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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.

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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 International Community, Epicenter
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 weaves meaningful connections with talent. Discover how to craft brand narratives that align with business strategy, reflect your culture and values, and resonate with purpose-driven talent in a meaningful way.

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The Lounge - First Floor
Marita Navrátilová
Global Head of Employer Brand, Wärtsilä
14:50

Break

Grab a coffee and meet someone new!

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14:55

Panel - The AI Hiring Revolution

The Lounge - First Floor
Alona Nechytailo
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Specialist, SSH Communications Security
Ellis Briery
CEO, Wonton’s Sauna
Richard Sundman
Sales Manager Finland, Teamtailor
Siiri Laaksonen
Co-Founder and CEO, TalentBee

Keynote - The Business Case for DEI: Performance Through Inclusion

Revelation Space - Second Floor
Cristian Martinez
Head of People, Timma

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, The Lounge - 2nd Floor
Anett Vannai
Coach, The ADHD Bunch
Robert Franko
Coach, The ADHD Bunch

Workshop - Building an Employer Brand in the Age of AI

How do you stand out when every social media channel is overflowing with AI-generated content? Join TalentBee’s Nea Raaska and Siiri Laaksonen as they guide you through the evolution of employer branding in this dynamic landscape. This workshop will explore why building an impactful employer brand is fundamentally about leading change, not just crafting messages. We'll also discuss why 2025 is poised to be the year of communities and share practical tips on using AI to streamline your content creation processes – without losing authenticity or emotional connection. Get ready to rethink your employer branding strategies for the AI era!

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Drive, The Lounge - 2nd Floor
Nea Raaska
Employer Branding Strategist, TalentBee
Siiri Laaksonen
Co-Founder and CEO, TalentBee
15:15

Panel - Why Skills Matter More Than Degrees in 2025

The Lounge - First Floor
Anni Helinen
CEO & Partner, Finders Seekers
Gabriella Igman
Lead & Enterprise Agile Coach, Reaktor
Rebekka Gotter
Talent Acquisition Specialist, RELEX Solutions

Keynote - Hiring, Bias & AI: The Problem Isn’t the Algorithm—It’s Us

AI is revolutionizing hiring, but if we’re not careful, it can amplify the very biases we’re trying to eliminate. Bias in AI is not just a technical issue—it’s embedded in the data and reflects societal structures. It determines who gets hired and who gets left behind. AI mirrors us, and as leaders, it’s our responsibility to question these systems, ensure diverse teams design and use them, and move beyond blind trust in algorithms. This keynote will explore how we can build AI literacy, create ethical hiring systems, and lead with a deep understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future of work and fairness.

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Revelation Space - Second Floor
Kira Sjöberg
Co-Founder, Data & AI Literacy Coach, Goodin
15:35

Break

Grab a coffee and meet someone new!

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15:45

Keynote - "Kieli keskellä suuta" - Harnessing the Finnish Language to Attract and Retain Top Talent in the Age of AI

Can language be the secret to attracting and keeping the best talent? In an era where AI is transforming the workplace, human connection remains key—and language is at its core. Join Acolad Nordic’s GM in conversation with Finnish language trainer Mike, a native English speaker who has mastered Finnish and now teaches it to professionals. Drawing from his own experience, Mike will share how companies can leverage language learning to create inclusive workplaces, boost employee commitment, and enhance employer branding. Mikko and Mike will also discuss how trainer-led courses with the right AI tool support can accelerate language learning and cultural adaptation.

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The Lounge - First Floor
Mikko Hakkarainen
General Manager Nordics, Acolad
Mike Aaja
Finnish and English Trainer, Acolad

Keynote - AI in Recruitment: A Double-Edged Sword

In his keynote, Anssi  will explore how AI is reshaping recruitment with both efficiency and complexity. While AI can streamline processes, it risks stripping away the human touch necessary for nuanced, emotionally intelligent hiring decisions. Anssi will address common challenges in recruitment, such as irrelevant CVs overwhelming applicant tracking systems (ATS) and job seekers’ frustrations with the process. He will introduce a pioneering solution—a conversational AI-to-AI approach—developed by ValueMatcher Group and ForteAI, designed to improve the hiring experience by replacing traditional one-way applications. This keynote will offer actionable insights on how to navigate the double-edged sword of AI in recruitment, ensuring companies can leverage its potential without sacrificing human connection.

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Revelation Space - Second Floor
Anssi Pakkanen
Co-Founder & CEO, ValueMatcher Group
16:05

Panel -Building a Compelling Employer Brand in a Competitive Market

The Lounge - First Floor
Anna Schoonover
Team Leader, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding, VTT
Mika Sallinen
Global Head of EB Insight Sales, Universum
Susanna Rantanen
CEO & Co-founder, Emine

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

Revelation Space - Second Floor
Egbert Schram
Group CEO, The Culture Factor Group
16:25

Break

Grab a coffee and meet someone new!

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16:35

Panel - New Ways to Attract Talent

The Lounge - First Floor
Claes Peyron
Managing Director Client Strategy, Universum
Emil Lindholm
Global Talent Acquisition Partner, Nordcloud an IBM Company
Juho-Tuomas Järvikangas
Team Lead, City of Helsinki
Ludmila Tomperi
Senior Talent Acquisition Partner HQ, Wolt
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.

Alona Nechytailo
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Specialist, SSH Communications Security

With 10 years of experience in hospitality and now working as a Talent Acquisition Specialist in the defensive cybersecurity company - SSH, Alona is passionate about combining human connection with cutting-edge technology. In 2023, she completed a Master's Thesis focused on the ethical and legal aspects of AI in recruitment, exploring how to implement AI responsibly. Alona is committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience, always believing that while AI can enhance the process, it can never replace the human touch that makes recruitment truly meaningful

Anna Schoonover
Team Leader, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding, VTT

Passionate about creating meaningful connections, I specialize in Talent Strategy, Employer Branding, and Talent Acquisition Development—ensuring the right people find the right opportunities. My mission? To enhance work wellbeing by making magical matches happen. I believe in strategic employer branding that’s rooted in reality—where EVP (Employer Value Proposition) isn’t just words on a career page but something employees truly experience every day.

Currently leading the Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding team at VTT, I focus on attracting top tech talent while evolving our recruitment function into a strategic business partner. Let's connect and discuss how we can drive meaningful change together!

Anni Helinen
CEO & Partner, Finders Seekers

Anni is a seasoned leader and talent acquisition strategist with 15+ years of experience in the recruitment field. She is passionate about building winning teams, sustainable businesses and meaningful (work)life. Outside of work, she is a dedicated soccer mom, always cheering on her 9-year-old son.

Anssi Pakkanen
Co-Founder & CEO, ValueMatcher Group

Over 15 years of expertise in various leadership positions, orchestrating complex IT transformation projects across diverse customer profiles and industries. Leading Nordcloud as company's first Country Manager to become one of Finland's Top 5 Fastest Growing Tech Companies two years in a row.

Anssi is a Co-founder of ValueMatcher Group, a startup company with a mission to assure better recruitments with modern and scalable HR technology.

Claes Peyron
Managing Director Client Strategy, Universum

Claes has been with Universum since 2010 and in his role he advises organizations on how to leverage their employer brands and secure current and future talent needs. As a keen “futurist”, Claes is also a regular speaker on employer branding and talent trends conferences around the world. Prior to joining Universum, Claes was the Managing Director of the marketing strategy firm, Marketing Clinic, and before that he spent several years in executive positions in the IT and Media sector, including 5 years with MTG.

Cristian Martinez
Head of People, Timma

Cristian Martinez is a culture- and business-oriented HR leader with extensive experience in technology and marketing communications. During his wealth of over a decade-long career, Cristian has worked in corporations, agencies, startups, and growth companies to build people-first organizations. He strongly advocates that people-first organizations should have a strong DEI angle to improve employee experience and build employee capabilities. Cristian has helped companies like Neste, Finnish Design Shop, Vaisala and Swappie on their DEI journeys.

Egbert Schram
Group CEO, The Culture Factor Group

Egbert Schram is the Group CEO of The Culture Factor Group and an expert in cultural impact on business operations. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in internationalization, SME growth, business development, and executive coaching. Having worked in over 40 countries, Egbert has collaborated with global brands like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, IKEA, GE Healthcare, and Nestlé, coaching over 300 executives on culture and leadership.

A provocative yet empathetic coach, Egbert is passionate about making complex topics accessible and guiding organizations through emotionally challenging decisions with pragmatic solutions. He is also Chair of the Finnish Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the Amcham Advisory Board.

Egbert is the author of Navigating Foreignness, focusing on cultural adaptation and belonging, and holds certifications in solution-focused coaching from the Helsinki Psychotherapy Institute and ProsCI.

Ellis Briery
CEO, Wonton’s Sauna

Ellis Briery is an eclectic San Francisco native and former Head of Talent Acquisition at Triplebyte, who has a commitment to scaling and evolving teams of top talent to meet the ever-growing needs of startups. He's an expert in creating and experimenting with full-cycle, highly data-driven recruiting processes that scale.

Emil Lindholm
Global Talent Acquisition Partner, Nordcloud an IBM Company

Emil has a master’s degree in social psychology and a decade of experience in talent acquisition. He is passionate about helping organizations find and hire diverse, qualified talent that aligns with their culture, values, and needs. With extensive expertise in both strategic and operational talent acquisition, Emil likes working in global, fast-paced environments with limited resources. The versatile experience in inhouse, agency, corporate and startup organizations gives him a broad perspective on how companies compete for top talent.

Gabriella Igman
Lead & Enterprise Agile Coach, Reaktor

Gabriella Ingman grew up in China, spent a few years around Europe before settling down in Finland almost 20 years ago. Since then she has worked in tech with individuals and teams bringing out the best in them. She works as a certified coach, teacher and facilitator within agile ways of working and teamwork. As consultants at Reaktor, the individuals and teams have to be self-sufficient and perform impeccably to help our clients succeed. 

Since Covid, Gabriella has been studying the effects of remote work on outcomes and motivation, and it has become a real passion!

Juho-Tuomas Järvikangas
Team Lead, City of Helsinki

Juho-Tuomas is the Team Lead for the Migration Affairs Unit at the City of Helsinki, overseeing the operations and activities of International House Helsinki and the Spouse Program. International House Helsinki serves as a central hub for international newcomers, providing essential information and public authority services—supporting around 40 % of all international arrivals to Finland. The Spouse Program helps international spouses settle in Helsinki by offering a welcoming community, events, and career support through tailored activities. Before his current role, he worked as an immigration consultant.

Kira Sjöberg
Co-Founder, Data & AI Literacy Coach, Goodin

Kira Sjöberg is a business designer and strategist at the intersection of AI, data, and human behavior at GOODIN. With a background in a multitude of industries and change management, Kira is interested in how companies navigate the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent systems. She is passionate about ethical AI, leadership, and innovation, she explores how organizations can leverage AI responsibly—ensuring it enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it. She is particularly focused on AI literacy, bias in AI, and strategic leadership in AI-driven but human-led organizations

Ludmila Tomperi
Senior Talent Acquisition Partner HQ, Wolt

Lumi is a Talent Acquisition expert with a decade of experience helping companies attract, hire, and retain top talent through strategic hiring, employer branding, and AI-driven insights. As an ICF-certified coach, she empowers professionals to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Originally from Kyrgyzstan, Lumi moved to Finland years ago and found a new home here, navigating the challenges of building a career in a new country. Her journey fuels her passion for helping others grow, adapt, and thrive in global workplaces.

Let’s talk HR, coaching, and creating better workplaces!

Mika Sallinen
Global Head of EB Insight Sales, Universum

Mika Sallinen is the Global Head of Insights Sales of the world's leading Employer Branding agency Universum, and the long-term Country Manager of Finland. During his career, he has worked with very different Finnish and international employers, from global listed companies to startups to law firms, using data and understanding to make their employer image systematic, consistent, and sustainable.

Mike Aaja
Finnish and English Trainer, Acolad

Mike Aaja is an experienced language trainer specializing in Finnish and English. A native English speaker, he has mastered Finnish to the extent that he now teaches it and has worked professionally in Finnish for years. His personal journey in language learning gives him a unique perspective on the role of language in the workplace. In his work, Mike focuses on how language skills can be a strategic asset, particularly in the context of attracting and retaining top talent.

Mikko Hakkarainen
General Manager Nordics, Acolad

Mikko Hakkarainen is the General Manager for the Nordics, with extensive expertise in the language services industry across sales, general management, and strategic account leadership. He has a deep understanding of the Northern European market, particularly the Nordics. With a strong focus on industry transformation, Mikko combines his passion for learning and technology to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape of language services.

Rebekka Gotter
Talent Acquisition Specialist, RELEX Solutions

Rebekka has been a Talent Acquisition Specialist for over 7 years and has led recruitment projects across Finland, Germany, Scandinavia, the UK, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. Her focus is on enhancing the candidate and hiring manager experience. Additionally, she is a career coach, helping immigrants in Finland land their next job.

Richard Sundman
Sales Manager Finland, Teamtailor

Richard has extensive experience in both leadership and sales, and has a true passion for working towards a better tomorrow.

Teamtailor is the all-in-one recruitment software loved by over 12, 000 companies worldwide and over 180,000 active monthly recruiters. By focusing on the candidate experience, Teamtailor wants to create a world where everyone wakes up and goes to work with a smile on their face.

Siiri Laaksonen
Co-Founder and CEO, TalentBee

Siiri is a 2023 Employer Branding Professional of the Year who transforms SaaS & tech recruitment with creative, data-driven strategies and standout employer brands. Passionate about innovation and mentoring, she is known for her ability to leverage cutting-edge social media techniques to amplify employer brand visibility.

Susanna Rantanen
CEO & Co-founder, Emine

Susanna is a pioneer in modern employer branding and the creator of The Magnetic Employer Branding Method™—a strategic approach designed for scaling businesses that need to attract and retain top talent with both the right skills and cultural fit. With a background in marketing, communications, and business storytelling, she has transformed employer branding into a long-term communication process that fuels sustainable growth.

As a sought-after speaker, consultant, and content creator, Susanna equips companies with the tools to build an employer brand that doesn’t just attract talent—but keeps the best people engaged for business success. Her upcoming book, Story-Driven Employer Branding, cements her reputation as a visionary in the field. When it comes to employer branding, Susanna isn’t just shaping the conversation—she’s leading it.

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.

Nea Raaska
Employer Branding Strategist, TalentBee

Nea blends strategic expertise with a people-first approach to help fast-growing tech and SaaS companies unlock their full potential. Known for her creativity and innovative strategies, she crafts impactful employer brands that drive growth and inspire success. Passionate about empowering businesses and individuals, Nea is dedicated to building memorable brands that truly resonate.

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 International Community, Epicenter

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.

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Spouse Program

The Spouse Program is an English-language service provided by the City of Helsinki for international spouses in the Helsinki capital region. As part of International House Helsinki, the Spouse Program is open to all spouses in the Helsinki capital region. Currently, the Spouse Program has registered over 1600 members.

The Spouse Program helps spouses settle in and feel welcome in their new home!

City of Helsinki
Epicenter Helsinki

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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