Finland’s reputation as a destination for congresses and corporate events is internationally acclaimed. The country offers a perfect mix of action-packed adventures in untouched nature with modern high class services. Already for the past twenty years Finland has been one of the top 20 most popular countries for hosting congresses. According to the latest UIA (Union of International Associations) statistics, Finland ranked 17th most popular in the world, and also the best Nordic country. According to congress statistics compiled by Finland Convention Bureau (FCB), 167 international congresses have been confirmed in Finland for the year 2009. Over 44,000 delegates are expected to attend these meetings. The total number of participants for the year is expected to reach almost 60,000 as in the previous two years. This year seven congresses with over 1,000 delegates each will be held in Finland. By far the largest was the 19th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) held at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre in May, which was attended by nearly 7,000 delegates.

 

Fluent and efficient

Finland offers a large variety of high quality venues - anything from a conference center for 10,000 people to an intimate log cabin meeting room for 20. Altogether ten venues can accommodate 1,000–10,000 people, and the largest fixed meeting room has 4,400 seats. Finland offers various unique venues for your event - you can for example hire your own island! Finland’s major congress cities are its capital Helsinki, followed by Turku, Tampere, Espoo and Jyväskylä. There are around 80 hotels and 11,000 rooms for example in the Helsinki area, Including international chains as well as design hotels. Over 90 percent of people who responded to a recent congress survey commissioned by FCB considered especially the safety and security of Finnish host cities to be either good or very good. Congress delegates also gave special thanks to the friendliness of Finns. The country offers genuine hospitality and very experienced meetings industry professionals and other service providers. The compact size of Finnish cities makes it easy to explore them on foot. These small metropolises are all the more attractive because they are tidy and nature is always close by. In Finland you can also rest assured that matters will be handled fluently and efficiently. Congress arrangements were considered either good or very good by 87 percent of delegates responding to the survey.
 

Snowmobile safari.

Night less nights

Activities on offer for events in the light summer nights include river rafting, sailing with schooners or river boats, fishing, golfing and biking - just to name a few. In the northernmost part of the country - above the Arctic Circle - the sun does not set for several weeks during the summer. Besides the wonderful nature you can also enjoy exquisite works of architecture and design - and probably find something nice to take home with you. The food is excellent and you can find tasty local delicacies for every season such as fish, berries and mushrooms. During the winter Finland is transformed into a true winter wonderland. Snow and ice buildings in several destinations are great for having dinners and get-togethers or even for accommodation. Winter activities include snowmobile, dogsled and reindeer safaris, winter driving academies, snow karting, snowshoeing, winter fishing, winter golfing, ice breaker mini cruises and winter swimming. Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) are a light phenomenon that occurs in the northern sky on clear, dark nights. If you are visiting Finland between September and March you might be lucky enough to witness this magnificent show of nature.

Good connections

Situated in the heart of Northern Europe, Finland is easy to get to. Around 180 international flights arrive daily at Helsinki-Vantaa international airport. Also several other Finnish cities have direct international flights. Finland, one of the world's most competitive countries, is a technologically advanced nation that lives in harmony with the exotic nature of the north, and is a unique combination of east and west. For those seeking a taste of the extraordinary, Finland is certainly worth considering as an event destination.

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