Finnish Junior Chamber International Gala

A sparkling gala brought the Finnish Junior Chamber International together after three years

Top performers, great guests, tasty food and pyrotechnics – all this made an all-time gala for the Finnish Junior Chamber International in April 2022. As the meeting was organized by Tampere JCI, the gala venue was justifiably the brand new Nokia Arena.

The two-day conference event, focusing on the themes of social impact and sustainable development, culminated in the Gala of the Annual General Meeting. Members from all over Finland, partners, invited guests and top international guests, such as the chairman of the World Association of JCI, Argenis Angulo from Argentina, were gathered under the arena roof. Wonderful program and dinner were enjoyed at tables set in the arena bowl.

“The visually stunning execution began with musical fireworks, a combination of DJ, vocalist-pianist and violinist, time-coded LED surfaces and flame machines. I could see the delight in the faces of the guests as they arrived, but the start of the show really showed the audience that we are in a world-class arena”, says Ari Myllyniemi, the executive producer of the event and active JCI member.

Arena facilities revealed their versatility

In addition to the arena bowl, there were many other arena facilities utilized for the event, such as the Eventum restaurant and several boxes. Boxes served as a stage for the Senator parties, and the jubilant after-party took place at the Eventum. Several smaller parties were held inside the big party. Myllyniemi is an experienced event organizer who appreciates functional arrangements and facilities.

“Thanks to the versatility of the arena, it is possible to hold stylish galas and concerts there without having to hide the existing structures. One important detail are the ice covering sheets, whose color and texture work well for this type of celebration.”

Expectations from both the organizers and participants were particularly high for a number of reasons. In 2020 and 2021, the event was carried out remotely. Despite the pressure, the evening was a success in every way.

“The flow of the event was very smooth. The facilities of the arena fulfill all modern requirements and they fit together well. The catering worked well and was tastefully instructed by the hosts. Vegetarian food in particular received a lot of praise. After the awards, speakers and traditions, the stage was taken over by the main artist of the evening, ABREU. As the program in the bowl approached the end, the doors were opened directly to the event restaurant Eventum, where the the celebrations continued until the wee hours, accompanied by live music and a DJ”, Myllyniemi explains.

Practical tips for the event organizer

Any tips for organizing a similar event?

“We were particularly pleased to work with the skilled professionals at Nokia Arena, each with a clear responsibility. Communication worked seamlessly between different actors. I recommend discussing with professionals in different range of responsibilities, how they can add value to the event. Most of the event’s production consisted of arena’s subcontractors. In our case, in addition, the production equipment of the Nordic Live festival company, together with the arena’s own decoration, completed all the facilities to the mint condition. We were really satisfied with the functionality and the stylish result”, Myllyniemi praises.

“The start of the show really showed the audience that we are in a world-class arena.”

Ari Myllyniemi, Executive Producer of JCI Gala

Photos: Jarno Laine / Royal Photo