27 February 14:00-19:00 EETEpicenter Helsinki

73% of organizations globally now use AI tools to enhance recruitment, and skill-based hiring is rapidly overtaking degree-based credentials as the gold standard. The way we hire is evolving faster than ever before, and those who don’t adapt risk being left behind. In 2025, companies that fail to integrate technology and inclusive strategies into their recruitment processes will struggle to attract top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

EPICENTER VERGE- Talent Smash, is a game-changing event that explores the most pressing challenges and exciting innovations in the talent landscape. From leveraging AI to redefining hiring practices, this event is designed to give HR leaders, recruiters, and business professionals the tools they need to thrive in 2025 and beyond. 

Dive deep into four transformative tracks, including AI’s Role in Talent Acquisition, Skill-Based Hiring, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Employer Branding. Hear from leading voices in recruitment, talent management, and technology through keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Learn actionable strategies to future-proof your hiring practices and make a meaningful impact on your workforce.

Following the day’s content, join us for an exclusive networking event designed to foster connections with industry leaders, talent professionals, and innovators. Drinks, snacks, and the chance to build meaningful relationships await.

Schedule

14:00

Welcome

Grab a sweet treat and a drink.

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14:20

Opening Remarks

The Lounge- First Floor
Moderator Joey Bayer
Head of Community, Epicenter Helsinki
14:30

Opening Keynote - Brand Authenticity Over Buzzwords: Connecting with Talent Through Strategic Storytelling

In an era of corporate jargon and digital noise, authentic storytelling is a powerful differentiator. This keynote explores how a strategic EVP narrative wires meaningful connections with talent, transforming employer branding from a recruitment support function into a driver of business impact. Discover how to craft brand narratives that align with business strategy and bring culture to life while at the same time attract top talent, build advocacy, and strengthen long-term brand equity.

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The Lounge - First Floor
Marita Navrátilová
Global Head of Employer Brand, Wärtsilä
15:00

Panel - The AI Hiring Revolution

The Lounge - First Floor

Keynote - The Business Case for DEI: Performance Through Inclusion

Revelation Space - Second Floor

Workshop - "Unlocking Potential: Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workplace"

"Unlocking Potential: Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workplace" is a focused one-hour workshop designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and neurodiversity in the workplace. Participants will explore the key traits of ADHD, including both strengths like creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, as well as common challenges such as time management, sensory sensitivity, and emotional regulation. The workshop equips attendees with practical tools to foster effective communication, build inclusive environments, and create workflows that empower neurodiverse employees to thrive. By addressing these aspects, the session highlights how supporting ADHD employees not only enhances their well-being but also boosts productivity, innovation, and team dynamics, creating a healthier and more successful work environment for all.

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Passion Room, The Lounge - 2nd Floor
Anett Vannai
Coach, The ADHD Bunch
Robert Franko
Coach, The ADHD Bunch
15:25

Panel - Why Skills Matter More Than Degrees in 2025

The Lounge - First Floor

Keynote - Navigating Bias in AI Recruitment Algorithms

Revelation Space - Second Floor
15:50

Keynote - TBD

The Lounge - First Floor

Keynote - AI: Faster Output, Happier Employees

Revelation Space - Second Floor
16:15

Panel - Crafting a Magnetic Employer Brand in a Competitive Market

The Lounge - First Floor

Keynote - Bridging the Skill Gap: The Role of Training Programs

Revelation Space - Second Floor
16:35

Panel - New Ways to Attract Talent

The Lounge - First Floor
16:55

Closing Remarks

The Lounge - First Floor
17:00

Networking

Head over to Mikonkatu 5 for drinks, snacks and the best networking in town.

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The Inner Yard- Mikonkatu 5
19:00

Thank You and Goodbye

Thanks for coming, we hope to see you again soon!

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Meet our experts

Marita Navrátilová
Global Head of Employer Brand, Wärtsilä

Marita is a strategic brand marketing leader with 25 years of experience in global brand development and creative marketing. Currently leading Wärtsilä's global employer brand, she has held key roles as a creative director and global brand director, specializing in B2B brand strategy and building brand equity. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, Marita leverages brand marketing to drive business growth and attract top talent.

Anett Vannai
Coach, The ADHD Bunch

Anett is a general dentist with over 14 years of experience in dentistry.

Since early childhood, Anett has often felt “weird” and out of place, like she didn’t quite belong. This sense of being different led her on a profound journey of self-discovery even before being diagnosed with ADHD. Through years of deep introspection and research, Anett has cultivated a deep understanding, appreciation, and self-love for who she is. By flipping the narrative, she learned to embrace her differences and even fell in love with her ADHD, seeing it not as a flaw but as a unique part of her identity.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a result of her ADHD, Anett has experienced workplace bullying, a reality for many neurodiverse individuals who are misunderstood or seen as different. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to educate others about ADHD and advocate for acceptance and understanding in both personal and professional settings.

Diagnosed with ADHD herself, Anett’s lived experience and dedication to research have shaped her mission to help others. She strives to empower individuals with ADHD to embrace their uniqueness, overcome societal misconceptions, and unlock their full potential.

As part of The ADHD Bunch, Anett combines her professional expertise and personal journey to bring meaningful change to both individuals and organizations, striving to create a world where ADHD is understood, appreciated, and celebrated—and to help ADHD individuals open their gifts and shine.

Robert Franko
Coach, The ADHD Bunch

Robert is a photographer with over 8 years of experience, specializing in capturing unique perspectives through his lens. Beyond his professional work, Robert has been a pillar of acceptance and support for his wife Anett, unknowingly becoming her safety net long before her ADHD diagnosis. He was the first person to fully embrace her for who she is, even when she felt like the “black sheep” in her world. His unconditional acceptance gave Anett the confidence to navigate her diagnosis and see her differences as strengths rather than shortcomings.

Living as a neurotypical in a family shaped by ADHD, Robert has dedicated himself to understanding and appreciating the unique qualities that ADHD brings to their lives. He has worked to improve communication and connection with Anett and their two ADHD daughters, recognizing how crucial acceptance and empathy are in fostering healthy relationships. Along the way, he has also seen how ADHD individuals are often misunderstood, mistreated, and even bullied in life and at work—despite their incredible potential and the gifts they bring to the world.

As part of The ADHD Bunch, Robert is deeply committed to their mission: raising awareness about ADHD, advocating for widespread acceptance and understanding, and helping others unlock the potential that lies within neurodiversity. His unique perspective as a neurotypical navigating an ADHD-centered world makes him an integral part of the movement to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Moderator Joey Bayer
Head of Community, Epicenter Helsinki

Joey Bayer has been responsible for creating conversations that matter for more than 16 years.

From creating the space, to connecting key players, to driving / setting the agenda, Joey brings together individuals for moments that both transform and inspire.

Over the course of his career, Joey has hosted the world's most fascinating and influential people - from world leaders, like Bill Clinton, to iconic legends like Liza Minelli, to the CEOs of today's Fortune 500 companies.

Joey's intuitive ability to connect with others, his passion for people and dialogue, and ability to get directly to the heart of the discussion have earned him a reputation of trust and respect with leaders around the world, and made him a central figure in today's most important conversations.

More Speakers Announced Soon

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At Epicenter we help key innovative hotspots to supercharge their local entrepreneurial ecosystems. By building local innovation houses we provide a community, learning platform, and meeting arena for local change makers to accelerate their growth and innovate with impact.

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