Session Replays

This session explores the deep and often overlooked connection between sauna culture and textiles, featuring key voices from two renowned textile companies: Lapuan Kankurit (Finland) and Saunamekko (North America). Led by a Finnish sauna devotee and textile crafter, teacher, and writer Lisa Steinmann, the talk traces how woven textiles—towels, mats, robes, hats, and sauna wear—have evolved alongside sauna’s ancient rituals to enhance comfort, beauty, and cultural meaning. The

Join us for a moving panel exploring what it truly takes to build, own, and operate a mobile sauna—and the many business models that bring sauna to people wherever they are. From saunas that travel directly to clients, to those parked at beaches or events, to mobile units operating in urban environments or roaming the countryside, this session dives into the logistics, creativity, and problem-solving behind löyly on wheels. Panelists will discuss permits and city partnerships

Running a mobile sauna business—or thinking about starting one? Wondering how to protect your investment, your clients, and yourself? Join us for Mobile Sauna Insurance 101. This practical, operator-focused panel covers the essentials of insuring a sauna-on-wheels, including what coverage mobile sauna businesses need, how to properly value and insure your sauna, trailer, and equipment, and common pitfalls to avoid. Drawing on real-world examples from mobile sauna operators ac

Join us for a special conversation with five key voices from the floating sauna world across the U.S. and Europe—including perspectives connected to Oslo, often called the floating sauna capital, and Oulu, Europe’s Capital of Culture 2026. The panel brings together sauna operators alongside individuals deeply embedded in directing projects, stewarding movements, and shaping floating sauna culture more broadly. Together, they’ll explore the mechanics of building, operating, an

Bathing connoisseur Mikkel Aaland invites us to explore the global renaissance of sauna and sweat-bathing cultures through decades of observation, personal insights, and his evocative, diverse photography. Throughout his explorations, Aaland uncovers a myriad of bathing rituals, each rich in cultural significance and therapeutic benefits. His narrative is both informative and inspiring, offering readers practical insights and pathways to a more enriched, health-focused lifes

This presentation by Dalva Lamminmäki and Maaria Alén explores the Finnish sauna whisk, known as vihta or vasta (using vihta here). A symbol of Finnish folklore, the vihta plays a vital role in folk healing rituals, functioning both as a tool for divination and a method of plant-based medicine. Its use creates a multisensory experience, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Learn about the cultural significance, traditional practices, and the various ways to inco

Saija Silen , Cultural Heritage Specialist, and Head of Jämsä Sauna Village, who runs a sauna village in Jämsä, Finland, introduces the Sauna Route, a new initiative connecting European sauna culture. Starting in Jämsä and expanding to Sweden, Estonia, Norway, and beyond, the Sauna Route allows travelers to experience saunas across Europe, from historical sites to modern facilities. The route showcases sauna heritage through public saunas, local traditions, museums, arts, and

North America is discovering sauna in new and exciting ways! Join Justin Juntunen of Cedar and Stone Sauna and Alan Jalasjää , podcast host of Kivia Sauna and sauna expert, take a deep dive into the growing sauna market across the continent. Together, they’ll uncover regional trends, innovative developments, and growth opportunities in the burgeoning sauna market. This discussion will delve into the evolving role of public saunas, bathhouses, and wellness providers, offering

Sauna Stories from the Copper Country explores the rich and enduring sauna culture of Michigan’s Copper Country (Kuparisaari) through personal narratives and historical insights. Moderated by Honorary Consul Jim Kurtti , the panel features Barbara Männinen , Haley Goodreau , and Daena and Amanda Mäkelä , each bringing a unique perspective on the region’s deep-rooted Finnish sauna traditions. Kurtti will provide historical context on Finnish settlement, public saunas, and t

For decades, Finnish diplomats have used the sauna as a unique way to bring together contacts from government, media, think tanks, and business to experience this distinctive part of Finnish culture while discussing current affairs. What started as informal gatherings was later formalized with the founding of the Diplomatic Sauna Society in Washington, DC, in 2008. The society quickly gained popularity, expanding to countries around the world. In this discussion, Press Counse