4-5 May 2023, Meresuu Spa hotel

An ever-changing world!
Narva-Jõesuu
Business Conference 2023
The City of Narva-Jõesuu invited participation in the business conference that took place on May 4–5, 2023, at the Meresuu SPA Hotel conference center. The Narva-Jõesuu Business Conference brought together regional business representatives from both the industrial and tourism sectors.

The selection of conference topics covered competitiveness, exports, and target markets, as well as future trends and opportunities. The focus was placed on sustainability and accessibility, exploring how collaboration principles could be utilized to set higher goals and achieve significantly more. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and looked to the future together!

The first day of the conference was geared toward regional business, with the first half of the day being more industry-focused and the second half centering on the tourism sector. On the second day, participants engaged in practical workshops and seminars.

The day-and-a-half-long conference provided an excellent opportunity to gain a fresh overview of regional entrepreneurship, explore future trends and opportunities, and network with clients, partners, and even competitors — both in a relaxed atmosphere and by asking questions in the hall or participating in workshops.
PROGRAMME
Thursday, 4 May 2023
  • 10:00
    Opening remarks
    • Maarika Honkonen, Conference Moderator
    • Maksim Iljin, Mayor of Narva-Jõesuu
    • Kristina Kallas, Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Estonia
  • 10:30
    Global trends affecting the world and us!
    Meelis Kitsing, Rector of EBS (Estonian Business School)
  • 11:10
    A glimpse into the economy
    Kristo Aab, Economic Analyst at LHV
  • 11:10
    Ida-Viru County and industrial investments
    Ahti Asmann, Chairman of the Management Board at AS VKG
  • 11:25
    Challenges and opportunities in business
    Larissa Shabunova, CEO of Fortaco Estonia OÜ
  • 11:45
    Silmet’s permanent magnet plant is a major win for Estonia
    Raivo Vasnu, Silmet Permanent Magnet Plant
  • 12:10
    From idea to reality!
    Petra Kuitunen, Marketing Manager at the Port of HaminaKotka
  • 13:00
    LUNCH
  • 14:00
    Sharing best practices and experiences: The case of Jurmala. The customer journey in a changing world.
    Arne Kalbus, Manager of Jurmala Spa Hotel
  • 14:45
    PANEL DISCUSSION: Accessibility – how to build the necessary connections across the country!
    • Marina Jõgi, Sales Director at Tallink Grupp
    • Eero Pargmäe, Board Member and Commercial Director at Tallinn Airport
    • Indrek Halliste, Chairman of the Management Board at Hansabuss AS
    • Kadri Jalonen, Ida-Viru Tourism Coordinator
  • 15:30
    How to support talent growth and retention outside the capital city
    Ain Hinsberg, Project Manager at the University of Tartu Pärnu College
  • 16:00
    PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we achieve more or better together?
    • Maksim Iljin, Mayor of Narva-Jõesuu
    • Katri Raik, Mayor of Narva
    • Maris Toomel, Jõhvi Parish Mayor
    • Virve Linder, Mayor of Kohtla-Järve
  • 16:45
    Summary and closing remarks
Practical seminars and workshops
Friday, 5 May 2023
  • 10:00 - 12:00
    Association of Local Governments of Ida-Viru County (IVOL)
  • 10:00 - 12:00
    Export workshop
    Anneli Andersen, Norwegian Export Consultant
  • 10:00 - 13:00
    How to maintain your productivity, clarity of thought, and mental health as an entrepreneur?
    Kadri Keerme, ICF Solution-Focused Coach
The conference was moderated by Maarika Honkonen

The conference was held in Estonian with simultaneous interpretation into Russian.

The Narva-Jõesuu Business Conference took place at the Meresuu SPA Hotel, a venue that perfectly combines business and leisure. Following an insightful day of conferences, attendees had the opportunity to unwind in the spa centre and enjoy the tranquil resort environment.