On Saturday, September 6, Innlandet Science Park in Kongsvinger was transformed into a vibrant and inclusive meeting place when #treffes 2025 took place. The event, which has established itself as an important arena for interaction in the Kongsvinger region, brought together residents, expatriates, businesses, politicians and cultural actors for a day filled with inspiration, dialogue and local pride.
The purpose of #treffes is to showcase the region's opportunities and strengths, while creating new connections between people and businesses. This year, over 30 companies and organizations participated, including Telenor, Mapei, Nordbohus, Statistics Norway and Kongsvinger Prison. Several municipalities in the region were also represented, and great emphasis was placed on highlighting job opportunities and future initiatives.
– Many people have come to have a chat and see what opportunities there are in the district, said Glenn Tony Strand, who represented Telenor that day. He thinks it is good that such events take place in the region.
The day started with a performance from the Kongsvinger school band, before the main stage was used for talks and presentations. Among the features were personal stories from immigrants and returnees, who shared their experiences of settling in the region. The status of the joint energy strategy for the Kongsvinger region was presented, and students from Kongsvinger ungdomsskole (KUSK) presented their project on the development of the Pedestrian Street in Kongsvinger.
One of the most forward-looking features came from Public Property Invest, which presented plans for a generational neighborhood on the SSB site – a so-called “Caring Community” with a focus on inclusive and sustainable living environments. Later in the day, a political debate was organized with parliamentary candidates, where business policy in peripheral areas was on the agenda.
In addition to the academic content, there was also space for culture and local food. Artist Jonathan Bye Wangerud exhibited works in a pop-up exhibition, and visitors could enjoy food and drinks from local operators such as Minimäki and Skogen coffee roaster.
Ingelsrud Konditori had its pastry shop open for the occasion, and Vivvi-Ann Huse stated – I think there has never been so much traffic here, and compared to previous #treffes events.
The vintage store ARV contributed with interior design and recycled treasures, and outside the main entrance, the election square created life and activity.
Project manager at Klosser Innovasjon, Jannicke Stenberg Mykkestue, coordinated the event and was very pleased with the turnout. "There has been a steady stream of people all day, and we managed to showcase the region to many people," she said. "In total, we estimate that 800-900 people came by during the day," she concludes.
#treffes 2025 emerged as a holistic and inclusive arena where the region's development power was made visible. With a wide range of actors and an engaged audience, the day was good proof of the Kongsvinger region's will to grow, collaborate and create good lives - together.
