What is this mysterious Independence day reception in Dipoli?

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) and Aalto University Alumni are resurrecting a party tradition from decades ago by organizing a centennial celebration for Finland’s independence day at the newly renovated Dipoli building. It will be one of the biggest centennial white tie celebrations in Finland, and topped with delicious food and stunning artists.

Fun fact: the event was last organized when Finland celebrated its 70 years of independence 30 years back. Back then, it was organized by TKY, KY and TOKYO, or in other words, AYY’s predecessors.

 

Help, no one asked me for my seating preferences!

There is no official seating arrangement, as Dipoli’s Independence day reception is not a seated dinner. Hence, in this respect, the reception is not like an Annual Ball but more comparable to the annual Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace. However, there will of course be places to sit and rest your feet.

 

Let’s cut to the chase: what are you serving?

Guests will be able to enjoy a three-course dinner, consisting of a starter, main course and dessert. You won’t have to go thirsty either, as you’ll also be offered a welcome drink, wine to accompany your meals, and a few other drinks on the house to get you feeling festive. The thirstiest will be catered to by the numerous bars scattered around Dipoli.

 

How will the night progress?

Naturally, each guest is responsible for how the details of their evening pan out, but certain guidelines are of course put in place by the organizers. Once the doors have opened, you can expect to delight in the offerings of the buffet table whilst enjoying great company. The official program will be kicked off at 19:00 and will take us from more traditional performances and dances towards less formal numbers, culminating in Boston Promenade’s and their surprise featuring artists’ mind-blowing show. If you find the unnecessary urge to hit the stage yourself, our karaoke room will be open all night.

 

Worried you won’t have enough time to catch up with all your old friends? We propose booking a private table to ensure no hands go unshaken! The tables are located in a more quiet area suitable for conversation and are available for 45 minute slots. Each slot comes with two bottles of sparkling at a price of 120 euros (sparkling wine) or 220 euros (champagne).

 

What’s the dress code?

The dress code is white tie with academic honors. For men, this means tails or a dark suit, whereas women are encouraged to don full-length, formal evening dresses. It is traditional, but not essential, to show décolletage.

 

What are graduated arrival times? (And no, this has nothing to do with getting your diploma)

2000 guests is no small feat, so to avoid congestion, we’ll send invited guests named cards, which will also act as their ticket for the night. If you’d like, you may wish for a specific arrival time upon signing up.

 

Those registering for the event after September 11th will choose their preferred arrival time upon signing up, and use their mobile ticket to gain entrance.

 

Both the physical card and the mobile ticket will indicate your arrival time. Whilst we hope most guests will adhere to these times, we won’t refuse anyone entry should they arrive outside their allotted time.