Journal 10 - Anniversary

Journal 10 – Anniversary

Main category

CROSSOVER

Sub-category

4. Ceremony

Watch the event video

Event Description and Key Objectives

To mark its 10th anniversary, Journal.hr - Croatia’s most influential lifestyle media set out to create the most iconic celebration of the year. What began as a small independent portal has grown into a trendsetting media powerhouse with a loyal regional following. The goal: to honor Journal’s journey, thanks to its community, and solidify its image as a leading lifestyle voice. We created a large-scale celebration for 1500 guests—partners, influencers, celebrities and other key opinion leaders. The objective was clear: reward the community that made Journal what it is and create a content-driven event that would dominate social media and reinforce Journal’s leadership in the lifestyle space.

Key challenges

The biggest challenge was logistics: to accommodate 1500 guests while maintaining premium aesthetics and content opportunities. Journal events are known for limited spots, this time we needed scale and wow factor. We chose a large, industrial venue and completely transformed it from scratch, building a custom-made scenography including a 40m long central bar, massive DJ booth, and branded installations. Every detail had to be custom-produced and installed on-site. Another challenge was content generation: ensuring that every angle of the venue was “Instagrammable” while maintaining a smooth guest experience throughout the night.

Basic information about the event

Name of the organiser

Alert agency

Location

Zagreb, Croatia

Event duration

29/4/2024

Client

Journal.hr

VOTING LINK

Event results

Creativity

For this once-in-a-decade milestone, we turned the party into a love letter to Journal’s visual legacy. The entire scenography was built around the brand’s fashion editorials. Hero visuals were installed throughout the space, while a custom-built DJ booth and oval central bar created immersive social hubs. Every detail was thoroughly considered, even limited edition coffee table books featuring 10 years of Journal’s creative work were produced as a gift that each guest took home. Instead of traditional speeches, we let the space, music and brand legacy do the storytelling. It wasn’t just a party, it was a curated celebration of style, growth, and influence.

Innovation

Innovation was woven into every element. The content-first approach led the design: every corner was curated to maximize photo and video creation. Technical production pushed limits with a 10-meter-wide LED-covered DJ booth and dynamic lighting that adapted to music flow. We imported DJ Valeron, famous for Mykonos residencies to elevate the vibe. Even the gift was a statement: a luxe printed book. The entire production was optimized for storytelling, creating a hybrid between brand activation and editorial experience. An event that felt premium, personal, and unlike anything else in the market.

Execution

Flawless execution was key, especially at this scale. A 360° plan ensured that setup, guest flow, content production, and branding were all synchronized. The event was produced in close coordination with Journal’s editorial team, ensuring that content capture was built into the run-of-show. From venue transformation to last-minute artist coordination, the event was delivered without compromise, achieving both spectacle and intimacy.

Measurable results

The event smashed all performance targets. On Instagram alone, Journal.hr reached 5.6M views; event content generated 3.1M views on posts and reels, and 1.23M on TikTok. Profile activity jumped by 730%, and profile visits rose by 1054%. Demand for attendance far exceeded capacity—1,500 guests attended, yet invitations were still being requested, underscoring Journal’s unmatched relevance. Website metrics also saw significant growth compared to the same period the year before: 700,000 page views (up nearly 10%), a 145% increase in new users, and an 81% increase in total users. Media exposure, influencer-generated content, community engagement, and brand equity from one single evening created enduring buzz across the region.

Communication

The event was the centerpiece of Journal’s wider 10-year anniversary campaign. It extended the brand’s voice beyond digital with an emotional, live experience shared in real time across channels. Pre-event teasers, live coverage, and follow-up articles maximized visibility. Carefully selected guests ensured organic amplification. Every visual, from venue design to coffee table books were built to tell the Journal story. The result was a viral moment that aligned perfectly with the client’s long-term goal: maintaining brand love and cultural relevance in Croatia, and even beyond the borders.

Sustainable practices

Sustainability was integrated through responsible production choices. All structural and technical elements, including scenography and bar were rented and designed for reuse. We avoided disposable branding by using neutral elements and recyclable materials like paper for serving food, straws etc. while all of the drinks were served in glasses made from glass, washed and ready for reuse. Even the custom books were produced locally in small, high-quality runs to avoid waste. Despite the event’s scale, our goal was clear: deliver visual and emotional impact with minimal environmental footprint.