Upcoming events
Real Estate, Architecture & Properties Panel
What do architecture, real estate, and property investment have in common? More than you might think—especially when you bring together three seasoned professionals who’ve shaped homes, built businesses, and bridged cultures across borders.
FBOA invites you to a special evening of insights, ideas, and conversation at our Real Estate, Architecture, and Properties Panel on April 30 at 7 PM, hosted at Smartspace, Split. This event is free for members and open to non-members for a fee of 10 €.
We’ll hear from three experts working across architecture, real estate, and property development who will share their professional experiences, market perspectives, and practical advice for entrepreneurs and property owners alike.
Meet the Speakers:
Andrea Vidović
Andrea is a Croatian architect and founder of Meandarh Studio in Split. After graduating from the University of Split, she spent over five years working in Berlin, where she gained international experience and developed a broader architectural perspective. In Berlin, she worked on a wide range of projects that shaped her understanding of how contemporary design can balance form, function, and sustainability. Now based in Split, Andrea leads her own studio focused on creating thoughtful, modern spaces that honor the environment and local tradition. Her work often blends clean lines, natural materials, and flexible layouts tailored to the Mediterranean way of life.
Ben Smith
A RIBA Chartered Architect, Ben leads Ben Smith Architecture, a London- and Croatia-based studio specializing in private residential design. He studied architecture at Cambridge, balancing his academic pursuits with competitive rowing, which later brought him to Split for a regatta—where he met his Croatian wife. Since founding his practice in 2013, Ben has completed over 100 projects across the UK and Europe. Now based in Kaštela with his family, he combines his passion for bespoke homes with a growing focus on adaptable pre-designed houses that make high-quality architecture more accessible. His work reflects a refined approach to materials and detailing, with projects spanning urban, rural, and coastal settings.
Mirela Rubić
Founder of Rubić Real Estate and co-director of DALMACONSULT Ltd., Mirela Rubić brings a unique international background to the Croatian real estate market. Born in Germany and educated in Stuttgart, she began her career at Mercedes headquarters, later continuing in Singapore where she coordinated events and corporate partnerships for Southeast Asia. In 2005, she moved to Croatia, where she now helps German-speaking entrepreneurs and investors find opportunities in real estate and business. Mirela also runs AUTHENTICA Ltd., an agency focused on authentic travel experiences, and is the founder of MACHERINNEN SPLIT, a network for German-speaking businesswomen in the region. Her wide-reaching experience and strong network make her a key resource for foreign investors looking to navigate the Croatian property landscape.
Whether you're looking to design a home, invest in property, or better understand the local real estate market, this event is a unique opportunity to connect with experts who live and breathe the industry.
Business Breakfast in B7
FBOA Business Breakfast ☕
Join us for our first Business Breakfast, a relaxed and engaging space to connect, share, and collaborate. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your business, discuss current challenges, explore new opportunities, and offer support to fellow members!
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/BusinessBreakfastB7RSVP
Save the Date
🗓 March 13th, 9 am.
📍 Brasserie on 7
Coffee Q&A with Ivan Kuret
Join Us for the First FBOA Coffee Q&A!
We’re excited to launch our first Coffee Q&A featuring Ivan Kuret, a distinguished leader with a remarkable career in public service, sports, and entrepreneurship.
☕️ Topics We’ll Discuss:
What it means to be a public servant in Croatia.
Challenges foreigners face when operating large-scale businesses like hotels and marinas.
Eco-sustainability challenges in today’s business landscape.
Sailing and his experiences as an Olympian.
The future of Croatia and its business potential.
About Ivan Kuret:
Ivan Kuret, born in Split in 1971, has built a remarkable career across sports, public service, and entrepreneurship. A former top athlete and long-time member of Croatia’s national sailing team, he competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and later served as Selector of the Croatian Sailing Federation (2000-2004) and Director of the national team for the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Ivan’s public service began with the City Council of Split (2005-2009), where he served as Deputy Mayor (2005-2007) and later as the youngest Mayor of Split (2007-2009). Since 2010, he has been a private entrepreneur, offering consulting services and developing projects in nautical tourism through Kuret Nautika d.o.o.
Since 2012, Ivan has been the Procurator of H.L. Dvorac d.o.o., which operates the Martinis Marchi brand on the island of Šolta. The business includes a Heritage hotel, restaurant, and an award-winning marina recognized as the best small marina in Croatia at the 2022 Tourism Days. The hotel is also a member of the prestigious Impresia group of unique luxury hotels.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ivan is a member of the Council of the Nautical Tourism Association of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the professional subgroup of marinas within the Croatian Chamber of Commerce of Split County, and a member of the Island Council at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds.
Save the Date
🗓 February 6th, 3 PM
📍 Briig Boutique Hotel
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
January Meeting: Marketing Trends for 2025
Ready to Grow Your Business in 2025? Let’s Start with Marketing!
Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - January 16th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
✨Marketing Trends for 2025
Discover emerging practices like AI personalization, purpose-led branding, sustainability, hyperlocal marketing, redefined influencer partnerships, and Hyperthinking for innovative content and strategy development.
About our speaker:
Flor Nieto: Working mom made in Patagonia, Argentina. Communication specialist, Cultural Journalist, TEDx Speaker, two-time book author, and founder of The Inmediato, Marketing agency. Find out more at www.flornietoblog.com
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
Christmas Party | December 2024
The holidays are here! FBOA Christmas Party! 🎄
Come for a night of wine, music, and great company! 🍷
🗓️ 13th December, 7 pm
📍 The Daltonist
FREE for members and guests!
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
Upcoming Monthly Meeting
Join us today for an informal discussion to reflect on 2024, share experiences, and explore ways to improve and support each other in the coming year.
This is a great opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and plan for a stronger, more connected 2025. Let’s make next year even better—together!
Visit www.fboahr.com and become a member today!
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - November 7th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | October 2024
Want to discover the latest trends and tools to make your business and time more efficient?
Save the date for our upcoming Monthly Meeting! October 24th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
Join the FBOA workshop with Geoff Bratton to explore key digital tools that enhance operations and drive growth. Enjoy live demos and practical examples of AI and web apps designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
Visit www.fboahr.com and become a member today!
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - October 3rd, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | September 2024
🔜We are pleased to invite you to a focused Hospitality Sector meeting this month, moderated by our association’s president. This gathering will give us the chance to discuss and reflect on the key topics affecting our businesses.
Agenda Highlights:
- Season Review: Reflecting on the successes and challenges of this year’s tourist season.
- Future Outlook: Insights and expectations for the coming year.
- Regulations & Laws: Navigating the latest updates in laws and regulations impacting the hospitality industry.
- What’s Working, What’s Not: An open forum to share experiences, strategies, and solutions.
This is a valuable opportunity to collaborate and share ideas in an open and informal setting. We look forward to your contributions.
We hope to see you there.
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - September 5th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
FBOA Beach Party | August 2024
Save the date for the FBOA Beach Party! 🌊 This August, we've combined our Informal Chats and Monthly Meetings to relax and enjoy a refreshing sunset at Obojena Beach.
‣ Bring some snacks or show off your cooking skills to share; we’ve got the drinks covered!
And don’t forget a bag, so we can leave the beach cleaner than we found it.
🔜 Upcoming events
‣ 07.9 – Panel Discussion at Split Tech City Festival.
‣ 19.9 – September Meet Up.
‣ 3.10 – Informal Chat at the Daltonist.
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - August 1st, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | July 2024
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - July 18th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Lawyer Q&A with Petar Macura.
Submit your questions here: https://bit.ly/FBOALaywerQA2024
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - July 4th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | June 2024
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - June 20th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Dr. Joy Katić – Surviving Sezona: Navigating the stress of the season
Learn evidence-based and practical tips, tricks, and coping strategies for combatting daily and chronic stress.
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
Visit www.fboahr.com and become a member today!
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - June 6th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | May 2024
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - May 16th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Flor Nieto – Brand Culture for Content Planning
A workshop to a) craft your brand identity, goals, and inspiration to co-create with your marketing team, or b) Be a punk rocker and do it yourself.
Includes brand workbook and content creation tips.
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - May 2nd, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | April 2024
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting -April 18th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Wayne Slappy – Investment Strategies
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - April 4th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
Bake Sale Fundraiser for Udruga Domine
The Foreign Business Owners Association Split - Dalmatia (FBOA) is gearing up for an event that promises to be both delicious and impactful. On Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, FBOA will host a bake sale fundraiser in front of SmartSpace Coworking at Tončićeva ulica 3 in Split's city center. The event aims to raise funds for Udruga Domine, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for women's rights, gender equality, and serving as an autonomous crisis center for victims of domestic violence.
Members of FBOA and the Split community are invited to contribute their own homemade baked goods, which attendees can take home in exchange for a donation. The bake sale will feature a variety of treats, from traditional favorites to innovative creations, all made with love and care.
In addition to the bake sale, there will be live entertainment provided by the vocal ensemble Oštrokondže, who will perform traditional folklore songs at noon. The event promises to be a fun-filled day for all ages, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting | March 2024
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting -March 21st, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Piero Palevsky, Tech in Split: The Alternative to Tourism.
Members: FREE
Non-members: 10 €
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming FBOA Informal Chat - March 7th, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great opportunity to talk business and mingle with other members.
February Monthly Meeting
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - February 15th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣ Robyn Knezovich, owner of Omega Financial. Company structures in Croatia.
FBOA Informal Chats
🔜 Save the date for our first FBOA Informal Chat - February 1st, 19:00 at The Daltonist!
‣ A great chance to talk business and mingle with other members.
January 2023 Monthly Meeting
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - January 18th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣Restaurant Roundtable: Split restauranteurs will share insights into navigating the hospitality industry, discussing challenges, strategies, and lessons learned.
Holiday Toast
🔜 Save the date for our Holiday Toast! - December 15th, 19:00 at The Daltonist Craft Bar 🥂
November Monthly Meeting
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - November 16th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣Presentation: Duje Kozomara, Data Protection Consultant, consent.hr – GDPR fines in Croatia - what can we learn?
Trashed about Trash
🔜Mark your calendars for the next FBOA event! We're gathering to clean up Park Šuma Marjan and celebrate Martinje with wine.
🍷Martinje or Blagdan svetog Martina (Saint Martin’s Day, The Feast of Saint Martin) is a holiday celebrated on November 11 in Croatia. According to an old traditional Croatian custom, this is the day that mošt (grape must) turns into vino (wine). This Croatian holiday has been cherished since the 17th century. Read more here.
Gloves and trash bags are on us, just remember your reusable cup. Wine is provided, but you can also bring your own.
📆Don't forget to join us at the HNK Split (Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište Split) fountain on November 11th at 11:00 am.
October Monthly Meeting
🔜 Save the date for our upcoming monthly meeting - October 19th, 19:00 at Smartspace!
‣Presentation: Bogdan Petrea, owner of Dalmatica Mobility Group – Navigating International Shipping Regulations for Moving Household goods.