Sharing Practical Experience
Successful managers share real-life experiences from practice, crisis management strategies, and how they achieved outstanding results in a dynamic business environment.
Leadership and Inspiration Across Generations
The Manager of the Year Conference is an annual platform for sharing proven management practices, drawing inspiration from leaders of Czech business, and promoting a culture of excellence. In cooperation with the Czech Management Association, it connects generations of managers, entrepreneurs, experts, and students.
The aim is to inspire modern and responsible leadership that can stand the test of a rapidly changing world.
What to Expect
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Inspiration for Further Growth and Development
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the best and gain new insights into key aspects of management, such as strategic planning, leadership, and innovation.
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Networking and Collaboration Development
The conference provides space for establishing new professional connections, exchanging experience, and deepening collaboration among managers from various industries, generations, and types of organisations.
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Support for Sustainable Business
The aim is also to promote responsible and sustainable business practices that take into account economic growth, the social and environmental impact.
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Encouraging Innovation and Efficiency
Focus on modern management approaches that foster innovation, enhance business efficiency, and deliver competitive advantages in a rapidly changing environment.
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People Management, Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
The conference also provides space for self-reflection and personal growth in the role of a leader. It offers a perspective on leadership as a lifelong journey and helps participants discover their own leadership style.
Target Audiences of the Manager of the Year Conference
Innovative Leaders and Transformation Experts
Experts in digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable business looking for new strategies to strengthen their organisations’ competitiveness.
Students and Young Professionals
Students of management and economics, as well as early-career professionals seeking inspiration from successful leaders.
HR Managers and Talent Development Specialists
HR professionals and experts focused on employee development, company culture, and effective team leadership. The conference provides new perspectives on leadership.
Owners of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Entrepreneurs who run their own businesses and seek effective management strategies, innovations, and growth opportunities. The success stories of award-winning managers serve as a source of practical advice.
Investors and Strategic Partners
Investors and partners interested in businesses and leaders with innovative approaches can use the conference as an opportunity to meet successful leaders and expand their portfolios with promising ventures.
Consultants and Professional Advisors
Consultants in management, strategy, and business who support organisations and leaders with process optimisation and development. The conference helps them better understand current trends and challenges facing their clients.
Middle Management
Managers responsible for leading teams, projects, and key operations. The event is an opportunity for them to enhance their management skills—particularly in leadership, team motivation, and change management.
Top Executives and CEOs
CEOs, COOs, CFOs and other executive team members involved in strategic leadership and company development. The conference offers them a chance to gain new insights.
Conference Partners
Previous Editions
The conference focused on inspiring current and future leaders, supporting innovative approaches to management, and fostering a culture of excellence within the Czech business environment. It was designed to promote the development of managerial skills, innovative strategies, and effective leadership in a world of rapid change and challenges.
The stage welcomed:
Michal Hornák, Manager of the Year 2023 award winner;
Daniel Digoň, CEO of Atalian;
Michal Řezníček, CEO of Direct Insurance;
Jaroslav Brandejs, Secretary of the Municipal Office in Říčany;
Renata Červenák Nývltová, CEO of Elton hodinářská a.s.;
Martin Hrubý, Chief Marketing Officer at Slevomat;
Dalibor Krčmář, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Microsoft for the Czech and Slovak Republics;
Lenka Průšová, Co-owner and COO of CB21 Pharma s.r.o.;
Petr Milata, CEO of Beznoska s.r.o.;
Robert Masarovič, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Pražská strojírna a.s.;
and Martin Válek, CEO of Karat Software a.s.
The entire conference was hosted by Olga Girstlová, President of the Czech Management Association, and Jiří Koleňák, CEO of the NEWTON University Group.
Photo Gallery
Czech Management Association
The Czech Management Association (ČMA) is a professional organisation that brings together managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs across industries in the Czech Republic. It supports professional development, enhances managerial skills, and creates space for sharing experience and best practices.
It organises expert events, conferences, and seminars, and each year presents the Manager of the Year award. The association actively takes part in discussions on economic and social issues and contributes to improving management quality and the competitiveness of Czech companies.
The club activities of the Czech Management Association (ČMA) include regular meetings of professionals in topic-focused clubs, which enable knowledge-sharing, networking, and professional growth.
ČMA Clubs:
- ČMA Bohemia and Moravia Club
- ČMA Manager Education Club
- ČMA Facility Management Club
- ČMA Art Club
- ČMA Prognostic Club
A manager is a key element in achieving success, and their well-executed work deserves recognition and respect. Their decisions influence employment levels within the company, and thereby affect the lives of employees' families and the quality of life in the region where they operate.
Olga Girstlová
Manager of the Year Award
For more than 30 years, the Manager of the Year Award has recognised and promoted outstanding figures among managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders across sectors and regions. In addition to the main management categories, the award also honours visionaries and young talents under 35.
It responds to current economic and social challenges, inspires by sharing best practices, and celebrates managers who demonstrate natural authority, courage, and the ability to lead in times of change.
The winners of the 32nd edition of the Manager of the Year competition will be announced on 7 October 2025 in the iconic Rotunda Hall at the Brno Exhibition Centre, as part of the opening of the International Engineering Fair.
This prestigious event traditionally brings together the leaders of Czech business, innovation, and management. As in the previous year, the expert jury will again include doc. Ing. Jiří Koleňák, Ph.D., MBA, LL.M., CEO of NEWTON University, who has long been dedicated to supporting authentic leadership and developing managerial talent in the Czech Republic.