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Talent Boost Summit 2026

Busy crowd networking

Date
October 7, 2026
Time:
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Location:
Finland, Uusimaa
Registration

Join the biggest annual event on international talent attraction, recruitment and retention.

The next Talent Boost Summit will take place on October 7, 2026 at Finlandia Hall, in the heart of Helsinki.

 

Talent Boost Summit is Finland’s largest annual business and expert event focused on international talent, innovation and growth. In 2025, the event brought together nearly 900 participants, with almost 500 attending in person.

 

The event is aimed at: 

  1. Companies
  2. Stakeholders
  3. Decision-makers
  4. Labour migration and attraction ecosystem leaders internationally

 

It brings together leading companies, key stakeholders and  public sector representatives to discuss how to attract, recruit and retain international talent – and how to harness international expertise to drive business growth, internationalization and innovation.

 

Come make the future of Finland and the world together with us!

Event program

Main hosts: Megha Goswami & Kristaps Kovalonoks

Main stage (morning)

 

8:30–9:30 Registration & Networking over coffee  
(Media corner available in Veranda 4 during morning and mainstage programs)

 

9:30–9:40 Welcome & agenda by hosts

 

9:40–9:55 Opening speech by Inka Mero, CEO, Voima Ventures Oy

 

10:00–10:20 Keynote by Amel Gaily, CEO, Cuckoo Oy:  “Why Finland’s Next Growth Phase Will Be Built by International Teams”

 

10:25–10:45 Keynote by Tuomas Saikkonen, CEO, Vilpe Oy: “How Global Talent and Innovation Shape Finland’s Future Competitiveness”

 

10:50–11:30 Panel discussion: “Human Capital as the Greatest Asset in Times of Transformation and Uncertainty ” with Risto Vuohelainen, Business Finland; Joonas Mikkilä, TEKNO; Ted Apter, Suomen Ekonomit; Mikko Räsänen, EK; Owain Hopeaketo, TEK and Kuntaliitto

 

11:30–13:00 Complimentary lunch is served at the venue  
During the break, attendees can visit the exhibition area.  



13:00–14:30 Afternoon sessions

The afternoon program consists of three themed rooms (Veranda 1, Veranda 2 & Veranda 4) with two 40 min sessions each. Attendees can change the topic rooms during the 10 min break between the sessions at 13:40–13:50. 

VERANDA 1

Theme: Labour market in 2030

 

Part 1 13:00–13:40 (40min)
Topic: Future trends  

  • A keynote by Elina Kiiski-Kataja, Senior lead, Foresight at Sitra: “What is the promise about the future that Finland gives”
  • A panel discussion: “Innovation and growth through internationalization in the society” with Elina Kiiski-Kataja, Senior lead, Foresight at Sitra; Mikko Möttönen, Quantum professor from Aalto and researcher Jorden Senior from VTT.

 

Break / transition window 13:40–13:50

 

Part 2 13:50–14:30 (40min)
Topic: Integration today – Making Finland home for international talent

  • Opening words by Mari Taverne, Tampere City and Glenn Gassen from Helsinki City representing the cooperation of Six Largest Cities in Finland (C6: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku and Oulu).
  • Panel Discussion with Espoo City, Chamber of Commerce, Higher Education institution, Labour union, Representative of a company, international talent representative.

VERANDA 2

Theme: International collaboration, synergies and future of global mobility

 

Part 1 13:00–13:40 (40min)

Topic: How could Europe join forces in the Talent competition? 

Host: Katri Niskanen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment

  • A keynote by European Talent Pool 
  • A keynote by ICMPD India-EU legal gateway  

Break / transition window 13:40–13:50

 

Part 2 13:50–14:30 (40min)

Topic: Future vision and current experiences of Talent Attraction, Retention and Recruitment

Host: Jannika Saario, KEHA Centre

 

An expert panel discussion with

  • Dan Rosenberg, Copenhagen Capacity
  • Sara Djupsund, Work in Sweden
  • Kristi Veskus, Work in Estonia 
  • Santeri Ojala, Work in Finland

VERANDA 4

Theme: Talents, entrepreneurship, and growth companies – Foundations of Finland’s future

 

Part 1 13:00–13:40 (40min)

Host: Roham Malekzadehbagheri

  • Opening Words by Marianne Ruusunhelmi, Suomen Yrittäjät ry on “How Migrant Entrepreneurs Drive Growth and Strengthen Finland’s Economy”  
  • A Keynote: “Why Now Is Not the Time to Settle” by Antonia Eneh, CEO, Elva Technologies Oy and Board Member of Wave Ventures

Break / transition window 13:40–13:50

 

Part 2 13:50–14:30 (40min)

Topic: Igniting Finland’s Next Phase: The Power of Growth Companies  

  • Opening words by Karoliina Lehtonen, Head of Impact, Growth Collective (Kasvuryhmä) “Alternative future to Finland’s growth”  
  • Panel Discussion with Karoliina Lehtonen, Antonia Eneh and Jyri Engeström. Panel host: Hanna Riski

14:30–15:15 Coffee break & networking in the lobby

Main stage for all – VERANDA 2

15:15 Political and Business Panel discussion 

Panel host: Alec Neihum

 

Participating political parties: 

  • National Coalition Party 
  • Green League: Mari Holopainen
  • Christian Democrats in Finland: Susanna Kokkonen
  • Social Democratic Party of Finland 
  • Centre Party of Finland 
  • Finns Party 
  • Swedish People’s Party (RKP): Anders Adlercreutz
  • Left Alliance

16:05 International Employer of the Year Award ceremony with Niko Hiltunen from JCI Finland

  • Remarks by winning companies 
  • Award certificates given by Nasima Razmyar and Minister Matias Marttinen 

16:35 Closing remarks: Minister Matias Marttinen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment   

 

16:50 Feedback QR-code 


17:00 Afterwork networking & cocktails 

Music by DJ Panic and performance by Style Dance Industry

Organizers

Talent Boost Summit 2026 is organized by Work in Finland in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

 

The event partners will be published later.

 

For more information and partnership opportunities please contact:

Regina Ainla

Manager Talent Boost Network and Diversity

040 939 1654

Vesa Liesivuori

Development specialist

029 502 6620

Keynote speeches of 2025