Dear 2016 JCI European Conference Delegates,

Let me congratulate you on your choice to participate in the 2016 JCI European

Conference in Tampere, Finland. Based on my experiences, contacts with the

Conference Organizing Committee and the work I’ve seen so far, I’m convinced you’ve

made the right decision in attending this year’s conference. This is the preferred JCI

Event to meet with JCI members from all over Europe.

If you want to make the most out of this year’s JCI European Conference, my first

recommendation is to prepare for your trip well in advance. Take a look at the

Conference program, plan your training sessions, company visits and tours as

soon as possible. And last but not least, make sure to get plenty of rest before the

conference because one thing is for sure; you won’t have time to catch up on sleep

during the event!

This guide is the first step in your preparation. In this document you’ll find a variety of

practical information to use while planning for your trip. The Conference Organizing

Committee, JCI World Headquarters Staff and JCI Officers are all working together to

make this an unforgettable conference. If we can help you in any way, please do not

hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your commitment to join us in Tampere, Finland. I’m looking forward to

meeting you there.

Sincerely,

Jef Hendrickx

2016 JCI Executive Vice President

Destination:

Tampere | Finland

A Practical Guide to the 2016 JCI European Conference

2

AccommodationsHeadquarters Hotel

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere Ratapihankatu 43, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Tel: +358-20-1234-634 • Fax: +358-10-786-1000

Email: torni.tampere@sokoshotels.fi

Website: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tampere/solo-

sokos-hotel-torni-tampere

Senate Hotel

Original Sokos Hotel IlvesHatanpään valtatie 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Tel: +358-20-1234-631 • Fax: +358-3-5698-6263

Email: Ilves.tampere@sokoshotels.fi

Website: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tampere/sokos-

hotel-ilves

In addition to the Sokos Hotels, there is a wide

variety of alternative accommodation options with

affordable prices. All accommodations can be

viewed on the conference website at:

http://ec2016.fi/accommodation/.

VenuesThe Headquarters Hotel will serve as the main location

for the conference. The majority of daytime conference

activities will be held in the Congress Centre of the

hotel. Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere offers an all-

new hotel experience. The hotel is located in the heart

of Tampere right next to the railway station. Opened

in the autumn of 2014, the hotel pays homage to

the Tampere’s history and its variety of famous city

legends. Reaching a height of 88 meters, the modern

hotel tower combined with old locomotive depots

provide the best possible environment to experience

Tampere, from local rock icons to sports heroes.

The hotel’s Congress Centre offers a unique setting

for successful events and meetings. The hotel’s three

restaurants and first-class breakfast provide delicious

experiences. Located at the top of the tower on

the 25th floor, Moro Sky Bar, and particularly its roof

terrace, has become a popular place to look out over

the city’s horizon.

Above: Tampere City Hall at night.

Below: Aerial view of Tampere and the Näsijärvi Lake.

Destination: Tampere | Finland 3

RegistrationDelegates are strongly encouraged to register online before

arriving to Tampere. Upon arrival, registered delegates should

pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel.

The registration desk will be open:

• Tuesday 14 June: 14:00 – 18:00

• Wednesday 15 June: 08:00 – 19:00

• Thursday 16 June: 08:00 – 18:00

Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate

in conference events. Admission will be restricted to

delegates wearing conference badges and holding event

entry tickets, when necessary.

Travel VisaAll participants are required to show a valid passport after

arriving in Finland, with the exception of Schengen country

passport holders, who may use an ID card valid for use as

a personal travel document. Citizens of some countries are

required to obtain a travel visa from the Finnish Embassy or

Consulate prior to traveling to Tampere.

The most up-to-date travel visa information can be viewed

on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s website:

http://bit.ly/1PYJias

For further information, please contact the nearest Finnish

Embassy or Consulate to confirm the travel visa regulations

and requirements.

Transportation to TampereTampere constitutes the northernmost point of the triangle

formed by Finland’s three major cities: Tampere, Helsinki and

Turku. It is within easy reach, less than two hours by train or

by car from both coastal cities and even more conveniently

accessible by air, thanks to Tampere’s easily accessible flight

connections both domestically and internationally.

Air Travel

Conference delegates arriving to Tampere will fly into

Tampere – Pirkkala Airport (TMP). Tampere – Pirkkala

Airport receives direct flights from:

• Helsinki, Finland

• Stockholm, Sweden

• Bremen, Germany

• London, England

Besides Tampere – Pirkkala Airport, the Helsinki-Vantaan

Airport (HEL) in Helsinki (170 km from Tampere) has

connections to several of the world’s major international

airports.

Conference Organizing Committee members will be

available at both the Tampere – Pirkkala Airport and the

Helsinki-Vantaan Airport on Wednesday 15 June and

Thursday 16 June.

Transportation to Your HotelAt the Tampere – Pirkkala Airport, there are taxi ranks in

front of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and a public phone

free of cost for calling a taxi. Terminal 1 offers an Airport

Taxi in case there are no taxis available. The trip to and

from the city centre costs approximately 30 euros but can

potentially be more expensive at night and on weekends.

For the trip back to the airport, you can book an Airport Taxi

by calling +358-100-4131. The taxi must be booked well

in advance to take-off. Also, make sure to mention that the

booking is for the Airport Taxi. The taxi collects people from

the centre and has a fixed price of 19 euros per person. The

Airport Taxi operates only to and from Terminal 1.

There is a taxi service in the centre of Tampere that is

available throughout the event. The telephone number of

the taxi service is +358-100-4131.

Conference Information

4

• Milan, Italy

• Bergamo, Italy

• Frankfurt, Germany

• Hahn, Germany

There will also be a bus organized by the Conference

Organizing Committee to both of the airports that can

be reserved and paid for during registration at the

Headquarters Hotel.

Bus Service

Long-distance coaches operate from the Tampere bus

station, Hatanpään Valtatie 5–7. You can find updated

information about connections, timetables, bus stops and

tickets at: https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/.

Tampere City Public Transport offers a great network in

Tampere and surrounding cities. More information about

tickets, timetables and routes can be found at the public

transportation customer service located at Frenckellinaukio

2 B, next to Keskustori Central Square.

By Water

Finland is accessible by ship from Sweden and Estonia.

Swedish and Estonian cruises can serve as an excellent

addition to your 2016 JCI European Conference experience!

Cruise-partner Tallink Silja offers a variety of options for

cruises before, during or after the conference. Please

contact the Conference Organizing Committee for further

details at ec2016@ec2016.fi.

The Tampere region is one of Finland’s fastest growing centres. It consists of Tampere and the surrounding municipalities of

Kangasala, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Vesilahti and Ylöjärvi. Tampere has a population of more than 220,000 while

there are close to half a million people in the greater Tampere region. The population of Finland is just over five million.

Sweden’s young monarch Gustavus III founded Tampere in 1779. Tampere has a monumental industrial history. The

Finlayson cotton mill was the first large-scale industrial enterprise in Finland and it was in Finlayson’s factory hall where the

first electric light was lit in the Nordic countries.

Today, Tampere can be described as a centre of leading-edge technology, research, education, culture, sports and business.

It is Finland’s third largest city as well as the largest inland city in the Nordic countries. Tampere is located on an isthmus

between lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi surrounded by beautiful ridge scenery. The Tammerkoski rapids are a nationally

recognized landscape, and you can also enjoy the awarded lighting at Keskustori Central Square in the city centre.

Health There are no special requirements or recommendations for

vaccinations before traveling to Finland. For citizens of the

European Union, please note that your European Health

Insurance Card entitles you to state provided medical

treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any

treatment provided is on equal terms as Finnish nationals.

In terms of water, tap water is clean and drinkable in Finland.

Telephone The area code for Finland is +358. When calling abroad

from Finland you must use the respective country code of

the country that you are calling. Rates for telephone calls,

SMS-messages and roaming may vary depending on your

country of origin. Pre-paid telephone cards are available at

a majority of kiosks and shops.

Conference AttireNational dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for:

• Opening Ceremony

• JCI Awards Ceremony

• Farewell Gala

Business suits or national dress are appropriate for:

• General Assemblies

• Other business sessions

Business casual dress is appropriate for:

• JCI Official Courses, JCI Skills Development Courses, Forums and Workshops

• Regional Partnership Summit

Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for:

• National parties

• Tourism

About Tampere

Destination: Tampere | Finland 5

CurrencyIn Finland, the local currency is the euro (EUR). Foreign

currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at

private exchange offices, which can be found throughout

the city and are open from 09:00 to 18:00.

In addition, traveler’s cheques and Eurocheques can be

cashed at local banks, which are open between 09:00

and 17:00.

Credit cardsMajor credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are

accepted in most Finnish restaurants and shops. Most

credit cards can be used at Finnish ATMs that can be

recognized by their name “Otto”.

TippingTipping is not part of Finnish service culture.

Car rentalsThe following car rental companies have a rental service at

the Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, located in Terminal 1:

• Avis

• Europcar

• Hertz

Your hotel can provide you with further information and

contacts for car rentals.

Time ZoneGMT + 02:00 Hours

Internet AccessThere is a Wi-Fi connection available at every hotel.

Additionally, there are plenty of hotspots around the city.

ElectricityIn Finland, the standard voltage is 230V and the standard

frequency is 50Hz.

Attire in Tampere Finnish people wear quite relaxed and rather sporty

clothes. Common street wear is anything between business

attires to jogging outfits. In summer, shorts and t-shirts

are common.

LanguageThere are two official languages in Finland – Finnish and

Swedish. In the Tampere region the majority of people

speak Finnish as their first language. Many people in

Finland also speak English; therefore a tourist will manage

well in Tampere using the English language. Most tourist

information is available in English.

6

• Scandia Rent

• Sixt

Plug Type C

Plug Type F

WeatherJune in Tampere can be anything between rain and shine.

The temperature ranges between 15ºC to 25ºC. It is recommended to be

prepared for all weather conditions while traveling to Finland.

Cultural Notes

Finnish Values

Equality and fairness are important values for Finns. In Finnish society, everyone

is equal and must be treated fairly.

Honesty is highly valued in Finland. It is important to always keep your promises

and adhere to agreements. For Finns, dishonesty is the worst vice imaginable.

Work and diligence are held in high regard.

Punctuality is important in Finland. When you have a meeting, it is essential to

arrive at the agreed time. If you have made an appointment with an official or

doctor, for example, it is especially important to be there on time.

Meeting and Greeting

Handshaking is a common way of greeting in Finland. In large cities, you do not

normally greet people other than your acquaintances. Friends or relatives may

also greet by hugging. However, cheek kissing is not common.

In Finland, it is important to look those you are talking to in the eye. People who

look down or to the side may be thought of as being dishonest.

Finns are not very quick to strike up conversations with strangers. For this

reason, Finns may initially appear quiet and cold.

The Finnish style of speech is direct and straightforward. Finns tend to

state things directly and honestly. In Finland, it is expected that people truly

mean what they say. People will believe what you say and expect you to act

accordingly.

Eating and Drinking

Finns eat fairly common European food consisting mostly of meat, fish, potatoes,

rice or pasta. It is common to eat two warm meals a day, lunch and dinner. In

Finland, adults often drink milk with their meals.

Finns drink a lot of coffee. Coffee is nearly always served at celebrations, for

example. People often drink coffee at workplace meetings.

Sauna

The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. The sauna is for purification

and relaxation. Many Finns use the sauna every week. People bathe in the sauna

with family members, friends and business partners alike. There will be plenty of

possibilities to enjoy the Finnish sauna and a swim in a Finnish lake during the

conference.

JCI SalesDon’t forget to visit the JCI Sales

booth to purchase one-of-a-kind

JCI merchandise! These items

serve as great souvenirs or as

gifts for a friend who couldn’t

attend. Limited Edition JCI 100th

Anniversary items, including the

JCI 100th Anniversary publication

and pins, are still available! Shop

JCI Sales at the Sokos Hotel Torni.

Check out the JCI store to explore

the types of items you will see at

JCI sales by visiting:

jci-store.myshopify.com/.

Destination: Tampere | Finland 7

Explore Tampere

Näsinneula TowerOverseeing Lake Näsijärvi, this observation tower is the

tallest freestanding structure in Finland and the tallest

observation tower in the Nordic countries at a hight of 168

metres. It was built in 1970–1971 by Pekka Ilveskoski, and

the design was inspired by the Space Needle in Seattle,

USA. The elevator ride to the top takes 27 seconds where

you will find a revolving restaurant providing diners an

exceptional 360 degree view of the lake and Särkänniemi

Amusement Park. Beacon lights at the top of the tower will

also give you the daily weather forecast!

Särkänniemi Amusement ParkThe 25-acre Särkänniemi Amusement Park is a multi-

purpose park for people of all ages that opened in 1969.

The park features a variety of rides, including roller coasters

and water rides, as well as a dolphinarium, children’s zoo,

planetarium, art museum, observation tower and aquarium

that is home to more than 3000 animals representing 200

different species. Särkänniemi is the second most popular

amusement park in Finland attracting more than 1,100,000

visitors per year.

Näsijärvi Lake TrailThe Näsijärvi Lake Trail features a network of bicycle

trails and is perfect for those who are seeking adventure.

Whether you are biking or hiking, enjoy the beautiful

surrounding landscape, get a taste of local cuisine and

culture, or bask in the serenity of nature on your journey.

For those who would like to further explore the lake, cruise

on a steamship for a more relaxing tour of all the sights or

to shorten your trip!

Rupriikki Media MuseumLocated in the Vapriikki Museum Centre beside the

picturesque Tammerkoski rapids, the Rupriikki Media

Museum is devoted to showcasing the history of media

and mass communication. A variety of collections feature

radios, telephones, computers, cell phones and press

materials through the ages. The museum also hosts a

permanent, interactive exhibition to help tell the story of the

development of mass communication through newspapers,

television, games and other media. Vapriikki is also home

to the Natural History Museum of Tampere, the Doll

Museum, the Finnish Hock Hall of Fame, among others.

Kuokkalankoski RiverIn Lempäälä, visitors to the Kuokkalankoski River can

enjoy a variety of water sports and relaxing water activities.

Try riverfloating, the most well-known river activity, which

allows you to float for 1,4 km while staying completely dry!

The floating sauna provides a soothing river experience

while Waterwalkerz-ball allows you to walk or run on

the waters surface while contained in a transparent ball.

Kuokkalankoski River offers visitors a unique experience

and a variety of water sports for people of all ages.

Rajaportti SaunaBuilt in 1906 by Hermanni Lahtinen and his wife Maria,

Rajaportii Sauna is the oldest public, wood-burning, sauna

still in use throughout Finland. The Rajaportii Sauna is

located in the old workers’ quarters in Pispala and has

remained almost completely unaltered since its founding.

The only change has included the construction of a wall to

separate the men’s and women’s facilities. Following your

conference experience, enjoy this venue of relaxation and

tranquility alone or with a group of friends. To enhance your

visit to this historical destination, make sure to stop by the

adjoining cafe and bakery to discover traditional Finnish

cuisine.

8

Tourism ResourcesA variety of sight-seeing tours and programs have been created by JCI members

across Finland for before, during and after the conference. Some of the programs are

free of charge, while others have a fee. Learn more and register by visiting:

http://ec2016.fi/programme/.

Below are additional sites to discover Finland:

• www.visitfinland.com

• www.visittampere.fi

For help with any tourism plans, please contact the Conference

Organizing Committee at ec2016@ec2016.fi.

Photo below: Late 19th century Orthodox Church

in Tampere, Finland built in Russian romantic style,

with onion style cupolas.

Global Goals Session

Thursday 16 June 16:15 – 18:15 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

Regional Partnership Summit

Friday 17 June 10:00 – 13:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

National Secretary General’s Session

Saturday 18 June 09:00 – 10:30 Room: 6 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

National Presidents Meeting and General AssembliesSee the major decisions your National

Representatives will make this year to

create impact across Europe!

National Presidents Meeting

Wednesday 15 June 09:00 – 12:30 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

General Assembly I

Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

General Assembly II

Friday 17 June 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

Opening CeremonyAt the Opening Ceremony of the 2016

JCI European Conference, National

Presidents and heads of delegations

will greet delegates, represent

their countries and showcase their

traditional costumes. Come cheer

for your National Organization, enjoy

the first day of the celebrations with

entertainment and connect with the

JCI community.

Wednesday 15 June 19:00 – 20:30 Venue: Tampere Hall

Impact Forums and SessionsDiscover how young people around

Europe and JCI partners are creating

a better world with their actions!

First Timers Orientation

Wednesday 15 June 16:30 – 17:30 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

JCI Morning Show

Thursday 16 June 09:00 – 10:00 Room: Raide 2 & 3 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

Community Coalition Building Workshop: Collaborations for Peace

Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 16:00 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

Conference Key Events

10

JCI ProgramsJCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level.

Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the opportunity to share

the best practices in the conference!

JCI World Public Speaking Championship

Thursday 16 June 16:00 – 18:00 Room: 7 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

JCI World Debating Championship

Friday 17 June French: 14:00 – 16:00 English: 16:15 – 19:00 Room: 8 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

JCI Twinning Ceremony

Saturday 18 June 10:00 – 11:00 Room: 7 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

JCI Awards Ceremony and Farewell Gala

Saturday 18 June 18:00 – 00:00 Room: A-hall Venue: Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre

Session SpotlightDo not miss out on attending

the Community Coalition Building

Workshop: Collaborations

for Peace!

The workshop will provide

participants with an understanding

of what coalition building is, how

the JCI Active Citizen Framework

can be used to unite stakeholders

from all sectors of society toward

sustainable impact, and the skills

needed to build a community

coalition committed to creating

an everlasting world peace.

Thursday 16 June 14:00 – 16:00 Room: 10 Venue: Sokos Hotel Torni

Destination: Tampere | Finland 11

National Nights and PartiesJCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around

them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get

inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Europe enjoying the native food and

drink of the host JCI National Organization. Check your schedule for times and

venues, or just wait until nightfall and follow the crowds.

Welcome Party

Wednesday 15 June 20:30 – 00:30 Room: Sorsapuistosali Venue: Tampere Hall

After Party I

Wednesday 15 June 23:30 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Ilona

Latvia – Canada Night

Thursday 16 June 20:00 – 03:30 Venues: Jackie Brown, Hullu Poro & Sami Hintsasen Viihteellä Restaurant and Karaoke Koskikeskus

Swiss Night

Friday 17 June 20:00 – 01:30 Room: Pakkahuone Hall Venue: Pakkahuone

After Party II

Friday 17 June 01:30 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Ilves

Farewell Gala After Party

Saturday 18 June 00:00 – 03:30 Venue: Nightclub Union

Conference Organizing CommitteeFor any questions regarding the 2016 JCI European Conference, contact:

ec2016@ec2016.fi.

Trade ShowMake sure to discover the 2016 JCI

European Conference Trade Show!

If you’re an active consumer, you

will enjoy exploring the Trade

Shows wide variety of European

products and services.

Trade Show Hours

Thursday 16 June: 10:00–18:00

Friday 17 June: 10:00–18:00

Venue

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Conference

Center

Emergency ContactIn the case of an emergency,

please dial 112, for fire, rescue,

ambulance and police services

in Tampere.

More information on use of these

emergency services can be found

by visiting: http://bit.ly/1MkJsOW.