What’s New in the Nordics

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Now that the world has opened in full swing post-pandemic, business conferences are back. We should know. Here at Selected, we cover 2,000+ of the leading technology and business events around the world.  So with all the places to go and things to do, how do companies decide where to allocate time, resources and personnel? The key to the Nordic Business Forum lies in the quality.

This year, NBF also turned out to be the place to meet the 1st female president of Finland, Tarja Halonen. There was a presidential debate of three potential future presidents, one of them a former foreign minister who could soon be Finland’s 1st gay president.

The Nordic Business Forum is renowned for its high-quality content, the opportunity it provides for networking and learning, impeccable organization (they only take staff from two of Finland’s business colleges), and the meticulous planning and execution evident in its seamless organization. Every detail, from the schedule to the venue, is carefully orchestrated to provide an optimal experience for attendees.

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Pasi Salminen :: Youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai

World-Class Speakers

The Nordic Business Forum is distinguished by its roster of speakers, featuring renowned experts, authors, and leaders from different fields. These speakers share their wisdom, experiences, and insights, enriching the audience with valuable knowledge and perspectives. The forum’s commitment to bringing high-caliber speakers underscores its reputation as a leading business conference.

Ticket prices range from €1,490 to €3,490 which nowadays attracts not only the often siloed Nordic countries, but I sat next to the CEO of a company from Holland who had integrated the work of the conference’s opening speaker Patrick Lencioni into his entire business operations. Organizations like Hero that have used Lencioni’s methods swear by it so much that they brought their whole management team to Finland just to attend his morning talk.

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Pasi Salminen :: Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Work Week and the most listened to business podcast (1 billion downloads)

Diverse Range of Topics

The Nordic Business Forum is a space where knowledge meets passion, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. This year, like all major events, AI was included. Of course.

The conference covers a wide array of topics pertinent to the business world, including leadership, innovation, culture, strategy, and more. The diversity in content ensures that attendees from various sectors can find value and relevance in the discussions, making it a versatile and inclusive event.

You need to understand the difference between what is a trend and what is trendy.’ was one of the many pearls of wisdom I heard while avidly taking notes. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to write down who said it, but Nordic Business Forum does come with a livestream option and access to recordings for 90 days so I could go back and check.

The program covers two full days and an evening VIP dinner for those with access. The food throughout the event is local, Nordic, exotic, organic, caters to all diets, and is cheffed by a celebrity in the field. In a surprise artistic touch and nod to the growing popularity of the Nordics, the conference brought a concert of flamenco, and joik (similar to yodelling) from the indigenous Sámi people in a duet with a hit rapper to the stage.

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Pasi Salminen :: “Impromptu” flamenco dance break out
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Pasi Salminen :: A song honouring indigenous Sámi people

Expanding Horizons

At Nordic Business Forum, you are sure to be surrounded by European business leaders and C-level executives, immersed in stimulating conversations with industry leaders. The Nordic Business Forum is not just a conference; it is an experience that expands horizons, challenges conventional thinking, and inspires change. It is a catalyst for innovation and transformation, empowering individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. It brings together a diverse group of individuals who are united by their passion for learning and their pursuit of excellence.

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Pasi Salminen

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If you’re considering exhibiting at a future trade show, the insights shared by exhibitors at SIAL Paris 2024 can be incredibly valuable. They offer their advice based on their overall experiences as exhibitors and during their pitch sessions in front of a jury.  Here are some key takeaways to help you maximize your experience: Torg: Plan ahead Start your planning well in advance. Create a to-do list and a timeline based on insights from previous events to streamline your preparation. Avoid relying too heavily on external logistics, as managing these can be challenging if you’re not experienced. Ensure that everything is organized and in place to meet your needs. Pitching tips: Keep your pitch short and focused. If you have multiple products or topics, concentrate on one and explore it in-depth within 90 seconds. Use minimal text in your presentations. This helps maintain the audience’s attention on your message rather than distracting them with written content. Lebrin Cbd: Be spontaneous Balance preparation with spontaneity. While practicing your pitch is important, over-rehearsing can create unnecessary pressure and dissatisfaction. Allow yourself to connect more genuinely with your audience by going with the flow during your presentation. VgFryer: Stay proactive Engage actively with attendees and maintain communication with your contacts even after the event. Being persistent and keeping an optimistic outlook can help you foster lasting connections that extend beyond the trade show. Freshjt: Engage through experience Let your products speak for themselves by allowing visitors to sample them before explaining their features. This approach keeps attendees engaged and encourages interaction. Remember that trade shows are about sharing experiences and discovering market opportunities, not just selling products. Networking tips: Create a list of key exhibitors that match your target customer profile to visit during your free hours at the exhibition. While some exhibitors may not have their purchasing or business development managers present, their sales representatives can provide valuable contact information for future connections. Pitching tips: Bring your products to your pitch. If possible, allow attendees in the front rows to try them out to enhance engagement. Avoid technical jargon and focus on key values such as innovation and unique production technology. Most attendees may not fully grasp complex information in just 1-2 minutes. Credits : Biz Today If you’re planning to attend a Food trade show, don’t miss our latest article on maximizing your ROI at these industry gatherings !

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For founders, investors, and innovators, Slush 2024 is certainly a standout event, bringing together the brightest minds in tech. With a series of fresh features aimed at building deeper connections and fostering meaningful conversations, Slush continues its mission of elevating the startup ecosystem. Aino Bergius, Slush’s CEO, highlights for Sesamers how the event significantly adapts every year to meet the evolving needs of founders and investors. This year, Slush 2024 generally focuses on a few key areas: enhanced investor access, mentoring, sustainability, and inclusivity. Here’s what you can look forward to in Helsinki on November 20-21, 2024. The Theme of Slush 2024: Metamorphosis This year, Slush has chosen “Metamorphosis” as its theme — eventually a fitting choice for an industry defined by constant change. In the spirit of transformation, Slush 2024 aims to explore how startups can adapt, evolve, and thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Aino Bergius shares that the theme reflects “the dynamic nature of tech and the journey every founder undergoes.” Doubling Down on Founder Focus Slush has always been about connecting founders and investors, and 2024 is no exception. “We’re committed to being the most founder-focused event in the world,” Bergius says. This commitment is evident in the Investor Office Hours, which have doubled in capacity. Startups can meet investors from leading firms like Index Ventures, 500 Global, and Playfair, making the event one of the year’s top networking hubs for founder-investor meetings. Mentoring opportunities have also expanded, allowing founders to connect with experienced speakers and industry experts. Bergius notes that these sessions are designed to “ensure conversations continue long after the stage talks end,” making Slush not just an event, but a springboard for lasting connections. A High-Level Investor Program For venture capitalists, Slush 2024 offers an exclusive lineup of limited partners (LPs), managing assets totaling over $6 trillion. Investor Day returns to its roots at the Cable Factory, creating a unique setting for high-level conversations among investors. Bergius says, “Investor Day is designed to facilitate the most relevant investor-to-investor discussions.” With LP Lounges, roundtables, and one-on-one mentoring, the day is structured to bring out the best insights and opportunities for attendees. Adapting to AI and Climate Trends At Slush 2024 The Slush stage program unquestionably keeps a pulse on the latest tech trends, with this year’s discussions diving into AI, machine learning, and climate tech. In 2023, investments in AI and climate tech took a significant share of the capital in European tech, with AI companies capturing 11% and climate tech 27%. 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Setting up a packed yet intentional schedule is key, as the event is an immersive journey that certainly includes everything from professional growth to cultural experiences. So get ready, Helsinki is calling, and Slush 2024 promises to deliver a transformative experience for founders and investors alike. Want to stay ahead in the event industry? Follow Sesamers on LinkedIn and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletters for the latest insights, tips, and event news.

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Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups:  Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com. 

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