Festival of Lights Zagreb 2026: one of Europe’s leading events combining art and sustainability
Another edition of MEETEX is just ahead of us. Over its past seven editions, it has established itself as a business platform bringing together the key stakeholders of Croatia’s meetings and incentive industry – from destinations and hotels to specialised event venues and DMC agencies – to present international event organisers with the full range of opportunities and advantages of Croatia as a MICE destination. The 2026 edition continues in that direction, while introducing several new elements that further strengthen its relevance and content depth.
The event will take place at The Westin Zagreb, using the recognisable “one room” concept that allows participants maximum efficiency – all meetings, conversations and networking happen in one space, without logistical distractions. The programme remains strongly focused on pre-scheduled 1-to-1 business meetings, with plenty of opportunities for informal networking as well. Over the three days, nearly 2,000 business meetings are planned, which is the maximum within the available time and capacity.
The event is expected to welcome 60 to 70 Croatian exhibitors, along with approximately the same number of international hosted buyers, mainly from Europe, but with an increasingly strong presence of participants from North and South America as well as Asia.
Education, networking and Zagreb in a special edition
MEETEX 2026 will also broaden its programme through thematic workshops, designed as a space for knowledge exchange, best practice sharing and discussion of current trends in the business events industry. In between meetings, alongside networking, there will also be two keynote presentations – one by the indispensable Dr Rob Davidson and the other by a representative of MEETEX’s humanitarian partner, the Red Noses association.
An important part of the programme will again be the pre- and post-fam trips for international buyers, organised in cooperation with the network of tourist boards. In 2026, the number will be higher than ever before – a total of five. For the first time, northern Croatia is also included, with programmes in Hrvatsko Zagorje and Međimurje, while, as in previous years, participants will experience Dubrovnik, Kvarner, central Dalmatia and Zagreb first-hand. This further strengthens the international visibility of the diversity of Croatia’s offer.
An additional highlight of the 2026 edition is that MEETEX’s themed evening will coincide with the opening of the Festival of Lights Zagreb, which, in cooperation with the Zagreb Tourist Board, will be creatively integrated into the programme.
Sustainability and social responsibility as an integral part of the format
MEETEX continues to apply sustainability principles consistently in event organisation. In 2026, it will once again use regenerative “plantable” badges, integrating sustainability into the very structure of the event.
Social responsibility is also gaining a strong humanitarian dimension. After supporting the Kuterevo Young Bear Refuge in the previous edition, MEETEX 2026 is launching cooperation with the Red Noses – Clowndoctors association, which it will support financially not only in 2026, but also in the long term, recognising the organisation’s exceptional contribution to society.
For event organisers, destinations, hoteliers and MICE professionals, MEETEX 2026 is an ideal place to showcase the Croatian offer, but also to hold concrete meetings, exchange knowledge and build new partnerships.
More information is available at: meetex.eu.
