Raise the Bar Conference Education and innovation are the foundation of sustainable growth in hospitality

On Friday, March 28, the final day of the ninth Raise the Bar conference brought together leading global, regional, and local experts, as well as numerous hospitality professionals, to explore opportunities for sector development and growth. The central themes of the conference were innovations and their role in business improvement, as well as the importance of education and professional development for hospitality workers.
The Raise the Bar conference, which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences and stronger connections between domestic and foreign experts, was opened by Dora Strezova-Nikolova, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Adria, who emphasized: "Today we have gathered at the Raise the Bar conference to share knowledge, inspire each other, and encourage positive changes in the hospitality industry. This conference is the culmination of the Raise the Bar project, through which Coca-Cola HBC Adria has so far provided additional education for more than 7,000 chefs, pastry chefs, waiters, bartenders, and baristas from Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as those who are yet to become."
How to create and seize opportunities for success in hospitality
Education and career development opportunities in hospitality are becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for qualified labor, further highlighting the crucial role of these professions. Therefore, the ninth Raise the Bar conference, in addition to focusing on the development of hospitality business, paid special attention to continuous education and opportunities for professional advancement in the sector.
Danil Nevsky, one of the world's best bartenders and the second most influential person in the global bar industry in 2024, spoke about this. Danil revealed possible career development directions in hospitality, reflecting on his fifteen years of experience working in the sector in as many as 14 countries around the world.
David Žefran, the head chef and co-owner of the Slovenian restaurant Milka, shared his experience in changing the hospitality environment from the perspective of a sociology graduate and self-taught chef who earned two Michelin stars.
Double winner of the Bar Innovator of the Year title, Iain McPherson, spoke about the importance of innovation in bar business. Over the years, Iain has developed a series of innovative bar techniques based on freezing, which are the foundation of the success of his bar Panda & Sons in Edinburgh.
The best barista in the region is Petar Spudić, and the best bartender is Antonio Miloš
For the first time, the conference hosted a regional barista competition where competitors from Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina had to prepare two espressos, two cappuccinos, and two coffee-based alcoholic beverages. In addition, they demonstrated their knowledge in blind tasting espressos and the skill of making latte art. According to the jury's evaluations, the best was Petar Spudić from Leskovac Barilovićki near Karlovac, who was declared the best barista in the region. Along with the title, Petar won a prize of 2,500 euros and the opportunity to participate in the Caffe Vergnano World Cup in Italy.
The second bartender competition was led by jury members Danil Nevsky and Iain McPherson. After a series of challenges in the first round of the competition, Damir Viteškić and Antonio Miloš earned their place in the final, where they had to excel in cocktail preparation and serving, guest communication, and time management. According to the jury's evaluation, the victory went to Antonio Miloš from Slavonski Brod, making him the best bartender in the region. In addition to this valuable recognition, Antonio won a prize of 10,000 euros and a trip to the Roma Bar Show 2025.
Recognition for young professionals
In addition to announcing the best bartender and barista, Coca-Cola HBC Adria recognized young professionals who successfully completed the Raise the Bar Academy, a free educational program for bartenders, baristas, and waiters, over the past year. So far, almost 100 participants have completed the Academy, most of whom work in the best bars and restaurants in Croatia.
The Raise the Bar project, in addition to the Academy, includes the Raise the Bar Youth educational program for final-year students of hospitality and tourism schools, as well as scholarships for chefs, pastry chefs, and serving staff, for which all proceeds from the sale of tickets for the Raise the Bar conference are intended.