ViNomad Workation Week – Central Istria 2024

A Unique Blend of Work, Wine, and Adventure in Croatia’s Hidden Gem

Join us in Central Istria from 30 September to 6 October 2024 for the ViNomad Workation Week, where digital nomads and remote workers will experience the perfect fusion of productivity, local culture, and enogastronomy.

This one-of-a-kind workation event is set amidst Central Istria’s stunning vineyards, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, offering participants a unique opportunity to balance work and leisure. Whether you’re looking to network with like-minded professionals, savor local wine and food, or explore scenic landscapes, ViNomad has something for everyone.

What is ViNomad?

ViNomad is a week-long retreat designed for digital nomads and remote workers seeking to balance work with the pleasures of wine, local cuisine, and outdoor adventures in rural Croatia. The event blends slow productivity with immersive cultural experiences, creating the perfect environment for focused work and personal rejuvenation.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Slow Productivity Theme: Inspired by Cal Newport’s concept of “Slow Productivity,” the event promotes a slower, more intentional approach to work and life.
  • Local Enogastronomy: Hands-on workshops featuring Istria’s famed wines, spirits, and authentic regional products.
  • Outdoor Activities: Guided walks through Central Istria’s scenic landscapes and cycling tours.
  • Rural Coworking: Work from unique multi-use spaces, such as the House of Wine, House of Sausage, and House of Prosciutto.
  • Networking: Join like-minded digital nomads for group lunches, dinners, and workshops designed to spark collaboration and creativity.
  • Podcast Launch: Be part of the launch of the Live & Work in Central Istria podcast, a six-episode series featuring the region’s top attractions for remote workers.

Event Program Overview

ViNomad offers a carefully curated program designed to inspire, educate, and connect participants. Here’s a brief look at what’s planned for the week:

Monday – Arrival Day

  • Settle into your accommodation at the Banki Green Village.
  • Welcome networking dinner with local cuisine and wine tasting.

 

Tuesday to Thursday – Free Workshops

  • Participate in free workshops open to the public, covering topics such as:
    • Social media marketing for local businesses
    • Leadership in remote teams
    • Wine and food pairing

 

Friday – Nomads-Only Day

  • Exclusive workshops and coworking opportunities for digital nomads.
  • Evening wine tasting and networking dinner at a local winery.

 

Saturday & Sunday – Outdoor Adventures

  • Guided hiking and cycling tours through the beautiful Istrian countryside.
  • Explore the region’s rich cultural heritage with visits to historical sites.

 

Meet the Nomads

At ViNomad, you’ll have the chance to meet and learn from some of the leading voices in the digital nomad and remote work space. These experienced professionals will be leading workshops, sharing insights, and networking with participants throughout the week.

Featured Nomads:

Mark Phillips & Linda McCall – Co-founders, Nomad Stays

Mark and Linda are the driving force behind Nomad Stays, a platform connecting digital nomads with long-stay accommodations in hidden gem locations around the world. They’ll be leading workshops on transforming local accommodations to cater to remote workers and sharing their insights on building a community of nomads.

Dipak Vadera – Director of Community and Ecosystem Marketing, Dealfront

Dipak is a global expert in community marketing and B2B sales. He’ll be offering sessions on personal branding, sales strategies, and thriving in the global remote work ecosystem.

Helena Bradbury – Travel Blogger & Content Creator

An award-winning travel blogger and digital nomad, Helena has built a career in content creation while traveling the world. She’ll share her experiences of remote work and offer advice on growing your online presence.

Nora Walsh – Travel Journalist & Host of “Live & Work Central Istria” Podcast

Nora is an award-winning travel journalist and the host of the new Live & Work Central Istria podcast. She’ll be exploring the region’s digital nomad offerings and sharing stories of local culture through her journalistic lens.

 

About Central Istria

 

Central Istria is known for its authentic rural charm, with rolling hills, world-class wines, and picturesque villages offering a peaceful escape for remote workers. The region is perfect for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and play, and ViNomad allows participants to experience it all—without the crowds of high season.

Whether you’re interested in exploring Istrian wines, learning from global remote work leaders, or simply finding time to reconnect with nature, ViNomad Workation Week is your chance to experience the very best of what rural Croatia has to offer.

Partners & Sponsors

 

This event is part of the Live and Work initiative by the Central Istria Tourist Board, supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, and organized in collaboration with DNA Croatia and Saltwater Nomads.

ViNomad FAQs

The weekday workshops (Tuesday-Thursday) are free to attend. Lunches and dinners are self-pay. Accommodation, transportation, and other expenses are not included and should be arranged individually.

Yes! You are welcome to join the free workshops and certain open activities. Friday events are exclusive for digital nomads, but you can be added to a waitlist if you’re interested in attending.

If you are interested, send an e-mail to community@dnacroatia.com with the subject ”ViNomad Waitlist”.

You can reach Central Istria via road from major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik. There are overland travel options for participants arriving from continental Europe, and we can provide recommendations for transport providers.

For certain activities, like the networking lunches and dinners, RSVP is essential. We’ll be sending updates closer to the event with RSVP requirements.