Crown Prince Haakon at NHO's Annual Conference
The Crown Prince attended NHO's annual conference in Lillestrøm, where the topics were innovation, Europe in geopolitics and security.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon attended the NHO Annual Conference 2026 at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm on Tuesday, January 7. The Crown Prince was escorted in by NHO CEO Ole Erik Almlid and participated in large parts of the program from 08:50 until his departure at 13:30.
This year's conference gathered over 2,000 leaders from Norwegian business, politics and civil society under the theme 'Norway in a New Reality'. The program was divided into three main themes: innovation and growth capacity, Europe in geopolitics, and security and preparedness.
The Crown Prince met Norwegian entrepreneurs during a networking lunch at Nova Spektrum. Photo: Sara Svanemyr, The Royal Court
NHO CEO Ole Erik Almlid opened the conference with a speech clearly outlining the challenges facing Norway. 'We have succeeded in many areas, but we must acknowledge that we lag behind our Nordic neighbors in several areas, particularly when it comes to innovation and growth capacity,' said Almlid. He pointed out that Europe has awakened to a new reality where the continent must stand more on its own, in a world marked by trade conflicts, geopolitical shifts and technological upheavals.
During the conference, the Crown Prince had the opportunity to meet several of the business leaders in attendance. They shared their work on technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability and leadership. The Crown Prince showed great interest in how Norwegian companies are adapting to the new geopolitical reality.
Vegard Evjen Hovstein from Maritime Robotics talked about their work. Photo: Sara Svanemyr, The Royal Court
Crown Prince Haakon regularly attends NHO's annual conference and has done so for many years. The participation underscores the Crown Prince's engagement with Norwegian business and societal development. For the Crown Prince, this was part of a busy January that also included meetings related to the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim.
Crown Prince Haakon. Photo: The Royal Court
The NHO Annual Conference is one of Norway's most important meeting places for the business community, gathering top executives, politicians and civil society leaders each year to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Norwegian economy.
The Crown Prince met Norwegian entrepreneurs during a networking lunch at Nova Spektrum. Photo: Sara Svanemyr, The Royal Court
NHO CEO Ole Erik Almlid opened the conference with a speech clearly outlining the challenges facing Norway. 'We have succeeded in many areas, but we must acknowledge that we lag behind our Nordic neighbors in several areas, particularly when it comes to innovation and growth capacity,' said Almlid. He pointed out that Europe has awakened to a new reality where the continent must stand more on its own, in a world marked by trade conflicts, geopolitical shifts and technological upheavals.
During the conference, the Crown Prince had the opportunity to meet several of the business leaders in attendance. They shared their work on technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability and leadership. The Crown Prince showed great interest in how Norwegian companies are adapting to the new geopolitical reality.
Vegard Evjen Hovstein from Maritime Robotics talked about their work. Photo: Sara Svanemyr, The Royal Court
Crown Prince Haakon regularly attends NHO's annual conference and has done so for many years. The participation underscores the Crown Prince's engagement with Norwegian business and societal development. For the Crown Prince, this was part of a busy January that also included meetings related to the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim.
Crown Prince Haakon. Photo: The Royal Court
The NHO Annual Conference is one of Norway's most important meeting places for the business community, gathering top executives, politicians and civil society leaders each year to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Norwegian economy.