely realistic and achievable.“
In addition to diverse lectures, panels, and exclusive interviews, the Sunset Sports Media Festival didn’t overlook the entertainment aspect either. The Sunset Boat Party and Sunset Beach Party along the most beautiful coastline further enriched the festival experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to relax and socialize informally. You can find out all about the Festival on FB and IG profiles.
