Triinu Tapver is an experienced economist and macroanalyst. At the time of the conference, she worked at LHV, where she focused on preparing economic analyses and forecasts, and was also the co-host of the popular podcast "Turutegijad" (Market Makers). In addition, Triinu was active as a lecturer and researcher at TalTech (Tallinn University of Technology) in the Department of Economics and Finance. At the conference, Triinu delivered a presentation titled "The economic situation and regional specifics of Ida-Virumaa."

Karl-Joonatan Kvell is a qualified development manager with diverse experience in planning and managing energy projects. He had previously worked at Elektrilevi in the field of electricity network planning and technical solutions development, and had managed the network maintenance program at Enefit Connect. Having graduated from Tallinn University of Technology with a degree in electrical power engineering, he pursued further studies in the MBA program at the Estonian Business School (EBS). At the conference, he gave a presentation titled "Old energy and the rise of the new."

Alver Pupart is a recognized specialist in the accommodation sector with profound knowledge and valuable practical experience. Since 2004, he had worked in various roles across multiple hotel chains, and for the past 9 years, he had managed the Go Hotel Shnelli in Tallinn, located at the Baltic Station. He had also been a member of the board of the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association. Among other projects, he is developing a representative hotel project in Narva, the Linda Hotel. At the conference, he participated in the panel discussion: "Perspectives on regional tourism development. Why invest? How to invest? In whom to invest? What can be achieved in cooperation with existing accommodation establishments?"

Andres Anvelt has 34 years of practical experience in law enforcement, national defence, government, the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), private entrepreneurship, and international projects. He holds Master's degrees in Administrative Management and Law and is a graduate of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy (Quantico, Virginia). He possesses high-level skills in tactical, strategic, and political leadership, along with extensive experience in financial and organizational management, international cooperation, and project management. At the conference, he delivered a presentation titled "Economic security challenges for businesses: from financial fraud to geopolitical risks."

Sandra Reivik is the creator of AIPowerment and the author of Estonia's first AI podcast. She has trained over 8,500 people and worked with more than 100 companies, helping them implement AI tools in a practical way. Sandra was also a guest lecturer at EBS (Estonian Business School) and is the youngest female instructor in the world to hold an international certification in the Wim Hof Method. Sandra Reivik appeared at the conference on two separate days: on Thursday with a presentation titled "The ABCs of AI adoption — practical guidelines" and on Friday with a free workshop titled "AI Implementation in Practice."

Raine Pajo is a recognized executive and engineer in the Estonian energy sector with over 20 years of experience in strategic management. He had served on the Management Board of Eesti Energia since 2006, where his responsibilities included large-scale energy production, environment, and technological development projects. He holds a PhD in electrical power engineering and a Master's degree in business administration. Most recently, he was also a member of the Supervisory Board of Enefit Green. Raine Pajo has been one of the key figures in driving the development of the Estonian energy sector and implementing the green transition.

Karina Küppas is an executive who places great emphasis on differentiation, which led to the creation of a DETOX and ANTISTRESS center that is unique in the Baltic States. Her passion has always been people; she had been active in the tourism sector for 23 years, 19 of which involved team management. Karina transformed a conventional sanatorium into the modern "Narva-Jõesuu" Medical Spa and, thanks to her outstanding projects, was awarded the title of "Ida-Viru Tourism Enterprise 2023." At our conference, Karina participated in the panel discussion: "Perspectives on regional tourism development."

Under his leadership, several industrial and business parks were established in Ida-Viru County, including in Narva, Jõhvis, Kohtla-Järve, and Kiviõli. The purpose of these parks was to promote business development and create new jobs in the region.

Indrek Uudeküll is one of the founders of Investment Agency (the predecessor of Prudentia) and has over 20 years of experience in the field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His expertise encompassed closing deals and aspects related to corporate restructuring across various sectors, including real estate, the metal industry, mining, and agriculture. In addition, Indrek was an active member of the Estonian Business Angels Network (ESTBAN).

He had played in numerous domestic and international music projects and, among other achievements, founded the band Compromise Blue, with which he performed at prestigious European and American festivals as early as the beginning of the 1990s. Since 2008, Ukareda had been a member of the organizing team of the Augustibluus Festival, serving primarily as the program manager. With extensive experience as both a performer and an organizer, Ukareda knew the inner workings of music events and their impact on community development inside out.

Kadri Jalonen had been leading the Ida-Viru Tourism Cluster since 2012. The goal of the tourism cluster was to make Ida-Viru County the No. 1 tourism destination in Estonia after Tallinn by 2035. To achieve this, more than 50 cluster partners (including all local governments) had been jointly contributing to opening new markets for 15 years. They started with the Estonian domestic market, where they successfully overcame the barrier of a negative reputation, leading to the creation of the IDA/VIRU #seiklusmaa (adventure land) brand, and a 31% increase in tourism between 2018 and 2019. For this achievement, they received the Estonian "Tourism Oscar" — the title of Estonian Tourism Promoter of the Year 2018.