Customer: Viking Line
Event: Viking Line Spring Break
Date: May 21–23, 2024
Location: Turku Fair Centre, Finland
Viking Line Spring Break delivered an unforgettable experience for the entire ferry company crew – and this time, it wasn’t at sea, but in the city of Turku.
Life on board is a never-ending celebration. Year-round, the crew hosts seminars and holidays. The guests may come and go, but the party never stops.
But what about the crew members, for whom throwing events is part of the everyday job? How could they ever gather together when someone is always out at sea?
Held at the Turku Fair Center, Viking Line Spring Break made the impossible possible. For the first time in 60 years, the entire Viking Line staff was brought together in one place. This three-day employee event allowed everyone to participate – without a single ship left docked.
When your guests are seasoned pros in entertainment, the bar is high – and this event exceeded expectations. Spring Break was remembered as meaningful, emotional, and to many, the best event Viking Line has ever organised.
Over the course of three identical evenings, 1,700 participants – Viking Line crew members and suppliers – created a new chapter in the company’s history. The event fostered a deep sense of unity and reinforced employees’ pride in their work and identity as Vikings.
“It was a privilege to produce the most fun event of my life together with top-tier event professionals. The best feedback came from our people: they said the ‘Viking spirit’ had returned to the company.”
– Lotta Lindroos, Development Manager, Viking Line Abp
The event was carried out in accordance with strict sustainability goals, including the use of recycled materials, minimising printed materials, and partnering with the John Nurminen Foundation, a marine conservation NGO. Special attention was given to transportation: all travel was carefully coordinated and compensated, and the return trip was made aboard Viking Grace, powered by low-emission LNG fuel.
The event was the launchpad for Viking Line’s new strategy, “The Compass” introduced in an entertaining panel format. Supporting themes were reinforced by futurist and author Perttu Pölönen’s inspiring keynote. The event also featured a Tax Free Fair, giving staff the chance to explore a variety of supplier products in a hands-on setting.
A warm and uplifting atmosphere was a key part of Spring Break’s success. Emotions ran high during the award ceremony honouring Viking Line employees who had served over 50 years with the company. The leadership’s active presence also boosted morale – the CEO even hosted a “Coffee & Cognac” corner where anyone could drop in for a chat and a drink.
The event culminated in a gourmet dinner prepared by Viking Line’s own chefs and a spectacular evening show hosted by Krista Siegfrids. Entertainment included the Las Vegas-based show group Conrytmo, and the crowd erupted when surprise guest Käärijä emerged from a giant mirror ball.
Krista Siegfrids also sang and hosted the program fluently in three languages. One of the event’s unique challenges – and greatest strengths – was bringing together staff from multiple linguistic backgrounds under one roof.
An overwhelming 94% of participants rated the event as excellent. Following the event, Viking Line recorded the highest employee experience score in its eNPS history.
