Work Smart, Not Hard
Helsinki, Nov. 26, 9:15-16:30
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Work Smart, Not Hard is a free educational seminar designed for hoteliers who want to stay ahead of industry trends and discover how smart technology can simplify operations, elevate guest experiences, and boost revenue.
The Helsinki Edition 2025 will feature two key themes:
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AI in Hospitality – a forward-looking discussion exploring where the industry is headed in the next 1, 5, and 10 years, and how AI will reshape roles, operations, and decision-making.
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Sustainability & Operations – focused on real-life strategies and tech solutions that truly deliver ROI, highlighting what works (and what doesn’t) in sustainable hotel management.
Sponsors
The event is powered by some of the most innovative tech companies in hospitality and features a strong lineup of industry leaders and experts.
Expect a day full of inspiration, practical insights, success stories, and meaningful networking between local hoteliers and global tech innovators.
Agenda
09:15
Welcome Coffee & Registration
10:00
Opening Words
10:15
Current Hotel Trends & Performance in Finland
Kimmo Virtanen― Scandinavian & Baltic Hotel Consulting
10:45
The Foundation of Everything: Not All WiFi Is The Same
Rob Sargeant―RUCKUS Networks
11:00
AI-Driven Building Operations: How Smart Building Control Redefines Sustainability in Hospitality
Klaus Ek―R8
11:15
The Neuroscience Secrets Behind Exceptional Guest Experieces
Kadi Saadlo―HotelBuddy
11:30
Powering the Future of Experience-Driven Hospitality
Matti Ala-Outinen―Moder
11:45
Panel Discussion: Sustainability & Operations
Panelists: Klaus Ek (R8), Matti Ala-Outinen (Moder), Kim Spolén (Stayntouch) Moderator: Sam-Erik Ruttmann
12:30
Lunch
13:30
Fireside Chat: Is AI Going to Replace Your Job?
Benjamin Broeder―Oracle, Sam-Erik Ruttmann
13:50
Leveraging AI to Boost Direct Bookings and Maximize Hotel Revenue
Andris Malahovskis―The Hotels Network
14:05
Simplify Operations and Maximize Revenue with AI and Smart Technology
Marcus Wallgren―MEWS
14:20
Presentation
Kim Spolén―Stayntouch
14:45
Are You Prepared for AI in Hospitality?
Tuomas Valorinta and Markku Jussila―AHOP
15:00
Panel Discussion: AI in Hospitality
Panelists: Rob Sargeant (RUCKUS), Marcus Wallgren (MEWS), Benjamin Broeder (Oracle) Moderator: Sam-Erik Ruttmann
15:45
Aperitivo & Networking
FREE for Hoteliers
This event is designed for Finnish Hotel Managers, Owners, Revenue Managers, and IT/Digitalization leaders involved in shaping their hotel’s technology strategy.
Seats are limited to one participant per hotel.
If you’d like to attend with more colleagues or represent a hotel group, please mention it in the comments section, and we’ll get back to you.
More info: Anu Metsallik anu@hotelbuddy.eu
Meet the Speakers
Rob Sargeant
RUCKUS Networks
RUCKUS provides hotels with reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi and networking solutions that ensure seamless connectivity for guests and efficient operations for staff across the entire property.
