Event Information for NBF 2024 Attendees
25 - 26 September 2024, Messukeskus, Helsinki, Finland
We warmly welcome you to Nordic Business Forum 2024!
Here you can find all the relevant information regarding your visit to Nordic Business Forum 2024. Start from the checklist and navigate your way down the page to find all the important information about your upcoming experience with us.
Please note that the content is subject to change.
Checklist
Assign your ticket(s)
After purchasing your ticket(s), you will receive an email with a link to our ticket portal in Kongressi. There, you can fill in your attendee information to access and download your ticket. If there are any changes, update your information on the ticket portal so we can keep you up to date!
Please note that the link to the ticket portal will be emailed to the same email address you have used when booking your ticket. You should find it from your inbox (or spam folder) with “Nordic Business Forum” as the subject line. In case you can’t find your ticket, please contact us.
If you bought multiple tickets, please assign the tickets on the ticket portal in Kongressi as soon as possible. This way all attendees will have enough time to inform us of their special diets, and they will be updated on all the relevant event information.
You can find more detailed instructions about assigning tickets from our Frequently Asked Questions.
Get Your Event Badge(s)
To enter the event, each attendee will need to show their Event Badge upon arrival at the venue. There are a couple of ways for you to get your badge:
At the Pre-Check-In
You can get the badge at the Pre-Check-In:
- 19 September at 9:00 – 17:30, Nordic Hotel Forum, Tallinn
- 23-24 September at 10:00 – 20:00, Scandic Helsinki Hub
At Messukeskus
You can collect your event badge from the check-in at Messukeskus when you arrive to the event.
Whenever you claim your Event Badge, remember to take your ticket and an ID.
Plan your arrival at the Venue
Nordic Business Forum will be held at Messukeskus Helsinki (Expo & Convention Center), located close to Helsinki’s center with excellent transportation connections. There are two entrances to the venue: the Southern Entrance, which is the main entrance, and the Northern Entrance, which can be accessed from the parking halls.
We highly recommend using public transportation to come to the venue in order to minimize carbon emissions, avoid paying and worrying about parking, and to reduce and avoid traffic.
The doors at Messukeskus will open at 8:45 on the first day and at 7:45 on the second day (Times are subject to change). Please reserve time for check-in, security check, and dropping off your coat when you plan your arrival time. We also recommend checking the detailed schedule.
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Train All national and international trains (apart from Allegro trains) stop at Pasila, and it is only a 300-meter walk to the main entrance of the venue.
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Tram or Bus We recommend using public transportation when possible. We suggest you plan your bus or tram route at hsl.fi
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Bicycle If possible, we suggest bicycling to the venue. This year, we will have a bicycle park at the Southern Entrance (Messuaukio), sponsored by our partner Vapaus. The guarded bicycle park is open at 8:45-22:00 on Event Day 21, and at 7:45-18:00 on Event Day 2.
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Ferry If you arrive in Helsinki via ferry, we recommend that you either take a taxi or a tram. Both are located in front of the arrival terminal. We also suggest checking our special travel package to those coming from Tallinn.
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Plane From Helsinki-Vantaa Airport you can take the I or P train directly to Pasila railway station. Alternatively, you can also grab a taxi from the airport (roughly 15 minutes and 35€).
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Taxi
To arrange for a taxi, call 0100 0700. The taxi stand at Messukeskus can be found at the main entrance (Southern Entrance). During the event ending times on both days, there will be two additional taxi stands:
1) Next to the Western cloakroom and
2) Outside of the Northern entranceThese additional stands are operated by Taksi Helsinki.
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Car There are two parking areas next to Messukeskus:
Book your overnight in Helsinki with Scandic
Scandic offers exclusive rates for all Nordic Business Forum 2024 attendees. They have multiple hotels in the city center of Helsinki and surrounding areas, with many options to commute to the event venue.
Our customers are entitled to a 15% discount on Scandic’s Full Flex prices, including breakfast, change, and cancellation free of charge (following each hotel’s policy). Group bookings of more than 10 rooms are priced on a case-by-case basis.
Reservations for Scandic hotels in Finland are done with the client number D000049496 at Scandic’s website.
Enter the client number in the “Do you have a reservation code” field.
You can book directly from the hotel in question or from Scandic’s reservation and customer service at +358 200 81800
Scandic offers a 15% discount for individual bookers (less than 10 rooms) in these hotels.
Reservations are made with the corporate ID number 787074950 at IHG website.
The ID number is entered in the “Corporate Special Rate” field under the “Rate Preference” drop-down menu.
Our customers get a 15% discount for individual bookers (less than 10 rooms) at these hotels.
Reservations are made with the corporate ID number D113379134 at Hilton’s website.
The ID number is entered in the “Special Rate” field.
Download the Event & Networking App
Our event and networking app is powered by Brella. You can find all the relevant info (agenda, etc.) on the app and it also provides an AI-powered matchmaking feature to book 15-minute meetings with other event guests. Through Brella you have the opportunity to meet with the right profiles among our 6,500 attendees. Also the event recordings will be available on the Brella platform.
On the 4th of September, you will get an invitation to sign up for Brella. Then we suggest you:
- Download the app on Google Play or App Store or go to https://next.brella.io/events
- Log in with the email you used to register for the event
- Enter or create your password
- Join the event “Nordic Business Forum 2024”
- Update your profile or continue with your existing account
- Set up your networking preferences and book meetings
- Note: You can also skip networking and just enjoy the app
If you don’t see the event after signing in, click ‘join event’ and input your unique join code. You can find your code from the invitation email in your inbox using the sender name (Brella | Nordic Business Forum) and email address (noreply@brella.io). Remember to check your spam and promotions folders.
Event Schedule
Day 1
Wednesday, 25 September 2024
08:45
10:00
Learning points:
- Discover why vertical leadership is not sufficient in today’s world
- Learn how leading across boundaries produce breakthrough innovations
- Gain practical tips to improve your horizontal leadership skills
Please note that the session is only for First Class and VIP attendees at the venue. If you want to upgrade your ticket, please contact our customer care.
11:00
Enjoy food and drinks on us at the networking area
11:00
11:00 Peter Sarlin, CEO & Co-Founder, Silo AI
11:15 Inés de Vega, VP of Technology, IQM Quantum Computers
11:30 Antti Koskela, President & CEO, WithSecure
11:40 Morten Hansen
12:00
Learning points:
- How to navigate change with confidence and agility.
- Cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous growth.
- Transform challenges into opportunities for unparalleled success.
13:15
Learning points:
- Learn the five Multiplier disciplines
- Identify how you can ensure your team consists of multiplier leaders
- How to fully utilize a team’s intelligence
13:55
Book meetings with Brella and enjoy Live Studio interviews
13:55
14:00 Adam Grant
14:15 Arttu Hollmérus, SVP, Posti Group, Parcel and eCommerce
14:30 Liz Wiseman
14:50
Learning points:
- Why CEOs and C-levels succeed
- Learn different ways to continuously improve your team constructive way
- How focus is essential for success
15:30
Learning points:
- Discover the five ways to be a disciplined leader (and why it takes courage)
- Hear why you need not just great talent but also great discipline to succeed
- Learn practical steps to use discipline to focus, execute and innovate
16:20
Enjoy the catering and conversations, or just relax
16:20
16:20 Steven Van Belleghem
16:35 Will Guidara
16:50 Salla Seppä, CXO, Nordic Business Forum & Mikko Jaatinen, Head of Customer Experience at Nordic Business Forum from 2010 until 2017
17:15
Learning points:
- Learn how you can play an active role in your customers’ life
- Understand why having a great product is not enough
- What will be the guiding principles for the successful business of the next decade
18:10
Learning points:
- How Eleven Madison Park became the best restaurant in the world.
- Why you need an unreasonable approach to the pursuit of human connection
- The unlimited potential of the “one size fits one” strategy”
18:55
Continue networking with other event guests after the main program.
18:55
18:55 Margaret Heffernan, Chairperson at DACS, Professor of Practice at University of Bath
19:10 Annu Nieminen, Founder & CEO, The Upright Project
19:00
Enjoy food and drinks with other VIP and First class guests until 22:00.
Please note that the session is only for First Class and VIP attendees at the venue. If you want to upgrade your ticket, please get in touch with our customer care.
Day 2
Thursday, 26 September 2024
07:45
08:30
Learning points:
- Discover the five Impact Player practices
- Learn how to view threatening situations as opportunities
- Gain actionable insights on how to do work that lands with impact
Note that the session is only for First Class and VIP attendees. If you want to upgrade your ticket, please contact our customer care.
09:10
09:10 Mikko Kuitunen, Founder & Executive Chair, Vincit & Maike van den Boom,Author & Happy Nordic Leadership facilitator at Nordic Minds
09:25 Kirsi Piha, Founder, Ellun Kanat & Frank Martela, Philosopher
09:45
Before the discussion with Dr. Mario Draghi, Björn will shortly give his personal remarks on the economic horizon and competitiveness in Northern Europe.
10:10
This session will be a moderated discussion between Dr. Mario Draghi and Björn Wahlroos.
Learning points:
- Understand what the economic horizon looks like
- How the current economy is shaping competitiveness
- Examine how European businesses can position themselves ahead of US and Chinese competitors.
11:00
Enjoy food and drinks on us at the networking area
11:00
11:00 Björn Wahlroos
11:15 Peeter Koppel, Head of Investments, Redgate Capital & Mihkel Nestor, Chief Economist, SEB
11:30 Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae & Mårten Mickos, CEO, HackerOne
11:45 Lauri Ratia, Chair at Niemi and Terrafame & Reetta Rajala, Entrepreneur, Advisor
12:00 Chris Voss
12:20
This session will be a moderated discussion.
Learning points:
- Discover the secrets to creating a brand identity that resonates and endures
- Understand the power of authenticity
- Learn strategies for engaging customers passionately
13:00
Learning points
- Learn effective communication techniques at the workplace
- Dive into communication skills that transcend cultural boundaries
- Get insights into human nature
14:00
Meet others, discover partners, or check out Live Studio interviews
14:00
14:05 Bozoma Saint John
14:20 Mikko Hämäläinen, CEO, Isku
14:33 Matias Henkola, Founder and Executive Chairman at Secto Automotive
14:55
Learning points:
- How to solicit feedback
- How to give praise & criticism in a constructive way
- How to gauge how your feedback is landing
15:35
This session will be a moderated discussion.
Learning points:
- Understand the role of vulnerability and courage in transformative leadership
- How to grow your courage as a leader and why that is important
- How to create a meaningful sense of belonging at work
16:30
Continue networking with other event guests after the main program. The networking ends at 17:30.
16:30
16:30 Kim Scott
16:45 Saku Tuominen, Founder-CEO at World of Mouth, Founder-Chair at HundrED
17:00 End of the program
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE SCHEDULE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
During the Event Days
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Leave your jacket in the cloakroom
September in Helsinki can be a bit chilly, but inside the venue you will not be cold. Drop your coat, bag, luggage, or any other items at the cloakroom.
Pro tip: Take a picture of your tag in case you lose it.
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Follow the keynotes and interviews
The Main Stage is where you can follow the main keynotes and discussions. During the breaks, we also host interviews with our speakers and event guests at the Live Studio.
You can find the full schedule for the event days on the agenda page.
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Take notes We provide you with a notebook and a pen right when you enter the event venue. From the book, you can find a lot of relevant info about the event but also plenty of empty pages to fill during the two event days. After all, you never know when your next big idea will pop in your mind.
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Visit the partner exhibitions
At the networking area of the event venue, you can meet our official event partners.
During the main stage breaks, they have plenty in store for you to discover. We highly recommend visiting their exhibition booths during the event!
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Network with the other participants
During the breaks, you have a great opportunity to mingle and meet with the other event participants. Our networking area includes many activities and places to discuss and meet new people!
With our Brella event and networking app, you can easily schedule 15-minute meetings and start new business relationships right then and there.
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If you must get some work done Feel free to use one of the Framery acoustic booths if you seek a quiet place to check your emails, attend a meeting, or tick that one thing off the to-do list.
Venue Map
Here you can find the official venue map. We’re excited to provide you with all the essential information you need to navigate our event seamlessly. Our venue is thoughtfully designed to accommodate an inspiring and interactive conference experience. Here’s what you can expect to find on our venue map:
Networking Area: All areas except the Main Stage are a part of the Networking Area. Here you’ll find many comfortable places to sit down, discuss with your colleagues, enjoy the food, and even work for a bit if necessary. You can also visit our partner booths, which have plenty in store for you to discover.
Main Stage: The Main Stage is where the magic happens. During the Main Stage program, you can sit on any seat designated to your tickets category. If you have a reserved seat, you will be guided to your seat by our customer service staff.
Info Desks: In case you need any help, our staff is always ready to assist you at the Info Desks.
Buffets: You can enjoy our official event lunches, snacks, and beverages at the buffets. If you have informed us of any dietary restrictions, please check the special diets buffets (marked on the venue map). Lactose free, gluten free, and vegan options are available at all buffets.
Restaurants & Food Trucks: Restaurants and Food Trucks offer a variety of different types of delicacies during the event. You can find fishburgers, reindeer kebabs, and more! All this is open for you on our bill.
Networking Activities: When you book a meeting with another attendee through our event app Brella, you are automatically assigned a meeting table at the 1:1 Meeting Tables. At the Extreme Extroverts Area, you can discuss topics related to the event theme or anything that interests you and meet new people.
HS Visio Live Studio: During the Networking Breaks, you can follow intriguing interviews with our speakers and a selection of our event guests at the HS Visio Live Studio. The discussion topics include all things business, and you can find an up-to-date agenda on the Brella event app.
First Class Lounge: This is the place for our First Class guests to enjoy exclusive catering and mingle with one another. Additionally, all of the First Class sessions with speakers will be organized at the First Class Lounge.
Food & Restaurants
Food is fuel – and we want to make sure you get the very best! Our buffets offer tasty, nutritious food and refreshing drinks that will keep your brain and body going during the two event days. Food and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available throughout the two days on our bill.
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Local and Sustainable Most of the ingredients used in our food have been grown and harvested in Finland. Some spices, coffee, and tea can't be easily found here in the north, but we prioritize using local ingredients to the best of our ability. We offer vegan and vegetarian options, and source game meat and wild fish to respect our environment. Enjoy Finland's vegetables, berries, fruit, fish, and game!
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Traditional and Daring The cold north hasn't blessed Finland with the most exotic tastes but nutritious delights can be found all around. Traditional Finnish food is simple and fulfilling, and we have taken the liberty to use our traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Moose is a staple at our buffet, but you can find many new surprises and exciting takes on traditional Finnish cuisine.
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Street Food in the Finnish Way In addition to the buffets that offer our twist on traditional homemade meals, we have brought several Food Trucks to the Networking Area. These trucks introduce you to another side of Finnish cuisine, combining street food favorites with the taste of Finland. Take your pick from the salads, wraps, fishburgers, and even reindeer kebabs!
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Special Diets On all the buffets, there are lactose free, gluten free, and vegan options available. Other special diets will be served on few dedicated buffets, which are marked in the venue map. If you have trouble finding them, just ask our staff with orange scarfs and bow ties for help!
Experience Helsinki's Food Scene
To make the most of your time in Helsinki, together with Saku Tuominen (Board Member of the Business Forum Group) we have handpicked a list of popular local restaurants for you to explore. Find hidden gems and indulge your senses on an unforgettable culinary journey. Bon appétit and happy exploring!
- Albina
- Aleksanderplats
- Atelje Finne
- Bardot
- BasBas Bistro
- Bas Bas Kulma
- Bona Fide
- Boon Nam
- Boulevard Bar & Seafood
- Café Savoy
- Carelia
- Cheri
- The Cock
- Demo
- Le Coucou Vert
- Ego
- Elite
- Elm
- Emo
- Farouge
- Fiasco
- Finnjävel
- Forza
- Gaijin
- Grön
- Kirsikka
- Kuurna
- Lulu´s
- Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta
- Madonna
- Mat Distrikt
- Muru
- Nokka
- Nolla
- Olo
- Omadi
- Palace
- Pastis
- Pontus
- Savoy
- Sekel
- Sikke´s
- Strindberg
- Yes Yes Yes
- Vinkkeli
- Wellamo
- Wino
Evening Programs, VIP & First Class Extras
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VIP Evening - 25th September, 19:00 - 22:00 After the Main Stage program has concluded on Wednesday, all VIP and First Class guests are welcomed to the VIP evening. This is a great opportunity to network with your peers in a relaxed atmosphere. Just come to the Networking Area to enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks while connecting with other guests. Also, the Phly Boyz and a DJ will keep you entertained!
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Afterparty - 25th of September, 22:00 At 22:00, we recommend you head to the NBF afterparty hosted by Marski by Scandic (Mannerheimintie 10, 00100 Helsinki). At 23:00, you will be entertained with live music by the talented Catharina Zühlke. By showing the NBF 2024 Event Badge, Scandic will treat you with a welcoming drink when you enter during 22:00-23:00!
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VIP Sessions During the event, VIP and First Class customers can enjoy two extra content sessions on the main stage with Morten Hansen and Liz Wiseman. More from the agenda page.
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First Class Sessions All the sessions with speakers will be held at the First Class Lounge. Wednesday, 25 September:
11:00 - 11:30 Q&A Session with Morten Hansen
14:18 - 14:48 Q&A Session with Adam Grant 16:45 - 17:05 Q&A Session with Steven van Belleghem Thursday, 26 September: 11:00 - 11:20 Backstage Tour - The tour starts in front of the Main Stage 14:05 - 14:50 Q&A Session with Brené Brown 14:30 - 14:50 Photo Opportunity with Bozoma Saint John -
First Class Lounge & Catering The First Class attendees are welcome to relax at the First Class Lounge sponsored by Secto Design. In the Lounge, you will get the chance to network in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy our First Class Catering.
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First Class Shuttle First Class attendees can enjoy a ride from their accommodation to the venue (Helsinki area only). The shuttle service is, of course, free-of-charge and provided by our partner Polestar.
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Upgrade your ticket Interested in these extras? Upgrade your ticket today! Get in touch with our customer care to make the most of your NBF experience.
Accessibility & Interpretation
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Simultaneous Interpretation
Professional interpreters from LanguageWire offer translations of the main stage presentations into Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian.
Event guests can access the simultaneous interpretation service for free. Navigate to the "interpretation" tab in the event app or download the "Interprefy" app. You can download it from Google Play store or Apple App store. The token code is nbforum2024, or nbforumlive2024 if watching the livestream.
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Parking The lowest P1 level of the car park near the northern entrance has 20 parking spaces marked for the disabled (vehicles with disabled parking permit signs). For free-of-charge usage, the users of disabled parking must declare their vehicle registration plate number at our customer service desks. Also, the hotel parking area is free of charge for disabled persons during the events.
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Entrances and getting around Taxis are allowed to drive right up to the entrances. All entrances and premises at Messukeskus provide easy access and all floors can be accessed by a lift.
If you would like to borrow a wheelchair during the event, please contact us in advance. -
Wheelchair spots at the seminar hall All areas of the event venue are accessible with a wheelchair. We have dedicated spots for wheelchairs in the seminar hall. Please contact our staff (in the signature orange bow ties and scarves) and we’ll guide you to those spots.
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Physical Assistance If you require physical or personal assistance or will be attending the event with a caretaker (who will still require a separate ticket), please contact us in advance so we can tailor a solution to your specific needs. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome at Nordic Business Forum.
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Toilets All the floors at Messukeskus have easy-access toilets. Our staff (in the signature orange bow ties and scarves) are happy to point you in the direction of the closest toilets.
For more information, please contact us or visit the frequently asked questions (FAQ) by Messukeskus. -
Hearing Impaired At the main seminar hall we have a specific seating row where we have an audio loop (inductive) prepared. Our staff (in the signature orange bow ties and scarves) are happy to help you find the correct seats.
Safety at the Event
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Health Measures
As thousands of people are joining us at the event, we want to do our best to ensure everyone stays safe. We encourage you to stay home if you are ill during the event days. If you cannot attend the event live due to illness, you can easily transfer your ticket to a colleague or join us remotely via live stream.
We also want to encourage practicing good hygiene at the event. We have hand sanitizer easily available and plenty of bathrooms for washing your hands.
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First Aid First Aid by Finnish Red Cross is on duty the entire time during the event. You can find them from the First Aid point or through any member of our staff. You may also call them directly at +358 40 450 3237. The emergency phone number in Finland is 112.
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ID and Tickets Please remember to carry your ID with you throughout the event. Also, you should always only use your own event badge.
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Code of Conduct All event guests, speakers, partners, and staff are required to uphold our code of conduct as we want everyone to be able to join the event in a friendly and safe environment. We prohibit discrimination of any kind and harassment, bullying, or disrespectful behavior in any form will not be tolerated. Any infractions or violations of this code will lead to immediate expulsion from the event without a refund.
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Security We have dedicated security staff at the event at all times. Additionally, be prepared for a security check prior to entering the networking area. Furthermore, our staff is there to help you with anything!
How to Continue Learning after the Event?
Getting inspired and learning something new is just the beginning. After the event, it’s your responsibility to transform those insights into actionable steps. To support you in this task, we offer several ways for you to revisit and apply the ideas and insights:
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Recordings If you miss a part of a keynote during the event—worry not! You can enjoy the recordings of each session for 90 days after the event on our Brella event app. Multiple keynotes over the course of two days can be an intensive experience. So, we highly recommend you to use the opportunity to go back to the sessions one by one after the event to optimize your learning.
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Executive Summaries We will make written summaries from all the main stage sessions and produce a thorough Executive Summary from these pieces. Additionally, we will prepare short videos that allow you to go back to the key insights of each presentation quickly. We will also provide you with summary slides about the main points from each session. Lastly, Linda Saukko-Rauta will draw visual summaries of each presentation, which we will also send to you after the event. You can download all the previous summaries from here!
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Social Media Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Youtube to get short and long-form business insights weekly. This way, you’ll see quotes, blogs, videos, and more to keep you inspired all year long.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Head over to our frequently asked questions (FAQ) to find out everything that you need to know about attending Nordic Business Forum events. Our customer service is also happy to help you with any additional questions or concerns!
Don't have tickets yet?
Our event is the perfect platform to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your knowledge and skills. So what are you waiting for? Take action and secure your spot today! Tickets are selling fast, and you don’t want to be left out.