Strategic Forum
Registration for members opens in May. General registration opens in June.
In partnership with Citi, Finnair, Helsingin Kaupunki, PwC, Sullivan & Worcester and Team Kentucky
The FACC-NY Strategic Forum 2026 brings together leaders from business, technology, public policy, and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Held at a pivotal moment for global business and geopolitics, this year’s forum explores how Finnish companies are building competitive advantage to succeed in the U.S. market in an increasingly complex global environment.
We are honored to welcome keynote speaker James A. Winnefeld Jr., former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and one of the United States’ leading voices on strategy, leadership, and global security.
Confirmed speakers include Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Ambassador of Finland to the United States; Miia Rantanen, Consul General of Finland in New York; Helen Mets, President and CEO of Ahlstrom; Massimo Reynaldo, President and CEO of UPM-Kymmene Corporation; Sauli Sinisalo of Bluefors; Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-Founder of IQM Quantum Computers; Jussi-Pekka Penttinen, CEO, CTO and Co-Founder of Vexlum; Ronit Ghose, Global Head of Future of Finance at Citi; and Juhani Sirén, Region Head for Trade Promotion, North America, alongside senior executives, founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Program Highlights
- Bridging the Gap – How international CEOs translate Finnish innovation into U.S. and global market success
- Leadership Under Pressure – Perspectives from sports and business on resilience, performance, and decision-making in high-pressure environments
- Nordic Quantum Edge – How Nordic companies are shaping the future of quantum technology, advanced computing, and deep tech innovation
The forum offers strategic discussions, forward-looking insights, and networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of Finnish-American business relations.
Attendance & Membership
FACC-NY members receive priority access to Strategic Forum 2026.
Ticket allocations are included in FACC-NY membership tiers as follows:
- Platinum Members: 3 tickets
- Gold Members: 2 tickets
- Silver & Bronze Members: 1 ticket
- Individual Members: 1 ticket
Companies and individuals interested in attending are encouraged to become FACC-NY members to access the event and participate in our year-round network of executive programs, industry events, and business connections.
Corporate memberships start at $1,000 and Individual memberships start at $250 (Young Professionals at $50). Read more about becoming a member and purchase your membership here: https://facc-ny.com/memberships/.
Navigating the U.S. Tax Landscape
FACC-NY organized a virtual briefing on U.S. market entry and tax considerations for Nordic companies, led by cross-border advisors Ann-Christine Westerlund and Victor Westerlund of Westmusa Inc.
Drawing on decades of advisory experience, the speakers shared practical insights into common market entry barriers, frequent pitfalls, and a structured “dos and don’ts” framework for Nordic companies establishing a presence in the United States. The discussion emphasized real-world scenarios and planning considerations based on client case experience.
The session included a practical overview of how the U.S. tax system operates, with particular attention to state-level economic nexus and related compliance questions. Participants also received an update on recent developments connected to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The program concluded with an active Q&A discussion, where participants raised detailed and thoughtful questions related to structuring, tax exposure, and cross-border operations.
We thank Ann-Christine Westerlund and Victor Westerlund for sharing their expertise and guiding a focused and practical discussion for our member community.
Champagne and Cheers - Q1 2026 Kickoff
FACC-NY joined fellow Nordic chambers and business leaders in New York for a cross-Nordic networking evening to kick off the first quarter of 2026. The event gathered approximately 80 attendees, including investors, corporate representatives, chamber supporters, and friends of the Nordic business community.
Hosted in a shared office space used collaboratively by several Nordic chambers of commerce, the evening focused on connection and community building across borders. The program centered around Nordic and business-themed trivia, with each country organizing its own activity segment. Mixed teams competed in a friendly format, with top performers receiving prizes.
The atmosphere was social and energetic, encouraging relaxed conversation and new introductions across the Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Icelandic business circles. Events like this continue to highlight the value of Nordic cooperation in the U.S. market and the role that these gatherings play in strengthening long-term professional relationships.
We thank our partner Nordic chambers and all participants for contributing to a fun and collaborative start to the year.
Young Professionals After Hours
FACC-NY launched Young Professionals After Hours, marking the introduction of its new Young Professionals membership initiative in New York.
Held at Kabin in SoHo, the evening brought together Finns and friends of Finland aged 21–35 for relaxed conversation, light refreshments, and cross-industry connections. With no formal program, the focus was on building community and welcoming the next generation into the Finnish–U.S. business network.
The event sets the foundation for continued engagement and programming tailored to emerging Finnish–U.S. professionals.
Executive Summit 2nd of September 2025
The Executive Summit 2025 brought Finnish and U.S. business leaders together in New York for a day of open conversation on the future of transatlantic business.
Hosted in collaboration with the Consulate General of Finland in New York, the Summit explored global market dynamics, geopolitical developments, and the role of innovation and sustainability in long-term growth. The program featured keynote talks, panel discussions, and fireside conversations with speakers including Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Wilbur Ross, Marco Wirén (Nokia), and senior executives from companies such as Citi, Finnair, SAS, Fiskars, Ahlstrom, Betolar, and Borenius.
Beyond the formal program, the day was shaped by conversations — from morning coffee through the final sessions — as more than 100 participants connected, exchanged perspectives, and built relationships across industries and borders.
Strategic Forum 14th of November 2025
Strategic Forum 2025 brought the Finnish–U.S. business community together in New York for a full day of conversation around defence, cybersecurity, AI, and quantum technologies — and their growing role in transatlantic cooperation.
The forum featured keynote talks and panel discussions with speakers including Ambassadors Jarmo Sarevaand Tom Shannon, Risto Siilasmaa, Tero Ojanperä, and leaders from organizations such as NASA, Palantir, TactoTek, Emberion, and KuvaSpace. Conversations reflected timely themes shaped by Finland’s NATO membership, Arctic expertise, and leadership in emerging technologies.
The day concluded with FACC-NY’s Little Christmas Party, giving nearly 150 participants the chance to continue conversations in a relaxed, festive setting.
Gateway to New York
New York and Helsinki form a powerful transatlantic corridor for innovation, investment, talent, and trade between Europe and the United States.
Helsinki serves as a gateway to the Nordic region, while New York remains a leading gateway to the U.S. market. Together, the two hubs foster collaboration across technology, infrastructure, sustainability, and economic growth through strong public-private partnerships and strategic exchange.
Finnish–U.S. Life Science Accelerator Forum
The Finnish–U.S. Life Science Accelerator Forum 2026 hosted with DNB Carnegie | Back Bay. The transatlantic forum brought together leaders from life sciences, health tech, investment, and policy to advance collaboration and health innovation between Finland and the United States.
The program featured keynote remarks, expert panels, focused presentations, and curated networking across medtech, biotech, neurotechnology, AI-driven diagnostics, and next-generation health innovation.
Women’s Leadership Program Luncheon
On the 9th of March, more than 60 women gathered at Scandinavia House in New York for the inaugural luncheon of the FACC-NY Women’s Leadership Circle.
The initiative creates a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and connection among women leading across industries within the Finnish–U.S. community.
In her keynote address, Kristiina Helenius reflected on a global career spanning journalism, diplomacy, and international business, highlighting the growing geopolitical importance of critical minerals and the strategic role they play in today’s global competition.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in launching this new platform for leadership and exchange.











































