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Record-Breaking and Happy Congress Year at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre
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Record-Breaking and Happy Congress Year at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre

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Messukeskus_Arena

Finland’s reputation as the most popular Nordic country for hosting international congresses, and Helsinki’s appeal as a highly valued destination among congress delegates, is reflected in Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s (Messukeskus) busy congress year. In the first half of 2025, seven international congresses hosted by Messukeskus brought over 26,000 delegates to Helsinki.

Finnish Happiness in Action

Finland, ranked as the happiest country in the world for eight years in a row, let its spirit of happiness shine through the summer congresses. Participants discovered it in many forms — from birdsong and forest sessions to a cozy outdoor sauna, playful activities, and even a visit from the beloved Moomin. Equality, simplicity, and a touch of Nordic calm made the experience truly feel like Finnish happiness in action.

Sustainability and New City Strategy

Sustainability, safety and culture are at the heart of what makes Helsinki unique. Helsinki ranks #1 in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2025 and is the first large city to receive Green Destination certification. Furthermore, international events are among strategic priorities in the City of Helsinki’s new strategy for 2025–2029.

Why Congress Organisers Love Messukeskus and Helsinki – and How Finnish Happiness Shines Through Events?

“When we speak about the venue, it's more than just a building; it's about the people behind it! Your staff truly knows what they’re doing, and every single person is so friendly, from the carpet guys to security.” — Florian Wild, Congress Manager, EAN

“Organizing a congress in Helsinki is easy in that way we can concentrate on new items. We can do additional things, try out things, because people here are so professional. We like to go to cities where we can have an impact. And being in Helsinki, we are everywhere, there are our posters (on screens), our delegates fill the city and they are welcomed here. Sustainability is important for us. You can see that Helsinki is really green city, with all the solar panels on the roof of Messukeskus.” — Anja Sander, Executive Director, EAN

“I was told that this was the best PReS Congress ever organized. This was due to the clear layout of the venue — everything was easy to find, and the AV setup was amazing — but most of all because of the professional staff. Everything went extremely smoothly.” — Dr. Kristiina Aalto, Helsinki University Hospital

Meet Us at IBTM 25 – Finland Stand H43

Messukeskus will showcase its services at IBTM Barcelona from 18 to 20 November 2025. Congress Manager Paula Blomster will be available at the Finland stand H43.

International Congresses held at Helsinki Expo and Convention in 2025:

More information:

Ms Paula Blomster, Congress Manager, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, +358 40 456 6066, paula.blomster@messukeskus.com

Photos of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre can be downloaded here

Photos of Ms Blomster can be downloaded here

Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre (brand name Messukeskus) hosts Finland’s most inspiring events and exciting encounters. As Finland’s premier experience provider, we organise high-quality events and rent out our facilities for a wide variety of occasions. Our premises include seven halls, 40 convertible meeting rooms, 21 restaurants, and our own hotel. The events held at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre last year generated a revenue stream of 245 million euros for the Helsinki metropolitan area and created the equivalent of 3,335 full-time jobs. The Finnish Fair Corporation was founded in 1919.

Messukeskus. The real social media | messukeskus.com @messukeskus

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