— I think this has been very relevant to what we are doing. It has been useful both to hear from larger companies about how they drive innovation and from local companies. The cases were exciting, and it was nice to work on case studies in groups. The network has been very rewarding with many new people, says Vivian Larsgård-Ingebrigtsen, CFO of Cyan Energy.

Vivian Larsgård-Ingebrigtsen, CFO, Cyan Energy.

She has participated three times before and particularly highlights the value of getting out of one's own environment.

— This is the third time I am participating now. If it remains as exciting going forward, this will be a regular event for me. If I were to recommend something to others, it would especially be networking. Getting out of the office and meeting people you wouldn't otherwise meet means a lot, she adds.

Inger Stensaker was the one primarily responsible for the academic content at ÅKP Summit.

An arena for thinking beyond the everyday

For some, this was their first encounter with ÅKP Summit. Jan Magnus Håhjem, managing director of Rørtek, describes the experience as both useful and necessary.

Jan Magnus Håhjem.

— This has been really nice. This is my first time here. There have been very good discussions, and I have gained tools that I believe we can use in several areas going forward. These are tools that can be applied across industries, he says.

Håhjem also emphasizes the value of looking beyond a busy everyday life:

 — In everyday life, it quickly becomes all work and little leadership, innovation, and development. The everyday life dictates the agenda. So having an arena where you can get out, meet others, and think more long-term, for example regarding the role of the board and whom you want to bring into the board, what kind of competence is relevant to have there, is good. So it has been learning in a broad field, for me.

Read also: Inger G. Stensaker is a keynote speaker at ÅKP Summit: She knows what is needed when everything is at stake

The summit feels relevant:

 — We are a medium-sized craft company, about 50 employees, and just under 100 million in revenue. The gathering feels relevant to us.

Good atmosphere around the tables. From left: Kirsti Slotsvik, Terje Bøe, and Bjarte Vindenes.

Common challenges across industries

Bjarte Vindenes, CEO of Granne Forsikring, participated for the second time and recognizes the challenges that many face, especially on the technology front.

Bjarte Vindenes, CEO, Granne Forsikring.

— I think it has been useful and interesting, with issues that are highly relevant to our work. Particularly the technology part, both technology development and how we actually should apply it in our companies, is a challenge we are working heavily with, and where we are unsure how to approach. Discussing this has been both useful and fun, he says.

He experiences that participants, despite different industries, face much of the same:

 — Even though we come from different industries, the issues are often quite similar. It is interesting to hear how other industries solve things, and it gives many impulses.

He also points to the atmosphere as a big plus:

 — What has also made an impression is the good atmosphere. There is a low threshold for making contact, and it's easy to talk to others. We will follow up on some of the contacts afterward.

Read also: ÅKP Summit: Terje Bøe shares the story behind the Spilka innovation FixadeNærhet, depth, and quality

For Jenny Staalnacke, managing director of Mogleg, the size of the gathering was an important reason for her to register.

Jenny Staalnacke, managing director, Mogleg.

— What made me sign up was that this is a smaller gathering with fewer people and good facilities. One has to prioritize differently than when going to large conferences, but I am very satisfied with the decision, she says.

She particularly highlights the workshops and the mix of industries:

ÅKP Summit: Håvard Lien shares experiences from how VARD works with innovation across fields

— I have made acquaintances and built a network. The concept, with people from different companies and industries, I find very smart. It stands out amid the large conferences and big themes that do not always concern everyone. Here, you get closer to each other. Also in the workshops we have had, where we have been able to discuss more in depth.

She adds:

— This is my first time participating, but I would like to join again. High quality in the time we are in now perhaps means, as here, fewer people and better facilities.

Professional uplift and new impulses

Sølvi Hatledal, Operations Manager at Hydra Pipe, describes the days as educational and inspiring.

Sølvi Hatledal, Operations Manager, Hydra Pipe.

— I think the gathering has been very good. I have learned a lot and take much home with me. There have been great presentations and skilled people from many different industries, she says.

The need for breaks from everyday life is recurring:

— We are probably all far too preoccupied with what we are doing every single day. You sit in your own bubble and work. Therefore, it is incredibly nice to meet others and get new impulses. I am very glad that I said yes to come. Actually, I didn't have time, as is the case for many, but it was very nice when I finally got here.

— This is my first time participating in this. I would absolutely recommend others to join next time.

Relevant topics and important meetings

Marianne Sandnes, CFO at Offshore Simulator Centre, particularly appreciates the professional content with direct transfer value.

— This has been very useful. Inger from NHH offered relevant topics that I carry back to everyday life. This is my third time participating, and it is definitely a gathering I recommend to others, she says.

She emphasizes the importance of meeting other leaders in a format that allows for genuine conversations.

— It is important to get out of the operational side once in a while and get input from others. Meeting other leaders in such a setting is beneficial. Networking is important and enjoyable, also on a personal level. The setting of being quite few was positive because one got to know the other participants well.

Learning across and practice-oriented cases

Lene Flem DeBess, consultant and owner of People Mode.

Lene Flem DeBess, consultant and owner of People Mode, emphasizes the diversity of perspectives and the work with practical cases.

— I think it has been very interesting and educational. I have received good input on new areas. The cases were good. They led to good discussions with many different perspectives. And the focus on theory in practice. The fact that we used Norwegian cases makes everything more realistic, she says.

Lene also highlights the format as socially and academically unifying:

— I also liked the lunch-to-lunch format. You get three to four meals together, and it provides both professional and social time. It creates security in the group, making it easier to open up and contribute.

— This is my first time participating, and I would absolutely consider joining again.

Do you want to see all the photos from ÅKP Summit? You can find them here