Do more with less – how IT does more with fewer resources.
Above IT invites IT decision-makers to a networking event in Helsinki on October 8, 2026!
Above IT Afterwork 2026 – Do more with less
Above IT’s Afterwork once again brings together IT decision-makers around current themes.
The 2026 theme is: how AI, automation, and proactive operating models help streamline IT operations, reduce manual workload, and free up time for development.
The program will cover topics including the potential of AI agents, leveraging AI in IT management, secure implementation, and proactive IT maintenance through customer examples.
After the program, the evening continues in a relaxed atmosphere with good food, drinks, and networking.
The event is free and targeted at IT decision-makers. Seating is limited, so register as soon as possible!
What, where, and when?
What: Afterwork networking event for IT decision-makers, featuring AI, agents, automation, and proactive operating models.
Where: Restaurant Faro, Ruoholahti canal bank (Kellosaarenranta 2, 00180 Helsinki)
When: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:30 PM–7:30 PM
Who: Above IT & Below IT, Microsoft, Action1, Avepoint, Admin by Request, Cisco, and customers
Program and schedule
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Welcome, networking, and getting into the afternoon mood with welcome drinks
3:00 PM–
Event opening
Juha Kari, consigliere, CEO, co-founder, Above IT
Keynote: Agents streamlining operations
Vesa-Matti “Vesku” Paananen, Technology Director, Partners, Microsoft EMEA
What does the implementation of AI agents mean for cybersecurity and data protection?
Mika Hakkarainen, consigliere, CTO, co-founder, Above IT
Case: Data archiving as part of data protection
Tommi Heinonen, Senior Partner Development Manager, AvePoint
Case Navakka: Hardening the environment with EPM
Mick Wynne-Ellis, Application Consultant, Navakka Group
Harri Juntunen, Account Executive, Admin by Request
Juha Kari, consigliere, CEO, co-founder, Above IT
Break
approx. 4:20 PM–
Case Kannustalo: Pay less, get more – The Action1 tool and reducing manual work
Ajin Ku, Account Executive & Sean Carroll, Lead Technical Product Engineer, Action1
Matias Haapaniemi, consigliere, partner, Above IT
Automation in proactive IT maintenance – How is automation leveraged to identify and prevent issues before they become visible to users? Also featuring an AI agent developed at Above IT.
Lauri Haveri, consigliere, partner & Matias Haapaniemi, consigliere, partner, Above IT.
Case Kiinko: Modern cloud-managed networks supporting IT management
Antti Leino, Sales Engineer, Cisco, TD SYNNEX Finland
Closing remarks from one decision-maker to another
Pete Nieminen, CIO, Aidian
Summary and closing words
Juha Kari, consigliere, CEO, co-founder, Above IT
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Buffet service, networking.
Speakers
Vesa-Matti Paananen, Chief Technology Officer, Partners, Microsoft EMEA
Vesa-Matti “Vesku” Paananen is an experienced Microsoft executive and the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft’s EMEA Partner Unit. Vesku has held various specialist and leadership roles at Microsoft for over 20 years, closely following how AI, cloud technologies, and mobility have transformed business and modernized work. Currently, Vesku and his teams work with European partners, helping them create successful businesses with Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and rapidly evolving AI to become Frontier pioneer organizations.
Pete Nieminen, CIO, Aidian
Pete is a well-known IT professional, an experienced CIO, a developer of digital services, and a professional board member. He has been frequently selected as one of Finland’s TOP 100 IT influencers and has over 25 years of experience in new technology solutions, information management, international business development, and various areas of digitalization and management. Pete is known as a business- and people-oriented technologist with nearly a hundred different certifications. During his career, he has worked for companies such as Tietoevry, Enfo, Atea, IBM, Salomaa Group, and Kempower. Additionally, he holds several board positions, is a member of Hallituspartnerit, and serves as the chairman of ICT-Leaders Finland.
Tommi Heinonen, Senior Partner Development Manager, AvePoint
Tommi has diverse experience in partner business across cloud, data, and software solutions. At AvePoint, he helps partners develop the management of their customers’ Microsoft 365 environments and AI security. His goal is to build more secure, managed, and efficient cloud environments and to find new business opportunities together with AvePoint.
Harri Juntunen, Account Executive, Admin by Request
Harri works specifically with privileged access management and endpoint security. He helps organizations reduce risks associated with permanent admin rights so that the use of privileges is controlled and auditable, manual work is reduced, and users’ daily lives remain smooth. Harri is an approachable and solution-oriented conversationalist – the Savonian background and dialect come as a bonus.
Antti Leino, Sales Engineer, Cisco, TD SYNNEX Finland
Antti works extensively with Cisco technologies, particularly with Meraki, Secure, Enterprise Networks, and Collaboration solutions. He has extensive experience in technical solution design as well as cloud and multi-vendor environments.
Ajin Ku, Account Executive (Northern Europe & Benelux), Action1
Ajin is seasoned sales professional with 30+ years of experience in the ICT industry, specializing in networking, cybersecurity, and technology solutions. Currently managing Northern Europe & Benelux for Action1, based in the Netherlands. Throughout his career, he has worked with several leading networking and cybersecurity vendors, helping organizations adopt and leverage technology to improve security, efficiency, and business outcomes.
Sean Carroll, Lead Technical Product Engineer, Action1
Sean has 10 years of experience working in MSP and internal IT environments, giving him a deep understanding of day-to-day operations and what an IT team needs to be successful. His goal is empowering IT admins with the Action1 platform to make their work easier and more streamlined.
About our company
Above IT Oy serves as a trusted advisor and resource partner for IT administrations, offering managed cloud services. We strive to ensure that your IT administration can meet the growing demands in the fields of information security and data protection.