Kopaonik Business Forum 2025
My First Time at Kopaonik Business Forum 2025 – A Game-Changer!
I finally made it to the Kopaonik Business Forum, and let me tell you—it was absolutely worth the hype! Known as the ‘Serbian Davos,’ this event has been bringing together top business leaders, government officials, investors, diplomats, and entrepreneurs for over 30 years. It was my first time attending, and experiencing this high-energy, high-impact event in person was a game-changer for me and my business, ABC Experiences & Events DOO and brand, Blair in Belgrade.
First off, Kopaonik is breathtaking. The mountain views, the crisp air, and the luxurious conference setting made it the perfect place for deep conversations and fresh ideas. The second I arrived, I could feel the buzz—people from all over Serbia, the Balkans, and beyond were here, ready to network, collaborate, and talk about the future.
One of the most exciting parts? Running into familiar faces from other events I’ve attended, while also meeting new people who are making waves in industries like finance, tech, energy, and tourism. Every conversation led to something meaningful—whether it was discussing Serbia’s economic outlook, potential business collaborations, or simply learning from some of the region’s brightest minds. I left with new contacts, new ideas, and a clearer vision for expanding my business.
Key Themes and Big Discussions
The central theme for 2025 was "Serbia 2027: Aiming for a High-Income Economy." There was a lot of talk about what Serbia needs to do to level up economically—how to attract more investment, integrate into global markets, and innovate in industries like AI, green energy, and infrastructure.
One session that stood out to me was “Unlocking Potential: EXPO 2027”, led by Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade. It was all about how Serbia is preparing to host EXPO 2027 and what it means for the country’s global reputation and economic growth. Super exciting stuff!
Another powerful session was on Artificial Intelligence in Business. AI is shaking up industries everywhere, and Serbia is no exception. The discussion explored how businesses can use AI to boost productivity and innovation. As someone who creates digital content, I found this conversation incredibly relevant.
One of the hottest debates of the forum was on geopolitics and the economy—with the panel “Wars, Trade Wars, and the Consequences for Europe and the Western Balkans” diving deep into how global conflicts are reshaping markets and trade. Experts like Ivan Vujačić (former Ambassador to the USA) and Boško Jakšić (foreign affairs commentator) gave sharp insights on what this means for businesses in the region.
Meeting the Key Players
The forum was packed with influential speakers and thought leaders, including:
Aleksandar Kostic – President, MK Group/ Chairman of the Board of Directors, AIK Banka
Dušan Borovčanin – CEO of EXPO 2027 Belgrade
Richard Record – Lead Economist, World Bank
Marko Cadez President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
Sebastian Sosa – IMF Resident Representative for Serbia
Blagoje Paunović – President of the Fiscal Council
Lev Ratnovski – IMF Representative for Serbia
Vladimir Jovanović – Director, Digital Transformation Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
Boško Jakšić – Foreign Affairs Commentator
My Business Takeaways & Future Plans
Attending Kopaonik Business Forum was a huge step for me and ABC Experiences & Events DOO. Not only did I get to engage with business leaders and decision-makers, but I also had the chance to promote my upcoming International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea Party on March 8th. The enthusiasm and support I received were incredible, and I’m excited about the future collaborations that will come out of this event.
Final Thoughts: Will I Be Back? 100% Yes!
Kopaonik Business Forum wasn’t just about business—it was about connections, big ideas, and being part of something bigger. If you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or investor looking to grow in Serbia or the Balkans, this is THE place to be.
I left the mountain with new insights, new friends, and big plans for 2025 and beyond. Can’t wait to see where these conversations lead!
Were you at Kopaonik Business Forum this year? Let’s connect and share insights!
