Boardman goes Texas – Join the excursion to Houston & Austin!

Join the Boardman excursion to Texas! Experience one of the most dynamic and strategically influential business hubs in the United States.

On this excursion to Houston and Austin, Finnish leaders will have a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the Texan and U.S. business environment, technology ecosystem, market opportunities and go-to-market strategies, while stepping inside two fundamentally different yet complementary growth ecosystems: Houston’s industrial-scale transformation and Austin’s high-velocity innovation culture.

During the week, participants will develop a strategic perspective on how capital, technology, policy and ambition converge in the U.S., at a particularly significant moment just one week before the U.S. midterm elections, when geopolitical, economic and regulatory signals are intensifying. Even though the global political situation may feel complex, the U.S. continues to attract leading talent, capital and growth companies. Being present and understanding the market firsthand provides a clear competitive advantage.

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infowebinar

Join our upcoming infowebinar about Boardman Texas Excursion on April 22, 2026 (16:00–17:00 EEST) to learn why Texas is often called the “new Silicon Valley” and why its economy is rapidly growing. In addition, you will to hear more about the program and practical arrangements of the Excursion to Houston and Austin.

Speakers include Stefan Lindström (Consulate General of Finland in Houston), who will discuss Finland–Texas relations, market trends and geopolitics; Pia Hytönen from Austin, who will introduce the local startup and tech ecosystem; and Ilmo Lounasmaa (Softlandia), who will share practical experiences of expanding business to Texas.

Sign up for the infowebinar here!

WHat to expect?

Houston

• In Houston, we will be hosted by Stefan Lindström, Consulate General of Finland in Houston. He will share insights on the geopolitical landscape, the upcoming U.S. mid-term elections, and the evolving Texas–Finland relationship. In Texas, preparations for the mid-term elections are already intensifying, making this a particularly relevant moment to gain first-hand perspectives on the political and economic outlook.
• We will visit eg. Pennebaker, which is known for working with energy leaders like Exxon and helping international companies enter and expand in North America. We will also have a strategic discussion at Oliver Wyman on Neste’s U.S. go-to-market journey.
• The program is also planned to include a visit to NASA, along with discussions and visits related to dual-use technologies, medtech and the energy sector.

Austin

• In Austin we will participate Austin Tech Week at Capital Factory, a high-energy gathering of founders, investors and tech leaders showcasing the city’s innovation ecosystem.
• The program is planned to include visits to major technology and retail companies such as Whole Foods and Amazon, as well as engagement with the University of Texas.
• The program will also include curated dinners and networking opportunities with local entrepreneurs, complemented by Texan barbecue and live music.

 

DATE AND PRICE

WHERE: Houston and Austin, Texas, USA.

WHEN: The main program, including company visits, meetings, networking events, and seminars, will take place from October 26–30, 2026.

• Houston: October 26–28, 2026
• Austin: October 28–30, 2026

An informal welcoming dinner for participants in Houston will be hosted on Sunday, October 25, 2026

Early bird advantage: The program cost is €2,800 + VAT if you register before April 30, 2026. After this, program cost will be €3,300 + VAT.

 

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WHY HOUSTON AND AUSTIN?

• Houston is one of the largest and most international business hubs in the U.S. It is a global leader in energy, cleantech, life sciences, space, logistics, and industrial innovation, with direct access to major corporations, ports, and international markets.
• The Consulate General of Finland was opened in Houston in December 2025, further strengthening the growing ties between Texas and Finland.
• Austin is one of the fastest-growing technology and startup ecosystems in the U.S., known for its dense network of startups, venture capital, accelerators, and tech talent. With a significant presence of Big Tech companies such as Tesla, Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon, Austin is a city where global technology leaders establish secondary headquarters, startups scale rapidly, and applied artificial intelligence meets industry.

travel and accommodation arrangements

• Each participant will cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
• We recommend a selected hotel for participants and provide examples of flights that align with the program schedule.

REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION POLICY

The number of participants is limited. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that reservation fee is 500€. You can cancel your registration free of charge until April 30th, 2026. Reservation fees will be sent at the beginning of May.

You do not need to be a member of the Boardman network to join the trip.

 

REFERENCES

“Boardman’s trips offer a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of the global business landscape while networking with top executives and experts. Stepping away from everyday routines creates space for new insights, energy, and often ideas that simply wouldn’t emerge over Teams calls. These trips frequently lead to connections and conversations that extend far into the future – sometimes even evolving into long-term collaboration.”

Mikko Laine – Partner, Broadius Partners

 

“Boardman’s trips have always been exceptionally well organized, with carefully curated programs that encourage both insights and meaningful dialogue. Company visits and meetings with local business leaders offer fresh perspectives and inspiration. Spending time with like-minded peers from different industries fosters genuine connections and opportunities that are easy to build on even after returning home.”

Anna Porvari – CEO, Kuubi Oy

 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please contact Taina Brandstack at taina.brandstack@boardman.fi or +358 440 199 553.