Students and alumni of the Faculty of Media and Public Relations at the University of Dubrovnik successfully organised the fourth edition of the PEP Conference, held on 16 and 17 April at the University campus. This year’s conference once again brought together students and communication and public relations professionals, with a particular focus on responsible communication in the media and public space, highlighting the importance of such events in bridging theory and practice and in developing professional skills.
The conference was organised and moderated by alumni Leonarda Tikvica and Andrea Batinić, together with students Anamarija Lučić, Marija Mamić, Karla Sabljić, Darja Miljanić, Dora Vulić, Chiara Agreš, Sara Bagić and Sara Kalogjera.
The first day opened with a conversation between Luka Šipić and Ivan Perišić (Vrh Komunikacije), who spoke about the realities of working in public relations, from first professional steps to the challenges of working with clients and the media. This was followed by a discussion with Marjan Žitnik (Maritimo Recycling) on sustainability communication and socially responsible projects.
On the second day, RTL reporter Marijo Jurič spoke about professional responsibility and working in the media, while the panel “From Faculty to Career” brought together alumni Ana Kovačević and Ivona Antolović, who shared their experiences and career paths after graduation.
Communication experts Krešimir Macan (Manjgura), Jerko Trogrlić (Vajt) and Valentina Mezdić (CTA Komunikacije) discussed strategic communication management and crisis communication, while Andrijana Biskup, spokesperson for the Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department, presented the challenges of working in a dynamic media environment.
Tina Šmanjak (Fitzone.hr, Bossy) spoke about building a business and creative identity, and the conference concluded with a conversation between Krešimir Macan and Tilda Grossel Bogdanović on working on large communication projects and campaigns.
This marks the fourth year of the PEP Conference, through which students gain valuable practical experience. By participating in the organisation of the event, they become familiar with programme planning, speaker coordination and panel moderation in front of an audience. Projects such as this enable students to develop professional skills and establish direct contact with communication and public relations professionals.
The conference was organised in cooperation with the Croatian Public Relations Association (HUOJ), with the support of Manjgura, Prijeko Palace, the Student Union of the University of Dubrovnik, the Student Centre Dubrovnik, Light Media, Atlantic Group (Cedevita), Coca-Cola HBC Adria, Maritimo Recycling and numerous other partners.
