Oulun Kokousmessut 2026: Collaboration in Practice

 This week we gathered once again for Oulun Kokousmessut, our annual meeting place for those who professionally organise meetings, conferences and corporate events in the region of Oulu.

The idea is simple. Bring the region together under one roof and make it easy for buyers to see what is possible here.

This year felt special. By attendance, it was the largest edition so far in terms of SMEs, service providers and exhibitors present. The room reflected the full diversity of our region. Established conference hotels stood side by side with small guest houses. Experience providers and excursion companies shared the floor with venues, cultural destinations, activities, and even movie theatres that are now positioning themselves as event spaces. It was a genuine cross-section of what the Oulu region can offer.

For a regional DMO, this is one of our core responsibilities. We exist to connect. Many of our SMEs do excellent work but do not always have the reach to present themselves to a broader professional audience. An event like this lowers that threshold. It creates visibility, new relationships and ultimately business. When the SMEs succeed, the destination succeeds.

One of the highlights each year is the keynote. This time we had the pleasure of welcoming Armi Toivonen, known to many from Putous. She spoke about presence, confidence and the craft of standing in front of an audience. Her message was practical and grounded. How to manage nerves, how to be authentic, and how to deliver your expertise with clarity. For a room full of event professionals and presenters, it was both inspiring and directly relevant.

What also encourages me is how this event continues to grow. Growth is not only about numbers. It is about quality, relevance and impact. As the fair develops, we are actively listening to feedback from both exhibitors and visitors. What worked? Where can we improve? How can we make the next edition even more valuable for those investing their time and resources?

I am grateful to our team for organising Oulun Kokousmessut with such care and professionalism year after year. It is not a small task to coordinate municipalities, venues, partners and speakers into one coherent experience. Yet each year the result feels natural and welcoming.

Events like this remind me why regional cooperation matters. Alone, each actor has a piece of the puzzle. Together, we present a complete and compelling picture of what this region can deliver.

And judging by the energy in the room this week, the appetite for collaboration in Oulu is only getting stronger.