Belgian Delegation heads North for the JCI European Conference 2024
The JCI European Conference 2024 took place from 12 to 15 June in Oulu, Finland — making it the northernmost European Conference ever held. Organised by JCI Oulu and JCI Tar Valley Oulu, EC2024 united over 1.500 Jaycees from more than 50 countries under the theme “A Higher Grade of Living” — a nod to Finland’s reputation as the world’s happiest nation for six consecutive years.
A leadership conference built around 4 pillars
The programme delved into four core topics: Wellbeing, Technology, Culture, and Nature, reflecting JCI’s four areas of opportunity — Business and Entrepreneurship, Individual Development, Community Action, and International Cooperation. Workshops like LEGO® Serious PLAY® and sessions on quality project management and customer experience leadership gave attendees practical tools to bring back to their local organisations. Keynote partner Stora Enso hosted a keynote and forest visit, showcasing the future of renewable packaging, a perfect fit for Oulu’s innovation-driven identity as the birthplace of Nokia, Oura, and Polar.
The Belgian Delegation: midnight sun
JCI Belgium fielded an energetic delegation coordinated by Commission Director Melanie Vandewaetere of JCI Tielt. The JCI European Conference 2024 experience extended well beyond the conference walls. Belgians enjoyed sauna boat sessions, midnight forest ceremonies rooted in authentic Finnish tradition, mountain biking through endless green, a company visit to Nokia, and a stop at the Arctic Circle to meet Santa Claus. A Belgian Network Reception brought the delegation together, combining connection with a touch of home. Big thanks to JCI Tielt for organizing a trip that blended adventure, learning, and connection, in true Finnish style.
A milestone edition of EC2024
The Gala Night closed the JCI European Conference 2024 with a journey through the four Finnish seasons and an Awards Ceremony celebrating over 20 winners from 120 submissions. Oulu proved to be the ideal host: bold, innovative, and deeply tied to nature. The conference key was then passed to Herning, Denmark, setting the stage for EC2025.
Northern vibes. Real connections. Unforgettable moments.
Have a look to our other (inter)national events. Or read more about the JCI European Conference 2025 (Denmark) or the JCI European Conference 2026 (Spain).
