HOW started in 2017 over a series of conversations with hospitality CEOs who kept saying the same thing: there’s no event in this region built for hotel people, by hotel people. So we built it.
HOW launched with a small group of operators who wanted a room of their own — by hotel people, for hotel people.
We settled in at Valamar Resort, growing the audience year over year.
COVID hit. We did what hospitality always does — adapted. HOW went online for two editions, and the family stayed the family, even through a webcam.
Post-pandemic, we came back in person on the Kvarner coast.
Back to Zadar for the next three editions, sharper every year.
For our tenth, we’re on the move again. New room. Same family. Same idea.
They have only one goal in mind — to bring you thought-provoking content that reflects the latest industry trends and inspires new ideas.
President, European Hotel Managers Association
The Leading Legend Award winner 2022
Managing Director, Xenos Deluxe Hotel Group - Marriott Luxury Collection
Senior Director of Marketing & Workspaces, Ruby Group
Chief Executive Officer, Mindsmiths
General Manager, Numa Group SE
Managing Director, Primestar Hospitality
Chief Executive Officer, Kew Green Hotels
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Creative Supply
Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board, Jadran Hoteli Rijeka
The best HOW lineups have always come from tips inside the room. If you’ve heard the best speech ever, or have a name we should be looking at — tell us who & why.
CEO & Founder
Production Manager
HOW 2026 takes over a beachfront resort on the Adriatic, in Novi Vinodolski — full conference facilities, sea-view rooms, and the kind of breakfast that earns its reputation. Stay on-site or at one of our partner hotels nearby; transfers run for everyone throughout the festival. See the accommodation page for all the options.
Accommodation & rates≈ 1h45 from Zagreb on the A1 / A6 / A7 motorway. Exit at Selce, then a short drive down the coast. Hotel parking on site.
The closest airport, on the island of Krk — roughly 30 km / 30 minutes by taxi.
The main international gateway — ≈ 150 km / 1h45 by car or coach to the hotel.
Direct intercity lines from Zagreb, Rijeka and most major Croatian cities stop in Novi Vinodolski.
The Pulse · Doors open in
