Imagine a typical conference: you sit in a closed, artificially lit room, the air conditioning is too cold, the program is dense, and everyone around you in business suits is tapping away on their laptops. Networking is officially scheduled: a 15-minute coffee break with coffee from a machine.

Now imagine something completely different: the sea in the background, the scent of salt in the air, a relaxed atmosphere. People approaching you with a smile and genuine curiosity about what you do. That is the Split Tech City Festival.

1. Setting – A Conference by the Sound of the Sea

Instead of hotel conference rooms, talks take place in the Bačvice Open-Air Cinema. While listening to speakers, you have the sea behind you; and when darkness falls, the stars above. It changes the energy, mood, and even how you absorb information.

2. Community Instead of Hierarchy

Here, you don’t feel “small” among big names. Everyone—from students just starting out to seasoned entrepreneurs—is part of the same community. Titles don’t act as shields; they’re forgotten once conversations begin. Everyone feels welcome.

3. Substance Over Form

Speakers don’t rely on overcrowded slides. They share real strategies, including mistakes they’ve made. With equal passion, they talk about software, hardware, campaign results, moments when they almost gave up, or the mindset that carried them forward. These aren’t just lessons: they’re stories that stay with you.

4. Networking That Happens Naturally

There’s no speed-dating or forced introductions. Connections form naturally, while waiting in line for a drink, sitting on the beach wall, or mingling in the grove. The first line is often not “What do you do?” but “Want another drink?” Genuine relationships, both business and personal, grow from there.

5. A Festival, Not Just a Conference

It’s not only about learning, it’s also about the experience. After dark, the atmosphere turns into a mini festival: food trucks bring tempting aromas and flavors, while DJs and bands provide the music. The blend of content, food, and music creates a unique vibe.