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Programme

Conference programme involves different approaches and speakers from near and far. With keynote speakers like Thomas Babor and Gerard Hastings we will hear the latest information about alcohol research and media use analysis.

Interesting workshops and hands-on plenary about online-tools for advocates, these are other interesting things to attend. We wrap the conference up with a panel discussion about pan-Nordic alcohol policy.

HELINSKI: Celebrating Sibelius in 2015

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of legendary Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, numerous special events will be held in Helsinki in 2015.

The most important places and moments in the life of Sibelius have been collected together to form a Path of Sibelius travel route that reflects his path through life. The Path of Sibelius also provides an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Sibelius-era Finland, its colourful history and the landscapes that inspired the composer.

Theme

Finland, our meeting place this year, has made recently a groundbreaking decision to ban alcohol advertising in social media. How is it done and what other countries could learn from this? How is internet used by the alcohol industry but also how could health advocates better use this important and in most cases free resource? These are some of the questions that we are going to focus in October.

 

We have many interesting things going on in Finland right now. The law reform that came into effect on 1 January 2015 prohibits the advertising of mild alcoholic beverages in public places, such as bus stops, public transportation vehicles and billboards. An exception to this rule is that alcohol can still be advertised at public events, such as sports events and concerts. Furthermore, advertising in the current manner is allowed on ships in international traffic and in locations where alcoholic beverages are served and sold. Outside these locations, the names and prices of alcoholic beverages may be advertised. The current limit for showing alcohol commercials on TV will be moved from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. In future, this limitation will also apply to radio commercials.

Such advertising and marketing of mild alcoholic beverages that involves consumers’ participation in a game, lottery or competition is prohibited. In addition, content produced or shared by consumers, such as writing, photos, video clips or commercial films, must not be used for advertising. This affects alcohol advertising on social media but does not apply to citizens’ own communication. In other words, the new restrictions to alcohol advertising only limit the rights of producers and sellers to advertise their products on the street or on social media. We´ll find out which way our new rules will work. And we are happy to tell you all about it!

EHYT, Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention, has worked together with NordAN to make this conference to be successful. EHYT is a preventive substance abuse work organisation that operates in all of Finland and among the entire population to promote healthy ways of life. The work extends from children and young people to working-aged and pension-aged people. In addition to preventive work in alcohol, tobacco and drug-related issues, EHYT promotes a positive culture in digital games and gambling.

WELCOME to NordAN CONFERENCE!
WELCOME to HELSINKI!

SERVICES

Some people dream of success. We make it happen.

Kristiina Hannula, NordAN board member from Finland

© Photo:  Vespiano13/Flickr.com

Besides being a nice and beautiful city, Helsinki has a strategic position between the Eastern and the Western part of Europe, thus bridging the Scandinavian and the Baltic sides of the NordAN network. Alcohol advertising, social media and hands on experiences are examples of themes that will be highlighted. We have tried to compose a mix of excellent lectures, hands-on experiences and interactive workshops. We are grateful to EHYT for organizing the meeting, and we are confident that an organization with such a strength in alcohol and drug prevention will be able to make an excellent link in the chain of yearly NordAN conferences.

Peter Allebeck, NordAN president

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