Editor’s Note
In a space as luxurious and tradition-bound as yacht chartering, innovation is not often expected, nor easily welcomed. But every now and then, someone quietly rewrites the rules. Not for the sake of disruption, but because they see a better way. Antonija Čagalj is one of those people. In an industry where connection is everything, she dared to ask: What if we made it smarter? What followed is not just the story of an event, but the story of a movement
A Global Ecosystem for Yacht Charter Professionals
If you asked Antonija Čagalj what inspired her to help build one of the most forward thinking platforms in the global yacht charter industry, she wouldn’t point to a grand plan or a polished pitch. Instead, she’d tell you a story about sitting at home, watching television in Croatia, and catching a segment about a small B2B yacht event called ICE.
“It was such a simple concept,” she says now, smiling. “But I remember thinking, this has the potential to be something much, much bigger.’
A few months later, the opportunity came. A job opening at the company behind ICE. She applied, joined the team, and never looked back.
From Nomad to Navigator
Antonija spent her formative years in the Middle East, growing up in a multilingual, multicultural environment. She returned to Zagreb during high school, but those early international experiences had already imprinted something important: a natural ease in global settings, a comfort in the in-between spaces.
“International schools shape you differently,” she reflects. “You grow up curious, culturally aware, and most importantly, adaptable.”
Later, with an MBA in Marketing under her belt, she stepped into the world of yacht chartering, an industry known for being tight knit and often slow to change. It was here, through ICE, that Antonija saw her opportunity to build something entirely new.
When the World Stopped, She Started
In 2020, as borders closed and traditional events vanished from calendars, Antonija made a bold call: ICE would go digital.
“It felt risky,” she admits. “Convincing such a relationship driven industry to move online wasn’t just a technical challenge, it was emotional. People weren’t sure it could work.”
But it did. Twice.
ICE hosted two fully virtual editions at a time when no other events were happening in the yacht charter space. What could have been a stopgap solution became a defining moment for the platform. It proved ICE’s resilience, and Antonija’s.
That experience taught me that trust is earned through consistency. It’s not about one great pitch, it’s about showing up year after year, and delivering what you promise.
Not a Show, an Ecosystem
ICE has now become the yacht charter industry’s most respected B2B platform, connecting over 80% of companies who return each year. But Antonija is quick to note: it’s not just an event.
We plan ICE 11 months in advance. Every meeting, every format, every partnership, it’s all intentional. This is about building real value, not just filling exhibition halls.
She recalls watching two companies meet at ICE and later form a partnership that expanded both of their businesses.
That moment stuck with me. It validated everything ICE stands for. We’re not just hosting, we’re enabling growth.
Work, Yes. But Also Life
Behind the CEO title is a woman who works with precision, but lives with presence.
Balance doesn’t mean splitting hours 50/50. It means being fully present in whatever you’re doing. When I work, I’m all in. When I’m with my family or friends, I’m all there too.
She finds freedom in travel, a passion sparked early and sustained by her love of discovery. “Every trip teaches me something new,” she says. “About people. About myself.“
What Legacy Looks Like
Antonija doesn’t talk much about personal legacy. She prefers to talk about ICE’s future.
“If ICE continues to thrive long after me, that’s success. If the industry begins to see collaboration as more valuable than competition, that’s a legacy.”
She hopes to see this face-to-face, once-a-year event, evolve into a year round community platform. She wants more tech integration, more knowledge sharing, more sustainability, and more space for the people behind the brands.
The most rewarding part of all this isn’t the numbers. It’s seeing people walk away from ICE feeling like they’re part of something bigger. That’s what keeps me going.
For Those About to Start
Her advice to future changemakers is simple:
“Don’t wait for perfect. Start with what you have. And trust that clarity comes with action.”
She adds:
“Surround yourself with people who challenge you, and never forget that business is ultimately about people. Build relationships, listen deeply, and create something that serves others.“
The Story Continues
Today, Antonija Čagalj is not just leading a global event. She’s rewriting how an entire industry thinks about connection. And she’s doing it with the kind of vision that doesn’t just serve the moment, but builds for the future.
“At the end of the day,” she says, “it’s not about putting people in a room. It’s about giving them a reason to keep coming back.”
And with ICE, they do. Year after year. Connection after connection.
Connect with Antonija:
- LinkedIn: Link
- ICE: https://www.internationalcharterexpo.com
