The JCI European Conference 2024 (EC2024) is the annual European congress of Junior Chamber International that took place from 12 to 15 June 2024 in Oulu, Finland — the northernmost European Conference ever held. Organised by JCI Oulu and JCI Tar Valley Oulu, EC2024 united more than 1,500 Jaycees from over 50 countries under the theme “A Higher Grade of Living”, a nod to Finland’s reputation as the World Happiness Report’s happiest nation for six consecutive years.
This page is for JCI Belgium members who took part in EC2024 or are curious what the Belgian delegation experienced, and for anyone weighing whether to join a future European Conference. New to JCI? Discover how JCI Belgium started, the national projects our members run and the upcoming events where you can experience JCI yourself.
JCI European Conference 2024 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 June 2024 |
| Location | Oulu, Finland |
| Host chapters | JCI Oulu and JCI Tar Valley Oulu |
| Theme | A Higher Grade of Living |
| Participants | More than 1,500 Jaycees from over 50 countries |
| Four pillars | Wellbeing, Technology, Culture and Nature |
| Belgian delegation coordinator | Melanie Vandewaetere (JCI Tielt), Commission Director |
| Belgian trip organiser | JCI Tielt |
What is the JCI European Conference?
The JCI European Conference (EC) is the largest yearly JCI gathering in Europe, uniting members from local chapters and national organisations for training, keynotes, workshops and evening events. A different national organisation hosts it each year; JCI Belgium itself hosted the JCI European Conference 2022 in Bruges. Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for six consecutive years, which made “A Higher Grade of Living” a fitting theme for a Finnish-hosted edition.
A leadership conference built around four pillars
The programme of the JCI European Conference 2024 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 such as LEGO® Serious Play®, plus sessions on quality project management and customer experience leadership, gave attendees practical tools to bring back to their local chapters. Keynote partner Stora Enso hosted a keynote and forest visit on the future of renewable packaging — a fitting match for Oulu’s innovation-driven identity as the birthplace of Nokia, Oura and Polar.
The Belgian delegation: chasing the midnight sun
JCI Belgium fielded an energetic delegation at EC2024, coordinated by Commission Director Melanie Vandewaetere of JCI Tielt. The experience extended well beyond the conference walls: Belgians enjoyed sauna boat sessions, a midnight forest ceremony 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 go to JCI Tielt for organising a trip that blended adventure, learning and connection, in true Finnish style.
A milestone edition: gala night and awards
The Gala Night closed the JCI European Conference 2024 with a journey through the four Finnish seasons and an Awards Ceremony celebrating more than 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: what’s next
Have a look at our other (inter)national events, or read more about the JCI European Conference 2025 in Herning, Denmark and the JCI European Conference 2026 in Málaga, Spain.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the JCI European Conference 2024?
The JCI European Conference 2024 (EC2024) took place from 12 to 15 June 2024 in Oulu, Finland, organised by JCI Oulu and JCI Tar Valley Oulu.
What was the theme of the JCI European Conference 2024?
The theme was A Higher Grade of Living, a reference to Finland’s six consecutive years topping the World Happiness Report. The programme was built around four pillars: Wellbeing, Technology, Culture and Nature.
Who coordinated the Belgian delegation at EC2024?
Melanie Vandewaetere of JCI Tielt served as Commission Director for the Belgian delegation, which included a Nokia company visit, an Arctic Circle excursion and a Belgian Network Reception.
How many people attended the JCI European Conference 2024?
More than 1,500 Jaycees from over 50 countries attended EC2024 in Oulu, and the Awards Ceremony celebrated more than 20 winners out of 120 submissions.
Where was the next JCI European Conference after Oulu?
The conference key passed to Herning, Denmark, for the JCI European Conference 2025, followed by Málaga, Spain, in 2026.
Be part of the next European Conference
The JCI European Conference 2024 in Oulu brought more than 1,500 young leaders together under the midnight sun. Want to experience a European Conference from the inside? Become a member of JCI Belgium and join the delegation to The Hague in 2027.
