Event Information for NBF 2025 Attendees
24 - 25 September 2025, Messukeskus, Helsinki, Finland
Here you can find all the practical information regarding your visit to Nordic Business Forum 2025.
If there’s something you need help with, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer care!
Please note that the content is subject to change.
Event Badge
Each attendee needs to have an Event Badge to access the event. The badge needs to be worn at all times at the event venue. To get your badge, you need to have an assigned ticket in our ticketing system Kongressi.
Multiple Tickets: The buyer needs to assign each ticket separately by adding the name and email of each attendee.
One Ticket or Assigned Ticket: Update your information on the Kongressi ticket portal. Remember to keep this information up-to-date.
Once everything is set in Kongressi, you can get your badge in a couple of different ways:
At the Pre-Check-In
There are about 1,000 people more at the event this year compared to last year, so we highly recommend collecting your badge early. You can get your badge at the Pre-Check-In in Helsinki or Tallinn:
- 18 September at 9:00 – 17:30, Nordic Hotel Forum in Tallinn
- 22 September at 11:00 – 19:00, Scandic Helsinki Hub
- 23 September at 8:00 – 21:00, Scandic Helsinki Hub
Our partner Scandic also invites you to the NBF Pre-Event Mingle on 23 September at 16:00 – 21:00 at Scandic Helsinki Hub! While picking your Event Badge, you can join fellow event guests for relaxed evening with live music and welcome drinks. You can expect a welcome drink by Scandic and live music by Selim Rantapuro. Warm welcome!
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.
Arriving to 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 agenda.
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Bicycle There will be a guarded bicycle park at the Southern Entrance (Messuaukio). Changing rooms are also available at the Southern lobby to make it easy to change your cycling gear before entering the event. The bicycle park is guarded on Wednesday, September 24th from 8:45 to 22:00 and on Thursday, September 25th from 7:45 to 18:30. See the locations of the bike park and changing rooms on our map.
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Train All national and international 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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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. If you're traveling from Tallinn, check our travel information for Estonians.
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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€). If you're traveling from Vilnius, check our travel information for Lithuanians.
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Taxi
To arrange for a taxi, we recommend calling our official Mobility Partner, Taksi Helsinki: 0100 0700. During the event, two exclusive Taksi Helsinki stands will be available:
1. In front of Holiday Inn (Rautatieläisenkatu, westbound)
2. At the Western Entrance (Messukuja) — available on both event evenings
For app-based rides (Bolt & Uber), a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point is located near the Southern Entrance, across the road on Rautatieläisenkatu (eastbound).
Other taxi companies may use the public taxi stand on Ratamestarinkatu, near the Eastern Entrance of Messukeskus.
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Car There are two parking areas next to Messukeskus:
Hotel Discount
Our Event Partner Scandic offers exclusive rates for all Nordic Business Forum 2025 attendees. They have multiple hotels in the city center of Helsinki and surrounding areas, with many options to commute to the event venue. The team at Scandic recommends especially Marski by Scandic, Scandic Simonkenttä, and Scandic Grand Central. (Note: Scandic Helsinki Hub is already fully booked for the event days.)
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.
Event 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 the option to book 15-minute meetings with other event guests. Through Brella you have the opportunity to meet with the right profiles among our over 7,000 attendees. Also, the event recordings will be available on the Brella platform.
The event app opens on the 27th of August, and you will get an email invitation to sign up. 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 or click ‘Send me a sign-in code’
- Join the event ‘Nordic Business Forum 2025’
- 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.
Important information about scanning QR codes for networking:
At Nordic Business Forum 2025, our event partners may ask for permission to scan your QR code (from your Event badge or the Brella app) when you visit their stand. If you allow them to scan your QR code, the partner will receive the following information on their Brella partner portal: name, email, company, title, and interests.
You can also scan the people you meet at the event to easily save their information on your app. To be able to scan others, make sure to turn on the networking option in the Brella app. With networking turned off, your QR code remains visible, but you won’t be able to scan others.
Agenda
Day 1
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
08:45
10:00
Please note that the session is only for First Class and VIP attendees at the venue. If you want to upgrade your ticket, please contact our customer care.
11:00
Enjoy food and drinks on us at the networking area
12:00
Learning points:
- What identifies industry leaders in future readiness
- What defines a company’s preparedness for the future
- How to anticipate and adapt to external changes
- How to simultaneously focus on innovation in the long term and adaptability in the short run
13:00
Learning points:
- Learn new approaches to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent
- How to create an environment where employees think like business owners, take accountability, and drive results
- Learn to identify and dismantle outdated work practices that hinder growth and innovation
- Gain actionable insights on how to prepare your organization for the evolving landscape of work and stay ahead of the curve
13:50
Book meetings with Brella and enjoy Live Studio interviews
14:45
Learning points:
- Understand why a strong culture is ever more important in an age of mobile talent
- Recognize how humanistic leadership brings culture to life through learning
- Identify how, as a leader, you can foster focus, energy, and connection
- Reflect on how you can define and help to craft a culture that lasts for generations
15:40
Learning points:
- How to transform a fading legacy organization into a globally relevant brand
- How to create a shared purpose and align your organization around a clear and compelling vision to drive meaningful change
- How to build a purpose-driven culture, measure impact beyond profits, and lead in a way that earns trust at every level of the organization
16:20
Enjoy the catering and conversations, or just relax
17:15
Learning points:
- How to build for a real problem, not for a business plan
- How to embrace the fact that your company will outgrow you
- Why the hardest conversations are the most important ones
- How Vinted entered new markets
17:50
Learning points:
- Learn the power of a strong why and how a strong purpose comes about
- What playing the Infinite Game means in culture building
- How to move beyond teamwork
- How to cultivate courage to lead in an uncertain world
19:00
Continue networking with other event guests after the main program.
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, 25 September 2025
07:45
08:30
Learning points:
- The science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission
- Why do some things catch on and become popular while others falter
- How can we generate more word of mouth for a product or service
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.
09:30
Learning points:
- Disruptive insights from a tech enthusiast
- How businesses will need to adapt to survive and thrive in a world of disruption
- Practical tips on how to turn uncertainty into an opportunity
- How to foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous reinvention
10:30
Learning points:
- How to utilize foresight for the benefit of your business
- How foresight should be used as a tool for strategy formation
- How to actively shape the future of your industry
11:00
Enjoy food and drinks on us at the networking area
12:30
Learning points:
- How foresight can help your team adjust to change
- How to tame uncertainty
- How to create teams and cultures that thrive in a world of constant change
13:15
Learning points:
- How and why to challenge assumptions
- How asking the right questions sparks creativity and innovation
- How simple questions can uncover hidden needs and drive customer-centric innovation
- Practical ways to embed curiosity, agility, and continuous improvement into your organization
14:20
Enjoy the catering and conversations, or just relax
15:15
What changes in consumer and customer behavior have occurred as the world has undergone unprecedented changeLearning points:
- What changes in consumer and customer behavior have occurred as the world has undergone unprecedented change
- Which new trends are here to stay
- How organizations can adapt and motivate their leaders and employees to get on board
- How to pivot strategy, thinking beyond crisis, and change minds to drive success
16:05
Learning points:
- How to unlock creativity
- How to approach strategy and product creation with an artist’s mindset
- How to cultivate an environment where intuition, inspiration, and peak performance can thrive
- How to understand the art of listening
17:00
Continue networking with other event guests after the main program.
This schedule may be subject to change.
Event Tips
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Leave your jacket in the cloakroom
You can drop your coat, bag, luggage, or any other items at the cloakroom. Our staff will keep them safe! Pro tip: Take a picture of your tag in case you lose it.
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Enjoy the renewed Break Program
The Main Stage is where you can follow the general keynotes and conversations from our main speakers. During the breaks, we also host interviews with our speakers and event guests at the HS Visio Live Studio.
Additionally this year, you can head over to the Executive Café, where our partners Reaktor, University of St. Gallen, and Secto Automotive will host insightful and fun sessions. Also, our partner SEB, has their own stage, where you can engage in various discussions.You can find the full schedule for the Main Stage and the Break Program 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. You never know when the next excellent idea will come to your mind!
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Visit the partner stands
At the Networking Area of the 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 stands during the event!
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Network with the other participants
During the breaks, you have a great opportunity to connect with the other event participants. Our networking area includes many activities and places to discuss and meet new people!
With our networking app, you can easily schedule 15-minute meetings and start new business friendships.
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Use the available working spaces If you need to make a phone call or get some work done, feel free to use one of the Framery acoustic booths around the venue. No need to separately reserve them: if you find a free one, it's all yours! There's also a dedicated Working Lounge available for anyone to use during the event (see Venue Map for exact location).
Venue Map in 3D & 2D
You can find this 3D map also from a separate website: go.nbforum.com/NBF20253DMap
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: Every part of the venue outside the Main Stage belongs to the Networking Area. It’s the ideal place to take a break, catch up with your colleagues, explore our partner booths, or find a quiet spot to get some work done. Comfortable seating, great conversations, and new discoveries await you here.
Main Stage: This is where the headline moments of the event take place. During the Main Stage sessions, you may sit anywhere within your designated ticket section. If your ticket includes a reserved seat, our staff will help you find your place.
Break Program: During breaks, you can join additional program all around the venue. The HS Visio Live Studio hosts live interviews with our speakers and select guests. At the new Executive Café, our partners Reaktor, University of St. Gallen, and Secto Automotive host sharp sessions over great coffee and smart conversations. To hear from key Baltic and Nordic voices on regional business and economic development, visit the SEB Stage.
Networking Activities: Use Brella to book meetings, which are hosted at the dedicated 1:1 meeting tables. You can also head to the Extreme Extroverts Area to spark spontaneous conversations and dive into thought-provoking topics.
Relaxation Opportunities: If you need a moment to recover from all the action, we’ve got you covered. Step into Nordic nature and recharge your mind between sessions at the Metsä/Skogen Tree Charging Area. For a moment of reflection by yourself, head to the Introverts Area. If you need absolute silence, you can head to the Quiet Room on the second floor of the venue, room 104.
Buffets: Official event meals, beverages, and snacks are served at the buffets. If you’ve informed us of dietary needs, please visit the special diets buffet. All buffets include lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Restaurants & Food Trucks: Craving something more adventurous? Visit our food trucks for a variety of flavors—from reindeer kebabs to fresh fishburgers and other local treats.
Seating Map
Wheelchair Spots: We have dedicated spots for wheelchairs in the seminar hall. All areas of the event venue are accessible by wheelchair.
Hearing Induction Loop: At the seminar hall, we have a specific seating area with a hearing (audio induction).
Reserved Seats: In the seminar hall, you may sit at any seat available in your respective ticket category. You can also reserve a seat for 150€/ticket on our webshop. When buying a reserved seat, we will dedicate a seat for you for the event days. Our staff will inform you of the seat location upon your arrival at Messukeskus.
Please note, that the seat map is subject to change without notice, and specific seat assignments cannot be guaranteed.
Food & Restaurants
Learning and networking is not fun when you’re hungry. That’s why 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.
Check the detailed menu and the origin of the incredients on our dedicated food page.
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Local and Sustainable Buffets 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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Special Diets On all the buffets, there are lactose free, gluten free, and vegan options available. If you have any questions or specific dietary restrictions, just ask our staff with orange scarfs and bow ties for help!
VIP & First Class Extras
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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 Jonah Berger and Gianpiero Petriglieri. More from the agenda page.
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VIP Evening - 24th 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.
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First Class Sessions During the Main Stage breaks, all First Class guests can join these exclusive sessions at the First Class Lounge: 24 September: 🔸 11:15-11:45 Q&A Session with Howard Yu 🔸 13:55-14:20 Q&A Session with Sukhinder Singh Cassidy 🔸 16:25-16:55 Q&A Session with Ben Hodges 25 September: 🔸 11:05 - 11:30 Q&A Session with Aki Kangasharju 🔸 14:30 - 15:00 Q&A Session with Jonah Berger 🔸 17:05 - 17:35 Q&A Session with Rick Rubin 🔸 17:35 - 18:05 Q&A Session with April Rinne
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First Class Lounge & Catering The First Class attendees are welcome to relax at the First Class Lounge. 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 operated by our Mobility Partner Taksi Helsinki.
Evening Program
Afterparties
The learning may pause, but the fun and networking continue! After the Main Stage program on Day 1, there are evening opportunities to help you unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and continue enjoying the NBF vibes.
VIP Evening — For VIP and First Class Guests
📍 Networking Area
🕖 Wednesday, 24 September | 19:00–22:00
If you have a VIP or First Class ticket, you’re warmly invited to an exclusive evening gathering right after the Main Stage program ends. Come enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, and great company. Expect a lively atmosphere, music entertainment, and a DJ to keep the energy high!
Afterparty at Marski by Scandic — Open to All Event Guests
📍 Marski by Scandic, Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
🕙 Wednesday, 24 September | Starting at 22:00
Not ready to call it a night? Join us at the official NBF afterparty at Marski by Scandic. Show your NBF 2025 event badge at the door between 22:00 and 23:00 and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink. At 23:00, the evening heats up with the help of DJ Joseysradios and a surprise act at 23:00.
Restaurant Recommendations in Helsinki
Together with Saku Tuominen (Board Member of the Business Forum Group) we have listed popular local restaurants for you to explore during your stay in Helsinki. Explore these excellent spots and indulge your senses on an incredible culinary journey. Bon appétit!
- 305
- Albina
- Aleksanderplats
- Alfons
- Aperte
- Atelje Finne
- Bardot
- BasBas Bistro
- BasBas Kulma
- BasBas Studio
- Bisou Bisou
- Bona Fide
- Boon Nam
- Bouchon Careme
- Boulevard Bar & Seafood
- Brasa
- Brasserie Lionne
- Café Savoy
- Carelia
- The Cock
- Demo
- Le Coucou Vert
- Ego
- Elite
- Elm
- Emo
- Farouge
- Fiasco
- Finnjävel
- Forza
- Gaijin
- Gina
- The Grand Bar & Grill
- Grön
- Jason
- Kirsikka
- Kuurna
- Laivakoira
- Latitude 25
- Le Grec
- Luovuus kukkii kaaoksesta
- Madonna
- Mat Distrikt
- Maukku
- Muru
- Nokka
- Nolita
- Nolla
- Olo
- Palace
- Pastis
- Robusto
- Savoy
- Shii
- Strindberg
- The Room by Kozeen Shiwan
- Yes Yes Yes
- Vinkkeli
- Wellamo
- Wino
Accessibility
We want every guest to feel welcome and comfortable at Nordic Business Forum. All the relevant information has been gathered to our accessibility website. Our staff is also always happy to help!
Interpretation
We offer free AI interpretation for all Main Stage presentations in over 60 languages with the help of Wordly.ai.
You can access audio and subtitles directly through the ‘Interpretation’ tab in the Brella event app. No extra devices or downloads needed—just plug in your headphones and enjoy the event in your preferred language.
Instructions to use the interpretation:
- Download the NBF 2025 Brella App
- Connect your headphones
- Select the ‘Interpretation’ tab
- Choose your language
- Enjoy audio or text based AI translations
Sustainability
Nordic Business Forum 2025 is now officially Nordic Swan Ecolabelled – making us the first large-scale business conference in the Nordics to earn this respected environmental certification!
We’ve been actively working on sustainability since 2011, and this recognition is both a milestone and a motivator. This recent Nordic Swan Ecolabel process offered new insights and helped us improve various aspects of our production.
During the process, we’ve, for example, learned to improve our supplier requirements, work on the sorting of waste types for recycling, focus more on the environmental impact of catering services, and pay closer attention to the materials and methods we use for printed items.
If you are attending, please remember that you can do your part as well! Here a few simple yet impactful tips:
✅ Use public transportation or a bicycle to arrive at the venue
✅ Recycle your waste during the event
✅ Minimize your own food waste
✅ Bring your own water bottle to use and refill during the event
✅ Take lessons from the conference into practice to make the world a better place
Thank you for working with us for sustainability!
Safety
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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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Health Measures
With thousands of people joining the event, we want 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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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.
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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.
Recordings and Learning Materials
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—don't worry! You can tune into the recordings of each session until the 26th of December 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. Please note that Simon Sinek's session recording will only be available until the 1st of October.
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Learning Materials We will make written summaries from all the main stage sessions and produce a thorough Executive Summary from these pieces. 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 sold out for this year, but you can still join the waiting list of get an online ticket.