Reasons to participate in the conference
“Dream employer: people+investments” is a popular and respected conference among human resource specialists and it takes place for the eleventh time. At the conference we focus on employer branding positioning, creation and different talent groups in different sectors both in Estonia and internationally.
At the conference we will also announce the winner of the “Dream employer” competition.
Overview of employer branding
Content packed presentations
Shared inspirations and experiences
100 great ideas
Employer Branding
Employer branding is a strategic tool for top management to create a differentiated organizational culture. To become a Dream Employer in your field, you have to consciously position and communicate your image to the world.
%
Of employees think employer's reputation is important.
Pre-Conference Webinar
February 4, 2025
3 PM
Will Being ‘Bulletproof’ Deliver Business Results?
Have you ever thought about why we consider constant resilience and “handling everything” as a sign of strength? Why do we admire those who never break but forget that courage to stand up for our own needs is what keeps us healthy? What truly yields results at every level (yes, even in business)?
Join us for a 90-minute interactive webinar, where we will:
- Turn the concept of “strength” on its head.
- Learn why constant “bulletproofing” isn’t a sustainable strategy — even in business.
- Discover how to genuinely care for your well-being to also succeed as a professional.
- Share simple yet effective techniques for maintaining your well-being and, as a result, operating as an impactful professional.
About the Speaker:
Ilona Nurmela is a trainer with 25 years of experience, a guest lecturer at EBS, a balanced life coach, and an amateur writer. She is a multi-talented professional with a career that spans several roles: lawyer, board member of a listed company, IT consultant, and mediator. Currently, she focuses on mood management and developing a balanced and sustainably resilient mindset.
Conference main program
Februyary 5, 2025 from 9 AM to 5 PM
WHERE? Von Glehni Theatre (Pärnu mnt 326, Tallinn, NÕMME)
Please do not go to Glehn Castle!
9 AM
Welcome!
Doors are open. Networking. Coffee.
10 AM
Opening of the “Dream Emplyer 2025” Conference
10.15 AM
Human-Centered Innovation = Successful Business
Let’s be honest: today, most organizations think, talk, and operate in a rhythm of constant innovation. But what truly drives innovation? Come and listen to how organizations that place people at the center of their activities create an environment where new ideas emerge naturally and sustainably. You will hear inspiring stories and learn about practical tools that demonstrate how humanity in organizational culture enhances creativity, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and ultimately leads to business success.
About the Speaker:
Dan Strode (UK/Spain) is an inspirational speaker, strategic consultant, masterclass facilitator, and the author of the books “The Culture Advantage: Empowering Your People to Drive Innovation” and “The Innovator’s Edge.” His great passion lies in promoting innovation within organizations and leading cultural change. Dan helps leaders and teams create environments where creativity and collaboration can thrive.
10.35 AM
Q & A
10.45 AM
PANEL DISCUSSION: Human Growth = Successful Business
Do you want to take your company to the next level? Then it’s time to start with people! In this engaging panel discussion, we will demonstrate how strategic investment in employee development — through upskilling and reskilling — enhances job performance and ensures a competitive advantage. As Adam Grant says, “The success of future workers is agility — we can invest in individuals who have the motivation to learn and the flexibility to change.” The result? Not only a more capable team but also a more successful business.
About the Speakers:
Elizabeth Leet is an experienced HR manager who has worked for over seven years as the HR Director for the Baltic region at Prysmian, a world-leading manufacturer of electrical and telecommunications cable systems. As a member of the management team, she supports the organization in implementing its vision, achieving goals, and addressing employee needs by creating an inspiring work environment. She is also a certified coach and considers herself a lifelong learner.
Erik Heinsaar is the Chairman of the Board of AS Delfi Meedia, the largest media company within Ekspress Grupp. Erik has worked as a media executive for 9 years, from 2016 to 2024 at Õhtuleht Kirjastus and from this year at Delfi Meedia. He is a business leader who has built and successfully maintained several successful teams, considering the personal development and well-being of employees as important as achieving business results. In addition to his role at Delfi Meedia, Erik is also active in the Estonian Media Enterprises Union and the Baltic News Media Publishers Association.
Signe Kukin is the Chief Financial Officer at Omniva and a results-oriented expert in the finance sector. With over 20 years of experience in senior financial roles at major companies, she has worked at Bolt, Ekspress Group, and Merko Ehitus. Additionally, she has international experience with United Utilities in both the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Signe’s greatest passion lies in engaging people by providing them with the best solutions and inspiring them to unlock their full potential.
Connect with the speaker on LinkedIn.
Agur Jõgi is the Chief Technology Officer and a member of the Board at Pipedrive. His strengths include finding creative solutions to achieve challenging goals, implementing new ideas, and leading complex strategic changes in established companies. He believes that well-functioning processes are the foundation of successful and sustainable growth, and as a coaching leader, he inspires people to achieve more than they think they are capable of.
11.30 AM
NOTES
12 PM (NOON)
LUNCH
1 PM
When Human Differences and Uniqueness Are Superpowers? Yes, Even in Business.
What if what is considered a difference is not a limitation but potential? Autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits are not just diagnoses — they can be superpowers that create new ways of thinking, working, and changing the world. Innovation often arises from seeing and doing things differently. Isn’t it time to understand that neurodiversity is not just a human asset but also a competitive advantage in business? Come and discover how difference can become true uniqueness — and yes, the foundation for (business) success stories.
About the Speaker:
Jonathan Cannon (UK) is a certified business psychologist at Lumina Learning, where he focuses on researching and developing next-generation psychometric assessment tools. His research examines the impact of personality in the workplace and the cross-cultural validation of psychometric assessments, emphasizing the effects of culture and language and the reduction of resulting biases. His academic work has been presented at several prestigious international conferences.
1.20 PM
Q & A
1.30 PM
How Is a Human-Centered Employer Brand Also Business Impactful?
A truly human workplace is not just a place to work — it’s a place to grow, belong, and shine! In this presentation, we will explore how a human-centered organizational culture creates a strong and authentically attractive employer brand. Moreover, it fosters a powerful and successful business! This is the kind of business that truly embodies the Dream Employer concept!
About the Speakers:
Carina Mättikas is an employer and personal branding expert at Cohorts, whose mission is to support organizational leaders and professionals in shaping an authentic employer and personal brand. She trains and advises both brand ambassadors and top executives, implements projects in both the public and private sectors, and has led the growth and development of the global employer brand at Testlio.
Rita Mesi is the Head of the Human Resources Northern Department at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. She has been one of the leaders in promoting police employer branding and has now transitioned into a role where she can more directly contribute to improving employees’ well-being. Rita believes that with a clear purpose, a great team, and consistency, much can be achieved. She is motivated by situations where she can find solutions to people’s concerns while enhancing the overall support system to create more positivity around individuals.
2 PM
Human Connections Through Inclusive Internal Communication = Better Business Outcomes
How can we ensure that every employee feels part of something larger and is motivated to contribute to the organization’s objectives? The answer lies in internal communication, which goes beyond mere information sharing to create genuine connections. Humanity and inclusivity in internal communication are strategic tools that enhance trust, improve employee satisfaction, and consequently increase company performance. Effective messaging and thoughtful channels foster an informed and cohesive team working towards a common goal. The sense of belonging created in this way is not just an emotional benefit — it is a business competitive advantage and the foundation of a successful organization.
About the Speaker:
Mateo Bornico (Sweden) is an internal communication expert at Valtech, where he integrates internal communication with leadership, focusing on organizational strategy, employer branding, and employee engagement. He is also the host and producer of the podcast “Create Belonging,” where he explores various ways of fostering belonging in an increasingly globalized yet fragmented world, sharing ideas on how to inspire people and teams to be more inclusive.
2.20 PM
Q & A
2.30 PM
NOTES
2.45 PM
BREAK. COFFEE.
3 PM
Humanity and Artificial Intelligence: Friendship or Opposition in Business?
Can a machine understand the heart? Artificial intelligence presents us with new opportunities, but where is the balance between human intuition and machine logic? Perhaps the question is not one of competition but of a friendship we are just beginning to explore. Can we integrate empathy and algorithms to collaboratively tackle the challenges of the future and achieve success as individuals, teams, and organizations? Join us to listen to how humanity and artificial intelligence can grow together — not in opposition, but side by side.
About the Speakers:
Gerlyn Tiigemäe is an artificial intelligence trainer, strategic consultant in the field of AI, and one of the leaders of the AIPowerment community. She is also the host of Estonia’s first podcast focused entirely on artificial intelligence topics, the AIPowerment podcast.
Martti Praks leads the artificial intelligence development at LHV Bank, focusing on using technology to solve business problems and support innovation. He and his team aim to make work more human-centered by reducing monotonous tasks and enabling individuals to focus on more creative and meaningful responsibilities.
3.30 PM
Human Leadership: The X-Factor for Thriving Organizational Culture and Business?
Have you ever wondered why some teams achieve extraordinary results while others stagnate? The secret lies in leadership! In this presentation, we will share real-life stories and practical tools that help create a culture where humanity and performance go hand in hand. When you, as a leader, thrive, so do your people – and with them, your business. This is the organization’s X-factor, as leaders create a culture that drives results. Are you ready to lead with heart and impact — yourself, your team, and your business?
About the Speaker:
Dr. Maria Loumpourdi (Malta) is the Founder of Made From Within, an accredited coach, an award-winning mentor, and a professional in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is also the author of the book “Leaders Made From Within.” In her work, she focuses on creating and implementing talent development strategies that ensure measurable business results and promote high-level leadership.
3.50 PM
Q & A
4 PM
“Dream Employer 2025” Award Ceremony
Who deserves the title of Dream Employer this year for their efforts, and why?
Join us for the closing remarks of the conference, where we will celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled in creating outstanding workplaces. Let’s recognize the dedication and hard work that contribute to the Dream Employer vision and conclude the day on a high note.
Post-Conference Workshop
February 6, 2025
10 AM - 1 PM
Interactive and Practical Workshop:
How to Create a Human-Centered Yet Effective and Innovative Organization/Business?
In this workshop, we will focus on two critical themes:
- How to design an organizational culture oriented toward growth.
- Five practical strategies for integrating technology to create more effective collaboration.
Bonus for HR professionals: Gain valuable insights into assessing and implementing innovative tools.
By the end of the workshop, you will have clear and practical guidelines and tools for creating a truly progressive organizational culture, team, and business.
Facilitated by: Dan Strode, the keynote speaker of the conference.
Location: Visionest Institute classroom, 4th floor of T1 Shopping Center (4A).
Register for the “Dream Employer: people + investments” conference
Register for the Dream Employer 2025 Conference
CONFERENCE PRICE
- The price includes access to the pre-conference seminar and the International Dream Employer 2025 conference
- If you want to participate only in Pre-Conference webinar, the price is 59€+vat.
- If you want to participate only in Post-Conference Workshop, the price is 118€+vat.
- SPECIAL FOR HOLIDAYS! Buy 2 tickets in December 2024, and you get 3 – invite your friend or colleague with you.
Partners of the Dream Employer
Estonia’s largest job portal CVKeskus.ee helps us find the Dream Employer
