HTGP Academy: Go West – mot Sverige
Group News | 25 February 2026
Sweden is more than just Finland in Swedish.
When a Finnish company expands west, operational localization alone is not enough. The real question is market relevance – the factor that separates winners from the rest.
HTGP Academy continues HTGP’s Go West theme and welcomes you to a breakfast event exploring the Swedish market from two complementary perspectives.
The unique collaboration between Työmaa and Vinter offers Finnish companies a launch pad into the Swedish market – and, correspondingly, Swedish companies a fast track into Finland. Vinter operates from Luleå and Stockholm and has twice been awarded Sweden’s national Årets Byrå (Agency of the Year) title.
The event is free of charge but requires prior registration. Please register by March 22.
HTGP Academy: Go West – mot Sverige
Date: Thursday, March 26, 8:30–10:30 AM
Location: HTGP Group, Rantakatu 3, Oulu
Program
8:30 AM Breakfast and networking
9:00 AM Welcome from the Organizer
Joni Lappalainen, CEO, HTGP Group
9:05 AM Transform – Not Translate! How to Market in Sweden – 5 Quick Takeaways
Ronny Olovsson, Partner and PR Strategist, Vinter (Luleå)
Ronny brings a genuine Swedish insider perspective on how marketing, branding and growth are truly understood in Sweden. In Sweden, marketing is not merely a sales support function; it is a strategic driver of growth and a deliberate investment in long-term brand value.
In his presentation, Ronny shares five key insights for Finnish companies:
- Design. Leverage your strong design legacy – we appreciate it.
- Quality. Finnish companies have a strong reputation for delivering durable and demanding solutions.
- Responsibility. Brand values must be lived, not just communicated. You cannot hide behind marketing.
- Real people. Avoid appearing as a faceless corporation.
- Humour and emotions. Be playful. Build a love brand. Create real fans.
Ronny Olovsson is a partner and PR strategist at the creative marketing and communications agency Vinter. A former journalist at Aftonbladet, he has served as Head of Sports, Head of Entertainment and News Desk Editor.
9:30 AM Rethinking Positioning Before Entering Sweden
Gustaf From, Commercial Director, Strategist, Luova Työmaa
Gustaf challenges Finnish companies to reconsider what truly needs to change before heading west. He highlights themes that Finnish companies often underestimate:
- validating positioning in the Swedish competitive landscape
- adapting narrative and brand storytelling to local values
- investing in marketing as a strategic growth driver
- understanding the difference between localization and true market relevance
Gustaf has over 25 years of experience working with Finland’s top brands and services in strategic development, marketing, and client leadership. He has held senior strategic and commercial roles at leading Finnish advertising and digital agencies, including hasan & partners, Dynamo Advertising, and Satama Interactive.
10:00 AM Discussion and Q&A
Facilitated by Gustaf From, Ronny Olovsson and Juha Mikkilä
10:30 AM Event concludes
Join us to ask questions, challenge perspectives and engage in dialogue. Ronny’s and Gustaf’s presentations are concise – the focus is on discussion and shared insights.
Register for the event by March 22, 2026
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HTGP Academy is a series of events designed for business leaders and business development professionals, offering an excellent opportunity to dive into current and practical insights on business growth and success.
The breakfast seminars cover engaging topics such as strategic leadership, international expansion, communications and financial management. The aim is to share expert perspectives, strengthen business capabilities and provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.
At an HTGP Academy event – alongside a delicious breakfast – you will gain the latest and brightest ideas on key topics affecting growth companies. The events also provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive concrete answers tailored to your organization’s specific situation.