Opening & Closing Events of the EL 2011

EL 2011 Congress & Trade Show Opening Event

Night of Fire and Ice – Experience the Contrasts!

Fire and Ice—the Opening Event of EL 2011 Congress & Trade Show on Sunday 5 June 2011 at 19:30 is hosted jointly by Veikkaus and RAY, the two Finnish EL members.

During the night of Fire and Ice, you will have the chance to enjoy fabulous entertainment in an exquisite casino setting. Top-level Finnish singers, dancers, magicians and fi gure skaters will be performing to you while you can enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and refreshing drinks served by world-class fl air bartenders. In the ice bar, you can chill out and meet with your old friends and make new acquaintances. And, of course, you can try your luck at the Casino!

We are proud to present two great Finnish bands MARIA LUND TRIO and JO STANCE. MARIA LUND is an international musician, singer and actress whose music is based on jazz and 1950s glamour. Jo Stance, a fantastic jazz band, is a project of an upcoming Finnish vocalist JOHANNA FÖRSTI and drummer-producer TEPPO “TEDDY ROCK” MÄKYNEN. Their music is heating jazz with beating talent.
The night at the Grand Casino Helsinki offers a breath- taking start for the EL 2011 Congress—this will truly be a night to remember !

DRESS CODE:
business casual

TRANSPORTATION:
buses leave from
the hotels at 19:00

EL 2011 Congress & Trade Show Closing Event

Lotteries on Stage

The Closing Event of the EL 2011—Northern Light Gala—will take place at the Finnish National Opera
on Wednesday 8 June at 19:30. This evening will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a fully tailored performance for the participants of the EL Congress.

DO NOT EXPECT A TRADITIONAL OPERA EVENING ! Be there to witness the Northern Light Story with
world-class performances by young, talented artists representing Veikkaus´ benefi ciaries; to enjoy
outstanding Finnish cuisine in a splendid setting; to mix with interesting people; and to enjoy many pleasurable surprises. The performances and surprises will be brought to you by the little ballerinas of the Ballet School of the National Opera, the beloved dancer étoile MINNA TERVAMÄKI, the soprano and singing contest winner MARJUKKA TEPPONEN, and the astonishing accordion artist KIMMO POHJONEN—and many more artists.

In Finland, opera and ballet are subsidized with public funds, so that everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy them. Seventy percent of the funds come from lottery proceeds administered by the Finnish Ministry of Education. In fact, the National Opera is the biggest single beneficiary of Veikkaus´ proceeds.

DRESS CODE:
cocktail dress and tie

TRANSPORTATION:
buses leave from the hotels at 19:00