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Onwards
Haugesund, a city known for its maritime heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, lacked a true platform for cross-industry innovation. Enter Onwards, a first-of-its-kind innovation festival, co-created by Vy Baldwin (Vy Strategy) and Marius Selsø Håkonsen, designed to challenge conventional thinking and inspire bold, future-focused ideas.
Unlike traditional industry-based conferences, Onwards focused on mindset over sector, encouraging moonshot thinking—ambitious, transformative ideas that push beyond comfort zones.
Held on February 6, 2025, the inaugural Onwards Festival was a sold-out success, proving that Haugesund was ready to embrace a more daring and innovative future.
The Challenge
Haugesund lacked a space where bold, unconventional ideas could flourish across industries. Many existing conferences catered to niche professional fields, limiting cross-disciplinary innovation. Onwards sought to break that mold by:
Creating a multi-industry innovation platform
Shifting from "safe" strategies to moonshot thinking
Future-proofing Haugesund by fostering a culture of innovation
The Strategy & Execution
To bring this vision to life, Onwards was meticulously designed with:
A Curated Speaker Lineup
14 thought leaders across diverse fields from around the world, sharing insights on radical innovation and the future of business
An Unconventional Approach
Powerful Branding & Marketing
The festival broke the mold of local events, offering a unique, high-energy atmosphere.
A strategy that positioned Onwards as a game-changer rather than just another conference.
The Results & Impact
Full House
200 participants engaged in a transformative experience
Unparalleled Feedback
Attendees raved that “it didn’t feel like Haugesund” and that they had never experienced an event like this before
Cultural Shift
The festival sparked new conversations about how Haugesund can innovate beyond its perceived limits.
Key Takeaways & Future Outlook
The demand for bold, cross-industry innovation in Haugesund is real.
A shift from incremental progress to moonshot thinking is needed for long-term growth.
Onwards is more than a festival—it’s the start of a movement toward a fearless, future-ready Haugesund.
