“The number of visitors at Recotech 2019 reached record levels at the time, and the atmosphere was electric! Back then, I thought it would always work out this way. Then the COVID-19 pandemic began and changed everything.”
Mikael Långström was responsible for organizing Recotech between 2018 and 2022. The 2019 Recotech remains the largest event in its ten-year history. The following year, 2020, the event changed its format in response to the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Now Mikael shares what those years were like.
What made 2019 special?
“In 2019, we slightly adjusted the concept of the event. We made Recotech a paid event to serve the attendees as well as we could,” Mikael explains. “Additionally, it was very important to me personally that Recotech would become an international event – not only Finland’s top Proptech event, but the leading one in the Nordics or even all of Europe.”
The changes boosted attendance to its peak, but the unique atmosphere of 2019 was also thanks to the venue: “Recotech was held at the old locomotive halls in Pasila. We wanted people to show up in hoodies rather than formal wear. The venue was relaxed, rugged and unfinished – exactly the kind of environment needed to challenge established ways of thinking. And this is what Recotech is all about,” Mikael describes.
How did the coronavirus affect the event in 2020?
“Because of COVID, we had to rethink the concept,” Mikael says. “Even though we had no prior experience with such a shift, we wanted to do it better than anyone else.”
During the pandemic, Recotech was held virtually, but its interactive nature was preserved: “We didn’t want to simply broadcast a program for participants to watch. Instead, we created virtual platforms that allowed participants to interact with the speakers, other participants and event partners. Today, interactive online events are common, but back then, it was all new to us,” Mikael explains.
What was the best part of Recotech?
“The people,” Mikael says. “Those I got to work with, and those who came. The best part is meeting people and having conversations about hot topics.”
Mikael has especially warm memories from 2019: “We had many familiar faces and partners from different organizations. Everyone was genuinely excited to be part of Recotech. I could never have done it alone — that year, everyone truly came together as one team.”
How do you think the relationship between technology and the construction industry has developed over the years?
“It’s great to see that startups and technology have secured a permanent place in major industry events. It has become mainstream,” Mikael notes.
Still, Mikael believes the future holds much more: “Organizations should be bolder in exploring new solutions! I’m excited to see what kinds of innovations will emerge in the coming years.”