Pre-pandemic event numbers are approaching fast in Finland with almost thirty international meetings, congresses and conference banquets booked at Little Finlandia this year. The 1000-pax recently-opened venue has taken the lead in hosting conferences as Helsinki’s key congress venue, Finlandia Hall, is undergoing refurbishment for the next two years.
“Years of work is done organising large, international events. Sales efforts is currently strong, and we’re already looking forward to being able to hold international congresses and conferences in the new and renewed Finlandia Hall after renovations are complete in a couple of years,” says Finlandia Hall’s Marketing and Communications Director Minna Sauramaa.
According to the Finland Convention Bureau research held in 2021, the country ranks high in location, accessibility, the conference organisers’ competence and their consideration for responsibility in the organisation of the event. This is confirmed by the Union of International Associations (UIA), where Helsinki once again reached 13th place among the most popular congress cities.
Helsinki Partners’ Visitor Attraction Director Leena Lassila says: “Interest is clearly on the rise, and the city’s tourism and events strategy has determined international congresses to be drivers of sustainable growth. We believe that we could return to pre-pandemic levels within just a couple of years.”