Largest gathering of Croatian-American professionals successfully concludes in Chicago

(Photo: ACAP)

Three Days of Insightful Panels, Inspiring Keynotes, and New Collaborations: The 9th Annual ACAP Conference in Chicago Concludes Successfully

The largest gathering of Croatian-American professionals brought together over 400 participants and 90 speakers

Chicago, October 2025 – The 9th Annual Conference of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) brought together more than 400 participants, 90 speakers, and 30 sessions at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, reaffirming its status as the most significant event connecting the Croatian diaspora, business leaders, and academia across the United States.

Under the theme “The Drive to Succeed: Our Croatian Edge,” the three-day program combined thought-provoking discussions, inspiring personal stories, and high-level networking, all centered on the power of Croatian identity as a driver of global success.

(Photo: ACAP)

A Dynamic Start — Sports, Health, and Academia

The conference opened with golf and pickleball tournaments, followed by the Health & Lifestyle Symposium and an Academic Gathering, bringing together leading experts in medicine, science, and education.

The official opening ceremony took place on Thursday evening with a welcome reception, while the main program commenced on Friday morning with opening remarks from Maria Sentić, President of ACAP; Nikola Meteš, Vice President of ACAP; Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Croatia; Igor Pokaz, Vice President for Trade and Internationalization at the Croatian Chamber of Economy; and Dario Magdić, Deputy State Secretary at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.

(Photo: ACAP)

Investment Opportunities in Focus

One interesting session was “Exploring Investment Opportunities in Croatia,” featuring Mislav Tolušić, Founder and Managing Partner of Marlinspike, Pavel Savor, DePaul University, Lars Rottweiler, Mbanq, and John Gašparac, President of BURAi Global, who moderated the discussion.

(Photo: ACAP)

The panel explored the growing interest of U.S. investors in Croatia, the crucial role of the diaspora in attracting capital, and the importance of creating a stable and transparent business environment.

(Photo: ACAP)

“Croatia’s greatest potential lies in its people and knowledge. Tqhe diaspora can serve as a key accelerator of new investments and projects that bridge both sides of the Atlantic,” the panelists concluded.

(Photo: ACAP)

Geopolitics, Tourism, and the Global Croatian Edge

Another highlight was the Geopolitical and Economic Outlook Panel, moderated by Ambassador Pjer Šimunović, featuring Zlatko Mateša, President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Associate Dean at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, and former Prime Minister of Croatia; Elizabeth Wild, President of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who recently launched one of Croatia’s most advanced oncology centers; and Igor Pokaz, Vice President for Trade and Internationalization at the Croatian Chamber of Economy.

(Photo: ACAP)

In the tourism panel, Marina Šimun, International Cooperation Advisor at the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB), presented Croatia’s potential as a year-round destination as representatives of United Airlines announced plans to launch a new direct flight route between the U.S. and Split, a milestone that drew strong interest among attendees.

(Photo: ACAP)

Inspiring Voices and Global Achievements

The keynote address by Violet Grgich, President and CEO of Grgich Hills Estate in California, captivated the audience with insights on family business leadership, sustainability, and the enduring strength of heritage, underscoring how Croatian roots can inspire global excellence.

(Photo: ACAP)

Other notable speakers included Bill Rancic, acclaimed entrepreneur and television personality of Croatian descent; Joe Flamm, Top Chef winner and owner of Rose Mary restaurant in Chicago; Werner Ilić, Brigadier (Ret.) of the Croatian Armed Forces; and Jurica Barać, Founder and CEO of Highlander Adventure, whose success story highlighted Croatia’s growing global outdoor industry.

(Photo: ACAP)

Gala Night — The Croatian Spirit in Chicago

The conference culminated on Saturday with a Gala Dinner, featuring a moving performance by Croatian-American artist Tajči, whose songs brought an emotional close to the weekend.

(Photo: ACAP)

The evening celebrated unity, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of the Croatian-American community. It also featured the presentation of the ACAP Awards, honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and impact within the Croatian-American and global Croatian community.

(Photo: ACAP)

“This conference has once again demonstrated the remarkable strength of our community. The Croatian diaspora is not just a link, it is a vital partner in advancing business, science, and innovation,” said Maria Sentić, President of ACAP, expressing gratitude to all speakers, participants, and sponsors.

(Photo: ACAP)

Acknowledgment and Future Outlook

ACAP extended heartfelt thanks to its partners and sponsors whose support made the conference possible: the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), ARAS Digital Products, Devōt, BURAi, Tavola, and many others who continue to strengthen ACAP’s mission of connecting and empowering Croatian professionals worldwide.

(Photo: ACAP)

Following Chicago, ACAP announced that the 10th Annual ACAP Conference will take place in Seattle from October 2-4, 2026. The city is known for its innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit, helping ACAP continue its tradition of uniting and inspiring Croatian professionals across the globe.

More information is available at croampro.com.

About ACAP

The Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP) is an international nonprofit organization bringing together over 3,000 professionals from various industries and academic fields. Founded in 2014 in the United States, ACAP’s mission is to foster connections, share knowledge, and promote Croatian talent around the world. Today, ACAP operates through 10 chapters across North America and Croatia.