Group 259

THE HUMAN EDGE

16 - 17 SEPTEMBER, NOVA SPEKTRUM

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This year's theme

The Human Edge

The Human Edge is about unlocking the strengths that no machine can replicate. In an era of disruption, leaders and organizations must lean on creativity, courage, trust, and resilience to thrive. It’s about the human capacity to inspire, to adapt with grit, and to shape cultures where people and ideas can flourish.

At OBF 2026, we will explore how to harness this human edge to lead with clarity in complexity, to build trust in a digital-first world, and to create organizations that are not only innovative, but meaningful. This is where human ingenuity meets technology. 

This is where the true future of leadership is defined.

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What Our Attendees Say

quote_mortenb

"I attend OBF for fresh perspectives and to meet inspiring people. A unique arena to challenge my mindset and expand my network."

 

Morten Borge

CEO,

FERD AS

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"OBF is the place I return to every year to broaden my horizon and challenge current perspectives".

 

 

Tonje Jensen

Group CEO,

Mesta

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“OBF is a networking arena in a league of its own, impressing with the quality of both connections and insights.”

 

 

Petter Hellman

CEO,

Møller Mobility Group

quote_karens

"OBF is a conference every leader should attend. It uniquely combines inspiration, insight, and networking."

 

 

Karen Spens

President,

BI Norwegian Business School

SPEAKERS
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Steven Bartlett

Europe’s most influential young entrepreneur and podcaster, is redefining what it means to be a modern CEO – authentic, fearless, and relentlessly human.
'Brand, People, and Mindset: Lessons from the Modern CEO'
Read More
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Angela Duckworth

Leading psychologist and bestselling author of Grit. Her research proves that perseverance and passion matter more than talent in driving long-term success.
'The Grit Factor: Why Human Character Still Wins'
Read More
Seth Godin

Seth Godin

Marketing icon and author of 22 bestselling books in 39 languages. A visionary thinker redefining leadership, creativity, and the human work that truly matters.
'What Makes You Irreplaceable: The Human Work That Matters'
Read More
Patty McCord

Patty McCord

Culture pioneer and former Netflix Chief Talent Officer. Author of Powerful, Patty champions candor, freedom, and responsibility as the keys to high performance.
'The Human Culture: Performance, Candor and Respect'
Read More
Jesper Brodin

Jesper Brodin

Former CEO and President of IKEA, and one of the world's most respected advocates for value-based leadership in times of change.
'Leading When the Rules Keep Changing'
Read More
Rahaf Harfoush

Rahaf Harfoush

Digital anthropologist and bestselling author, revealing how culture, technology, and human well-being must align to end burnout and unlock creativity.
'Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor: Redefining Human Capacity'
Read More
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Gary Hamel

One of the world’s most influential management thinkers. A bold voice challenging leaders to reinvent organizations for vitality, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
'Vitality: Building the Ultimate Advantage'
Read More
Anu Bradford

Anu Bradford

The scholar who defined how the EU shapes global markets through regulation. Anu Bradford brings sharp insights on what the battle for rules means for businesses today.
'The Battle for Rules in a Fragmented World'
Read More
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David Bach

IMD President and Professor of Political Economy offering sharp insights into geopolitics, power shifts, and what they mean for business leaders.
'Europe and the New World Order: A Case for Optimism'
Read More
Steven Van Belleghem

Steven Van Belleghem

Global customer experience strategist and bestselling author, showing how digital innovation and human empathy create customer-obsessed companies that thrive.
'Customer Obsession as a Growth Strategy'
Read More
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Shawn Kanungo

AI and innovation authority, bestselling author, and former Deloitte advisor. Shawn delivers clear insights on how leaders can rethink their companies in a world shaped by autonomous AI.
'Innovation in a World of AI'
Read More
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Lillian Gjerulf Kretz

Danish journalist known for her sharp reporting on U.S. politics. After years as Danish Radio U.S. correspondent, she moved back to Denmark in 2023 and now brings her insight to viewers as an anchor on TV Avisen.
Main Stage Moderator
Read More

What Our Attendees Say

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"This is the place to have honest conversations about the real challenges we face as leaders."

 

 

 

Tine Austvoll Jensen

Country Director,

Google Norway

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“At OBF you meet leaders facing the same challenges as you, making every conversation both relevant and valuable.”

 

 

Morten Dalsmo

Executive Vice President,

SINTEF

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"Lots of interesting people, a very professional setup, and great speakers."

 

 

Kristin Skogen Lund

Chairperson,

INSEAD

quote_arilds

"OBF is a fantastic gathering. Every year, it gives me a 'wow' experience."

 

 

 

Arild Spandow

CEO,

Amesto Group

OSLO BUSINESS FORUM 2026

Ticket Prices

All prices are ex VAT and ticket fee (3%). Pricing in EURO is approx. 

Choose currency
Early Bird

VIP Pass

24995 NOK 21995 NOK +VAT
  • Two-day VIP pass to Oslo Business Forum 2026
  • Supporting event materials
  • Recordings available until next OBF*
  • All-inclusive catering
  • Access to 'Afterwork'
  • VIP session with Gary Hamel
  • VIP session with Steven Van Belleghem
  • VIP seating
  • VIP evening

* Patty McCord available until Dec 31, 2026
* Steven Bartlett available 180 days.

 

Early Bird

Conference Pass

17995 NOK 14995 NOK +VAT
  • Two-day conference pass to Oslo Business Forum 2026
  • Supporting event materials
  • Recordings available until next OBF*
  • All-inclusive catering
  • Access to Afterwork

* Patty McCord available until Dec 31, 2026
* Steven Bartlett available 180 days.

OBF+ | Livestream to all your employees

  • Livestream to all your employees
  • License to host a public screening for a group in your office(s)
  • 365 days access to the recordings


 
Oslo Business Forum 2026

Agenda

Times are in GMT+2

Disclaimer: We reserve the right to make changes to the agenda.

VIP Sessions are for in-person VIP & Executive ticket holders only.

Main Stage

Networking Break

VIP

09:30

Doors open: 09:30 VIP Pass / 10:30 Conference Pass

VIP Session

10:00 - 11:00

Main Stage | VIP Session with Gary Hamel

For VIP Pass holders only
Show
session
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session

Networking Break

11:00 - 12:00

Networking Area

Lunch & Impact Stage

Session 1

12:00 - 13:30

Main Stage

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session
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session
12:00 15 min

Opening Show and Opening Remarks

12:00 15 min

Opening Show and Opening Remarks

12:15 20 min
shawn_david

Europe and the New World Order: A Case for Optimism

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David Bach
12:15 20 min

Europe and the New World Order: A Case for Optimism

shawn_david
David Bach
12:40 20 min
anu_agenda

The Battle for Rules in a Fragmented World

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Anu Bradford
12:40 20 min

The Battle for Rules in a Fragmented World

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Anu Bradford
13:05 20 min
jesper_agenda

Leading When the Rules Keep Changing

jesper_agenda
Jesper Brodin
13:05 20 min

Leading When the Rules Keep Changing

jesper_agenda
Jesper Brodin

Networking Break

13:30 - 14:30

Networking Area

Servings & Impact Stage

Session 2

14:30 - 16:15

Main Stage

Show
session
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session
14:35 25 min
patty_agenda

The Human Culture: Performance, Candor and Respect

patty_agenda
Patty McCord
14:35 25 min

The Human Culture: Performance, Candor and Respect

patty_agenda
Patty McCord
15:10 60 min
gary_agenda

Vitality: Building the Ultimate Advantage

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Gary Hamel
15:10 60 min

Vitality: Building the Ultimate Advantage

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Gary Hamel

Networking Program

16:15 - 21:30

Afterwork & VIP Evening

Show
session
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session
Wednesday, September 16

10:00 - 11:00

Main Stage | VIP Session with Gary Hamel

VIP Session: Beyond the Pyramid, Building a League of Leaders

Building the organizations of tomorrow demands bold imagination and the courage to dismantle what no longer serves us. In this landmark session, Gary Hamel (VIP) will show you how to:

  • Move beyond rigid hierarchies to unleash every employee's creative potential.

  • Shift from incremental improvement to radical reinvention at every level.

  • Build institutional vitality by embedding entrepreneurship throughout your organization.

 

Wednesday, September 16

12:15 - 12:40

Main Stage

Europe and the New World Order: A Case for Optimism

Geopolitics has moved from the boardroom periphery to its very center - reshaping strategy, supply chains, and leadership in ways that demand a new kind of optimism. In this session, David Bach will show you how to:

  • Translate political decisions into business consequences and prepare for structural, not temporary, shifts.
  • Navigate the evolving balance of power between nations, regions, and markets with a clear framework for competitiveness.
  • Lead with judgment and confidence in a fractured world where the rules of the game are changing fast.
Wednesday, September 16

12:40 - 13:05

Main Stage

The Battle for Rules in a Fragmented World

The global battle to regulate technology is reshaping markets and forcing every business leader to choose a side. In this session, Anu Bradford will show you how to:

  • Understand the Brussels Effect and why EU standards are quietly becoming the default rules for global business.
  • Navigate the rivalry between the US, China, and Europe as they race to govern AI and digital markets.
  • Turn regulatory intelligence into strategic advantage by anticipating policy shifts before they disrupt your industry.
Wednesday, September 16

13:05 - 13:30

Main Stage

Leading When the Rules Keep Changing

True leadership is not about managing performance - it is about building organizations where shared values drive every decision, every culture, and every human connection. In this session, Jesper Brodin will show you how to:

  • Lead through values and togetherness so purpose becomes a practical force, not just a statement on the wall.
  • Build cultures where people feel genuinely seen, trusted, and empowered to bring their full potential to work.
  • Navigate complexity and change by anchoring your leadership in what remains constant - people, values, and trust.
Wednesday, September 16

14:35 - 15:10

Main Stage

The Human Culture: Performance, Candor and Respect

Culture is not built on perks or policies - it is built on radical honesty, trust, and the freedom to do your best work. In this provocative session, Patty McCord will show you how to:

  • Replace bureaucratic HR rituals with a culture of candor and genuine respect.
  • Build teams of accountable adults inspired by the legendary Netflix Culture Deck.
  • Redesign your relationship with talent so high performance becomes the natural default.
Wednesday, September 16

15:10 - 16:15

Main Stage

Vitality: Building the Ultimate Advantage

In an era of relentless disruption, the most powerful competitive advantage is the vitality of your people and organization. In this landmark session, Gary Hamel will show you how to:

  • Replace bureaucratic management with humanocracy - distributing power and rewarding contribution.
  • Build organizations as resilient, inventive, and courageous as the people inside them.
  • Redesign the DNA of management so your organization adapts as fast as the world around it.
Thursday, September 17

08:30 - 09:20

Main Stage | VIP Session with Steven Van Belleghem

VIP Session: The Empathy Advantage: Human-Centric Growth in the Age of AI

In the age of AI, the greatest competitive advantage is the human empathy that technology can never replace. In this session, Steven Van Belleghem will show you how to:
 
  • Leverage AI to create hyper-personalized experiences that transform satisfaction into deep loyalty.
  • Build the empathy advantage by combining digital precision with a human touch.
  • Future-proof your growth strategy by placing the customer at the center of every decision.
Thursday, September 17

10:05 - 10:45

Main Stage

The Grit Factor: Why Human Character Still Wins

Success is not determined by talent or IQ - science proves it is built on grit, the passion and perseverance that separates the good from the great. In this session, Angela Duckworth will show you how to:

  • Apply the psychology of grit to build teams that persist through setbacks toward long-term goals.
  • Develop the five core components of grit at every level of your organization.
  • Shape your environment to amplify human character as a strategic tool for success.
Thursday, September 17

10:50 - 11:25

Main Stage

Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor: Redefining Human Capacity

Burnout is not a badge of honor - it is a systemic failure that drains creativity and human potential from your organization. In this session, Rahaf Harfoush will show you how to:

  • Identify the hidden cultural forces and digital behaviors that quietly erode creative capacity.
  • Redesign workflows around humane productivity that restores sustainable performance.
  • Lead with an anti-fragile mindset that transforms digital overload into organizational resilience.
Thursday, September 17

12:45 - 13:20

Main Stage

Innovation in a World of AI

The AI revolution is already rewriting the rules of competition, and organizations that hesitate risk being left behind. In this session, Shawn Kanungo will show you how to:

  •  Use generative AI as a creative force that amplifies human ingenuity and drives breakthrough innovation.
  • Turn disruption into competitive advantage through bold approaches most leaders are too cautious to attempt.
  • Build an exponential organization where AI handles complexity while people focus on irreplaceable human work.
Thursday, September 17

13:20 - 13:55

Main Stage

Customer Obsession as a Growth Strategy

In a world racing toward automation, customer obsession is the most powerful growth strategy no algorithm can replicate. In this session, Steven Van Belleghem will show you how to:

  • Transform your organization into a truly customer-centric business through cultural change, not just strategy.
  • Harness AI and human empathy together to turn satisfied customers into passionate lifelong advocates.
  • Become a genuine partner in your customers' lives while creating measurable value for your business.
Thursday, September 17

15:05 - 15:40

Main Stage

What Makes You Irreplaceable: The Human Work That Matters

In a world where AI can replicate almost anything, the most valuable work is the work that is unmistakably, irreplaceably human. In this session, Seth Godin will show you how to:

  • Identify the creative and empathic work only humans can do and make it the core of your strategy.
  • Build movements, not just customer bases, by creating meaning that technology alone cannot manufacture.
  • Embrace originality and courage as your ultimate differentiators in a world where mediocrity is the default.
Thursday, September 17

15:40 - 16:15

Main Stage

Brand, People, and Mindset: Lessons from the Modern CEO

Modern leadership demands authenticity, relentless curiosity, and the courage to build businesses as human as the people they serve. In this moderated conversation, Steven Bartlett will show you how to:

  • Cultivate the modern CEO mindset - leading with vulnerability and driving culture from the inside out.
  • Unlock the power of storytelling and purpose to attract exceptional talent and build fierce loyalty.
  • Navigate the intersection of mental resilience and values-driven leadership to build a business that matters.
For More Information

Download the OBF 2026 Brochure

Get more information about OBF 2026: The Human Edge by downloading our conference brochure here: 

  • Speaker lineup
  • 2026 conference theme
  • Live stream access
  • Our partners
  • 5 reasons to join OBF 2026