After four years of strong growth and bringing together leading names from the global sports and media industries, the Sunset Sports Festival is officially launching preparations for its milestone fifth edition, set to take place in June 2026 in Zadar. The festival, which has redefined how industry professionals discuss the synergy of sport, technology, and business, continues its mission of providing deep insights into the trends shaping the future of the industry.
The synergy of sport, technology, and business
Previous editions have positioned Zadar and the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala as a must-visit destination for global sports leaders. Through its program, the festival has welcomed legends such as Alessandro Del Piero, Peter Schmeichel, Stipe Miočić, Ivica Kostelić, Matt Barnes, and Julian Edelman, while experts like Pete Radovich have shed light on the media and business side of the industry.
The strength of the festival lies in authentic experience and first-hand knowledge exchange, with a focus on practical solutions rather than superficial promotional messaging.
Topics such as the evolution of digital platforms, new models of investment in sport, and the application of artificial intelligence in sports broadcasting—explored through panels organized with strategic partners like Sofascore—have set new standards for understanding the modern sports market. The festival has established itself as a boutique sports business event designed for industry leaders seeking relevant, real-world insights.
Looking ahead to 2026: Innovation at the core of the milestone edition
While the full program for 2026 is still in development, the strategic direction remains focused on exploring innovations that are reshaping the rules of the game. The milestone edition will expand its production capacity across three specialized stages: the Main Stage, Esports Stage and Performance Stage, creating dedicated spaces for specific industry verticals.
A new addition to the content is Sunset Sessions with Marco Messina—a live podcast series featuring in-depth conversations with some of the festival’s most influential guests.
Beyond its educational and business components, the festival continues to emphasize its social impact through the “Back to the Playground” initiative. In collaboration with Project Backboard, a project focused on renovating basketball courts, the festival will actively contribute to restoring playgrounds, leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community and encouraging young people to engage in sport.
The goal is to continue developing a format that combines professional depth with the energy of sport, offering participants a platform to understand the trends that will define the next decade.
For more information about the milestone edition and upcoming activities, visit the official festival website and follow updates on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
