Photo credit: Odyssey Conference
Dubrovnik hosted the international scientific conference FEB Zagreb 2026 – 17th International Odyssey Conference on Economics and Business from the 20th to the 23rd of May 2026, one of the most significant international academic gatherings in the fields of economics and business in this part of Europe. Traditionally organised by the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Zagreb, the conference was held in a hybrid format, both in person in Dubrovnik and online, and brought together a total of 205 participants from 32 countries worldwide.
During the four-day programme, 122 scientific papers and abstracts were presented, while 145 participants attended the conference in person, once again confirming Dubrovnik's importance as an internationally recognised destination for scientific and business events. The conference further enriched the academic and social life of the city, transforming Dubrovnik into a meeting place for knowledge, international cooperation and the exchange of ideas among professors, researchers and business experts.
The event was hosted at Academis Academia and featured a programme of scientific sessions, workshops, panel discussions and networking events, while also providing participants with the opportunity to discover Dubrovnik's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Distinguished International Speakers and Discussions on the Future of Business
The conference programme began on the 20th of May with the FEB Odyssey Research Forum titled "Meet and Interact with Editors" and the Paper Development Workshop, designed for researchers and authors of academic papers. Participants had the opportunity to communicate directly with editors and editorial board members of leading international academic journals.
Editors and board members presenting their journals included Wendy Loretto (Employee Relations), Tazeeb S. Rajwani (Academy of Management Perspectives) and Zoran Krupka (Market-Tržište Journal). Particularly noteworthy was the participation of the Rector of the University of Dubrovnik, Professor Nebojša Stojčić, who presented the scientific journal Economic Thought and Practice, published by the University of Dubrovnik.
Among the highlights of the conference were keynote lectures delivered by internationally recognised experts Eric Cornuel, President of EFMD Global, and Professor Oana Branzei from the Ivey Business School at Western University in Canada. Their presentations opened discussions on contemporary economic challenges, sustainable business practices, innovation in education and the development of international academic cooperation.
As part of the conference, the traditional meeting of the management boards of public faculties of economics from across the region was also held, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and agree on new models of future cooperation aimed at strengthening economic sciences and education throughout the region.
Academy of Management Supports Dubrovnik Conference
This year's Odyssey Conference gained additional international significance through the support of the prestigious Academy of Management (AOM), one of the world's leading organisations in the fields of management and business research. As part of the conference programme, presentations were held on the AOM Community Accelerator Programme and other initiatives through which the Academy of Management supports researchers and doctoral students. The organisation also sponsored the Best Paper Award, presented to the most outstanding scientific paper showcased at the conference.
This collaboration further confirms the international importance of the conference while strengthening Dubrovnik's position as an attractive destination for high-level international scientific and professional gatherings.
Dubrovnik Through Science, Culture and Authentic Experiences
Alongside the extensive academic programme, conference participants had the opportunity to experience Dubrovnik through a specially designed social programme that showcased the city's history, traditions and cultural heritage.
Particularly memorable was a cruise aboard the Karaka, one of the most recognisable symbols of Dubrovnik's maritime history, which left a lasting impression on both domestic and international guests. The organised city tour, hosted under the patronage of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, also attracted significant interest, allowing participants to explore Dubrovnik's landmarks and learn more about the rich history of the former Republic of Dubrovnik.
The combination of a high-level scientific programme, international cooperation and authentic destination experiences once again confirmed Dubrovnik's reputation as an outstanding venue for international congresses, conferences and prestigious academic events.
