26.09.2025
National bidding strategy for international sports events moves forward – First workshop held in Tampere
Finland’s national strategy work for bidding on international sports events was officially launched on 4 September 2025, when the steering group convened for the first time at the Helsinki Culture House. The aim of the strategy is to strengthen Finland’s position as a host of major international sports events and to create a shared roadmap towards the 2040s. The work is driven by Event Industry Finland, in collaboration with Sport Event Management Finland (SEMF).
The project’s steering group brings together key cities, sports federations, and national stakeholders. The group is chaired by Perttu Pesä (City of Tampere), with Kalle Marttinen (Football Association of Finland) as vice chair. The project is coordinated by Project Manager Matilda Suhonen, who brings experience from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Finnish Biathlon Association.
The strategy process will run through 2025–2026 and proceed in four main phases: current state analysis, identification of event opportunities, development of the strategic roadmap, and final documentation with shared targets. In addition to the active work of the steering group, regional workshops will be held in different cities.
First workshop held in Tampere: focus on cities
The first workshop was held in Tampere on 24 September, gathering more than 30 representatives from cities across Finland.
Ahead of the workshop, data were collected from cities regarding their capabilities and readiness to host international sports events, their perception of their role as event destinations, and their plans for developing event infrastructure. Based on this input, city representatives were able to jointly reflect on Finland’s competitive position and operating conditions, as well as opportunities for collaboration, potential sports event clusters, and long-term prospects.
The knowledge gathered both before and during the workshop helps build a comprehensive picture and will guide the strategy process forward.
Next workshop in Lahti: focus on sports federations
The next workshop will take place in Lahti on November 13, with representatives from sports federations joining the discussions. This will allow the strategy to identify sport-specific upcoming major events and bidding opportunities, as well as the needs and perspectives of sports stakeholders. The aim is to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between different actors.
Towards a shared goal and roadmap
The Tampere workshop marked the first concrete step in the strategy process. The work will continue in close collaboration with cities, sports federations, and stakeholders from the event industry. After the Lahti session, two additional workshops are scheduled for early 2026.
Read the news in Finnish / Uutinen suomeksi: https://www.sportsfinland.com/kansainvalisten-urheilutapahtumien-hakemisen-strategiatyo-etenee-tampere/
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The four key phases of the 2025–2026 strategy process:
- Current state analysis
- Event opportunity identification
- Strategic roadmap development
- Final documentation and joint targets
Workshops:
- Tampere (24 September 2025)
- Lahti (13 November 2025)
- Helsinki (January 2026)
- TBC (March 2026)
Steering group members:
- Perttu Pesä, Chair, City of Tampere
- Kalle Marttinen, Vice Chair, Football Association of Finland
- Sanna Forsström, City of Helsinki
- Satu Kiipeli, City of Oulu
- Inkeri Määttä, City of Lahti
- Markus Häkkinen, AKK Sports Oy
- Juha Juvonen, Finnish Golf Union
- Terttu Keskinen-Rönkkö, Stopteltat
- Laura Kittelä, Sports Institute of the Three Campuses
- John Liljelund, International Floorball Federation
- Antti Pihlakoski, World Athletics
- Mirkka Rautala, VN Helsinki
- Ari Tammivaara, Basketball Finland
- Riku Tapio, Finnish Olympic Committee
- Hannu Tolonen, Ministry of Education and Culture
- Marleena Valtasola, Finnish Ski Association