Chamber Access & Growth – Houston USA

Houston, USA | 15–16 March 2027

Pre-trip Coaching & Networking Session, Helsinki | 17 February 2027

At the heart of growth opportunities: energy, space technology, health technology and global logistics

Join the Finland Chamber of Commerce on a curated Chamber Access & Growth visit to Houston, designed for business leaders looking to explore one of the most dynamic business environments in the United States and build connections with local companies and key stakeholders.

Before the trip, we will organize a preparation and networking session at the Finland Chamber of Commerce on 17 February 2027 at 08:30–11:00. During this session, we will:

• ensure that you are well prepared, your objectives are clear, and you can gain maximum benefit from the trip
• provide an up-to-date overview of the USA business environment and market situation
• give you the opportunity to meet and network with other participants

Participation in the pre-departure meeting is also possible remotely if needed.

Houston is globally recognised as a major energy hub, but the city is also home to strong and growing ecosystems in space technology, health technology, maritime transport and logistics. The two-day programme will provide Finnish companies with insights into market developments, emerging business opportunities and potential partnerships with local players. 

Programme themes

• Energy and the energy transition: Houston’s position as a global energy hub and emerging business opportunities
• Space technology: Houston’s strong space ecosystem and growing commercial opportunities
• Health technology: insights into one of the world’s leading healthcare and life sciences ecosystems
• Maritime transport and logistics: developments in international trade, ports, shipping and logistics

During the visit, we will meet companies, experts and other key local stakeholders and explore selected business and innovation ecosystems.

Programme confirmation: A minimum of 15 participants is required. We will confirm whether the programme will go ahead no later than 12 February 2027.

More programme details coming soon.

Participating companies must be members of the Finland Chamber of Commerce.

CMA Shipping 2027

At the same time, Houston will host CMA Shipping 2027, one of North America’s major events for the maritime and shipping industry. Participants will have the opportunity to combine the Chamber Access & Growth visit with participation in CMA Shipping. Please indicate your interest when registering for the programme.

Chamber Access & Growth provides a curated gateway to the market, local business networks and growth opportunities – together with other business leaders interested in international growth.

The program content is led by Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of the Finland Chamber of Commerce. The programme has been developed in collaboration with international affairs experts. Practical arrangements are managed by Tiina Salmi, Customer Service Manager.

Travel

Each participant is responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, including flights. Participants are also responsible for obtaining any required visas, travel documents, and adequate travel insurance. The Finland Chamber of Commerce will provide recommendations for suitable flights.

Accommodation

Each participant is responsible for booking and covering their own accommodation. A room block will be reserved by the Finland Chamber of Commerce.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Foreign nationals traveling to the United States must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application must be submitted no later than 72 hours before departure.

For more information and application instructions, please visit the official website: Official ESTA Application Website.

Participation fee – Chamber Insight Visit USA Houston

The final participation fee depends on the number of participants and the actual costs incurred. The estimated fee is approximately €2,000–€3,000 per participant + VAT 25.5%.

A reservation fee of €1,000 + VAT 25.5% will be invoiced in February 2027. The final invoice will be issued after the trip in March 2027 once all costs are confirmed.

If the program is not implemented, the reservation fee will be refunded.

The participation fee includes

• Pre-departure session in Helsinki (including catering)
• On-site programme in Houston (including lunches, dinners, and refreshments)
• Local transportation from the recommended hotel to programme locations

The Finland Chamber of Commerce will be present to facilitate the programme and manage practical arrangements.

The participation fee does not include (to be covered by each participant)

• Travel and accommodation costs
• Visa or other travel documents
• Travel insurance

Payment and cancellation terms

The first instalment of the participation fee will be invoiced in February 2027. Free cancellation is possible until 28 February 2027.

The final instalment will be invoiced after the programme once all costs and participant numbers are confirmed.