Rune is a former Marine Special Forces Operator from Norway, and now Arctic Adventurer.
After the world’s worst ski trip across the Arctic Ocean, Rune Gjeldnes took on the whole of Antarctica with the world’s longest ski trip: A full 4804 kilometers across the Antarctic.
It just wasn’t enough for Rune to become the first person to traverse Greenland lengthways 3000 km unsupported, or to be the first to cross the North Pole by way of Siberia to Canada unsupported in 109 days. He wanted more.
The world’s most inhospitable continent, the Antarctic lay waiting. This time he went alone to follow and fulfill an old dream, his dream of Antarctica. He wanted to be the first person in the world to cross both Poles unsupported. It became the world’s longest ski trip when he broke the old record with a full 1000 km.
The keynote speech is Rune’s open-hearted and honest account of his adventures, dreams and longings. Tips and ideas for how to survive and adapt to cold climates. About setting a goal, sticking to it and being true to the dream. And to never, ever give up.
Meet James, an analytical and conceptual thinker with a passion for organizing and leading multidisciplinary teams. With over 12 years of experience in the UAE, he has fueled his entrepreneurial spirit through several successful startups across various industries. His projects include building the distribution arm of an AI company focused on data fusion, a medical aesthetics clinic, a security screen manufacturing business, and a pergola manufacturing company.
Currently, James is working to develop the international operations of Equitus International, a groundbreaking company offering AI-enhanced knowledge graph software. He also provides startup advisory services, mentoring, seed funding, and management consulting.
His expertise lies in assessing complex situations, identifying appropriate solutions, and implementing effective strategies. James thrives on managing and leading cross-functional teams and has experience in operations management, business development, business planning, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Information Systems) from Southern Cross University, Australia.
James looks forward to making new connections, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss technology, business, or water sports!
09:00-10:00: Registration
10:00-10:15: Opening speech & practical info
10:15-11:30: Keynote speaker – Ret. SF Operator and now Arctic Adventurer
11:30-11:45: Coffee break
11:45-12:30: Partner companies – Solutions and innovations, 5 min each
12:30-13:15: Lunch
13:15-14:10: Partner companies – Solutions and innovations, 5 min each
14:10-16:30: Outdoor testing & exhibitor area
16:30-16:55: Speaker – Airborne Ops in Cold Climates & Waters
16:55-17:20: Speaker – Li-Ion Batteries in Cold Environments
17:20-19:00: Networking, beer & snacks
19:00-21:00: Dinner with Arctic Theme
23:00- Night food, typical Swedish – hotdog & choco milk
08:30-08:45: MIS summary, agenda for the day, practical info
08:45-09:10: Speaker – Clothing in Harsh Maritime Environments
09:10-09:35: Speaker – Boat Ops in Cold Water
09:35-10:00: Speaker – K9 in a Marine & Cold Climate
10:00-12:00: Outdoor testing & exhibitor area
12:00-13:00: Lunch
13:00-15:00: Outdoor testing & exhibitor area
15:00-15:45: Panel discussion – between industry and end users
15:45-16:00: Closing speech