When Konrad Keck sat down with Vincentas Grinius during BalticNOG 2025 in Vilnius, the conversation quickly revealed something important: this event was not just another tech conference. It was, as Vincentas himself put it, “the last missing piece” for the region.
BalticNOG – short for Baltic Network Operators Group – is the first event of its kind connecting network professionals across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, but also opening doors to neighbors like Poland and Finland.
A natural step for the region
When Konrad asked why such an event was needed, Vincentas was very clear: “It was basically the last missing piece. Our goal is to expand the community within Baltics and beyond.”
He pointed out that Poland and Finland already bring valuable knowledge and experience, and the Baltic region has much to offer in return. For him, the creation of BalticNOG was not just an idea but an “inevitable opportunity.”
The talk soon turned to Lithuania’s role in tech. Vincentas laughed when he said: “Vilnius is often called the Silicon Valley of Baltics. Estonians might not like it, but it is what it is.”
Behind the humor stood a serious point. Lithuania, like its neighbors, has grown quickly in technology over the past decade. “Once you admit that you are very small, and the world is big, you understand what type of opportunities you can unlock,” Vincentas explained.
This mindset, looking beyond borders, is what he sees as the real driver of progress in the Baltics and in Poland.
Building BalticNOG – no easy job
Of course, launching the first BalticNOG was not simple. Vincentas described the backstage effort as “heavy lifting.”
From choosing a venue, to coordinating with speakers, to making sure the program worked for everyone – it all required strong teamwork. He was quick to stress that it was not his success alone: “I’m just the idea generator. The founding team, the program committee, and the whole community – they should be credited.”
Even the social program had a special twist: the evening gathering took place in the old Lukiškės prison, a site full of history and atmosphere. “We will see if you go out,” Vincentas joked with Konrad.
What’s next – Riga, Tallinn, and back again
BalticNOG will not stay in Vilnius. The plan is to rotate between Baltic capitals: Riga next year, Tallinn after that, and then back to Vilnius.
“Since it’s BalticNOG, you can’t say it’s just Vilnius. It would be unfair,” Vincentas explained. The aim is not only to share credits across the region but also to grow the event. Next year, the team hopes to double the number of participants and improve the networking experience.
“The idea is to make every year better,” Vincentas summed up with a smile.
The missing piece found
What started as a casual idea has turned into something the region truly needed: a place where network operators, IT professionals, and innovators from the Baltics and beyond can meet, share, and grow together.
As Konrad closed the conversation, the feeling was clear: BalticNOG has arrived – and it might just be the missing piece that helps the region shine brighter on the global tech map.