Three times a year, the Planet Program gathers its community for major weekend seminars—autumn, winter, and summer. These are events where we celebrate results, recognition, and the personal growth of individuals who build their goals within the Hotelium project through knowledge, experience, and systemic support.
This year’s summer Weekend Seminar, held on June 13 and 14 in the Stanišići Etno Village, once again brought together more than 350 participants from across the region. It was a weekend packed with emotion, new accolades, vital messages, and concrete tools for future growth.
As always, the seminar was an opportunity to celebrate all levels of progress—from the first system recognitions to high ranks. One of the unique aspects of this seminar was that the program was hosted by our Diamonds, demonstrating once again the strength of leadership within the organisation today.
A Special Keynote Return
The special surprise of the weekend was our CEO, Vladimir Popović, who stepped back into the role of keynote speaker for the first time in over four years—this time not as a corporate director, but as a leader who has been building organisations and developing new leaders for more than three decades.
Through three lectures and a special 5+ Leaders meeting, he spoke on topics that prompted many to honestly question where they stand today and how ready they are to give to achieve their goals.
“Think Big,” the power of vision, the importance of attitude, loyalty, and personal responsibility were just some of the core messages that defined the weekend.
His thought resonated particularly deeply: “Energy sponsors people, not information.”
People do not join projects because of facts, statistics, and presentations. They join because of the energy, charisma, and conviction of the person standing in front of them—that vital energy that clearly shows you believe what you are doing is valuable, ethical, meaningful, and ambitious.
A large part of his lectures was also dedicated to financial independence. It is an independence that many desire, but few are willing to pay the price to achieve.
Perhaps that is why one of the most powerful lines of the seminar was:
“What are you willing to give for the maximum?”
And the maximum is precisely financial independence.
When someone gives up after a few rejections, they aren’t just giving up on a single presentation or one conversation. They are giving up on their race toward financial independence. Vladimir emphasised multiple times that the “how” is never stronger than the “why.” When the reason is powerful enough, a person will find a way.
New Tools and Competitions for Growth
Throughout his presentations, he introduced several new tools for organisational growth. For the first time, a major Team Leader Competition was launched, which will run until the autumn Weekend Seminar, further boosting team spirit, work ethic, and leadership development. A massive prize draw linked to Freedom programs and new packages was also introduced, alongside an ongoing promotional campaign that offers all members additional opportunities to advance their positions.
Special attention was drawn to the 5+ Leaders meeting, designed for individuals who brought at least five participants to the seminar. The number of attendees at seminars is one of the most critical indicators of serious organisational development. Through practical examples and experiences, Vladimir demonstrated how to turn those first five people at a seminar into a cohesive team, and subsequently into a long-term growing organisation.
Such meetings have always been the place where experiences and guidelines are shared—the very insights that often make the difference between an average result and an extraordinary one.
The Highlight of the Weekend: A New Diamond
The pinnacle of the seminar arrived on Saturday evening, the moment Amela Hadžiabdić was announced as the new Diamond, the fifth Diamond of our organisation.
The entire hall rose to its feet. A red carpet, fireworks, confetti, light effects, and a grand guard of honour created an unforgettable atmosphere. She was joined on stage by her mother, son, and daughter, while the room sent her off with standing ovations, proving how deeply this success inspired everyone present.
Yet, perhaps the most important message came from Amela herself. She shared that the feeling she had when she first stepped onto the stage as a Silver was almost identical to the feeling she has today as a Diamond.
And therein lay one of the greatest lessons of the weekend.
Perhaps none of us knows exactly when Amela truly became a diamond.
Perhaps it happened long before the official recognition.
Perhaps on the day she made the firm decision that she would not quit.
Perhaps when she first believed she was capable of more.
Perhaps when her “why” became greater than any obstacle in her path.
That is why, during her recognition, many saw far beyond the fireworks, confetti, and celebration. They saw their own path. Their own rejections. Their own doubts. Their own ups and downs. And they found the answer to the question of whether success is possible.
If it is possible for Amela, it is possible for them.
Adding unique weight to this story is the fact that she achieved the Diamond level before her mentor, confirming once again that everyone runs their own race and that success is not determined by the position from which you start, but by the decisions you make every single day.
It is interesting to note that a certain tradition has been forming in recent years. In 2023, we welcomed two new diamonds. In 2025, another two new diamonds. Now, 2026 has brought its first.
Will we see a second before the end of the year?
Perhaps someone in that hall this weekend made the exact decision that will lead them onto that stage. The goal Vladimir Popović has set before the organisation is ambitious: to create 10 new diamonds by 2027, and a staggering 50 new diamonds by 2030.
Special recognition at the seminar also went to Ana Tešić, who achieved Team Leader 50+ status by bringing more than 50 participants to the event. This result perfectly showcases the power of leadership and influence built step-by-step through working with people and fostering a team culture.
Ahead of us now is the summer Boot Camp, one of the most beloved gatherings within the Planet Program. This year, it will feature the grand opening of the new glamping village in Donji Gajevi, alongside the announcement of the winners of the current competitions and prize draws.
Ultimately, what most participants will take home with them is not the awards, the promotions, or the photographs.
They will take home a feeling. The feeling that it is possible.
Everyone will leave the weekend a changed person. Some will return to old habits. Some will remain motivated for a few days. But some will hold onto the images, emotions, and messages of this seminar long enough to take that extra step before the next Weekend Seminar.
One more presentation. One more conversation. One more decision.
And that is exactly how, step by step, new Team Leaders, new Sapphires, new Emeralds, and new Diamonds are born.
