Executives working in the classified advertising industry are preparing to gather in Belgrade for the spring conference of their main representative association.

The International Classified Marketplace Association will hold its spring conference in the Serbian capital from May 10-12.

“The ICMA Belgrade will bring together 120+ leading executives from the classified, startup and media companies,” the organization’s Audre Verseckaite told Balkan Business Wire.

“During the two and a half days of dedicated plenary sessions, panels, debates and workshops, attendees will share information on industry innovations, challenges and solutions,” Verseckaite added. “The conference will provide a close-knit atmosphere, ideal for networking and establishing strategic partnerships.”

In addition to plenary sessions, panels and debates, the conference will include workshops and single-disciplinary meetings for business leaders, operation-level managers and sales managers.

Attendees can network at both sessions while enjoying the local cultural entertainment.

At the conference, discussions will include the challenges facing the industry.

“At the meetings, you can discuss these challenges with your fellow delegates and then build relationships certain to benefit your business, especially in these challenging times," the organization said.

It boasts that attendance at the conference means members are plugged in to the worldwide network of publishers.

Among the specific topics set for discussion are data use, content marketing and mobile versus traditional classifieds.

The afternoon of the first full day of the conference has been set aside for dedicated sessions on sharing best practices. This three hour workshop, the core of the conference, will be split into three 40-minute discussions.

Session one will center on user acquisition and retention, what is new marketing and operational efficiency. The second session will focus mobile and apps, while the third will be on threats and competition, dealing with development and going beyond putting buyers and sellers together.

Speakers include Roman Bach, chief executive of James Edition, which is a marketplace for luxury goods, and Bojan Lekovic, who leads Kupujem Prodajem, the largest classified marketplace in Serbia.

Also speaking will be Stefan Salon, co-owner of Infostud, a large Internet-based company in Serbia.

In addition to organizing conferences, the ICMA also keeps its members updated on relevant industry information through newsletters and blog posts. Members share product information, press releases and best practices.

The ICMA is is an international nonprofit trade organization that represents the global players in the international classified industry. It is dedicated to promoting excellence through co-operation and networking, market leadership, and innovation and information-exchange at every level among its growing membership, according to the organization’s website.

The ICMA said it is excited to hold the conference in Belgrade, describing the city as “outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious.”

“Belgrade has a gritty exuberance which makes it one of the most happening cities in Europe,” the organization said.