Main stage (morning)
8.30–9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00–9.10 Welcome words: André Noël Chaker
9.10–9.40 Keynote speech: Elina Björklund
9.45–10.05 Keynote speech: Jonathan Chaloff, OECD
10.10–10.30 Keynote speech: Tarun Sharma, venture leader, TEDx speaker, Partner & COO at Nokia Ventures
10.35–11.15 Panel discussion: Ecosystem Thinking – How Cities, Government, and Companies Shape Talent Futures
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 1: 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. It includes expert presentation by Antti Kauhanen from ETLA and a panel discussion showcasing experiences from Germany.
Room 2: 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.
This is an exclusive invitation only session for leaders and executives. For more information please contact: regina.ainla@businessfinland.fi
Room 3: What Kind of Talent Does Finland Need – and Who Will Come?
Hosted by Work in Finland, this session presents the latest demand-supply insights and explores in a panel discussion how employer and country branding should work together to attract international professionals.
Room 4: Retention Trend Setters – From Strategy to Action
Jointly hosted by Suomen Ekonomit, Confederation of Finnish Industries (Elinkeinoelämän Keskusliitto) and the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto), this room features two panel discussions. Jointly hosted by the Finnish Business School Graduates (Suomen Ekonomit), Confederation of Finnish Industries (Elinkeinoelämän Keskusliitto) and the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto).
This room features two panel discussions. The first focuses on strategic cooperation between cities and businesses. The second discusses shared responsibility in talent retention from individual, societal and organisational perspectives.
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).
16:00-16:15 Announcing the winner of JCI International Employer of the Year
16:15-16:30 Central Chamber of Commerce introduces international employer brand initiative
16:35-16:45 Closing remarks, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
17:00-18:00 Optional afterwork networking hosted by Helsinki City Municipality