


Otaniemi, Espoo
10. -12.4.2026
Take the leap.
Explore the Edge of Innovation, Education & Experience.
The Edge reflects the core of JCI Finland: courageous leaders of tomorrow who dare to challenge themselves to develop and learn.
That's why we encourage everyone to jump in and innovate, learn and experience in a unique way. Jump in!
What would JCI be without challenging yourself? The Edge – Take the leap invites you to be brave and challenge your own prejudices, to be yourself and do things in a new way. The conference will include brilliant keynote speeches, as well as several interesting training sessions. We have compiled the conference program under three subthemes; Innovation , Education & Experience.
While we push the boundaries, we are committed to the JCI Code and Safe Space principles. All team members are committed to taking equality and diversity training before the conference weekend.
What the Edge?
01
Edge of Innovation
Espoo, together with Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, form the core that brings together all actors – start-ups, students, top companies, researchers and ordinary citizens – to create innovations that make life better.
for life. It is therefore natural that innovation is one of the main themes of the meeting. We aim to bring stories of leaps into the unknown, stories of
stories about creating the new and modifying the old, as well as what innovation is outside of entrepreneurship and technology.
02
Edge of Education
Espoo is one of the most attractive student cities in Finland, and Otaniemi is a unique educational hub and student campus. Finland's best expertise can be found in both Otaniemi and the neighboring Keilaniemi. The conference program includes several workshops and trainings to develop leadership, innovative thinking, and working life skills.
03
Edge of Experience
We want to offer a completely new kind of conference experience and break the routine. This will
to be visible in the tradeshow area, in the gala entertainment, and in the accompanying programs.
Experience both a quiet space and wonderful excursions - no detail is too small for our conference team.
Speakers & Program
Edge's program features stories of leaping into the unknown, creating the new and modifying the old, and what innovation is beyond entrepreneurship and technology. Excursions, trainings, and workshops complement our amazing speaker lineup, quiet room, and experiential tradeshow area.
There are four confirmed speakers, and we will update the page as new faces join our ranks.
Finland has room for growth – what does it take to realize it?
Finland has a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth, but harnessing its potential requires determined action. Timo Ritakallio, CEO of OP Financial Group, will address the obstacles and opportunities for Finland's growth in his speech. He will examine, among other things, the role of investments, skills development and the importance of innovations in boosting the national economy.
Ritakallio shares his views on what kind of structural reforms Finland needs and how businesses and society can work together to create favorable conditions for growth. His diverse background in finance and insurance, as well as his education in law, business and technology, gives him a unique perspective on the topic.
The talk will offer listeners concrete ideas and solutions on how Finland can utilize its full growth potential in a changing world.
Finland has room for growth – what does it take to realize it?
Timo Ritakallio
CEO, OP Pohjola
Niklas Kaskeala is a climate and environmental activist and one of Finland’s leading sustainability influencers. He has over 20 years of experience in the sustainability transition and in how to combine advocacy, sustainable business, and societal impact.
In his talks, Niklas weaves together theories of change, sustainability themes, and moral ambition. His keynote challenges every listener to reflect on their own role and attitude in relation to global environmental challenges.
Where do we direct our innovation energy? How do we channel our creative abilities and engineering expertise? What should innovations be tackling — and what are they actually being used for today? For 20 years, we’ve been practicing how to be less bad for the environment — now it’s time to shift our mindset toward actively doing good, not just causing a little less harm.
Passivity is not an option – Resources from nice cliques to solving global challenges
Niklas Kaskeala
Entrepreneur, The Activist Agency
Growth requires taking risks — but what if an entire generation has grown up without experiencing a growing Finland? Where do we draw the courage needed for renewal and growth if we haven’t felt the pull of a growth-oriented culture ourselves?
Heli Paatela, CEO of Kasvuryhmä, reflects on Finns’ complicated relationship with risk and growth. Millennials and Generation Z entered the workforce during a period when Finland has been treading water. Much is now expected of them in writing Finland’s next growth story. What should we learn, and what must we do differently to turn Finland toward growth?
The Next Generation of Growth
Heli Paatela
CEO, Kasvuryhmä
In this keynote, Tuukka Komssi introduces
The Supercompensated Leader -
a Mindset he developed by combining Lessons from competitive Athletic training with self-leadership. You'll learn how to sustain performance by balancing pressure with recovery, and how to grow stronger by adjusting your rhythm, not just pushing harder. Through stories from global leadership and personal experience, he'll challenge you to Rethink how you lead, work, and build a Meaningful career.
Tuukka Komssi is Senior Vice President of Transformation at KONE Oyj, with over 20 years of international leadership experience across Europe and Asia. He has held director-level roles for more than a decade, including serving as Managing Director for the Nordics, leading teams across eight countries. Outside of work, he's a father of three, a former national-level sprinter, and a lifelong learner with a love for electronic music, technology, and human performance.
The Supercompensated Leader -Turning Stress into Growth
Tuukka Komssi
Senior VP, KONE
Program
The program will be finalized as the conference approaches.
Senator program release coming soon!
We reserve the right to make changes.
Friday 10.4.
15:00-20:00 Conference office open at Radisson Blu Hotel
17-18 Company visit: Brewery tour at Masis Brewery
17:30 Verification of credentials, Lumituuli auditorium
TBA Senators get together
18:00 Opening ceremony Dipoli Sief
18:15 GA, Lumituuli Auditorium
18:30 START! training HQ hotel, Laine
18:30 Panel discussion OP Uusimaa: AI as a Societal Transformation, Sief
19:30 Light dinner from the buffet at Reima
19:30-20 Keynote Samuel Piha, Turku School of Economics: Markets of Desire: Sexuality, Consumption and Business in the Digital Age
20:00 First & Last Timers HQ hotel, Bistro Ranta
20:00 Welcome party by Nitor: IGNITE!, Sief
00:30 Good night!
Saturday 11.4.
5:55 by ANKK
08:30 Conference office open, Dipoli banquet hall
8:30 Verification of credentials, Lumituuli auditorium
8:45 Morning coffee is served
9-15 Tradeshow area and Kamarisparraamo, Capitolium
9-15 Quiet area open
9:00 GA, Lumituuli Auditorium
9:00 3LED DP Training, Palaver
9:00 Strategy Academy team trainer training, Poli
9:00 Speech competition, Lumituuli auditorium
TBA Senators' morning program + joint lunch
10:00 Keynote Tuukka Komssi, KONE: The Supercompensated Leader (EN), Kaleva Hall
10:30 Workshop Nitor: Building Tomorrow's Leadership, Takka
11:00 Keynote Aalto EE, Kaleva Hall
11-13.30 Lunch, Reima
12:00 Keynote Heli Paatela, Kaleva Hall
12:00 JCI Adventure training (EN), Takka
12:00 Workshop Otaverkko: (TBA), Palaver
13:00 SNKK responsibility working group training, Poli
13:00 Keynote Niklas Kaskeala, The Activist Agency: Passivity is not an option – Resources from nice touches to solving global problems
13:00 IPP program
13:30 Workshop Aalto EE: Developing your Leadership Identity, Palaver
14:00 Keynote Timo Ritakallio, OP: Finland has room for growth
15:00 Coffee serving ends
15:00 Workshop Equita Talent Partners, Niclas Ahlbom: Headhunted! Finding your Edge in LinkedIn (EN), Poli
15:00 Workshop Elo: Myths of Responsible Investment, Takka
17:00 Finland Foundation
17:00 Photography
18:45 Gala by Otaverkko
23:30 Gala afterparty
01:30 Good night!
Sunday 12.4.
9:30 Workshop Kasper Kylmälä: Prepare an Outstanding Speech
Accommodations
There are two conference hotels in Otaniemi, Espoo, the Radisson Blu Espoo Hotel and the Heymo 1 by Sokos Hotels Hotel. The hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the conference venue. In addition, there are hostels in the area, such as Aalto Inn and Forenom.
HQ – Hotel – Radisson Blue Otaniemi
Otaranta 2, 02150, Espoo, tel. 020 1234 705
Located right on the sparkling shores of the Gulf of Finland, Radisson Blu Hotel, Espoo invites you to explore Espoo's beautiful seaside and stunning landscapes. The room rates below include a hearty hotel breakfast and wireless internet access (Wi-Fi). Rooms are available after 3:00 PM on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 12:00 PM on the day of departure. Free parking for hotel guests.
Radisson Hotels Sales Service
Phone: +358 300 870 010 / individual room reservations
Email: reservations.finland@radissonblu.com Please kindly mention the quota code JCI2026 when making your reservation.
www.radissonhotels.com/fi-fi/ - Discount code online JCI2026
Radisson Blu Accommodation Capacity
125 Standard double rooms
119 EUR / 1 bed Standard
140 EUR / 2 people
160 EUR / 2+1 bed (with extra bed)
20 Superior double rooms
150 EUR / 1 bed Superior
170 EUR / 2 bedrooms Superior
2 Junior Suite King
285 EUR / Suite for one person
305 EUR / Suite for two
Heymo 1 by Sokos Hotels
Heymo 1 by Sokos Hotels is a completely new kind of flexible service hotel, where everything essential has been taken into account and everything has been made as easy as possible. Next to Keilaniemi metro station and a short walk from Dipoli, there is another accommodation solution suitable as a conference hotel.
Sokos Hotels Sales Service
Phone: +358 300 870 000 / individual room reservations
Email: sokos.hotels@sok.fi
Please kindly mention the quota code BJCI2026 when making a reservation www.sokoshotels.fi – Online reservation code BJCI2026
Heymo 1's accommodation capacity
50 double rooms - The room
98 EUR / 1 person The room
119 EUR / 2 people The room
50% of the unbooked rooms in the quota will be released for sale on February 27, 2026, 25% of the unbooked rooms in the quota will be released for sale on March 13, 2026, and the remaining unbooked rooms in the quota will be automatically released for sale on April 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Ready to take the leap?
Registration packages
Innovator - Super Early Bird €185 (50 pcs)
Early Adaptor - Early Bird €200 (150 pcs)
Majority €220 - Normal Bird (150 pcs) - On sale now!
Laggard 240€ - Late Bird (until 27.3.2026 or
until capacity is full)
Purchased separately:
Friday's arrival party 50€
Saturday day 85€
Gala 150€
Registration packages include: Training, conference and other event program according to the conference package. Friday welcome party, Saturday lunch, afternoon coffee, snacks and refreshments, Saturday Gala, program, food and beverage package.
Otaniemi, Espoo
Espoo is well connected by car and public transport from all over Finland. Espoo's Otaniemi is located approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki, a 12-minute metro ride from Helsinki Railway Station. You can reach Otaniemi by metro, rail joker or bus directly with an HSL ticket. The nearest metro station is 700 metres from the HQ Hotel, the rail joker is only approx. 200 metres away. Those arriving by car will find several parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the conference facilities.



Arrive in Espoo
Known for its multi-purpose spaces, the building has a long history as a meeting place, and it continues to do so, as in addition to the university's own events, the premises are also open to outsiders. Dipoli has hosted both a seated dinner for a thousand people and over 30 individual events simultaneously. The rock below and the surrounding forest have inspired this gem of Finnish architecture with a sculptural facade clad in copper and granite boulders.
Dipoli
The conference space, gala venue and HQ hotel are all located within a very short distance of each other, with a maximum distance of only 350 meters. The conference office is open on Friday at HQ hotel and during the day on Saturday in the Dipoli lobby.
Partners






Designing your Edge experience
Get to know our team and don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help. We're here for you.
A warm welcome to Espoo!
Espoo Youth Chamber of Commerce
"It's good to be from Espoo"
The JCI Espoo was founded in 1968 in the Dipoli fireplace room in Otaniemi. The Chamber's area of operation was the Espoo township, Kauniainen township and the municipality of Kirkkonummi. Today, we operate in the Espoo economic area, covering the same cities and municipalities. The Espoo Chamber is small, but lively and with excellent spirit of togetherness.


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