Event Information

16 - 17 September 2026, Messukeskus, Helsinki, Finland

General Info
Agenda
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Before the Event

The Standard Ticket includes:

  • Two-day Conference Pass to the event in Helsinki: Experience insightful keynotes and discussions and connect with thousands of business leaders.
  • All-Inclusive Catering: Enjoy lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on our bill throughout the event.
  • Matchmaking and Networking: Book meetings with senior decision makers with our event app.
  • Learning Materials: At the event, you’ll get a notebook and pen to help you learn. After the event, we will provide written summaries and other learning materials to support in you in taking the ideas into practice.
  • 90-Day Access to the Recordings: Revisit the event recordings for 90 days after the event. (Exception: Oprah Winfrey available for 30 days.)
  • Simultaneous Interpretation: Use our interpretation tool to listen in your preferred language (e.g. Finnish, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian).

The VIP Ticket includes:

  • Everything included in Standard Ticket, AND…
  • VIP Seating: Sit closer to the Main Stage for a more immersive experience.
  • VIP evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at the end of Day 1 in a more intimate setting.
  • VIP Breakfast Event with Rahaf Harfoush: Exclusive VIP Breakfast event in the beginning of Day 1. Preliminary agenda:
    8:30 Doors open, 9:00 – 10:00 VIP Breakfast, 10:00 – 11:00 VIP Session with Rahaf Harfoush.
  • VIP Session with Michael Beckley: Exclusive VIP session at the Main Stage in the beginning of Day 2.

The First Class Ticket includes:

  • Everything included in VIP Ticket, AND…
  • Best Seats: Sit in the closest seats to the Main Stage.
  • First Class Lounge: Experience a more intimate area and connect with other First Class guests.
  • First Class Catering: Enjoy exclusive premium catering on our bill in the First Class Lounge.
  • Extra Q&A Sessions with Main Stage Speakers: Dive deeper into the event themes during the exclusive Q&A Sessions with Q&A Angela Duckworth, Patty McCord, Rahaf Harfoush, Kjell A- Nordström, Paul Polman, Alison Wood Brooks, and Michael Beckley.
  • Photo Opportunity in Small Groups with Oprah Winfrey: Get a professional photo in small groups (2-4 guests) together with Oprah Winfrey.

You can find your PDF ticket in our ticket portal. Each ticket must be assigned to an attendee before the event.

  • Multiple Tickets: The buyer needs to assign each ticket separately by adding the name and email of each attendee in the ticket portal.
  • One Ticket or Assigned Ticket: Update your information on the attendee dashboard. Remember to keep this information up-to-date.

All buyers and assigned ticket holders receive an email confirmation (from: info@nbforum.com), which includes a link to the ticket portal.

An Event Badge is needed to access the event and must be worn at all times within the event venue. To get your badge, you must have an assigned ticket in our ticket portal.

Getting your Event Badge:

Badge delivery in Finland (Recommended)

Attendees residing in Finland can have their badge delivered home before the event by updating their address information on the attendee dashboard by 11 August.

At the Pre-Check-In – In Finland, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania

  • Tuesday 8 September, 8:30 – 17:30: Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center (Vilnius)
  • Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 – 17:30: Nordic Hotel Forum (Tallinn)
  • Thursday 10 September, 8:30 – 17:30: AC Hotel by Marriott Riga (Riga)
  • 14 September at 11:00 – 19:00: Scandic Helsinki Hub (Helsinki)
  • 15 September at 8:00 – 20:00: Scandic Helsinki Hub (Helsinki)

At Messukeskus

Collect your Event Badge from the check-in desk at Messukeskus upon arrival. To avoid queues, we recommend getting your badge through methods 1 and 2, if possible.

-> Important: Whenever you claim your Event Badge in person, remember to take your ticket and ID.

The main entrance (Southern entrance) of Messukeskus will be under construction at the time of Nordic Business Forum 2026. This means that the check-in services will be different from previous years. 

Additionally, the event will be larger than ever before with 8,500 event guests joining us for the two days.

Here’s our recommendations on how to avoid queueing upon your arrival:

  • Collect you badge early! (Find the options on ‘Event Badges’ tab)
  • Arrive early well before the keynotes begin to not miss a thing
  • Avoid peak times:
    • 16 September: 10:45 – 11:30
    • 17 September: 

Nordic Business Forum is held at Messukeskus Helsinki (Expo & Convention Center). There are two entrances to the venue: the Southern Entrance, which serves as the main entrance, and the Northern Entrance, accessible from the parking halls.

Public Transportation

We highly recommend using public transportation for sustainability and to avoid traffic and parking costs. Messukeskus is easily accessible by bus, tram, and train. You can plan your journey at hsl.fi.

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. For our Estonian event guests arriving with a ferry, we have organized transfer buses from the terminal to the venue and back.

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€).

Car

There are two parking areas next to Messukeskus:

We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. The event venue is easily accessible by public transportation from all areas of Helsinki. 

Our Event Partner Scandic offers a 15% discount to NBF 2026 guests on the 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.

All Scandic hotels in Helsinki (except Hilton Kalastajatorppa) are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled, which is another great reason to stay in Scandic hotels!

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 Scandic Helsinki Hub, Marski by Scandic, Scandic Simonkenttä, and Scandic Grand Central.

Scandic Hotels

  • Reservations for Scandic hotels in Finland are done with the client number D000049496 at Scandic’s website.
  • Enter the client number in the “Code / Voucher” field.
  • You can book directly from the hotel in question or from Scandic’s reservation and customer service at +358 200 81800

IHG Hotels and Resorts

  • Reservations are made with the corporate ID number 787074950 at IHG website.
  • Our customers get a 15% discount for individual bookers (less than 10 rooms) in these hotels.
  • The ID number is entered in the “Corporate Special Rate” field under the “Rate Preference” drop-down menu.

Hilton Hotels

  • Reservations are made with the corporate ID number D113379134 at Hilton’s website.
  • Our customers get a 15% discount for individual bookers (less than 10 rooms) at these hotels.
  • The ID number is entered in the “Corporate Account” field under the “Special rates” drop-down menu.

Side Activities


Helsinki Partners and Nordic Business Forum are hosting a closed-door reception for international executives attending NBF 2026. With only 45 minutes you can evaluate if establishing a presence in Helsinki should be on your company’s roadmap.

Hear proof points:

  • A success case of Foreign Direct Investment in Helsinki
  • Upcoming R&D calls and funding instruments
  • Access the Helsinki innovation infrastructure and business ecosystem with Helsinki Partners

While learning about doing business in Helsinki, you can mingle with senior-level representatives from Economic Development, Business Finland, University of Helsinki, and flagship R&D programs. This session is designed for international companies actively considering to establish their presence in the Nordics. 

The event is co-hosted at the Helsinki City Hall by Nordic Business Forum and Helsinki Partners, the investment promotion agency owned by the City of Helsinki.

Participation by invitation / approval only. The seats are limited, so secure your spot soon!

Event basics:

What: Grow Your Business in Helsinki
When: 15 September 2026, 17:00–17:45
Where: Helsinki City Hall (Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13)

The City of Helsinki warmly invites all NBF attendees to an exclusive evening reception on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, from 18:00 to 20:00.

This relaxed yet premium gathering brings together international business decision-makers and media to connect with leaders in Helsinki. Get acquainted with the city behind NBF and how the atmosphere of Happy Helsinki inspires companies to innovate boldly.​

Hosted in the distinguished surroundings of Helsinki City Hall, one of the capital’s most prestigious historic venues that’s often used for state visits and official celebrations, the reception offers an elegant environment for strengthening your local connections before Nordic Business Forum commences.​

This reception is a great opportunity to warm up for the official event days in an intimate setting. The seats are limited, so secure your spot soon!

Event basics:

What: Exclusive Happy Helsinki Reception at Helsinki City Hall
When: 15 September 2026, 18:00–20:00
Where: Helsinki City Hall (Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13)

Last year, we piloted a Day 1 morning run and it was fully booked within an hour after announcing it. So, we’re bringing it back with larger capacity!

Details and registration will be shared closer to the event.

Event basics:

What: Networking Morning Run
When: 16 September 2026, 7:30–8:30
Where: Gathering in front of Central Library Oodi, Helsinki

VIP Evening — For VIP and First Class Guests

📍 Networking Area

🕖 Wednesday, 16 September | 19:15–22:30

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!

Afterparties for Everyone

📍 Scandic by Marski & Scandic Grand Central 

🕖 Wednesday, 16 September | 22:00 ->

If you have the energy to continue enjoying the vibes, you can join the official NBF afterparties at Marski by Scandic or at Scandic Grand Central. Last year, we noticed one location wasn’t enough, so this year we’ll have two locations instead. More details to be announced closer to the event!

For the first time, we will provide our event guests the opportunity to start the event day(s) with a 20-minute meditation session at the Messukeskus venue. The session will be a standing meditation held by a professional instructor from Roots Helsinki. 

Specific times:

  • 16 September: 10:30 – 11:00
  • 17 September: 7:55 – 8:25

Registration will open closer to the event.

During the Event

The doors will open at 8:30 on the first event 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.

You can access the agenda for our next event on the dedicated agenda page.

Our VIP and First Class tickets include extra content sessions and other benefits. Both VIP and First Class extras are included in the First Class ticket.

VIP Program

Wednesday 16 September

  • 09:00-10:00 VIP Breakfast
  • 10:00-11:00 VIP Session with Rahaf Harfoush – Beyond Burnout: The Leader’s Playbook for a Focus-First Culture
  • 19:15-22:30 VIP Evening at the venue

Thursday 17 September

  • 08:30-09:30 VIP Session with Michael Beckley – Navigating the New World Order

First Class Program

Sessions at the First Class Lounge:

Wednesday 16 September:

  • 11:15 – 11:45 Q&A session with Angela Duckworth
  • 14:10 – 14:30 Q&A session with Michael Beckley
  • 14:30 – 14:50 Q&A session with Rahaf Harfoush
  • 16:40 – 17:00 Q&A Session with Kjell A. Nordström
  • 19:20 – 19:40 Q&A Session with Paul Polman

Thursday 17 September

  • 12:20 – 12:35 Q&A Session with Alison Wood Brooks
  • 14:55 – 15:20 Q&A session with Patty McCord
  • 17:10 – 17:55 Photo Opportunity in Small Groups with Oprah Winfrey

First Class Lounge & Catering

The First Class attendees are welcome to relax at the First Class Lounge. There, you will have the opportunity to network in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy our First Class catering.

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.

We will add the venue map here once we’re done designing it.

Our event and networking app is powered by Brella. The event app is a great way to make your event experience smoother. With the app you can for example:

-> Quickly access the up-to-date agenda, venue map, and other relevant info
-> See who is attending and book meetings with other event guests
-> Participate in polls and ask questions during the Main Stage sessions
-> Access interpretation in about 60 languages
-> Watch the recordings after the event

The event app opens on 19 August, and you will get an email invitation to sign up. Then we suggest you:

  1. Download the app on Google Play or App Store or go to https://next.brella.io/events
  2. Log in with the email you used to register for the event
  3. Enter or create your password or click ‘Send me a sign-in code’
  4. Join the event ‘Nordic Business Forum 2026’
  5. Update your profile or continue with your existing account
  6. 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.

 

For iPhones                For Android Phones

For Attendees:

At Nordic Business Forum 2026, our event partners may ask for permission to scan your QR code (from your 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 own 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.

For Partners:

We’re excited to introduce lead scanning in the NBF 2026 Brella app! It’s an efficient way to capture event guest information during the event. To scan an attendee’s QR code (via their badge or app), you must have the networking feature enabled in Brella.

Remember to always ask for permission before scanning: scans will only be permitted with the attendees’ approval! Once scanned, the lead details (name, email, company, title, interests, notes, and scanner’s identity) will be visible in your Brella admin portal.

We offer free interpretation for all Main Stage presentations in several languages, including Finnish, Swedish, Estonian,  Latvian, and Lithuanian. Detailed instructions to access the interpretation will be shared closer to the event.

Great news: All food and non-alcoholic beverages are included with your ticket and will be available throughout the event! 

Buffets and Food Trucks

We prioritize using local, sustainable 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!

Special Diets

Lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are available in all buffets. If you have any questions or specific dietary restrictions, just ask our staff with orange scarves and bow ties for help!

Restaurants

Many of the restaurants at Messukeskus are open, and you can enjoy their menus on our bill. Please note that only restaurants within the Networking Area are included, and the menus offered at the event may differ from their regular ones.

Nordic Business Forum 2025 was the first large-scale business conference in the Nordics to receive the esteemed Nordic Swan Ecolabel, and we’re receiving this recognition for NBF 2026 as well!

This recent Nordic Swan Ecolabel process offered new insights and helped us improve various aspects of our production. If you are attending, please remember that you can do your part as well! Here are 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 on sustainability!

ID and Tickets

Please remember to carry your ID with you throughout the event and always use your own Event Badge with the lanyard attached.

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 livestream.

We also want to encourage practicing good hygiene at the event. Remember to use hand sanitizers available and wash your hands regularly.

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.

Security

We have dedicated security staff at the event at all times. All attendees will also go through a security check every time they enter the Networking Area.

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.

VIP Evening — For VIP and First Class Guests

📍 Networking Area at Messukeskus

🕖 Wednesday, 16 September | 19:15–22:30

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!

Afterparties for Everyone

📍 Scandic by Marski & Scandic Grand Central 

🕖 Wednesday, 16 September | 22:00 ->

If you have the energy to continue enjoying the vibes, you can join the official NBF afterparties at Marski by Scandic or at Scandic Grand Central. Last year, we noticed one location wasn’t enough, so this year we’ll have two locations instead. More details to be announced closer to the event!

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!

After the Event

The event recordings will be available until December 31st, excluding the session with Oprah Winfrey, which will be available until October 17th.

We highly recommend revisiting the recordings and rewatching your favorite sessions to ensure the learnings don’t get left behind!

To support your learning, we will send all attendees a comprehensive learning package after the event, including:

  • An Executive Summary document with written summaries from each Main Stage Session
  • Summary slides about the main learnings from each session and themes
  • Visual summary drawings by Linda Saukko-Rauta
  • Materials shared by the speakers

You can also access all the previous Executive Summaries for free.

We’d love to hear from you on social media! The official event hashtag is #NBForum2026. You can also tag us at @Nordic Business Forum or @NBForumHQ on your favorite social media platforms. If you have applied something you learned at the event in practice and would like to share your experience, you can use the hashtag #inspiredbyNBF.

To stay connected with us after the event, subscribe to our Leader’s Digest Newsletter for monthly insights and inspiration on leadership. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok 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!

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Contact

Chat with us

info@nbforum.com

+358 20 775 1390