International Attendees’ Guide to Nordic Business Forum

What began as a modest vision from two university students in Jyväskylä has grown into a small group of business events that bring together top leaders, thinkers, and decision-makers across Europe. Founded in 2009, Nordic Business Forum has expanded into the Business Forum Group, which now also includes Amsterdam Business Forum, Oslo Business Forum (taking place in the same week as NBF) and Thinkers50.

The biggest event of the group is Nordic Business Forum in Helsinki, which has become one of Europe’s leading business conferences. While a large part of the audience comes from Finland, the 2025 event welcomed its biggest international audience (around 2,500 people) ever. To make the international guest’s experience smoother, we’ve gathered some tips and insights about Finland (and especially Helsinki) for you to make the most out of your visit.

1. Welcome to Nordic Business Forum 2026

On 16 and 17 September, NBF 2026 will gather over 8,000 leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior decision makers from more than 50 countries. The event will take place in Helsinki, Finland—a city known for its forward-thinking mindset and vibrant business scene. Despite its northern location, Helsinki is also well connected to major European and international hubs.

The venue, Messukeskus (Expo and Convention Centre), happens to be the biggest and best-known convention center in Finland. It’s located in Pasila, and it’s easily accessible from the airport or the Helsinki city center.

We highly recommend using Helsinki’s public transport (train, metro, tram, bus) to get around as it’s efficient, reliable, easy to use, and maybe most importantly: a sustainable choice. One of the easiest ways to get to Messukeskus from Helsinki city center is the train. The HSL app is the simplest way to buy tickets and find your route.

For details to plan a smooth arrival, check our event info website.

2. Basics about Helsinki

Why Helsinki? In short, Jyväskylä got too small for our event. And of course, as Finland’s capital, Helsinki has plenty to offer. The city is home to about 700,000 people, but is surrounded by two other large cities, Espoo and Vantaa, and several small municipalities that together create an area of about 1,6 million people. That’s about one-fifth of the total population in Finland.

Helsinki combines Nordic minimalism with an innovative startup culture. It ranks high in sustainability, safety, and quality of life. For international business travelers, Helsinki is a gateway to the Nordic market and a hub for tech, clean energy, and design industries.

Top reasons to love Helsinki:

• High quality of life: Safety, excellent public services, and a rich cultural scene.
• Sustainability leader: Green spaces, clean energy, and walkable neighborhoods.
• Innovation hub: Home to thriving startups, R&D centers, and global talent.

3. Practical Tips for International Visitors

Most people in Finland speak English, and in Helsinki many signs are also in English. So, no need to worry about the language barrier! We know Finnish is next to impossible to learn on a short trip, so we’re willing to let that go. But locals really appreciate when visitors try a word or two—it warms our hearts.

Here a few very simple words, you can try:

• Hello = Hei!
• Thank you = Kiitos!
• Yes / No = Kyllä / Ei

Other general things good for you to know:

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted and mobile payments are common. Note: cash is not always accepted.
• Public Wi‑Fi: Free in many cafés, libraries, and even trams.
• Safety: The Emergency number is 112, and pharmacies (Apteekki) are easy to find.
• Adaptors: Finland uses Type C/F plugs (230V).
• Weather: Expect variable weather and remember that Helsinki is windy—bring layers and comfortable shoes.

4. Top Networking Tips to Apply in Finland

When doing business in Finland or even simply connecting with Finns at the event, it’s good to know a few key cultural points.

• Finns appreciate punctuality. We highly suggest you be on time—it will be a sign of respect to the person you are meeting.
• Finns are direct in communication. In general, Finnish culture values honesty and clear agreements. If something has been agreed upon, it’s taken seriously.
• Finns think preparation is key. Do your research and make sure you know who you are talking to. Finns really appreciate well‑thought‑out proposals.

Networking is open and informal, but building trust takes consistency and integrity. A strong handshake and maintaining commitments go a long way!

5. Why Doing Business in Finland Makes Sense

“I finally feel I can come as I am,” is something you often hear in Finland. That authenticity is visible everywhere: in our direct way of speaking, in the fact that CEOs are approachable at events, or even in spotting the president taking the tram.

Finland’s business culture emphasizes collaboration, openness, and trust. We don’t just innovate for profit, but to make an impact—whether that’s through ethical AI, clean energy solutions, or diversity-driven business models. You may not always notice it at first glance, but cutting-edge systems run quietly in the background: from nationwide digital energy tracking to climate-predicting digital twins.

Helsinki has become Europe’s most digitalized economy, home to quantum research, deeptech innovation, and global success stories like Oura. With 11 unicorns from Finland alone (out of 80+ across the New Nordics), the country’s startup scene is vibrant and well-supported by government funding, accelerators, and VC networks that consistently outperform European peers.

The Finnish government is also serious about supporting growth: corporate tax rates are being reduced to 18%, with a 25% flat rate for key international employees. Combined with cost-efficient R&D capabilities, Finland offers one of Europe’s most competitive environments for scaling innovation.

For practical guidance on company setup, hiring, tax, and IP, you can turn to Helsinki Partners’ vetted network of service providers to help.

6. Get Guidance from Helsinki Partners

Behind the scenes of Helsinki’s international business landscape stands Helsinki Partners—the city’s investment promotion and marketing agency. Their mission is simple: to help international companies and investors succeed in Helsinki.

Whether you’re looking to expand your operations, find new business opportunities, or you’re an investor exploring the investment landscape, Helsinki Partners provides tailored support free of charge. Their team of advisors has strong local networks and can connect you with the right people, from corporate leaders to researchers and public officials. In practice, they can help with for example market insights, investor matchmaking, and introductions to universities, innovation clusters, and venture capital networks.

7. Recommended Restaurants During Your Stay

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

Bonus: Tips for Exploring Helsinki in Your Free Time

Of course, no trip to Helsinki is complete without exploring the city itself. If you have the time, these are some things for you to do:

• Iconic sights: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Cathedral, and the lively Market Square (Kauppatori).
• Smart travel: Hop on a city bike or use the excellent tram/metro system to explore different districts.
• Food & drink: Try traditional Finnish cafés, new Nordic restaurants, or local breweries, many of which are perfect for informal business conversations.
• Culture & leisure: Visit the Design District, discover local museums, or relax in a sauna (an essential part of Finnish life). For evening entertainment, live music and theaters offer plenty of options.
• Take the time to explore! You’ll quickly see why Helsinki consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and innovative cities.