It’s easy to be a pessimist. When times are tough, we humans tend to follow the prevailing mood and reinforce a downward spiral. And when trying something new and challenging, the easiest role in any team is the one who declares that this will never work.
As someone who has written a doctoral dissertation on future scenarios and worked as a futurist, I know this phenomenon is well documented in academic literature as well: our forecasts almost always ‘overshoot’ in the direction of current trends. We fail to recognize a turn for the better in time, assuming that difficult times will go on forever (and in good times, the same phenomenon happens in the opposite direction). It takes considerable extra energy and strong character to push against the mainstream and create positive optimism in the midst of hardship. But it’s worth it, because such exceptional individuals and organisations are the ones who, when successful, achieve the greatest gains.
Uncertain and challenging times have prevailed in both the Finnish forest industry and the world at large for quite some time. Geopolitical shifts have added headwinds to already difficult cost, currency and demand conditions. Even the cold weather is testing us, and electricity prices are sky‑high. Should we sink back into gloom once again?
Absolutely not – the international meeting place for the forest industry, Pulp & Beyond 2026, is almost here! Registration is open, and last week the first list of exhibitors for the April event was published. Take a moment to check the website and explore the pioneering companies that believe in the future, intend to emerge as winners from the current cycle, and bring positive energy to our industry. The lineup includes an excellent mix of leading forest‑cluster companies, long‑standing industry pillars, Finnish champions, international guests – and exciting new start‑ups. Be sure to take a look at, for example, Fiberdom, Tool4Pro, Soilfood, Fibenol and the whole Uusi Puu (New Wood) network.
More companies are still joining, and the year has started off delightfully busy. Thanks to Pulp & Beyond’s renewed “turnkey” stand concept, there is still plenty of time to get involved during February and March – participation has been made exceptionally easy.
So what fuels this sense of optimism? For example:
- 8,000 visitors. Pulp & Beyond will be organised together not only with the ChemBio exhibition, but also with the new industrial SähköElectricity professional event, giving industrial professionals even more reasons to head to the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
- 60+ speakers. The conference and exhibition programme features a rich and diverse lineup of Finnish and international speakers.
- 8 international delegations + international media tour. The exhibition has attracted strong international interest, and we expect a record number of delegations. Larger visitor groups are arriving from India, Latin America, Japan, China, Taiwan, Sweden, Vietnam and the USA.
- 350+ university students and alumni. We are once again organising dedicated programme for students, aiming for at least the same participation level as last time. As a new element, we are also collaborating with university guild alumni organisations.
- Finnish Wappu on 16 April. Naturally, all worries disappear when Wappu arrives—two weeks early this year! We’ll celebrate Wappu on the Pulp & Beyond Main Stage together with visitors from ChemBio.
So lift your chin, step forward boldly, showcase your expertise and strengthen the belief that even in difficult times we can innovate, do business and grow. From 14–17 April 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to do just that. Welcome to exhibit or visit, meet current or new customers, build new domestic and international connections, run into partners and spontaneously co‑create new ideas. Or simply enjoy the atmosphere, meet old friends and lower your stress levels in Wappu spirits with the sounds of modern French brass music.
As former President of Finland Mauno Koivisto said: “If we cannot be certain how things will turn out, let us assume that everything will go well.”
Antti Lindqvist
Doctor of Science (Technology), CEO, the forest industry’s “official optimist”
Puunjalostusinsinöörit ry