Date and Location
Dubrovnik, Croatia on 4-6 May 2025
We are thrilled to announce the second edition of the Women Innovation Days (WIND’26) conference, taking place from May 4th to 5th, 2026, in the stunning city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Our host for this year’s event will be the luxurious Hotel Rixos, providing a perfect backdrop for high-level industry discussions and networking.
We are proud to announce that this edition is organized in strategic partnership with Dubrovnik Airport and SITA
About the Event
WIND is a unique platform designed for the exchange of expertise among aviation executives, with a special focus on the role of women in shaping the future of the sector. We prioritize authenticity, practical knowledge, and building a strong community of leaders within the aviation industry, particularly in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.
While this event celebrates the professional impact of women in our industry, the program is designed for every airport manager and professional who wants to stay updated on the latest trends. Our goal is to connect experts from the CEE region and the Balkans to share practical know-how in an inspiring atmosphere.
We especially invite women working in Management Boards, IT, Security, HR, Routes Development, Commercial, and Marketing, Masterplanning to join our discussions.
Why you should join us:
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Innovation & Trends: We will discuss new security threats, HR challenges, routes development, and the future of airport operations.
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Dubrovnik Airport Experience: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the airport’s latest infrastructure during a dedicated tour.
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Networking: Enjoy an informal exchange of ideas during a welcome reception on a terrace with a sea view and a gala dinner in the heart of the Old Town.
Main Topics:
The Human Element in the Airport of the Future, Commercial Flow & Passenger Experience, Routes Development for Regional Airports
Beyond the Fence: Emerging Security Threats (C-UAS & Cyber), HR & Leadership: The Healthy Airport and Mental Resilience
Conference fee (includes Welcome reception, Dubrovnik Airport Tour and conference participation): 250,00 EUR*
*Participation in the event is free of charge for V4+ Airports members. (The Evening Dinner is to be payed separately)
Dinner: 250,00 EUR.
After registering, we will send you an invoice with our bank account details and wire instructions.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us: info@v4plus.org
Preliminary agenda
DAY 1 | 4.05.2026 (Monday)
- 16:00 – 18:00 – Airport Tour
- Behind-the-scenes look at the airport’s latest infrastructure and innovation projects.
- 19:00 – Welcome Reception
- Informal networking & registration.
- Venue: Hotel terrace with a panoramic sea view.
DAY 2 | 5.05.2026 (Tuesday)
- 08:30 – 09:30 – Wellness Session
- Fitness/ Yoga on the terrace.
- 11:00 – 16:30 – Main Conference: Plenary Sessions & Panels
- 16:30 – 18:00 – Free Time
- 18:00 – 19:30 – Dubrovnik Guided Tour
- Historical walking tour of the Old Town.
- 19:30 – Dinner
- Official dinner in the heart of the city.
Conference program
DAY 1 | May 4th (Monday)
16:00 – 18:00
AIRPORT TOUR
- Behind-the-scenes look at the airport’s latest infrastructure and innovation projects.
19:30 – 21:00
WELCOME RECEPTION
- Informal networking & registration. Venue: Hotel terrace with a panoramic sea view.
DAY 2 | May 5th (Tuesday)
10:30 - 11:00
WELCOME COFFEE
11:00 – 11:30
OPENING CEREMONY
- Paula Krmek, Head of Legal Department at Dubrovnik Airport
- Stanisław Wojtera, President of V4+ Airports Association
11:30 – 11:50
KEYNOTE 1: Uber in Aviation
- Morena Simatic, Country Manager (Croatia & Slovenia)
- Topic: Digital transformation of ground transport and innovation in passenger flow
11:50 – 12:45
PANEL 1: The Human Element in the Airport of the Future
- Moderator: Ada Aukje Engel, Flight Deck
- Panellists:
- Anna Midera, CEO Łódź Airport
- Fatoş Erendemir, SITA
- Karla Orban, Coventry University (Wrocław)
- Tamara Fleuti, Hill International
- Key topics: The evolving role of human factor; balancing automation with human intuition; leadership in high-pressure environments.
12:45 – 13:10
COFFEE BREAK
13:10 – 13:35
KEYNOTE 2: SITA Innovation Overview
- Laurence Lafont, SITA
- Topic: Supporting passenger experience with airport operational systems.
13:35 – 13:50
SESSION 1 v 1: Branding the Gate of Dubrovnik: Creating a Regional Leader
- Marina Ruso Mileusnić, Dubrovnik Airport
- Mila Marina Burger, Filburg
- Key topics:
- cultural heritage as a competitive asset, not a constraint
- naming the airport without the destination — and making it work through a corporate slogan Gate of Dubrovnik
- differentiation through branding as a response to rising competition and concrete spatial and communication problems
13:50 – 14:30
PANEL 2: Routes development: Ideas for regional airports
- Moderator: Tatsiana Andrushka, Director of Business Development, Wrocław Airport
- Panellists:
- Liene Freivalde, Director Aviation Services at Riga International Airport
- Klaudia Kretowicz, Route Development Manager, Wrocław Airport
- Lucijana Bokarica, Dubrovnik Airport
- Miro Drašković, Dubrovnik Tourist Board Director
- Key topics: Marketing support, incentive schemes, and the LCC challenge in the CEE & Balkan region.
14:30 – 15:15
LUNCH & WINE
15:15 – 15:35
KEYNOTE 3: Hybrid Resilience – Preparing for Asymmetric Threats
- Milda Smitaite, Partner | Attorney at law, SKYBRIDGE
15:35 – 16:20
PANEL 3: Beyond the Fence: Addressing Emerging Security Threats
- Moderator: Joanna Wieczorek, Attorney at law
- Panellists:
- Milda Smitaite, SKYBRIDGE
- Goran Pulig, DBV, Director of Aviation Security
- Ada Aukje Engel, Flight Deck
- Jacek Kosiec, CEO of Creotech
Below you can find our hotel proposals with special prices for our guests:
Hotel Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Location
Liechtensteinov Put 3, 20000
Croatia, Dubrovnik
Booking Link: click here
Booking Steps:
1 – Necessary information about accommodation should be entered.
2 – ‘’Special Rate’’ section should be selected.
3 – The ‘’Other Special Rates and Promo Code’’ sections within the ‘’Special Rate’’ section should be selected.
4 – From the opened window, select ‘Promo Code’ and enter the code ‘WIND26’ and confirm the selection.
5 – As final step, the ‘Search’ button should be clicked.
6 – After all above steps special rates will be visible like below. You may choose your room and could make the reservation
For the full booking instruction at Hotel Rixos click below:
Women Innovation Days 2026
Or for a quieter and more budget-friendly option:
Hotel Komodor Dubrovnik
Location
Masarykov put 3E, 20000
Croatia, Dubrovnik
Booking Link: click here
Use our discount code: WIND
CONTACT US
Administrative and organisational matters: info@v4plus.org
Conference and partnership details: andrzej.gniadkowski@v4plus.org
Number of participants is limited.
