Our Team
Yvan Mandalić
Co-founder and Head of Events at DMC Hidden Gems
Yvan, co-founder and Head of Events at DMC Hidden Gems brings a unique blend of sportsmanship and event management expertise to every project. A former national champion in swimming in France, his dedication and competitive spirit drives his success in the events industry. Yvan’s approach to work is rooted in his strong belief in perseverance, and he always strives for excellence without compromise.
After earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Business, Yvan began his career as a freelancer in 2013, quickly establishing himself in sports events.
His portfolio includes prestigious events such as UEFA Euro 2016, FIFA World Cup, Roland Garros, and the World Economic Forum. Along the way, he transitioned to brand promotion, working with top names like Porsche, Mercedes, and Intel, and managing large-scale events globally.
Fluent in French, English, and Croatian, Yvan’s experience spans more than 500 events, where he played roles in everything from logistics to project management.
Some of his key positions include Team Liaison Officer for the Croatian National Team at UEFA Euro 2016, Roadshow Manager for Porsche and Uber, and Production Manager at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
With a deep love for Croatia, Yvan combines his passion for organizing with his admiration for the country’s natural beauty. He uses his extensive event experience to create unique experiences that blend business and leisure.
Outside of work, Yvan is the proud father of two wonderful daughters, who are his most significant source of inspiration.
Petra, a 26-year-old expert, hails from a small tourist town where tourism was integral to her life. Her passion for organizing trips and creating experiences led her to a tourism and hospitality school.
This enthusiasm for tourism also steered her towards journalism at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Zagreb, where she earned a Master's degree.
Petra's international experience, gained during a semester in Prague and an internship in Lisbon, has honed her adaptability and global perspective.
As the agency manager, Petra successfully combines her passion for organization, creativity, and a desire to create unforgettable experiences.
Her love for travel and storytelling is reflected in every project she leads. In addition, she plays a vital role as a Community Manager for one of the largest media houses in Croatia, where she connects with the audience and shares her love for stories.
Petra Križanac
Agency Manager
Ivana Antonĉić
Project Manager
Ivana is a graduate of Sorbonne Paris IV (LCE) and began her career in sports partnerships, contributing to the organization of events for prestigious brands like Perrier and Vittel.
She later worked in event management in France for several agencies, where she gained a solid foundation in event and travel organization.
Since 2001, Ivana has been a licensed tour guide in Croatia, sharing her passion for history and heritage with visitors. Fluent in four languages – French, English, Italian, and Croatian – she excels at adapting her tours to meet the needs of each group.
Ivana takes great pride in showcasing the richness of the places she visits, ensuring each experience is unique and informative, and leaves a lasting impression on her guests.
Ivana was born in Split, and her love for the city and its surroundings is reflected in everything she does.
She's passionate about hiking, especially in Croatia's beautiful nature, and when it comes to food, you'll often find her enjoying a freshly made soparnik.
Photography is a special love of hers, and she finds joy in capturing moments that truly matter—whether it's a beautiful landscape, personal emotions, or a meaningful event.
When she's not working on creative strategies or taking photos, she's usually spending time with her two adorable dogs.
As an external collaborator for DMC Hidden Gems, in a marketing specialist role, Ivana helps create content and strategies that show off each destination's beauty and unique charm, always with a personal touch.
