Monday January 23rd
9am - 2pm
Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Digital Distilled, our next Eastern Europe Team Conference, taking place in the vibrant city of Bratislava from January 27th to 29th, 2025. This year, we are diving deep into the realms of Digital Transformation and Acceleration.
At this conference, we will explore the practical, everyday impact of digital transformation on our work and how technology can enhance both our professional lives and the consumer journey. We will also showcase how we are pioneering innovation within our region, setting new standards for excellence and growth.
But that’s not all – we’re also bringing in external perspectives from industry leaders and experts who will share their insights and experiences, providing us with a broader view of the evolving digital landscape.
Join us to connect, engage in insightful discussions, and participate in hands-on experiences designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive and win in our fast-paced digital world.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Diageo EE Ambition and Strategy by Michael Holm, MD of Diageo EE and Europe Commercial Strategy Director
Consumer Trends: Shaping Effective EE Strategies with Juliana Ballarin, Marketing Director, Diego Skrabal, Commercial Director, Spirits and Nikoletta Ábrányi, Head of Consumer and Shopper Planning
Digital Transformation: The Why? by Tiernan O’Morian, Digital Transformation Director, Diageo
Consumer Lense: From Search to Smart Conversation by Bence Német, Head of Media & Digital
Consumer Lense: Data Driven Future Now by Maeve O'Gorman
Customer Relationships; Value Creation into the Digital Era by Elemér Balogh, Commercial Director, Beer and Zoran Maksic, Business Development Director
Connected Ecosystems by Burak Budak, Finance Director and Bernadett Lengyel-Berecz, Supply Director
Digital Culture and Mindset by Ágnes Dalos, HR Director
Impact of Digital Transformation on Retailers and Other Brands within the Industry by Janusz Kowalik, General Manager CE of dunnhumby
Brand, Bottle, and Beyond: Gen AI's Impact on Diageo by Daniël Rood, Head of Google Cloud AI, UK&I
Please see full agenda and rooms below
Buses will begin arriving at 7pm until 8pm with a constant availability for transport to the UFO restaurant
From 11:00pm - Closing at 2am Buses will be going from the UFO to the Hotel every 30 minutes.
Vitajte!
Welcome to Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, a city where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Nestled along the Danube River and surrounded by the lush Carpathian hills, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where medieval architecture meets vibrant café culture, or take in the sweeping views from Bratislava Castle. Known for its warm hospitality, rich traditions, and a modern edge, the city is full of surprises—whether it’s a hidden bar, a bustling market, or a peaceful riverside stroll.
We invite you to Bratislava explore, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Welcome to the Grand Hotel River Park, our exquisite venue for the Digital Distilled Eastern Europe Team Conference. Located along the banks of the Danube River, this five-star hotel offers stunning views and top-notch amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
The Grand Hotel River Park is conveniently located near Bratislava’s city center (Dvořákovo nábrežie 6, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia).
By Air:
By Car:Easily accessible via major highways. Approximately 2 hours from Budapest (200 km), 3 hours from Prague (330 km) and 1 hour from Vienna (80 km).
By Train: About 10 minutes from Bratislava Main Station (Hlavná stanica).
Booking Information
We have booked rooms for all attendees for the nights of January 27th and 28th. If you need to stay an extra night or more, please make your own arrangements. Additional nights will be at your own expense under T&E policy.
Parking Information
Key Features
We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional venue where you can enjoy both comfort and convenience during your stay!
UFO Restaurant and Bar
Perched 95 meters above the Danube River, this futuristic landmark offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the surrounding Carpathians. Whether it’s the dazzling lights of the Old Town or the serene beauty of the river below, every moment here feels like you’re on top of the world.
This evening we are celebrating not just our team, but the magic of cinema. Whether you’re channeling Hollywood elegance or blockbuster adventure, the UFO is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening worthy of the silver screen. Let’s roll the credits on an epic team event!
Mirror Bar
Enter the place where Classy, Art & Nature create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a stunning setting that blends the sophistication of a classic cocktail lounge with the natural beauty of its surroundings, Mirror Bar is more than just a place to enjoy a drink —it’s a journey of the senses. From exquisitely crafted cocktails that are works of art to an atmosphere that feels both intimate and extraordinary, every detail is designed to captivate. It’s a celebration of class, creativity, and the magic of the moment, making it the perfect venue for a truly unforgettable tasting experience.”
Bratislava Castle
An iconic hilltop castle with panoramic views of the city, the Danube River and the neighbouring countries from its 47-metre-high crown tower. Here you can also visit the Slovak National Museum’s historical exhibits or take a walk in the Baroque Garden.
Old Town (Staré Mesto)
Wander through picturesque streets lined with medieval architecture, with highlights such as Michael’s Gate, the only preserved medieval gate and Old Town Hall, the seat of the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in Slovakia. After climbing up the narrow stairs leading to its 45-metre-high tower you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral and former coronation site of Hungarian kings.
Primatial Palace
A neoclassical palace with impressive art collections, including the Hall of Mirrors.
Blue Church (Church of St. Elizabeth)
The unique art nouveau church with pastel blue exteriors and intricate interiors is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
UFO Restaurant and the SNP Bridge
Perhaps the most exciting attraction of the city, the location of our second night’s celebration with breathtaking views.They offer a Skywalk, a panorama walkaway constituting a 360-degree walk around the Observation Deck.
Slovak Radio Building
The inverted pyramid is one of Bratislava‘s dominant architectural features.
Rubberneck (Čumil)
The bronze figure of a man peeping out of a canal is undoubtedly the most photographed statue in the city.
Matej Krén Passage
This unique design was installed in the Pálffy Palace (GMB) to evoke an illusion of an endless space made from books.
Looking to relax outdoors and enjoy the views?
Try Janka Kráľa Park, the oldest public park in Central Europe, a peaceful green space for a relaxing stroll near the Danube or take the Eurovea Riverside Walk, a modern promenade with shops, restaurants, and views of the river.
A good alternative is Calvary Hill above the city’s main railway station where you can find some quiet and a spectacular view of Bratislava.
Horský park is another place to relax or get active. A forest practically in the center of the city – an oasis of peace full of forest paths, lush vegetation, trees and untouched surroundings.
Moreover, the view from the Old Bridge is absolutely amazing. It is constructed to be especially used by pedestrians, so there are benches along the bridge offering fantastic views of the area around the Danube and the center of town.
How about some culture?
The Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is housed in an impressive building intended to evoke the shape of a Roman galley bound in the shallows of a river. It hosts shows by leading international artists, which alternate in the great hall on the first floor; on the ground floor there is a museum of contemporary art and in the grounds is an 8,000 square-metre park where a range of sculpture work is Presented.
The National Gallery at the Eszterházy Palace includes 60,000 art pieces of domestic and foreign origin. The Slovak National Gallery organizes exhibitions and many cultural, social and educational programs for the public.
Would you like to shop?
Visit Obchodná Street, a bustling street with shops, cafes, and local boutiques.
Looking for souvenirs?
ÚĽUV Gallery offers unique Slovak crafts and traditional art.
No, we have booked rooms for all attendees for the nights of January 27th and 28th. However, if you need to stay additional nights, please make your own arrangements
Yes, we will organize direct bus travel from Budapest to Bratislava for attendees. Details regarding departure times and stops will be provided closer to the event date.
You can take a direct regional train or bus service from Vienna International Airport to Bratislava. Alternatively, you can book a taxi/private transfer for approximately 45 minutes to an hour ride.
Please inform the event organizers as soon as possible if you need to cancel your participation.
That means you are having a great time, so yes, you can post from the conference. Please be mindful of the following:
Yes, meals will be provided throughout the conference for breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snacks and coffee breaks during the day.
Additional food and beverage orders outside of scheduled meals is only allowed at your own expense.
Yes, double drinks, shots, bottle service, and alcoholic beverages in rooms are not permitted. Please refer to the Responsible Celebration page for more info and review the Global Employee Alcohol Policy.
If you feel unwell, please inform one of our staff members immediately so that we can assist you appropriately.
We are all expected to promptly report any potential or actual breaches of our Code, policies or standards. Other issues that should also be reported include knowledge or reasonable suspicion of violations of legal, accounting or regulatory requirements, or any questionable conduct.
Who you can speak to: