We celebrate projects that don’t just talk about HR, but truly transform it It’s time to recognize and celebrate projects that are not afraid to push the boundaries of HR practice. Adriatic HR Awards are not just a formal recognition; they are a validation of initiatives that create real impact on people, culture, and the way organizations operate every day. We are looking for those who have gone beyond theory and implemented changes that are visible and tangible across the entire organization.
Who can be part of this story?
The stage is open to companies, HR teams, agencies, and individuals behind projects implemented in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina during 2025 and 2026. The only real rule is authenticity – we accept exclusively projects that are fully designed and executed locally, meaning we are looking for real, implemented, and verifiable results from our region.
Focus on key areas
The areas we cover reflect everything that defines the core of modern HR today. We reward excellence in categories including recruitment and employer branding, employee development, organizational culture, DEI initiatives, and the application of technology in HR.
Focus on key areas
The areas we cover reflect everything that defines the core of modern HR today. We reward excellence in categories including recruitment and employer branding, employee development, organizational culture, DEI initiatives, and the application of technology in HR.
CATEGORIES
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
Projects that improve internal communication and employee awareness
EMPLOYER BRANDING
Initiatives that strengthen employer perception among employees and candidates
RECRUITMENT
Recruitment strategies and campaigns with measurable impact
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & EXPERIENCE
Programs that demonstrably increase employee engagement
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Development and educational programs
DEI
Initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
HR TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Innovative solutions and the application of technology in HR
COMPANY CULTURE
Projects that shape and enhance organizational culture
Grand Prix
In addition to category winners, we award a Grand Prix for each country. This recognition is given to the project with the highest overall score among all submissions – the one that is the most comprehensive, consistent, and impactful in its environment.
Organizing Committee
Ana Đidara
CHRO
HPB
Tome Barić
CHRO
INA
Bruna Kostelac Košir
CHIRO
Invera Equity Partners
How do we choose the best?
Your projects are evaluated by an expert jury composed of experienced HR and business leaders from across the region, led by Jury President Lorena Dika. The process is clear and transparent: each submission is evaluated across three key segments – Strategy, Execution, and Results. We don’t just assess a good idea, but its full journey from concept to measurable organizational impact.
Prof. dr. sc. Marina Klačmer Čalopa
Martina Slunjski
Tamara Valenčić
Antonio Sadarić
Bojana Mucić
Urška Stanovnik
Marija Felkel
Eldar Banjica
Lorena Dika
Marin Bezić
Three key evaluation segments:
Strategy
Execution
Results
The application deadline is 22nd of June, 2026.. The application fee is EUR 190 + VAT per project. The fee is non-refundable and payable upon submission.
For HR teams, this is an opportunity to demonstrate how their role shapes business. For organizations, it is proof that people are their true competitive advantage.
Because HR is no longer a support function.
HR is the system.
Applications and deadlines
The list of finalists advancing to the second round will be announced on July 20, 2026, and the deadline for submitting second-round video applications is August 25, just in time to celebrate the winners together on 25th of September in Rovinj.
