Antonija (Hajman) Čagalj - at the head of the team that shapes the nautical industry

• 16.09.2024.
• News, Management

In the world of nautical and luxury tourism, Croatia is increasingly consolidating its position as one of the leading destinations on the global scene. At the center of this exciting development are two exceptional events: the Croatia Yacht Show and the International Charter Expo. Find out what project manager Antonija (Hajman) Čagalj, project manager at Yachmaster Group, says about them.

Behind the scenes of two prestigious fairs is a team of dedicated professionals, among whom Antonija (Hajman) Čagalj, project manager at Yachtmaster Group, stands out, playing a crucial role in the organization of both events.  
   
The Croatia Yacht Show held for the first time in Croatia, and the International Charter Expo, which this year extends beyond our country's borders, marks a turning point in promoting Croatia’s nautical offerings. These fairs are not just exhibition spaces—they are catalysts for innovation, a meeting place for experts and enthusiasts, and windows into the future of the nautical industry.  
   
In an exclusive interview with čarter.hr, Antonija (Hajman) Čagalj reveals the challenges, vision, and passion behind organizing these significant events.   
  
Her unique insight into the world of luxury yachts and the charter industry gives us the opportunity to learn firsthand what we can expect from these exciting nautical fairs.  
 

 

Antonija, you have been in this industry for many years, and many successful events have been organized under your leadership.   
Could you tell us more about your role in organizing the Croatia Yacht Show and the International Charter Expo?   
What is your collaboration like with Tino Prosenik, the visionary behind these fairs, and how many people are involved in bringing these projects to life?  

As someone who has been in the industry for years, my role in organizing the International Charter Expo and the Croatia Yacht Show is varied. I oversee everything from strategic planning and logistics to ensuring that sales reach their goals and that events are executed flawlessly.    
   
Working with Tino Prosenik, who is the creative force behind these shows, has been a fun ride. Tino has a clear vision for what these events should represent within the yachting and charter industries.  
Our partnership is based on trust and complementary strengths—Tino focuses on innovative ideas and strategic direction, while my team and I ensure the practical and operational aspects align with his and our vision.   
   
As for the team, it truly takes a dedicated group of professionals to bring these large-scale projects to life. Even though we are a very small team, each team member plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the events.  
 
I would like to emphasize how proud I am of all of them for giving their maximum effort each day because, in the end, we are all equally responsible for the success of our events!   
 
A big shout out to Antonija Čuljak (project manager of Croatia Yacht Show) and our sales and marketing team Ivona Meštrović, Patricia Mak, Noelle Maksan, Ana Marija Zagode and Mia Sekić!   
   

The Croatia Yacht Show is the first event of its kind in Croatia.   
How did the idea for such a luxurious event in our country come about, and what makes it unique compared to other nautical fairs in Croatia and the region?  

Since we've been organizing business events in the nautical industry for many years, we gradually entered the world of crewed charters. Upon entering that world, we realized that the crewed charter sector in Croatia is still growing, but not at the desired pace.   
  
The reason for this is that many foreign agents, who sell crewed charters, have never actually been to Croatia. In other words, they were selling charters in a country they've never visited and managing yachts they've probably never seen in person. It's very difficult to sell something of high quality in such a way, so their sales were limited to the demand they received.   
  
To change that, we came up with the idea of organizing the first event of this kind in Croatia—to invite agents to see our country, our yachts, and the full range of services we offer.   
  
What makes this event unique is that it will showcase yachts specific to Croatia, yachts built in local shipyards, and an important feature—the YachtFyre app, through which yacht tours and meetings can be scheduled.  

What are the main goals set for the first Croatia Yacht Show, and how do you plan to measure its success?  

The primary goal for the first Croatia Yacht Show is to establish it as a premier event in the global yachting calendar, promote Croatia as a key destination for yacht tourism, and provide a valuable platform for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and showcase their products and services.   
  
We aim to highlight Croatia's unique offerings, from its stunning coastline to its growing yachting infrastructure, positioning it as a top choice for yacht charters and related services.   
   
To measure the success of the event, we’ll focus on several key indicators. First, the number of exhibitors and visitors will be crucial, particularly the diversity of international brands and the presence of high-profile industry leaders. We’re aiming for a strong turnout from both local and global players.   
   
Secondly, the quality of business interactions will be a significant marker. With our custom-made matchmaking software called YachtFyre, we will be able to count the number of arranged meetings and yacht viewings. Success will be reflected in the number of meetings, and the value of the connections and deals made during the show.    
Lastly, media coverage and public perception also play an important role. A positive reception from the most influential international press, as well as local will help us gauge the event's impact and potential for growth in future editions.    
   

The International Charter Expo was first established in 2015 as the first B2B charter event under the name "Croatian Charter Days."   
In 2019, it was held in Vienna, and twice it was organized in a digital format (2020 and 2021).   
This year, it is being held in Amsterdam. What were the main factors in the decision to relocate this fair?  

The decision to move the International Charter Expo to Amsterdam was driven by several factors. Amsterdam is a central hub for the global yachting and maritime industries. Its strategic location and excellent connectivity make it an ideal meeting point for professionals from across Europe and beyond.   
  
By moving the event here, we are able to attract a more diverse international audience, which is crucial for a B2B event focused on the global charter market.   
   
The venue is bigger, the booth and other exhibiting technologies are modern and sustainable; it was a logical choice. Additionally, the city offers world-class infrastructure and facilities that align with the high standards of the International Charter Expo.   
  
Hosting the event in a city with such a strong event industry, the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees will be better, while providing greater networking opportunities.   

 

Why did you choose Amsterdam specifically, and how did local charter companies react to this decision?  

Amsterdam itself is also a city that many would like to visit but still have not had the chance to.  
As mentioned above, the venue offers more than what other venues in other cities offered us. It was a logical choice.   
  
Ultimately, the decision for Amsterdam was based on the desire to continue evolving and offering our participants an expo where they can connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses on a global scale.   
   

How do the challenges of organizing a local fair (Croatia Yacht Show) differ from those of an international one (International Charter Expo)?   
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the organization of these fairs, and how did you overcome them?  

The challenges of organizing a domestic event like the Croatia Yacht Show honestly do not differ from those of an international one like the International Charter Expo.   
 
Our biggest issues and challenges are keeping our suppliers on schedule with set up, as well as our partners. We have the know-how; we know what we are doing as we have been organizing events for the past decade.   

  

Zadar was chosen as the location for the Croatia Yacht Show. Why Zadar, and what advantages does this location offer for such an event?  

Zadar was selected because it has a location that allows for the fair's future growth over the years. At the moment, no other location in Croatia could provide that.   
  
Gaženica Passenger Port, Zadar Cruise Port, is a large, new port for cruise ships and offers a vast space to display a significant number of yachts.  
 
On the other hand, all the marinas we contacted are full throughout the year and unfortunately cannot free up the large capacity we need.   
  
The advantage of this location is its accessibility from all parts of Croatia and the world, as Zadar Airport is very well connected to other global destinations.  
   

We know who the exhibitors are at the Croatia Yacht Show, but who are the visitors? How do you plan to attract international visitors?  

The visitors are brokers and agents from Croatia and abroad.   
We attract them with an impressive portfolio of yachts to be showcased at the fair, along with accompanying content such as a fashion show, car show, and offerings from other segments of the nautical industry that are essential for a successful season.   
 
We also have around 40 exhibitors from Croatia and the region offering various services and products to yacht owners and their agents.  
   

What innovative elements are you introducing to the organization of these fairs to create a unique experience for visitors and exhibitors?  

To create a truly unique experience for both visitors and exhibitors at our shows, we are introducing several innovative elements that enhance engagement and add value to the events.   
   
Both our shows use custom-made matchmaking software for pre-arranging meetings. The matchmaking software at ICE is called Handshake, and at CYS, it is called YachtFyre.   
Every company at ICE or at CYS will have its own company profile, and each representative will, too.   
That way, everyone can arrange meetings. At the shows, this results in thousands of meetings. At ICE’23 there were more than 20,000 meetings!   
At CYS, all yacht viewings can also be arranged via our app called YachtFyre.    
   
We always like to add something different to our shows, so at the Croatia Yacht Show, we will also have a fashion show by Croatian designers for crew uniforms, a luxury car show, helicopters and a transfer sector.   

  

How do these fairs contribute to the development of nautical tourism in Croatia?  

The Croatia Yacht Show plays a significant role in the development of nautical tourism in Croatia. Croatia Yacht Show attracts international attention to Croatia’s offerings.   
  
This helps position Croatia as a premier destination for yacht tourism. The event now only attracts yacht owners, charter operators, and industry professionals from around the world, but it also promotes local businesses by providing a platform for local yacht builders, charter companies, and maritime service providers to showcase their products and services.   
  
The high-profile nature of the event attracts potential investors who see the value and potential of Croatia's tourism.    
   

How do you see the future of these fairs in the coming years?   
Do you have plans for their expansion or the introduction of new components?   
Can these fairs contribute to extending the tourist season in Croatia?  

Looking ahead, we see a bright future for both the Croatia Yacht Show and the International Charter Expo.   
  
Our vision involves expanding and enhancing these events to position them as key events in the global yachting calendar. More companies, more yachts, more brokers, and more meetings.   
  
Many believe that online meetings are enough and that in-person shows are no longer needed, but still a lot of work and deals are made over a glass of wine.   
   
ICE will for sure stay in Amsterdam for the next few years. After that, who knows, maybe a new European hub.   
  
Croatia Yacht Show will grow as well as Croatia is positioning its mark on the global yachting scene. We always like to bring novelties, so you will just have to wait and see what the future will be for both ICE and CYS in 2025.   
   
Of course, these shows can help prolong the tourist season in Croatia. Many Croatian charters come to ICE to meet international brokers. By moving ICE to Amsterdam, many new brokers joined and are looking forward to meeting new charters.   
  
The same goes for CYS. Why not book a yacht in May or even April for Easter. The weather in Croatia is lovely then!   
 

 

What message would you send to potential exhibitors and visitors who are still considering participating in these fairs?  

To potential exhibitors and visitors still considering participation in these shows, I would say:   
“Don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the yachting industry. Our shows offer endless networking opportunities, and access to major international brokers, CAs, press etc.   
   
For exhibitors, this is your chance to showcase your products and services to a targeted audience and gain valuable exposure. For business visitors, you’ll have the opportunity to network and meet with other business professionals at the shows.   
   
You can still register, so reach out and be part of an exciting and dynamic at both CYS or/and ICE. As many say, the first are always remembered so join us at the first super yacht show in Croatia, or the first edition of ICE in Amsterdam.”   

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