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The first edition of the KIOSK Branding Conference was held on February 6, 2026, at Lauba, featuring a sold-out, full-day conference program and an evening KIOSK AFTER DARK party at Peti kupe.
On Friday, February 6, Zagreb hosted the inaugural edition of the KIOSK Branding Conference, the first regional conceptual conference dedicated to contemporary branding, design, culture, and communications. The conference brought together leading local and international creatives, strategists, and brand leaders, reaffirming Zagreb as a relevant point on the European creative map.
During the full-day program at Lauba, attendees had the opportunity to listen to talks and panel discussions by renowned studios, agencies, and brands such as Paul Arregui from Cupra, Freddy Öst from Snaska, Studio HERRSTRÖM, Joel Marlinarson, Leslie David, Rosie Lee Group, as well as Universal Music Group and TMG. Through concrete case studies and strategic insights, speakers explored the creation of relevant, culturally strong, and long-term sustainable brands.
A special focus of the conference was the intersection of branding, culture, and context, with an emphasis on authenticity, local rootedness, and global relevance. The program covered topics such as the fusion of local culture and branding, building challenger brands in competitive industries, trends for 2026, and the importance of branding in the digital age.
“We wanted to offer something new and place Zagreb on the map of the marketing and creative industries. In a slower time of year, when little is happening, we brought together top-tier speakers, both international and local, at an event designed to be a complete experience,” said Ela Barić, the lead organizer of KIOSK.
Following the official conference program, the event continued with the KIOSK AFTER DARK party at Peti kupe, bringing together speakers, partners, and attendees in a more relaxed networking format with Gammad FM. With a strong music program and an informal atmosphere, AFTER DARK further emphasized the KIOSK philosophy; it was a meeting place for ideas, people, and culture, akin to an urban kiosk as a symbol of spontaneity and exchange. The nighttime lineup, like the daytime one, featured top names, giving the audience the chance to hear Madam X, Detroit in Effect, Sun People, and SZCH live.
More information is available at www.kioskconference.com and on KIOSK’s official social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook).
