Modern conference facilities at Pical Event Centre in Croatia

We did it. We jumped on a plane, flew into beautiful Croatia, and spent 2 nights and 1 very packed day at the Break The Ice Forum in Poreč, Istria (18-20 June 2026). As buyers from Ferwood Events, we came to meet top suppliers in the M.I.C.E. world – and let me tell you, this wasn’t just another networking event. This was speed-dating for serious business with a side of pure joy.

 

So… What Exactly Is Break The Ice Forum?

 

It’s the ultimate B2B party for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events (M.I.C.E.) sector. Intimate, cleverly sized, and built around real human connection instead of endless coffee queues and awkward small talk.

The genius motto? “It only takes 2 nights & 1 day to create strong bonds and new lasting business relationships.”

 

And they deliver. Add incredible food (hello, good mood), flowing drinks (hello, even better mood), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for deals that actually stick. You fly home Saturday afternoon – possibly a little tired, definitely buzzing, and weirdly motivated to smash the next week at work.

Positives? Endless. Negatives? None that I could find. We signed up faster than you can say “pass the Croatian wine.”

 

The Journey: Smooth, Short, and Sneakily Productive

 

Flights from London Gatwick were a bit awkward timing-wise… so we flew in the day before. I wasn’t complaining.

Less than 2.5 hours later, we touched down at Pula Airport. Smooth transfers, friendly pickup, and – plot twist – networking started the second we landed. By the time we reached the hotel (just under an hour away), we already felt like we’d known half the group for years.

 

The Hotel? Next-Level Stunning

 

We stayed at the Pical Resort 5, Valamar Collection* – and honestly, it set the bar dangerously high for every future event.

Right by the old town, turquoise sea on one side, Mediterranean greenery on the other. The Pical Event Center can handle up to 1,200 delegates with slick, high-tech spaces, but it still felt intimate and luxurious. On-site rooms, nearby suites, restaurants, bars, wellness centre, sports facilities – basically everything you need to feel like a VIP while secretly closing deals.

A perfect backdrop for something magical.

 

Thursday Evening: Setting the Vibe

  • Site inspections of this gorgeous property
  • Welcome reception & speeches
  • Networking dinner at the host hotel

 

The atmosphere was spot on. Relaxed enough to actually talk to people, but structured enough that you didn’t waste a single minute. I genuinely spoke to nearly everyone. No forced “what do you do?” conversations – just real chat, real laughs, real connections.
 

Friday: The Main Event (Bring It On!)

 

Fuelled up with an epic breakfast, we dove straight in:

  • Briefing & welcome coffee
  • Back-to-back one-to-one meetings
  • Networking coffee break
  • More one-to-one meetings
  • Networking lunch

 

The organisation was chef’s kiss. The room was electric – buzzing with energy, business cards flying, proper conversations happening. No dragging, no boredom. Just pure productivity wrapped in fun.

Before we knew it, the “hard graft” was done… but the laughter and chatting carried on like we’d all been mates for years.

 

Post-Lunch Adventure: Poreč Excursion

 
I opted for the scenic coastal walk into Poreč, followed by a guided tour of the town and the breathtaking UNESCO-protected Euphrasian Basilica. We finished with traditional Istrian snacks and local wines at Parentino Wine & Tapas Bar.

Well-organised, beautiful, and the perfect way to soak up the destination before the grand finale.

The Gala Dinner & THAT Drone Show: Absolute Fireworks

For the final evening, we went to an external venue for a dinner that honestly deserved a standing ovation. They strategically seated us with people we hadn’t properly met yet, and the energy stayed sky-high. Cue amazing conversations, ridiculous laughter, and that warm, fuzzy feeling of “I can’t believe this actually counts as work.”

Just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, the sky lit up with a surprise drone show that was an absolute, pure WOW factor.

Naturally, that led straight into the after-party to end all after-parties. Let's just say sleep became a very distant memory, and my bed didn't see me until well past 3:00 AM. Well worth it!

Final Verdict from Ferwood Events

 

Break The Ice Forum isn’t just another M.I.C.E. event. It’s the one where you actually build relationships that matter, in a destination that makes you never want to leave.

If you’re a buyer or supplier in the events industry and you want to do business while having an absolute blast – stop thinking about it and book the next one.

We’re already counting down to the following forum. See you there?

 

Ferwood Events – We came. We networked. We conquered (and ate very well).