Nordic Business Forum 2026 is about more than two days of world-class speakers. It’s also about the conversations you have between sessions, the unexpected discoveries around the venue, and the experiences that make the event your own.
On September 16–17, Messukeskus (Helsinki Expo) will once again turn into a meeting place for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from around the world. While the Main Stage is where the headline moments happen, there are plenty of other things to explore too.
From live interviews and spontaneous conversations to good food, games, and places to pause, here are 10 things to explore at Nordic Business Forum 2026.
1. HS Visio Live Studio
During breaks, head over to the HS Visio Live Studio for live interviews with speakers and selected event guests. It’s a chance to hear more from the people taking the stage and catch conversations you might not get to experience during their Main Stage sessions. There are also a few intriguing debates on Thursday, 17 September.
-> Explore the Executive Café agenda on our website or the event app (Brella).
Note: If you miss these discussions during the event, don’t worry! You can tune into the NBF YouTube channel after the event and check out the interviews that are most interesting to you.
2. Buffets, Restaurants, and Food Trucks
Great thinking and connecting with people requires good fuel, so all the food and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your ticket throughout the event days!
Our well-thought-out event meals, beverages, and snacks are served at the buffets, with lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options always available. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, explore the restaurants and food trucks around the venue. From reindeer kebabs to fresh fishburgers and other local treats, there’s plenty to discover.
-> Check our website for details on what’s on the menu this year.
3. Executive Café
Looking for a different kind of break? Visit the new Executive Café, where our partners will host sharp 30-minute conversations over good coffee. It’s a place to pick up a new idea, hear a different perspective, and continue the conversation over a cup of coffee.
-> You can check the Executive Café agenda on our website or the event app (Brella).
4. Karaoke Booth
Last year, we turned one of the soundproof Framery pods into a Karaoke booth—and people loved it!
If you wish to take a different kind of break with your old or new business friends, step into the Karaoke booth and let loose!
5. Relax & Think Area
Two intensive days can be a lot to take in. The Relax & Think Area offers a chance to slow down, recharge, and give your thoughts some space. The area offers noise-cancelling headphones, hammocks, quality tea, and even short massages to help you relax.
Note: If you need full silence, we recommend heading over to our Quiet Room (room 104 of Messukeskus).
6. SEB Stage
Even beyond the HS Visio Live Studio and the Executive Café, there’s more content to discover beyond the Main Stage. At the SEB Stage, feature voices from the Finnish and Baltic business scene, offering takes on the region’s economic development. Throughout the two days, they’ll explore the question: what can a machine never do in place of a human?
-> Take a look at the SEB Stage agenda on our website or the event app (Brella).
7. Outdoor Area
Sometimes the best way to refresh your thinking is simply to step outside. Our renewed Outdoor Area is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery during a busy event day. We also have food trucks available in the Outdoor Area, in case you’re hungry.
8. 1:1 Meetings and Extreme Extroverts Area
Networking doesn’t have to mean waiting for the perfect introduction. Use the Brella event app to book meetings with other attendees at the dedicated 1:1 Meeting Area tables. With thousands of people under one roof, you never know which conversation could lead somewhere interesting.
If you want to meet new people more spontaneously, visit the Extreme Extroverts Area. Serendipitous conversations and thought-provoking topics are encouraged.
9. Arcade Games
Need a quick dose of play between big ideas? Head to the arcade games and challenge your colleagues—or someone you’ve just met—to a round. Sometimes a short, friendly competition is exactly what you need before heading back into the intensive learning program.
10. Partner Expo Areas
Several of our event partners have their own experience stands at the Networking Area. While enjoying the breaks from the Main Stage sessions, make sure to see what they have in store for you. This is also a great way to spark new conversations and make unexpected connections between sessions!
Bonus: 360 Photobooth
Stop by the 360 Photobooth and capture a fun snapshot of your Nordic Business Forum experience. Bring your colleagues, your new connections, or whoever happens to be nearby—and create a memory to take with you after the event.
Make the most of your two days
With so much happening around the venue, there’s no single way to experience Nordic Business Forum. Follow the sessions that matter to you, but leave some room for the unexpected, too. Explore, recharge, meet someone new, have fun, and make the most of everything happening beyond the Main Stage.
And by the way, if you need to catch up on emails or get some work done, head to the Working Lounge or find one of the Framery Pods around the venue. The Framery pods are available to anyone, anytime, so if you happen to find one that’s free, just step in to use it.
We can’t wait to see you at Messukeskus on September 16–17!
PS. Here’s the NBF 2026 Venue Map for you to check the locations of the above mentioned places:
