destination report: finland

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H EAD Q UARTERS Destination Report Finland is a special edition of Headquarters Magazine - March 2013 Published by Meeting Media Company (Europe) www.headquartersmagazine.com - [email protected] FINLAND MEETINGS BY DESIGN

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A special meetings destination on Finland

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Page 1: Destination report: Finland

Fast facts

headquarters Destination Report Finland

is a special edition of

Headquarters Magazine -

March 2013Published by Meeting Media Company (Europe) www.headquartersmagazine.com - [email protected]

FinlandMeetings by design

Page 2: Destination report: Finland

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introduction

Changed perCeptionWhen I took off, last November, from Brussels to land two and a half hours later in Helsinki, I must confess my expectations of Finland, both as a congress and leisure destina-tion, were not very high, even though my programme, on paper, sounded attractive. I knew some things about Finland - pretty much the things that your average visitor do - but to me the country lacked a clear-cut identity. It was just another Scandinavian destination definitely worth visiting, but would it be worth writing about?

My perception changed overnight, and pretty much in a heartbeat actually. And that was mainly because of the friendly

professionalism of the Finns themselves. They’re known to be bad at small talk - if some are not very subdued as for the matter - but once you dig a bit, you will find only highly competent individuals (in their respective field of endeavour) on the ready to help you out, not matter what your needs are.

It was that simple: everywhere I turned, I was given proof that Finns know how to deliver, that organizing an event there will be both smooth and flawless. You can actually feel it in a tangible way when you wander around. It’s as if Finnish people’s sense of service runs in their blood, just like a second nature.

UnUsUal CombinationNo wonder, then, Finland consistently ranks among the top 20 congress destinations in the UIA rankings. Each year, the country hosts in average more than 400 interna-tional meetings and 60,000 delegates. With experts in information technology, biochemistry and medicine, its universities, research institutes and hospitals serve just as magnets to attract association events. Finland is just a hotspot for innovation. The location of the country itself also plays a part: linking Europe, Russia, the Baltic states and Asia, it’s the ideal place to attract new delegates.

With a unique combination of quiet urban experiments and great outdoor experiences, with an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and expertise in design, with an unusual mélange of spacious elegance and attractive laidbackness, Finland doesn’t have it all, but surely boasts assets other destinations don’t.

Finland Less is moreLike you would expect, Finland is about design, snow, reindeers and saunas. But Finland is more than that. If the clichés are true, the country is keeping a great deal of treasures and jewels away from the masses. Finland doesn’t have it all, but it’s precisely for this reason why a new light should be shed on the land that gave birth to Iittala and the Angry Birds. When it comes to meetings in Finland, the added values might well be obvious.

Report Rémi Dévé

Page 3: Destination report: Finland

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> introduction

hQ: according to you, what makes Finland stand out as an association destination?Leena Sipilä: With Finland Convention Bureau which was established some 40 years ago - it was in fact one of the first in Europe - Finland has a long history of host-ing association congresses. Historically, Finland has also been very good at coo-perating with the congress industry and universities. And when we ask delegates to rank their congress experience in Finland, 89% tell us it has been excellent or very good - something we can be proud of!

hQ: What would you say to people who think Finland is ‘just another scandinavian country’?Leena Sipilä: Finland is clearly a Scandinavian country. But at the same time we are situated at a crossroads, between East and West, and our history has made us quite colorful. The Finns are maybe more no-nonsense persons compared to other Scandinavians. We are close to the Baltic countries and Russia and have developed commercial and scientific relations with these regions. For this reason, it is easier to attract delegates from there when an event is organised here. Let me add the

fastest connection from Asia to Europe is via Helsinki so attracting Asian delegates to Finland is also worth considering.

hQ: one obviously knows about helsinki as a congress destination. Can you tell us more about the not-so-well-known others?Leena Sipilä: In addition to Helsinki, there are very successful congress cities like Tampere, Turku and Espoo. There are also very unique and spectacular in their own way. The universities of Lapland and Rovaniemi are also not be forgotten. Santa’s home town hosts a number of international conferences, wich are surely memorable for this reason only.

hQ: What are Finland Convention bureau’s added values when helping an association organize an event in Finland?Leena Sipilä: The core work of FCB is to encourage higher education institutions, scientists and associations to apply for congresses. We help evaluate and create a competitive bidding strategy. Our aim is to find the optimal approach for implemen-ting congresses in Finland. We’re very much like ‘matchmakers’ - we get the right people together to run successful events!

leena sipilä‘Our history has made us colorful!’Leena Sipilä, Convention Director at Finland Convention Bureau, has been instrumental in putting Finland on the international meetings map. She expresses here her passion about her beautiful country.

Why not meet in tampere or tUrkU?Turku is one of the most popular cities in Finland for congresses and conventions, and got a much deserved visibility when it was named the European Capital of Culture. As a congress city Turku’s trump cards are its varied conference facilities, 2,100 hotel rooms in the heart of Turku and historic banquet houses and fascina-ting museums. The Turku archipelago is another location for special events. Guests can also enjoy the fruits of recent investments. The Turku Fair and Congress Centre has opened a new restaurant building, Scandic Julia has been completely renovated and the recently opened Logomo Hall is per-fectly adapted to conferences.

Tampere, Finland’s second urban region, also caters to international conferences. A lively university town, it has made a name for itself as a major Nordic congress destination, particu-larly since the inauguration of Tampere Hall two decades ago. The city’s excellent infrastructure and services complement its innovative academic environment and numerous interes-ting research centres and laboratories. Nicely compact, easily accessible, it offers an extensive and experienced network of conference professionals to help with local arrangements. And oh there are 2,300 hotel rooms with over 4,000 beds in the city!

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Helsinki

There was a time when Helsinki was con-sidered a distant place at the edge of the universe. Today, Helsinki is a vibrant, multi-cultural and internationally connected metropolitan area, both spread out and walkable, where people are friendly, ready to help. The Finnish capital since 1812, it pulls off the trick of being something of a true metropolis while still retaining a small-town feel: nothing is far in Helsinki, and there are loads of things to do.

Ines Antti-Poika, Convention Director of Helsinki Convention Bureau, puts it like this: ‘The fact that the city is surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago, with literally hun-dreds of islands, gives it a unique character. You can breath in Helsinki, that’s for sure, and you don’t get that crowded impression

that you might in other capitals.’ Although I was there at the dawn of winter, I was told Helsinki is also quite enjoyable in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest.

I will even dare say Helsinki is cool and doesn’t even know it is. If classical Helsinki’s sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums

(there are so many!), it’s the original archi-tecture that attracts the eyes. Everywhere you turn, it seems there’s an old industrial building that has been turned into a meet-ing venue or a so-called Chapel of Silence has recently seen the light of day.

But there’s no single monument or struc-ture that defines Helsinki - and that’s what’s so interesting about it. Neither imposing nor pretentious, it’s in for the taking, but you might need to wander around and stumble across an outdoor gallery or a buil-ding that takes your fancy. Why not try the Design Museum, the Boathouse or Market Square, as well as the bigger, more famous attractions such as the Helsinki Cathedral? Everything is on offer and easily accessible!

VenUes & CoHelsinki boasts a wide array of meeting venues. During my way too short visit there, I visited three that are perfect for associa-tion events.

helsinki is a Vibrant, mUlti-CUltUral and internationally ConneCted metropolitan area, both spread oUt and Walkable

helsinkiMore than a way of lifeWhen you first arrive to Helsinki, you’re impressed by its spaciousness and relaxed character. It’s not big, but it’s not small either. After all, it’s the capital of Finland, where most meetings take place, but also the getaway to plenty of activities and destinations worth discovering for a pre- or a post-conference tour. In 2011, Helsinki made the top of Monocle’s 2011 Quality of Life survey and it’s easy to understand why.

Page 5: Destination report: Finland

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Helsinki

The helsinki exhibition & Convention Centre is your traditional venue, the largest in Finland. Located 15 minutes away from the airport, it’s big and flexible. With a handy Holiday Inn hotel in its direct surroundings, it’s the venue of choice for large gatherings - it’s made up of 6 exhibition halls, around 40 meeting rooms ranging in various sizes - the largest auditorium seats 4,400 people.

More refined (if I may say) is Finlandia hall, a masterpiece designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Still retaining its original glory, it’s located in the centre of Helsinki, right by the sea, and offers a unique setting for events of any format: if concerts are a must-do, international con-gresses are also most welcome. Finlandia Hall’s largest auditorium accommodates up to 1,700 people, but if the whole of the venue is used, as many as 5,500 people can come together.

And then there is scandic marina Congress Center. Its location is ideal, both on the waterfront and in walking proxim-ity to the city centre. Hosting conferences and congresses for 10-700 persons, it has 11 meeting rooms with flexible space solu-tions. Accommodation is easily arranged in Scandic Grand Marina hotel across the street. Oh, and the centre boasts the big-gest fixed screen in Helsinki, perfect for hybrid meetings!

What helsinki Can do in terms oF aCCommodationThere is many possibilities in Helsinki boasts when it comes to accommoda-tion, from upscale conference hotels, like Hilton, Crown Plaza and Radisson, to more boutique options like Hotel Haven and Fabian. I selected two, like epitomes of what Helsinki can do.

scandic paasi offers a completely new hotel experience. Branded as Scandic’s first story hotel, it recently opened its doors in Helsinki’s Silfasaan district. Located adjacent to Helsinki Congress Paasitomi (quite convenient for associa-tion planners!), the hotel’s décor tells stories about the history and the per-sonalities who lived in the area. Cosy, design and fascinating alike, you feel immediately at ease in it!

Inspired by the emotional contrasts of Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala, Helsinki’s klaus k hotel, located close to the Design district, bears the stamp of Finland’s finest architectural and literary traditions. Each of the 137 guestrooms has been given a theme illustrating the Kalevala’s primary emotional elements: desire, passion, mystical and envy. Klaus K is, as you would understand, unique but comfortable.

Klaus K Hotel

Scandic Paasi

Scandic Marina Congress Center Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre

Finlandia Hall

Page 6: Destination report: Finland

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> Helsinki

World design CapitalIn modern times, the Finns have become famous for their technological innova-tions - this is the home of Nokia - and their flair for design. It’s no secret reputations of architect Alvar Aalto and the Marimekko design studio extend far beyond the shores of Finland.

Design is supported by the state in several ways. It is part of cultural exports, with spearhead projects around the world. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy supports the use of design in small and middle-sized enterprises on the national level. There is even an organization, called Design Forum Finland, that promotes Finnish design. Furthermore, the mar-riage of design and innovations seems to have been the right policy and it is further encouraged. One of the results of this suc-cessful design politics is the nomination of Helsinki with its partners as the World Design Capital of 2012 with the theme ‘Embedding Design in Life’.

Helsinki is indeed the definitive design city, offering the look - and feel - of the best from the design world, from past masters to tomorrow’s heroes. Finnish design can be found for example in the Design District area, a cluster of creative businesses of nearly 200 members including design shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, hotels and design agencies.

The title of ‘World Design Capital’ Helsinki got for the whole of 2012 helped the city be set on the international design map even more. Laura Aalto, Marketing and Communications

Director of the project, explains: ‘The Finns use design more as a tool to reinvent them-selves and the environment they live in. We are devoted to be a design-driven country. That’s what the tagline ‘Embedding Design in life’ was all about. From the mayor’s office to the boardrooms of multinationals, from private homes to restaurants and meetings venues, the goal was to address how design can be applied to run the city better.’

Needless to say Helsinki passed the test with flying colours. Since design was used to explore how it could solve the chal-lenges of urban life, a batch of interesting projects were set up to show the new uses of design, as well as to transform the city into an increasingly better place. Among the interesting projects I was told or I could see for myself, two stand out.

The sauna is a integral part of Finnish culture - they’re everywhere to be found, from hotels to private homes. After decades of gradual decline of public saunas, it was decided to build a brand-new one on the Helsinki waterfront, as part of the zil-lion projects of the ‘World Design Capital’. kulttuurisauna is a new urban, contem-porary Finnish public sauna. A social place par excellence, the 300 m2 building has two wood-burning saunas, a small cafe, an event space, an office and a pyramid, all gathered around an atrium with direct access to the sea.

Another permanent feature of the World Design Capital projects is the kamppi Chapel of silence, an architectural gem nested in the heart of the city for those

longing for moments of peace, quiet and contemplation. Designed as a place of sanc-tity for the people of Helsinki, there are no religious services to speak of in the Chapel, just faith groups willing to share enlighten-ing experiences. Could that be the meeting place of the future?

So today it’s Finnish design as a whole that is more vital than ever, combining the best forms from its design heritage with the skills and innovativeness of young talents and the design intensive industry. Alongside traditional areas, over all the country itself, the design-intensive sector includes marketing media, digital design and the design of brands and services, among others. Presently design has an increasingly central role in everyday life and society in Finland, and top-level technologi-cal innovations are successfully combined with business know-how in the Finnish design industry. Could design in the coun-try as a whole bring the economy to the next level? Only the future will tell us…

Kamppi Chapel of Silence

helsinki’s sUpport For Congress organizers

The City of Helsinki has a very pro-active attitude towards international confer-ences and events and will be happy to offer the following (by application):

• Cityreception• Reducedtravelcards• Touristinformationon-site• Brochuresandmapsforcongress

delegates • Helpindelegatemarketing• Photosandvideomaterial

Page 7: Destination report: Finland

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innovative Finland

Creative industries have been recognised to possess significant economic potential and have, therefore, increasingly become object of public and policy discussion throughout Europe. Experts agree that these industries constitute one of the few economic sectors for which a dynamic future development is to be expected. Finland has clearly seen the important role of creative industries, and their development has become a part of national and local strategies and pro-grammes. After all, the country was born on fertile soil, especially when it comes to inno-vation and technological knowledge.

The Finnish creative industries range in different aspects, from music contests to

festivals to digital gaming and communica-tion. Many have already a significant export

value, which could be even greater in the near future. And at the heart of everything lie - again - design and sustainability.

Closely intertwined, these two concepts are at the core of the consumer’s experi-ence. Isn’t the principal function of design to make products more durable through careful planning? In these fields, Finland is definitely leading the way.

introdUCing espooThe city of Espoo could well be the epitome of this drive led by Finnish cre-ative industries. The second largest city in Finland, this dynamic town accounts for 50% of the Research and Development value for all of Finland, and companies based there for around 50% of the turnover in the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Situated a few minutes’ drive from Helsinki city centre, Espoo is the home of 19,000 students, of some 400 international companies - from well-known names (like Nokia or Rovio’s Angry Birds) to influential startups - and, most importantly, of Otaniemi, the largest technology, innovation and business hub in Finland.

Finland has Clearly seen the important role oF CreatiVe indUstries, and their deVelopment has beCome a part oF national and loCal strategies and programmes

Finland’s drive Forinnovations and creativity

With the gradual decrease of industrial engineering and manufacturing on which many societies had been founded, both the private and public sector have been forced to adjust their focus and shift it to services and innovations. Sustainable development, human well-being and ethics have also become values which are high on a citizen’s list. In these many areas of endeavour, Finland has demonstrated that the country is a leader, especially when it comes to creativity and innovation. But how does that relate to associations and meetings?

Page 8: Destination report: Finland

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> innovative Finland

Tuula Antola, Director for Commercial and Business Development for the City of Espoo, explains: ‘The high density of technol-ogy building developments and science and business parks in Espoo is quite spell-binding. On top of this, the city is actively engaging in major programmes and investments. The metro network from Helsinki will be extended by 2015. The so-called T3 area - which com-prises Tapiola, Keilaniemi and Otaniemi, where science, culture and business create new synergies - will be heavily invested on in the future. If all this is possible, it’s mainly because of the people of Espoo, who actively contribute to the city’s dynamism.’

If these vibrant industries based in Espoo are of interest for associations looking for links between them and destinations, the even better news is that these develop-ments include many useful infrastructures for the association planners.

So, if you wish to enjoy the fresh and inno-vative breeze of Espoo, search no more. Whether an intimate executive meeting or a congress for a thousand participants, you will find a suitable venue: from charming villas, cosy, manors or dedicated congress centres, there is a wide variety of options. Take dipoli for instance: located in the midst of Otaniemi campus, it is a prime example of Finnish culture and design, offering more than 20 comfortable meeting rooms, for 8 to 1,000 people, and big lob-bies for all kinds of events.

Sustainability, environment and nature are also at the core of Haltia, the Finnish Nature Centre, which will open in 2013, starting a new era in ecological building technol-ogy. Set on the fringe of Nuuksio National Park, 25 kms from Helsinki, its 3,300 m2 will be available for hire, with an auditorium, inspiring meeting rooms and even a sauna! The whole building will be made of wood, blending perfectly with the natural sur-roundings, and be able to keep its carbon footprint as minimal as possible.

sUstainable FinlandSustainability is not just a marketing tool for the Finns. Several useful measures have been implemented into everyday life. And the Fininish meetings industry has joined in.

For instance, Helsinki promotes green values to delegates participating in a conference. The city offers them free passes to public transport. It encourages them to drink tap water, which has many times over been proven to be of higher quality than bottled water. The city also provides bikes in different locations that can be purchased against a token, and there are several hybrid taxis to be found in the metropolitan area. Hotels, venues, muse-ums have implemented an environmental programme and most of them have a very strict waste and recycling system. Environmentally friendly, reusable materials are used whenever possible. Locally produced food is a must as well.

Finnair also cut back on fuel consumption and emissions by 20 to 30%, thanks to its new aircrafts. The airline also flies the shortest routes between Europe and Asia via Helsinki, reducing fuel consumption. Between 60 and 80% of Finnair’s landings in Finland are also continuous descent approach landings creating fewer emissions.

Last but not least, it’s in the area of social sustainability that Finland stands out. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health recently launched a strategy to transform the country into a socially sustainable state by 2020. The purpose of this plan is to achieve a society in which people are treated equally, everyone has the opportunity to participate, and every-one’s health and functional capacity is supported. There is indeed a strong Finnish belief that equality, mental and material wellbeing, gender equality, and economic, social and ecological sustainability contribute to the balanced development of society.

the urban side of Espoo

Dipoli Congress Centre

Page 9: Destination report: Finland

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Fast factsLapland

In order for you to taste what Finland’s true wilderness is about, Finnish Lapland is defi-nitely the place to be and see. Extending hundreds of kilometres above the Arctic Circle, an easy reach by plane from Helsinki (it takes about an hour), it’s the perfect destination if you want to extend your stay after a conference in the city. For a lot of people (and I’m one of them!), this mysterious land is facinating for many rea-sons: the midnight sun brings continuous daylight in the brief summer (June to August) and the long, polar nights offer the chance to view the stunning aurora borealis (October to March). And let’s not forget: Finnish Lapland is also the home of Santa Claus and his reindeers.

Opportunities to get out and experience this sugar-coated wonderland are endless. In winter you can mush with husky-dogs, ski in downhill resorts, cheer for reindeer

races on frozen lakes, drill a hole and go ice-fishing or snowmobile through forests. In summer, hike through pristine national parks in endless daylight and raft down whitewater rivers. The only limitation here is your budget… or your fears!Here you clearly are in for a big embrace of

nature. While there are no craggy moun-tains or fjords, the endless pine forests and the treeless rounded fells poking out between them can also be breathtakingly beautiful. But don’t be mistaken: if nature is all around, indigenous culture can also

be discovered. The Sámi people living in Lapland, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Europe, are indeed here to explain all about their culture, spirituality and beliefs… and sell traditional handicraft to curious visitors!

meetings in laplandThe good news is that, if Finnish Lapland is mainly about outdoor activities and making one with nature, it also offers good infrastructures for small or medium-size meetings.

sajos, Sámi Cultural Centre, is the largest conference and events venue in northern Lapland and serves a centre for Sámi self-governance, culture, education and know-how. Its biggest hall can accommodate up to 430 people, and the facility of course follow the strict international standards. If you go for it, don’t forget to also do a guided tour of the next-door Sámi Museum Siida. Portraying Sámi history and culture, as well as the nature of northernmost Lapland, the museum is a necessary stop-over for tourists in the Inari region.

in order For yoU to taste What Finland’s trUe Wilderness is aboUt, Finnish lapland is deFinitely the plaCe to be and see

Finnish laplandMore than you can take!A trip to Finland would not be complete without a trip to Finnish Lapland. Northern Lapland is a place that seems to be out of time, offering memorable experiences to all visitors, whether a delegate on a pre- or post- conference tour or a simple tourist. I was lucky enough to be there just before the busy season of winter started, and, although I sadly didn’t get to see the famous Northern lights, I enjoyed a trip I will always remember.

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Fast facts> Lapland

In Saariselkä, there are quite a few options worth considering. Located in the muni-cipality of Inari, Saariselkä is a compact village surrounded by highlands and a national park. The getaway to all kinds of activities related to snow, hiking, sliding, you name it, it also boast hotels where you can meet and be then right out for great outdoor activities. Among others, let’s name hotel riekonlinna, santa’s resort and santa’s hotel tunturi. The former is renowned for conferences, with a maxi-mum capacity of 600; the later has a more ‘festive’ look (like the name indicates !) and can host events for up to 500 people.

My personal favorite was definitely design house idoli. Combining tourism services and the leading products of Finnish design with the unique natural environment of the North, the place totally renews the idea of travel (and getting together!) in Lapland. Brought to life by a couple whose life revolves around design, the bold venue presents classics of Finnish design, while telling all about it. It’s a very special place, both elegant and well integrated in its natural surroundings. In addition to the exhibition house itself, there’s an outstand-ing little glass-walled chapel where you can have a drink and chat. This place is of course for intimate, very exclusive gatherings.

three inCentiVes ideas1. snowmobile safari. There is a total

of around 1,000 kilometres of snow-mobile trails in the municipality of Inari only. Local entrepreneurs have skeedos, as some call them, for hire and arrange guided safari tours where you can try the machines safely. So don’t hesitate to hop on one, integrate a group and explore the area. It will take you to places you’ve never been before and you wouldn’t have been able to go on your own. (Also, unlike me, don’t forget to turn on the heat in the handles - very handy when it’s cold!)

2. ice-karting. In Saariselkä’s Action Park, why don’t you try some speed on snow and ice, quick breaking and tight bends? Winter driving might well be an art, which I haven’t maste-red yet! There you can give a shot on a safe track, with the help of a profes-sional guide. Needless to say it can be a great team experience for anyone involved in an association staff. Oh, and did I mention that karting on ice was way more fun than karting on ‘real’ roads, the ones with asphalt!

3. igloo sleep-in. In Kakslauttanen, the so-called Santa’s Resort (where the real Santa Claus lives) boasts a dozen of glass igloos where you can sleep. Picture this: you’re dozing off completely surrounded by snow, admiring the northern lights and the millions of stars of the crystal clear Lapland sky in a comfortable room. That’s possible, and in Finnish Lapland only. And don’t be scared: a marvel of modern technology, the igloos always stay at a normal tem-perature. Just lay down and relax!

The Sami are the last indigenous people in Europe.

Page 11: Destination report: Finland

Fast facts

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Practical

Finland, the Fast Facts

hoW to get aroUnd The easiest way to Finland is by plane. The main hub is Helsinki International Airport, also known as the gateway to Asia and regu-larly listed among the very best airports in the world. Around 300 daily international flights operate to and from Helsinki. The city centre is a 30-minute bus ride away from the airport. Other international airports include-Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi.

Ferries from Stockholm, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia are an alternative way of traveling to Finland. Another inte-resting route to take is the train from St. Petersburg, Russia. The fastest train only takes only four hours to reach Helsinki. It is also easy To find ecological ways to get around in Finland. Finland’s public trans-port is reliable and runs smoothly.

at the ForeFront oF researChResearch and development is the big thing in Finland. Ational spending on it accounts for almost 4% of GDP. Finnish research per-sonnel represent the highest percentage employed in the labour force among al OECD countries.

Universities and university-level institutions are also widely spread out in Finland. Their presence on a regional level is exceptional. There are 17 universities and 27 polytech-nics, 18-state-owned research institutes ans several science parks, business incubators and technology centre. Finland leads the way in the fields of information technology, biochemistry and medicine and, according to the World Economic Forum, it’s the world’s #1 in terms of higher education and the availability of scientists and engineers.

VenUesAround 1,100 venues representing the highest international standards are located throughout the country. These include all varieties, from congress centres and hotels to log cabins, spas and cruise ships. Whether you have your meeting in the city or in the countryside, you can rest assured that your stay will be comfortable, friendly and excellent value for money.

Finland ConVention bUreaUFinland Convention Bureau (FCB) is a national organisation representing the meetings and events industry. FCB offers solutions and will find on your behalf the ideal destination, organiser, city, venue, accommodation, transportation and/or restaurant services to suit your specific needs. They offer independent advice, free of charge, and can assist you at any stage of the planning of your event – from the bid-ding for a congress, the building of atten-dance, the welcoming of attendees… and much much more.

Finland is big and small at the same time, but surprisingly easy to access and get around. Below is all you need to know to get practical in the land of Santa.

helsinki

JoensuuKuoplo

Vaasa

Oulu

Tampere

Jyväskylä

Lahti

Turku Espoo

Kokkola

Rovaniemi

Kuusamo

Page 12: Destination report: Finland

Finlandia [email protected] +358 9 40 24 400

helsinki Convention bureauwww.meethelsinki.fi Ines Antti-Poika | Convention [email protected] +358 9 310 36154

helsinki exhibition & Convention Centrewww.finnexpo.fiSusanne [email protected] +358 40 450 3551

marina Congress Centerhouse of eventswww.marinacongresscenter.comsales.marinacongress@scandichotels.com+358 9 1666 400

tampere Convention bureauwww.tampereconventionbureau.fiElla Näsi | Convention [email protected] +358 50 374 2639

turku Convention bureauwww.meetturku.fiSari Ruusumo | Convention Director [email protected] +358 50559 0607

Visit espoowww.visitespoo.fi www.meetespoo.fiRiikka Laatikainen | Conference [email protected]+358 43 824 6219

For more information about Finland as a congress destination Finland Convention bureau

www.fcb.fiJaana koivistoinen | marketing manager | [email protected] +358 50 325 0760