Why Helsinki is a global hub for sustainable congresses
Helsinki is a renowned and compelling choice for global sustainable congresses, meetings, and events. For international congress organisers, Helsinki offers comprehensive sustainability expertise that’s helped the city rank #1 on GDS Index in 2024 and earn the Green Destinations GSTC certificate.
Are you eager about hitting your event sustainability goals? Or are you perhaps not interested in sustainability at all? Either way, you’ll make a positive impact by organising your congress in Helsinki.
Helsinki is a leader in destination sustainability and innovation. What makes congress and event organisers fall for Helsinki is the city’s commitment to sustainability, its size that’s perfect for events, unique experiences such as the local culinary scene, and the unwavering support of Helsinki Convention Bureau.
Sustainability – a way of life and business
Infrastructure that makes everything work
Most venues in Helsinki are environmentally certified. The numerous venues, each with its unique charm and up-to-date facilities, provide organisers with technical assistance, turn-key services and predictable budgeting. With venues ranging from the timeless Finlandia Hall to the newest openings such as Dance House Helsinki, even the events with the most demanding needs fall neatly into place. Helsinki ensures that every occasion, big or small, finds its perfect, seamlessy functioning backdrop.
Helsinki is compact and accessible
Helsinki’s layout enables sustainable transportation by foot, city bike, or public transportation. You’ll be surprised to see that key venues, hotels, and attractions are just a stone’s throw away from each other. Time is precious, and we in Helsinki understand this: after all, a typical Helsinkian’s commute to work is 15 minutes! We really focus on minimizing travel and maximizing experiences. Combined with its international flight and ferry connections, Helsinki is a hub that almost can’t be avoided.
First-class accommodation
Rest is paramount after a day of brainstorming and networking. But you can also rest assured that your accommodator is thinking of the environment too: most hotel rooms in Helsinki are environmentally certified. Helsinki promises an experience tailored to every preference and budget. From the architectural marvel of Scandic Grand Central to quirky concepts such as Hobo Hotel, Helsinki offers accommodations that blend history, design, luxury – and, yes, sustainability.
How Helsinki helps with sustainability
What helped Helsinki first rank as the most sustainable destination in the GDS Index in 2024 and then earn the Green Destinations GSTC certificate in 2025 as the first large city? It’s Helsinki’s exceptionally high commitment to promoting sustainability in all its areas. The attractions, meeting and congress facilities and other tourism operators in Helsinki are also world leaders when it comes to investment in sustainable tourism.
Choosing to organise an event in Helsinki is a statement that resonates with commitment to the environment, to a greener tomorrow, and to a sustainable future. We want to share learnings and make sustainable event organising as easy as possible.
Sustainable Meeting Guidelines
Our Sustainable Meeting Guidelines are a promise to uphold eco-friendly practices, ensuring that every event not only meets global standards but also sets new ones. By championing sustainability, we ensure that our events leave an impression, not a footprint.
Congress social responsibility and legacy
The Helsinki Event Legacy Program is designed to help you develop a tailored plan that not only enriches attendees’ experiences but also leaves a meaningful mark on the city. Whether it’s through sustainable practices, community involvement, or innovative ideas, we aim to make every event a stepping stone toward a better, greener future.
As an outsider from Germany, Helsinki was an ideal place for this event. Besides lots of nature and attractions, the city is very compact, no long transfers, easy to handle on the spot, as hotels and sights are not far from each other. For most of the groups, Helsinki is just a stop to get into Finland by flight or ferry, but I am sure now after this AIA Experience, groups will stay longer in Helsinki.
-Studiosus
Client feedback
Case in sustainability: AIA Thailand Gala
Helsinki’s allure is best described by those who’ve collaborated with the city’s dedicated teams.
Paula Blomster from Messukeskus recalled the fusion of festivity and sustainability during the AIA Thailand Gala dinner.
“Our team at Messukeskus Helsinki had the honour of hosting the AIA Thailand Gala dinner. Every element was meticulously crafted, blending festivity with sustainability. The authenticity of the experience, right down to the scent of real Christmas trees from regenerative forests, showcased Helsinki’s dedication to genuine and sustainable experiences.”
A representative from our client, Studiosus, highlighted Helsinki’s compact nature, accessibility, and lasting impression.
“As an outsider from Germany, Helsinki was an ideal place for this event. Besides lots of nature and attractions, the city is very compact, no long transfers, easy to handle on the spot, as hotels and sights are not far from each other. For most of the groups, Helsinki is just a stop to get into Finland by flight or ferry, but I am sure now after this AIA Experience, groups will stay longer in Helsinki.”
Contact Helsinki Convention Bureau
No matter your event type, Helsinki Convention Bureau can connect you to the right people at the right time. From bid books to venue selection we’re here to help you confident, informed decisions, every step of the way—ready to support your success in the Nordic’s top congress destination.
