TheNational Spring Conference is one of the most important annual events ofJCI Finland, bringing members together to learn, network, and get inspired. The weekend focuses on trainings as well as the organization’s officialGeneral Assembly (GA), where current topics are discussed, reports are presented, and decisions are made.

At the Spring Conference, the organizer of the following year’sNational Fall Conference is selected, while at the Fall Conference the organizer of the next Spring Conference is chosen and elections are held. The Spring Conference emphasizes learning and development, while the Fall Conference focuses more on decision-making and the future of the organization.

Conferences provide an excellent opportunity to network and connect with members from across Finland.

Your first conference may feel like a big experience, but it is easy to join in. Be open and courageous — everyone has been a first timer once, and help is always available if you ask.

On Friday, we recommend attending theFirst & Last Timers session, where you can meet other newcomers in a relaxed setting. Registering for your first meetings may feel challenging, so do not hesitate to ask your mentor, president, or fellow members for guidance.

Join the conference participantsWhatsApp groups as well — there you will receive up-to-date information and can ask about transportation or accommodation arrangements. It is also a good idea to plan travel and accommodation early, as chambers often travel together. WhatsApp groups are self-organized by participants and are typically formed as the event approaches. For information about existing groups, please first check with your local chamber.

When you arrive, make sure to register so you receive your badge and conference bag, which contain important information and schedules for the weekend. There is plenty of program available, so you do not need to attend everything — choose the sessions that interest you most.

At the conference, you will meet people from different chambers and regions, so take the opportunity to network. You may also notice members buying and exchanging pins — many lanyards display long collections of pin memories from previous conferences.

Please bring at least:

• Personal hygiene items and medications
• Wallet, phone, and chargers
• Your own name badge lanyard
• Snacks and drinks for your hotel room — helpful during preparation, networking, and early mornings

Clothing:

• Smart casual attire for daytime program
• Theme-appropriate outfit for the Welcome Party
• Black suit / long evening gown for the Gala
• Accessories for gala preparation, such as a white shirt, tie/bow tie, jewelry, shoes, evening bag, and hair styling items
• Comfortable clothes for the return journey on Sunday

Swimwear and sportswear for the5:55 program and other hotel facilities

Please contact the conference organizers as soon as possible.Changes are usually possible until a specified deadline.
You can find the team’s contact detailson the contact page.

The Gala evening is the most formal event of the conference, where good manners, respect for others, and shared traditions are emphasized.

The evening often begins with chamber-specific preparation moments, such asChamber Champagne gatherings. During this time, the president typically wears the ceremonial chain of office, and group photos are taken. The Gala photography schedule is precise, so please arrive on time.

Guests enter the ballroom calmly and greet the hosts of the evening either by shaking hands or, in accordance with JCI culture, with a light hug. Seating is usually assigned in advance, and participants take their seats once everyone has arrived.

At the table, it is polite to introduce yourself to those seated nearby if you do not already know them. Introductions are made while standing, maintaining eye contact, and shaking hands. Traditionally, men pay particular attention to the person seated to their left.

During speeches, guests remain quiet and show respect to the speaker. Eating, drinking, and conversations are paused during speeches, and phones should be kept on silent. It is recommended to take care of necessary matters before the starter is served and before any formal toasts. Leaving the table is generally permitted only after the main course, unless there is an urgent reason. In such cases, departure should be as discreet as possible. Guests should not leave the hall during speeches or program segments. If you return to your seat during a speech, please wait politely until the speech has concluded before moving.

During the award ceremony, your chamber president will guide whether to stand and applaud or show encouragement while seated. In these situations, follow your chamber’s common practice.

After the official program, the evening continues in a more relaxed atmosphere, while maintaining respectful behavior. Networking remains an important part of the evening, and it is polite to ask permission when joining a new group and to inform others when leaving.

Songs are traditionally part of chamber celebrations, and regional songs may be performed during the evening. However, it is important to ensure that singing does not disturb the program, speeches, or the master of ceremonies.

Sanan Säilä is the national speech competition of JCI Finland.

Local chambers organize speech competitions during their spring meetings. The winners represent their chamber at the regional level, and the regional winner advances to the national competition. The prize is a ceremonial sword. The winner continues to the European level and potentially to the World level.

The purpose of the speech competition is to develop public speaking skills and build confidence in front of an audience. In addition to supporting participants’ growth, the competition also trains judges to analyze performances and develop fair evaluation skills. These goals are achieved by encouraging and guiding participants in a supportive and respectful manner.

Registration takes place in advance through a separate link.Some sessions may be open without prior registration.

Check the conference program on the program page.

TheGeneral Assembly (GA) is the official meeting of the conference where decisions are made, current topics are discussed, and reports are presented.
It is an important part of the organization’s operations and open to members.

In the fall, the GA elects the leaders for the following year, while at the Spring Conference the chamber responsible for organizing the next year’s National Fall Conference is selected.

TheJCI Code of Conduct of JCI Finland is a set of guidelines that includes:

• Ethical guidelines
• A description of harassment contact person procedures
• Instructions for handling harassment situations

The JCI Code defines key principles guiding the activities of JCI Finland and reflects the values of the organization.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe within JCI activities. For this reason, we have established clear guidelines for harassment contact persons and procedures for handling inappropriate behavior.

The JCI Code applies to all members of JCI Finland, including probationary members, members, honorary members, senators, donors to theJCI Finland Foundation, and guests. In this guideline, harassment refers to discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior prohibited under equality legislation.

In2026, harassment contact persons include Area Directors, Area Senators, and the Chair of the Senate. You may contact any of them regardless of your area.

Read more about the JCI Code here.