Main stage (morning)
8.30–9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00–9.10 Welcome words: André Noël Chaker, Speaker of the Year, tech and sports business all-rounder
9.10–9.40 Keynote speech: Elina Björklund, Chair of the Board, Reima Group – "Leading Growth through Global Shifts – Cultures that Learn, Teams that Win"
9.45–10.05 Keynote speech: Jonathan Chaloff, International Migration Division, OECD
10.10–10.30 Keynote speech: Tarun Sharma, venture leader, TEDx speaker, Partner & COO at Nokia Ventures – "Finland’s Growth or Decline? The Role of Talent and Business"
10.35–11.15 Panel discussion: Ecosystem Thinking – How Cities, Government, and Companies Shape Talent Futures. Host Laura Lindeman, Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Helsinki City Mayor Marja-Leena Rinkineva , Espoo City Mayor Mervi Heinaro, Turku City Mayor Piia Elo, Oulu City Mayor Ari Alatossava
11.15-11.30 Questions and answers
11:30-13:00 Lunch break
Lunch is served at the venue. During the break, you can also visit the exhibition area. After lunch, attendees choose one of four themed discussion rooms.
13:00-14:30 Afternoon sessions
Room KELO: Can Finland have growth without international talents?
Hosted jointly by the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku and Oulu and moderated by André Noël Chaker, this session explores the economic necessity of international talent.
The first part of the session includes expert presentation by Antti Kauhanen from ETLA.
The second part is a panel discussion showcasing experiences from Germany. Hosted by André Noël Chaker, German Finnish chamber of commerce CEO Jan Feller, international recruitment expert at the German Chamber of Commerce Anine Linder and Glenn Gassen from Helsinki City Municipality.
Room HONKA: Keeping Talents – A Critical Success Factor for the Future
This room, hosted by OP Uusimaa and Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, focuses on best practices and strategies for retaining international talent. Presentations and discussion highlight company case examples and recent research findings.
Moderator Ira Hammermann, speakers include Hannakaisa Länsisalmi, Chief People and Culture Officer, OP, Heli Rantavuo, Head of Customer Insight, OP Financial Group. Comments on the research by Pia Pakarinen, CEO, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce
This is an exclusive invitation only session for leaders and executives. For more information please contact: regina.ainla@businessfinland.fi
Room LATVA: What Kind of Talent Does Finland Need – and Who Will Come? (This session will be streamed)
This session is hosted by Work in Finland.
The first part the session, presents the latest national demand-supply insights by Timo Bergman and Kimmo Kari from KEHA Center and research on "Does Cultural Diversity Still Drive Growth in Finnish Companies" by Joonas Halla from Work Finland.
The second part, presents a panel discussion about "Attractive employer and nation brand". Hosted by Johanna Jäkälä from Business Finland. The speakers are Ulla Helander/Miltton, Karelle Belanger/Finders Seekers, Tommi Korhonen/OP and Emilia Järvisalo/Veikkaus.
Room OKSA: Retention Trend Setters – From Strategy to Action
This session is jointly hosted by Suomen Ekonomit, Confederation of Finnish Industries (Elinkeinoelämän Keskusliitto) and the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto).
The first part of the session a panel will discuss "Strategic cooperation between cities and business communities". The panel is hosted by Mikko Härkönen, the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto). The panelists are Maria Haglund, Vaasa Region Development Company, Pauliina Polvinen, Municipality of Janakkala, Suvi Anttila from Alteams Oy and Marko Kohvakka, Pihla Group.
The second part of the session features a panel hosted by Ted Apter from Suomen Ekonomit. The panelists are Rosa Thurman, Amcham, Laura Koivisto-Khazal, MDI. Owain Hopeaketo, TEK and Lukumanu Iddrisu, ABB/Vaasa municipality.
14:30-15:00 Coffee break
Main stage (afternoon)
15:00-15:55 Panel discussion: Global Talent as a Driver for Finland’s Growth and Innovation – And Are We Ready? A cross-party political panel hosted by Eero Hiidenvuori Technology Industries of Finland (Teknologiateollisuus). The panelists are Nasima Razmyar (Social Democratic Party of Finland), Saara-Sofia Sirèn (National Coalition Party), Antti Siika-Aho (Centre Party of Finland), Shawn Huff (Green League) and Ossi Lehtihuhta (Christian Democrats in Finland).
16:00-16:10 Central Chamber of Commerce Suvi Pulkkinen will introduces international employer brand initiative
16:10-16:30 Celebrating the winner of JCI Finland International Employer of the Year competition
16:35-16:45 Closing remarks: Matias Marttinen, Minister of Employment
17:00-18:00 Optional afterwork networking hosted by Helsinki City Municipality
Music performance by Emilia Sisco Duo