XXXV ISPIM Innovation Conference in Tallinn – Inspiring Innovation and Connections

The XXXV ISPIM Innovation Conference, held from 9 to 12 June 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia, showcased an inspiring blend of professional development, local partnerships, and cultural immersion. Organizing this event presented unique challenges and growth opportunities for Iain Bitran, the conference’s main organizer, who shared valuable insights into his experience in Estonia’s capital.

First Impressions and Choosing Tallinn

Initially, Bitran had reservations about Tallinn. "My first impression was that Tallinn was too small, as I had previously visited in 2006." However, a follow-up visit, driven by the need to explore smaller European cities with a focus on innovation, changed his perspective. A pivotal meeting with Made Pandis-Raie from the Visit Tallinn Convention Bureau at an Events Club Forum in Prague in 2022 convinced him of Tallinn’s full potential. "Made made it clear that we would be able to hold our event at the Kultuurikatel Creative Hub and also made us feel comfortable that Tallinn was big enough to host our event."

Building Meaningful Connections with Local Partners

As forecasted by Bitran and Pandis-Raie’s meeting, partnerships played a crucial role throughout the conference and contributed significantly to its success. The involvement of the Estonian Design Centre, Estonia's only technical university TalTech, and the future-focused business hub Ülemiste City allowed the conference to present an authentic glimpse into Estonia's innovation ecosystem. "They provided content for the conference and tuned innovation tours to showcase innovation in Estonia," Bitran noted.

The partnerships enriched the conference agenda and added a uniquely local flavor to the event, cementing strong relationships for a future benefitting both local and international participants. "The collaborations we had with The Estonian Design Centre and TalTech will result in future collaboration in the form of EU-funded projects, collaborative research, and more importantly, Estonian members of ISPIM."

One of Bitran’s personal highlights was meeting Margot Roose, the Deputy Mayor of Tallinn, who made a real impression on him. "Despite being a last-minute addition to our conference programme, she totally understood our audience and delivered a great talk to outline the innovation goals of the city. She has now become a member of ISPIM, and I hope she will also attend our conference next year in Bergen and establish innovation links between the two cities."

Unexpected Delights: Tallinn’s Unique Event Assets

The conference venue, Kultuurikatel Creative Hub, a former power plant turned cultural center, emerged as a standout feature for attendees with its unique ambiance and excellent service, as did the local service providers. "I was very pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to work in Tallinn, the quality of service levels, and the wonderful people I encountered."

He further noted, "Our delegates told us that the food at our conference was the best they have ever had, and we have been doing conferences for over 20 years in many countries." Nordic Catering, the local food provider, received high praise for delivering exceptional meals that enhanced the overall conference experience.

Make it Even Better Next Time Round

Even fast-acting and solution-oriented Estonians are sometimes unable to use their magic and speed up the processes of large institutions. While the event was a success, Bitran expressed some regret over missed opportunities for collaboration with some local innovators.

Reflecting on the city of Tallinn's sustainability efforts, Bitran acknowledged the progress made but noted that there is still room for improvement. While public transport was praised as affordable, Bitran observed, "The Old Town in Tallinn still allows cars to enter, and the use of electric vehicles is still not that great." He compared it to Ljubljana, ISPIM's previous conference location, which has made more significant strides toward sustainability with initiatives like car-free city zones and electric car sharing.

Conclusion: A Personal Insight into Tallinn

“With any conference we do, it is always interesting both professionally and personally to organize events in different locations. I did not know so much about Estonia and was very pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to work there, the quality of service levels, and the wonderful people I encountered,” reminisced Bitran.

For anyone considering Tallinn as a conference destination, Bitran emphasized the city's hidden potential. "Tallinn may be small, but it is beautiful and is a hidden gem that your delegates will fall in love with." He praised the professionalism and warmth of the people he worked with, stating, "The city is beautiful, the quality of service is amazing, and the people are amazing—very professional yet very friendly!"

Bitran's key takeaway for fellow conference organizers was to embrace Tallinn's charm, accessibility, and innovation potential, ensuring an event that attendees would long remember.

In conclusion, the XXXV ISPIM Innovation Conference in Tallinn highlighted not only the city's readiness to host world-class events but also its vibrant and growing innovation ecosystem. With the right partnerships and a creative approach, Tallinn proved to be a unique and memorable destination for innovation professionals.