FOMO – The Festival of Modern Owners announces the stages and themes of the 2026 edition, dedicated to Romanian speakers who are actively shaping the local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Following the announcement of internationally renowned names such as Mika Häkkinen, Chris Do, Codie Sanchez, and Vishen Lakhiani, the festival now brings into focus the voices building today’s Romania — entrepreneurs, experts, investors, creators, consultants, and community leaders who innovate, scale, and redefine success in a constantly evolving global context.
The 2026 edition will be structured around thematic stages reflecting real transformations in both the economy and society:
Digital Marketing & Content Creation
Content creators are the new brand builders. This stage will explore monetization, personal branding, community relationships, and the transformation of audiences into sustainable businesses. Speakers include Vlad Simion, Ionuț Andrei (v8), Mihai Bonca (Brand Architects), Silviu Țolu, Ioana Chereji, alongside other creators and digital marketing specialists.
Life 2.0 – Reinventing Life
Stories about the courage to start over. Entrepreneurs and professionals who have changed industries, careers, or life paths will share how reinvention is not a risk, but a strategy. Speakers include Andrei Dunuta, Sergiu Negreanu, Monica Ion, and other entrepreneurs who have redefined their personal and professional journeys.
Team Performance
Performance is not about individuals, but about teams. This stage explores real organizational dynamics: how to build effective teams, manage responsibility, and why some teams fail even when individuals are highly capable. Dr. Mihail Pautov and Alain Cardon will share valuable insights with FOMO participants.
Made in Romania
A stage dedicated to locally built entrepreneurship with global ambitions. From early-stage ventures to scaling and premium positioning, conversations will explore how to turn an idea into a sustainable company and grow a Romanian brand in a competitive environment. Speakers include Matei Psatta, Mădălina Cocan (Lăptăria cu Caimac), Irina Sârdean, George Soare, and other local founders — including female entrepreneurs — who prove that Romania is not just a starting point, but a place to build impactful businesses.
Community Builders
A stage about the power of communities. Platform founders, event organizers, movement leaders, and ecosystem builders will discuss how to build trust, loyalty, and long-term impact. Confirmed speakers include Miruna Ioani, Raluca Hăulică (Alura), Ioana Enache, Tadas Evaltas, and other community leaders.
Work with AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer a trend — it is infrastructure. This stage will focus on real business applications: automation, productivity, ethics, scaling, and global competitiveness. Speakers include Ionuț Balăceanu, Andrei Pitiș, and other technology and AI experts.
Designing Work Life
Mobility is redefining work. Entrepreneurs and freelancers working globally, living flexibly, and building borderless businesses will discuss the advantages, challenges, and strategies of this lifestyle. Confirmed speakers include Mario Popescu and Dan Preda, alongside other professionals exploring new work models and work-life balance.
Freelancing & Self-Made Entrepreneurship
From entertainment and content to design and branding, this stage highlights entrepreneurs who turn ideas into commercially viable products and experiences. Speakers include Alexandra Hash (Vidra Production), Cătălin Lupoaie, Lucian Popovici, Adina Francu, and others who have built businesses starting from their own skills and initiative.
Finance, Law & Business
Entrepreneurs, lawyers, and financial experts will discuss investments, governance, taxation, business protection, and strategic decision-making in volatile economic contexts. Speakers include Ana Udriste, Violeta Belciu, Dan Preda, Mihaela Ivan, and other industry experts.
Modern Success Stories
Success is no longer defined solely by numbers. This stage brings stories about balance, discipline, public exposure, and responsibility in an era where visibility is part of the business. Confirmed speakers include Alina Eremia, Bogdan Micu, Sabina Nicola, Alexandra Crăsmaru, and other entrepreneurs and creators.
The Business of Going Out
The HoReCa and entertainment industries as economic drivers and scalable business platforms. From the value of the events market and festival economy to expansion strategies and franchise models, this stage explores how to build concepts that stand the test of time. From customer experience and brand positioning to transforming restaurants and clubs into social hubs, conversations will highlight how experiences become products and communities become growth engines. Confirmed speakers include Jean Sasu, Edi Chereji, Mihai Popescu, Ion Biriș, John Varbiu, and other industry leaders.
Longevity & Wellbeing
Long-term performance starts with health. Founders and experts will discuss burnout, energy, mindset, and personal sustainability in a competitive entrepreneurial environment. Confirmed speakers include Roxana Vrabie Plantini, Răzvan Preduchin, and other specialists addressing the balance between performance and long-term wellbeing.
Honest conversations about what truly matters to Modern Owners
Through these stages, FOMO 2026 aims to create a space where practical experience comes first and conversations are grounded in reality. It is not just about inspiration, but about actionable tools, proven models, and lessons learned directly from real-life experience.
“FOMO has grown organically around a community of modern entrepreneurs who want more than theory. The 2026 stages reflect the transformations we are seeing in the ecosystem: accelerated technology, global mobility, the need for community, and the redefinition of success. We aim to bring on stage people who are actually building, not just talking about building,” said Robert Graur, co-founder of MO – Modern Owners.
The full list of Romanian speakers will be announced soon.
Tickets are available at www.modernowners.com.
FOMO – The Festival of Modern Owners is presented by George. The first intelligent banking solution, an innovation by BCR.
