Where does growth come from—and how much risk should we be willing to take to achieve it?
Growth requires the courage to make decisions, seize opportunities, and sometimes even take a leap into the unknown. The "Growth and Risk-Taking" seminar brings together entrepreneurs, future leaders, and diverse perspectives on what growth actually entails.
The event is aimed specifically at entrepreneurs in Ranua and the surrounding areas, but students at Ranua High School —the entrepreneurs, experts, and decision-makers of the future—are also invited to attend.
During the afternoon, we’ll hear about the growth of tourism in Lapland, Apukka Resort’s bold growth story, and keynote speaker Riku Rantala’s insights on daring to take risks.
Come and find ideas, inspiration, and courage for your next move.
Sign up by October 4, 2026, using this link
Schedule
12:00–12:30 Networking Coffee Break
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Seminar
Program
Welcome to the seminar
Tuomas Aikkila, Municipal Manager, Municipality of Ranua
Growth requires courage—and responsibility
Rauno Posio, Chairman of the Board, Visit Rovaniemi
Apuka's Growth Story
Harri Mällinen, CEO, Apukka Resort Oy
Growth and Risk-Taking
Riku Rantala, motivational and keynote speaker
Summary and Acknowledgments
Mikko Pöykkö, Development Manager, Business Ranua
Seminar Speakers
Rauno Posio - A Pioneer of Tourism in Lapland
Rauno Posio is one of the long-standing influencers and developers of tourism in Lapland. He serves as chairman of the board of Visit Rovaniemi and has been involved for decades in building the growth and internationalization of tourism in Rovaniemi and Lapland. Posio understands the tourism business, the opportunities for growth, and the risk-taking inevitably associated with them through practical experience.
At the “Growth and Risk-Taking” event, Rauno will bring a long-term perspective to the discussion about what bold decisions, entrepreneurship, and faith in Lapland’s potential can achieve at their best.
Harri Mällinen - Growth Entrepreneur
Harri Mällinen is a founding partner and CEO of Apukka Resort. He began his entrepreneurial career at the age of 19, immediately after completing his military service. Founded in 2017, Apukka Resort has grown—through bold investments and international expansion—into one of Lapland’s tourism success stories.
At the "Growth and Risk-Taking" event, Harri will share Apuka’s growth story—about bold decisions, taking risks, and what growth demands of an entrepreneur.
Keynote by Riku Rantala
Riku Rantala is an award-winning journalist, TV producer, non-fiction author, and co-founder of Madventures. In his work, he has traveled millions of kilometers around the world and has become known for his courage, curiosity, and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Rantala’s talks emphasize taking risks, an entrepreneurial mindset, adapting to change, and overcoming fears. Rantala was named Speakersforum’s Presenter of the Year in 2022.
At the "Growth and Risk-Taking" event, Riku challenges the audience to view growth through the eyes of an adventurer: to dare more, to break through familiar boundaries, and to see uncertainty as an opportunity.
The seminar is free of charge for participants