The grand hall of Matica hrvatska in Zagreb set the stage for an unforgettable moment as we received the EPL Award for Excellence in Business Communication. Competing among 52 remarkable finalists, we proudly earned a spot as one of the seven leading enterprises recognized for outstanding communication practices.

The EPL Award highlights those who excel in communication by leveraging strategic leadership and innovative management to deliver impactful results and generate lasting value for the period ahead. This year’s winners, celebrated for their exceptional contributions, are:

• OPG Gala, "Small and Micro Enterprises" category
• Crveni nosovi and Solidarna, "NGO" category
• Special Hospital Sveta Katarina, "Medium Enterprise" category
• Mplus/Bosqar Invest, "Innovative Business Communication" category
• Algebra University, "Institution" category
• KONČAR Group, "Large Enterprise" category

The event featured an engaging panel discussion titled 'Quo Vadis Croatia: Business Communication Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,' moderated by Gordana Gelenčer. Esteemed speakers included Vlatka Kamenić Jagodić, our Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications; John Gašparac, Partner at PwC Croatia and Lead Partner for PwC Slovenia; Dr. Ana Tkalac Verčič, Professor at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Economics; Iva Ušćumlić, Program Manager at the Solidarna Foundation; and Antonija Lončar, Marketing, Communications, and CSR Director at Ericsson Nikola Tesla. The discussion highlighted the critical importance of strategic communication as a driving force behind corporate success. Panelists explored key topics, including how companies adapt and innovate in their communication practices, the transformative potential of digital tools, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, providing a thought-provoking outlook on the future of business communication.

The unique and first-of-its-kind 'big eye' award, promoting excellence in strategically led communication, was established by PoslovniFM, the first business radio station, and IMC Agency. Endorsed by numerous companies, leading figures in the business world, partners, and sponsors, the award has been acknowledged as a vital missing link in modern strategic business communication. The selection process was entrusted to a jury of 15 highly respected professionals, spanning disciplines such as communication, higher education, media, and business, ensuring the awards honoured outstanding achievements.

This milestone marks a turning point, with the EPL Award setting new benchmarks for the role of strategic business communication in driving corporate and societal progress.