
Espoo Ambassador Programme
Awarding the Ambassador of the year
Visit Espoo with the City of Espoo annually chooses and awards the Ambassador of the year. The selected person is an active member in international scientific associations representing one's university and the Finnish scientific expertise and research work. Espoo Ambassador actively participates in international congresses in their field and arranges these in Espoo. At the same time, Espoo Ambassador encourages other scientists to active work in international associations and at their congresses. Ambassador also disseminates information on how the city of Espoo can support and assist scientists and researchers in inviting and organising international congresses.
The Ambassador's selection criteria include a person's activity in international research efforts and their respective scientific associations. Another critical factor is how active the person is as a congress inviter and organiser and how notable the congresses are internationally. The selected person represents the top of their research field in Finland.
The prize is announced at the annual Espoo Ambassador lunch, hosted by the Mayor of Espoo and Aalto University. Guests at the award event are representatives from scientific institutions.
The purpose of naming Espoo Ambassadors is to highlight the importance of international scientific congresses for the host city, the represented institute, and the researcher. In connection with the award ceremony, participants are encouraged to invite congresses from their fields to Espoo and Finland. Visit Espoo team also points out how their congress unit, the City of Espoo, and the Aalto University can support and help scientists invite and organise international congresses.
Visit Espoo has been awarded Ambassador of the year since 2009. In 2020-2021, due to the exceptional situation caused by the COVIS-19 Epidemic, the traditional Espoo Ambassador event was not held and the Ambassador of the Year was not selected.
Selected Espoo Ambassadors
- Espoo Ambassador 2022 Prof. Rebecca Piekkari from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2019 Prof. Seppo Ikäheimo from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2018 Prof. Ahti Salo from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2017 Prof. Pekka Heikkinen from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2016 Prof. Jaana Sorvari from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2015 Prof. Filip Tuomisto from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2014 Prof. Ari Sihvola from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2013 Prof. Tapio Lokki from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2012 Prof. Jukka Tuhkuri (Aalto University)
- Espoo Ambassador 2011 Prof. Olli Simula from Aalto University
- Espoo Ambassador 2010 Prof. Riitta Smeds from Aalto University
- Honour Ambassador 2009 Prof. Emeritus Markku Peltoniemi from Helsinki School of Technology (now Aalto University)
Read introductions of all previously awarded Ambassadors here
Become an Espoo Ambassador
If you have expertise in a specialist field and are considering bringing a conference to Espoo, don't hesitate to contact us.
- Are You an expert in your scientific field?
- Are You a member of an international association?
- Are You participating regularly in international conferences in your field?
- Have You thought of inviting an international conference to Finland or Espoo?
- Would You like to become Espoo's Congress Ambassador?
If you answered one of these questions, we would happily meet you in person and talk more.
The EspooAmbassador Programme provides opportunities to share experiences with like-minded people, build new contacts and learn more about what Espoo has to offer as a conference destination. Being an Espoo Ambassador also allows you to showcase Espoo's capital as a modern, dynamic city with world-leading excellence centres that continue developing new fields of expertise and groundbreaking research.
Our network of Espoo Ambassadors continues to grow each year, and you will surely be in good company!
If you wish to have more information, please get in touch with Visit Espoo Congress Team.
Hosting a conference is rewarding
An international conference in your local area creates opportunities for your industry sector to gain world recognition and a platform to profile your institution.
Inviting an association meeting is also an excellent opportunity for you. As the catalyst in securing your associations' conference, you will gain recognition and achieve long-term benefits such as:
- a platform to raise the national and global awareness of your scientific field and gain recognition for Finland's academic institutions
- an opportunity to build alliances to develop collaborative research
- potential for career development as a result of the increased professional recognition for conference organisers and the opportunity to become a speaker at a future conference
Visit Espoo offer objective assistance free of charge
Visit Espoo is a subsidiary of Espoo City, and our main task is to promote Espoo as a potential destination for future international congresses, meetings, and events. Our team is dedicated to helping you bid for your conference and is available through the whole process of organising the event.
All Visit Espoo's convention services are free of charge and impartial. Our consultation services include:
- help you to find the most suitable venue and partnerships
- help to prepare necessary bid documents and other materials
- coordinate site inspection visits
- make preliminary reservations for conference facilities and accommodation
- provide promotional material
- assist you in planning a social program
- help you to make the initial budget
- take care of hospitality arrangements with the city of Espoo
- provide information on state subsidy for organising international conferences and national seminars