The client’s goal was to create a powerful and moving experience that emphasized dignity, history, and Finnish identity, while making guests feel part of something greater. The foundation’s exceptionally long history within its field served as a strong source of inspiration for both the event concept and atmosphere.
Case
Walter Ahlström Foundation’s 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner
In April 2026, the Walter Ahlström Foundation’s 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner brought together the foundation’s key stakeholders at the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo) to celebrate its centennial journey.
The foundation’s values – rooted in Finland’s long-standing forest and industrial heritage – together with its forward-looking work, were naturally reflected in the event’s visual identity and atmosphere. Certia Events was responsible for the planning and execution of the celebration in close collaboration with the foundation. The result was a polished and impactful event experience.
How we made it happen
Event objectives
What we delivered
Certia Events was responsible for the comprehensive planning and production of the formal evening event, including:
- Registration management
- Participant communications and a dedicated event website for the gala dinner
- On-site event production
- Visual identity and event materials
Music as the soul of the celebration
The evening’s music was curated by composer Lauri Porra, who, together with a string quartet, served as the musical heart of the event. Part of the repertoire consisted of Porra’s own compositions, inspired by Finnish nature and identity, which became a natural extension of the event’s theme.
The evening also featured a performance by Timo Lassy & Jazz Quartet, whose energetic and dynamic presence added rhythm and vibrancy to the overall experience.
A mood board to bring the vision to life
For the event’s visual concept, the client envisioned a setting inspired by the forest, featuring elements such as green gold, birch, moss, natural light, and a warm colour palette. To bring this vision to life and establish a shared understanding of the desired outcome, we created a mood board during the early stages of the planning process.
The mood board guided further planning and made collaboration with partners easier, ensuring everyone worked toward the same clear goal.
A nature-inspired atmosphere
The decor was designed in collarboration with a professional decorator, taking into account the architecture and unique features of the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo). The styling featured selected floral and botanical arrangements, along with other visual elements, including an impressive forest-themed photo wall. A backdrop of green velvet, combined with birch elements, moss, and lush greenery, created an immersive and memorable setting.
The atmosphere was shaped through nature-inspired tones, thoughtfully designed lighting and carefully crafted details, resulting in an elegant yet warm and welcoming experience.
“The event was a great success. Communication with the producer on the day was excellent, and any questions or changes were handled quickly and smoothly. I felt completely confident throughout the day and knew I could rely on her, knowing that everything had also been planned and prepared with great care in advance.
I found our collaboration to be very smooth and effective. We worked together on the event for around six months, and communication was clear and straightforward from start to finish. Everything was handled professionally and came together seamlessly.
Beyond the success of the event itself, I was particularly impressed by how thoroughly everything had been planned and organised. That level of professionalism was clearly evident throughout the event day as well.”
Heddi Priivits
Project Manager
Walter Ahlström Foundation
Ask us more
Anne Kallio
Events Director
anne.pulli@certia.fi
+358405656716
Tina Ahonen
Senior Event Manager
tina.ahonen@certia.fi
+358 40 725 3538
