YoungTalk26: From Potential to Belonging – Unlocking Talent into Regional Success

Welcome to YoungTalk26!

Join us for an inspiring evening at YoungTalk26 at the Wasa Innovation Center!

YoungTalk26 brings together regional businesses, professionals, researchers, and development experts to explore how individual potential can be transformed into a sense of belonging—and ultimately into regional success. Throughout the evening, we will discuss how inclusion, diversity, and recognising talent can strengthen organisations, communities, and the region as a whole.

The programme features inspiring keynote talks and real-world insights from experts representing leading organisations, including VILPE, Wärtsilä, and Leinolat Group. They will share their experiences on fostering inclusive workplaces, identifying untapped talent, and turning diversity into a competitive advantage.

The evening also offers an opportunity for co-creation. Participants will join interactive discussions and collaborative workshops centred around three key themes: building regional success, putting inclusion into practice, and unlocking hidden potential. Through discussions, pitch sessions, and interactive activities, participants will exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop practical solutions together.

YoungTalk26 is a unique opportunity to connect with others, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to shaping the future of our region. We look forward to welcoming you!

Register to the YoungTalk event here!

Program

16.15 Networking starts
16.30 Opening of the seminar
16.40 Opening Remarks, Minister Joakim Strand

Get Inspired By. (Main Speakers 15 minutes each)

• Cracking the code of belongingness – Katarina Hellén, Research Manager, VILPE
• Pathways to potential: how regional actors unlock talent growth – Kenneth Engblom, Vice President Europe and Africa, Wärtsilä
• Inclusion as a strategy: turning diversity into regional success – Keimo Kalliosaari, CEO, Leinolat Group

At 18:00 Co-creation Starts (Pitch Talkers: 5 minutes each)

18:00
A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 1: Unlocking the code of regional success
Henri Kinnunen, CEO, WeTech

18.45
A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 2: Turning inclusion into Actions
Sanna-Mari Kaakinen, Sustainability Manager, ABB Smart Power

19.30 Break, Music Performance

19.45
A moment of interaction with the audience
Theme 3 Recognising the Hidden Potential
Johnny Lindqvist, CSO & Partner, TK Engineering

20.45
Exploring Solutions and Next Steps by Moderators

21:00 Event ends

For more information, please contact