First Timer’s Guide to NBF – 8 Things You Should Know

First time at Nordic Business Forum? You’re in the right place. This guide is packed with tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of your experience.

For more event information, please see our Event Information Website. 

Here are the 8 most important things we think you should know:

1. Opt for the Pre-Check-In to Avoid Queues

Before entering the event you will need to exchange your ticket for an Event Badge. You will need to show your badge upon arrival at the venue.

There are a couple of ways for you to get your badge:

At the Pre-Check-In

To avoid queues, we recommend that you get your event badge at the pre-check-in.

Pre-Check-In times and locations:

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

At Messukeskus

You can also collect your event badge from the check-in at Messukeskus when you arrive at the event. Please prepare to queue for a little while if you choose this option, especially if you arrive at one of the busiest times (close to times when the general program begins).

Whenever you claim your Event Badge, please remember to take your ticket and an ID.

2. Choose Public Transportation if Possible

Not only is it more sustainable, but when 7,500+ people are coming to the same destination, it’s also your best shot at avoiding traffic.

Messukeskus Helsinki (Expo & Convention Center) is located close to Helsinki city center with excellent transportation connections.

We highly recommend using public transportation to minimize carbon emissions, avoid paying and worrying about parking, and to reduce traffic. Here are some options:

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.

Train
All national and international trains stop at Pasila, and it is only a 300-meter walk to the main entrance of the venue.

Tram or Bus
Trams and buses are also an excellent way to get around Helsinki. We suggest you plan your bus or tram route at hsl.fi

3. Read the Event Info Page

On the Event Information Website we have gathered everything you need to know, from venue maps and restaurants to afterparties and learning materials, we have got you covered. So, if there’s anything on your mind (and even if there isn’t), we highly recommend you take the time to at least scroll through the event information page.

4. Download the Brella App

Brella is our beloved event and networking app. We recommend you make yourself familiar with Brella before the event days. On Brella you can set up your networking profile, find other attendees you may want to meet, and book quick 15-minute meetings with them.

Even if you have no intention to network, we recommend you download Brella for easy-access to the event agenda, venue map, interpretation, and recordings after the event.

1. Download the app on Google Play or App Store or go to https://next.brella.io/events
2. Log in with the same 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 2025’
5. Update your profile
6. Set up your networking preferences and book meetings (if you want to!)

5. Stay Hydrated and Fed During the Event

During the event days, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be on us. To help keep your mind sharp and body energized, we offer a buffet style lunch and delicious snacks and refreshments during the networking breaks. There is also always free coffee and water available, and food from the Messukeskus restaurants and event food trucks will also be on us.

6. Business Casual – or Whatever Makes You Comfortable

Nordic Business Forum has no proper dress code, yet many of our attendees opt for a business casual look. We will not be judging your fashion choices, yet we do recommend you wear something that makes you feel both comfortable and confident, especially if you plan to network! Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Messukeskus is BIG.

7. Be Open to New Experiences

Some of our customers say the best thing about the event is the serendipity. Don’t worry, we had to google that as well, and it means something like a happy accident. Like a series of events that happen by chance and lead to something great. To experience serendipity, we recommend you stay open-minded to people, to new ideas, and to new experiences.

Some ways to put this into practice:

• Take notes of the keynotes and write down your thoughts and ideas. Even if you disagree with someone, write down why and what you think. Your notes could lead to fruitful conversations or new ideas later.
• Be open to meeting new people. Even if networking is not your main goal, chance encounters may be beneficial in a personal or professional way. Maybe you’ll find a new friend, or simply have a fun moment with a stranger!
• Keep your eyes open. There is a lot happening in the event outside of the Main Stage. Maybe you’ll have an insightful exchange while playing arcade games or learn something while having a cappuccino at a partner stand. You never know, and that’s the best!

So, while we do encourage you to prepare for the event days and to make goals, we want you to leave some room for serendipity.

8. Make the Most of Your Learning – After the Event

The event days can be intense, and there is only so much you can learn in a day or even two. That is why we recommend you take notes, and come back to them at a later point. Some ideas will stick with you right away, but oftentimes when coming back to the materials you will have completely new insights.

After the event we will offer you a lot of learning materials. You will be able to rewatch the keynotes for 90 days (exception: until 1st October for Simon Sinek), and we will send you a post-learning package within a couple of weeks of the event. This package will include key points from the speakers, and other learning materials.

Still have questions? Please check the Event Information Page or the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).