“Don’t undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.”
-Edwin H. Land
Almost two months ago, March 10th, was an exciting day for many. 52 participants from 12 different schools and 3 different countries arrived to Helsinki. At the same time the organizing team of 13 students was eager to begin the week they had been preparing for 11 months. NESU 2014 spring conference “Experience It! Monetizing Experience Economy” was finally here.
The week began with a networking session and was followed by the traditional cabin getaway. The next day the participants were pampered with a relaxing movie and after the check-in at the hotel the conference participants headed to Villa Sarfvik for an exclusive pool party with the theme “Hawaiian Pool Experience”. The night was a success and the exotic Anima Libera in the pool topped off the great experience.
On Wednesday the conference participants woke up early and began the actual day program at Aalto University School of Business. The crew had an interesting workshop with Dolphin Interactive about their audience feedback systems and interactive teaching products. After all groups had presented their case findings a few lucky participants were awarded for most correct answers. Everyone was pleased for the day’s work and the participants headed happily to the sunny streets to get ready for the night’s traditional City Run. The evening gathered all conference participants and other nesuits to the Nordic Party at Ale Pub Helsinki.
The next day began with a fascinating workshop with the company Giosg.com. After introducing their company Giosg offered the conference participants a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in their product launch. The participants were divided into groups and the case questions altered from customer acquisition to monetizing the service and after lunch all nine groups presented their case answers. The evening program was full of activities, for example live karaoke with aKYstic and a surprise performance by a magician.
Friday started with a lecture by digitalist Ville Tolvanen. Ville spoke about digital networking and experiences and his lecture was followed by NESU’s country meetings and biannual Union Meeting. After the meetings everyone hurried to get ready for the Nordic Evening sitsiparty at Casa Academica. The theme was Pirates vs. Clowns and the night was filled with crazy costumes, great performances and happy songs.
The highlight of every conference, the Grand Gala, took place on Saturday. Organizers headed to the Gala place early so that when the participants started arriving everything was ready. The evening started with sparkling wine and some starters and was followed by a fabulous three course meal.The menu consisted of a fish plate, braised duck and lime-mascarpone-cake and Jacob’s Creek’s wines made the meal to perfection. The Grand Gala was unforgettable and an exquisite ending for the conference week and everyone was feeling happy and sad at the same time leaving their goodbyes at the herring breakfast on Sunday.
From my point of view the week was pure perfection. As we mentioned in the Grand Gala, the head organizers are thankful for many things and persons. We couldn’t have managed the organizing process without our great organizing team nor had the fun we were privileged without our great participants. We would also like to thank all our corporate partners and every single person who was somehow part of the week. The conference was an experience of a lifetime!
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
-Walt Disney
On behalf of the organizing team,
Anna Alppinen
Head Organizer
NESU 2014 Spring Conference