The Impression-Maker of the Year
In this category, the award goes to the year’s most promising newcomer in the exhibitions and events sector or a seasoned veteran who has made a particular impression. The nominees are active and influential figures in the field who have boosted exhibition media with their actions. As we need both pioneers and visionaries to ensure the progress in the sector, we will reward the most merited of them annually. The category winner will receive a € 3000 award.
Ronja Salmi, Ryöväri Oy
As the new Programme Director of the Helsinki Book Fair, Ronja Salmi has placed child and adolescent readers at the centre of the event. The fair’s programme has also emphasised the significance of reading and literacy in a positive and fresh way. Salmi has paid special attention to the new target audiences when planning the programme, and she has also increased the appeal of the Helsinki Book Fair as well as reading as a hobby among younger readers.
Ronja Salmi renewed and reconceptualised the children’s section. Its realisation increased the significance of children’s literature in the whole event, delighting its target audience and the whole industry.
“Ronja Salmi has provided a face for the renewal of the Helsinki Book Fair. She has worked closely with the team behind the Book Fair and the whole industry. In 2018, the Helsinki Book Fair had an astonishing and record-setting 85,600 visitors.”
Saara Hassinen, Healthtech Finland
Saara Hassinen – together with Messukeskus, Sitra and Business Finland – has executed the DigIT Pop Up concept for the Finnish Medical Convention and Exhibition. The DigIT Pop Up is a section at the fair where current matters related to healthcare technology and companies are showcased.
The concept has aroused interest, and it has been improved along the way based on last year’s experiences. The concept’s form can also be transformed, as was shown at the Finnish Dental Congress and Exhibition, for instance.
“Healthcare technology brings added value to social and health care. New ideas and encounters become possible when discussions and solutions concerning the use of technology are brought to events for doctors, dentists and nurses.”
Sari Yli-Salomäki, Editus Oy/Häät Finnish Wedding Media
Häät (Häät magazine, häät.fi online planner) is the largest wedding media outlet in Finland, which helps couples and their loved ones find a suitable and easy way to organise a wonderful wedding. Häät magazine and Häät.fi bring together those who are planning a wedding and the companies that provide services for them.
For the I love me 2018 event, Sari Yli-Salomäki planned and set up the Most Beautiful Ring of the Year 2018 stand which brought some of the most gorgeous works of the jewellery industry for consumers to see. She also organised the Jewelry Morning – Adding Brilliance to your Brand! event for jewellery entrepreneurs and staff.
“Our goal was met as more than 12,200 votes were cast in the Most Beautiful Ring of the Year 2018 competition. At times, there were even lines for the meetings between designers and visitors. We expected about 20 people from the field to attend the Jewelry Morning event which was organised for the first time, so getting over 40 participants was a huge achievement.”