Nordic Business Forum — Helsinki, Finland / Stockholm, Sweden 2026
Overview
The Nordic Business Forum (NBF), organized by Nordic Business Forum Oy, is Europe’s premier business and leadership conference, uniting over 7,000 C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and investors from 40+ countries to explore human-centric strategies in performance, decision-making, and collaboration, catalyzing €500M+ in deals within a €5T+ global leadership market. The 2026 edition, themed “The Human Edge,” will take place September 16–17 at Messukeskus Helsinki, with a parallel Stockholm event (dates TBD, likely at Waterfront Congress Centre), featuring 150+ speakers including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Bartlett, and Angela Duckworth.
Since 2010, NBF has grown from a small Finnish seminar to a Nordic powerhouse, with additional events in Oslo and Amsterdam, renowned for its world-class keynotes, networking, and matchmaking lounges. NBF 2026 emphasizes resilience and trust in an AI-driven era, with sessions like Duckworth’s “How to Build Grit” and Polman’s “The Courage to Collaborate,” complemented by Q&A with luminaries like Patty McCord. Past attendees, including 90%+ senior decision-makers, praise the “unparalleled inspiration” that sparked partnerships and strategies. With livestreams reaching 10,000+ viewers and sustainability initiatives like Ethiopia’s 190,000-tree reforestation, NBF blends impact with intimacy. Inclusivity and sustainability are core, with transparent pricing, diverse speaker lineups, and carbon-neutral operations. As a Nordic beacon, NBF 2026 turns Helsinki and Stockholm into hubs for human-led innovation, blending elite insights with vibrant networking for transformative leadership outcomes.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Keynotes by Oprah Winfrey on collaboration, Angela Duckworth on grit, and Paul Polman on sustainability; fireside chats with Steven Bartlett; Q&A sessions with Michael Beckley and Rahaf Harfoush.
- Special Traditions or Features: VIP Evening and Breakfast with speakers; Nordic Business Awards; matchmaking lounge for curated B2B connections.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: 7,000+ m² expo for networking; simultaneous interpretation in Estonian, Finnish, Latvian, Lithuanian; 90-day access to session recordings.
Why Attend
NBF 2026 is your gateway to leadership excellence, where 7,000+ Nordic-global execs converge to master human-centric strategies—missing it skips the insights that drove €500M+ deals in a €5T market. With early-bird passes from €990, you’ll gain actionable wisdom from Winfrey’s collaboration frameworks and Duckworth’s grit science, forging partnerships via matchmaking lounges that yield ROIs, as 98% of attendees recommend for “career-defining moments.”
The event’s intimate format—Q&As to VIP evenings—turns two days into a leadership catalyst, amplified by Helsinki’s and Stockholm’s innovative vibe. The Nordic focus tailors to Europe’s collaborative ethos, empowering CEOs and founders with Polman’s ESG strategies and Bartlett’s entrepreneurial hacks. For investors, it’s a deal pipeline; for execs, a vision forge; and for all, a Nordic cultural recharge. In an AI-disrupted era, attending aligns you with McCord’s team-building playbooks, extending value via recordings and global forums. Beyond sessions, NBF champions diversity with inclusive panels and sustainability via tree donations. Whether refining decisions or building trust, 2026 equips you to lead, blending elite discourse with Messukeskus’s energy for an unforgettable edge.
Date & Duration
- Helsinki Dates: September 16–17, 2026
- Stockholm Dates: TBD (typically 1–2 days, likely September)
- Duration: 2 days (Helsinki); 1–2 days (Stockholm)
Venue / Location
- Helsinki City: Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Venue: Messukeskus, Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki
- Stockholm City: Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Venue: Waterfront Congress Centre (TBD), Nils Ericsons Plan 4, 111 64 Stockholm
- Google Maps Address: Messukeskus; Waterfront
- Additional Notes: Modern expo centers; no shipments accepted; Helsinki with 7,000+ m² halls.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via nbforum.com; early-bird until Q1 2026, invoicing options.
- Admission Type: Paid
- Ticket Price Range: $990–$3,490 USD (Standard to First Class, excl. VAT; converted approx.)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP (€1,590+) adds exclusive sessions, evening; First Class (€2,890+) includes best seats, Q&As, and Oprah photo ops.
Booking with Euro Travelo
- Looking to attend Nordic Business Forum 2026 hassle-free?
- Euro Travelo can secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
- The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
- Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@nbforum.com (general); media@nbforum.com (press)
- Phone: +358 20 775 1390 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–16:00 EET)
- Website: nbforum.com
- Social Media: @NordicBusinessForum (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram)
- Key Staff: Priit Liiv (CEO); Hans-Peter Siefen (Co-Founder); Salla Seppä (Customer Experience).
- Press/Volunteers: Press via media@nbforum.com; volunteer applications TBD.
- Note: Response time ~24 hours (business hours); English/Finnish/Swedish support.
Getting There
- Helsinki: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), 17 km, 20-min train to Messukeskus (€5); trams 7/9 (€3); parking €15/day; taxi/Uber €30–€40.
- Stockholm: Arlanda Airport (ARN), 40 km, 20-min Arlanda Express to Waterfront (€20); buses 69 (€5); parking €20/day; taxi/Uber €50–€70.
- Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via info@nbforum.com.
Accommodation Options
- Helsinki – Clarion Hotel Helsinki: Waterfront luxury. Fastest route: 10-min tram to Messukeskus.
- Helsinki – Scandic Pasila: Near venue. Fastest route: 5-min walk.
- Stockholm – Radisson Blu Waterfront: Adjacent to Congress Centre. Fastest route: 2-min walk.
- Stockholm – Clarion Hotel Sign: Central. Fastest route: 10-min train.
- Booking Partner: Official partners like VisitHelsinki/VisitStockholm offer rates at 300+ properties. Contact: nbf@hotelsnordic.com.
- Accessible Accommodations: Adapted rooms; contact for support.
Reviews
- “NBF 2025 transformed our leadership—Winfrey’s talk sparked our pivot!” — CEO
- “Helsinki’s networking lounges closed €5M deals; pure Nordic magic.” — Investor
- “Duckworth’s grit session and after-parties: inspiration overload.” — Exec
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the main focus of NBF 2026?
NBF 2026, themed "The Human Edge," focuses on performance, decision-making, and collaboration, with 150+ speakers like Oprah Winfrey and Angela Duckworth inspiring 7,000+ execs to leverage human strengths in an AI era, driving €500M+ deals.
How accessible are the venues?
Messukeskus and Waterfront are fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair seating; simultaneous interpretation in four languages. Trams/trains step-free; parking/shuttles available. Contact info@nbforum.com for companion passes; code of conduct ensures inclusivity.
What are the ticket options for NBF 2026?
Standard (€990+) covers sessions, catering, networking; VIP (€1,590+) adds exclusive events; First Class (€2,890+) includes Q&As and Oprah photos. Early-bird until Q1 2026; 30-day cancellation. Register via nbforum.com; flexible invoicing.
What are the transportation options to the venues?
Helsinki: From HEL, train to Messukeskus (€5, 20 mins); taxis €30. Stockholm: From ARN, Arlanda Express to Waterfront (€20, 20 mins); taxis €50. Parking €15–€20/day; public transport encouraged. App guides routes.
Can I extend my stay after NBF?
Yes, partners offer discounted extensions for Helsinki’s Suomenlinna or Stockholm’s Gamla Stan. Add days for cultural-tech blends. Contact nbf@hotelsnordic.com for tailored itineraries in Nordic innovation capitals.
