ESEB 2025: a milestone congress combining scientific excellence and environmental responsibility
Barcelona hosted the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) Congress 2025, welcoming nearly 2,000 delegates from around the world for five days of scientific exchange and collaboration. As the flagship biennial meeting for evolutionary biology since 1987, the 2025 edition, supported by AIM Group, not only upheld the congress’s scientific excellence but also introduced new benchmarks in participant engagement, sustainability, and operational innovation.
ESEB 2025 had clearly defined goals:
- Deliver a high-quality, fully in-person congress while maintaining its global reputation for scientific rigor.
- Enhance participant engagement and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment for a diverse international community.
- Integrate sustainability and social responsibility into all aspects of the event.
- Provide measurable outcomes and legacy, benefiting both the Society and the host city.
AIM Group Spain provided comprehensive event management and strategic solutions to ensure these objectives were met:
- Coordinated all logistical aspects for nearly 2,000 attendees, including venue setup, room scheduling, speaker and exhibitor support, and on-site operations.
- Implemented a dedicated Congress App (EventsAIR), providing participants with real-time access to session schedules, exhibitor information, and networking tools.
- Introduced a social wall within the app, creating a digital space for interaction that complemented the live experience.
Sustainability at the centre
For the first time, ESEB integrated a comprehensive sustainability strategy, supported by AIM Group:
- Partnered with Climeet to measure the full carbon footprint of the congress, establishing a transparent baseline for future editions.
- Ensured the venue operated on 100% renewable electricity.
- Designed reusable exhibition stands and encouraged exhibitors to minimize single-use materials.
- Adopted locally sourced, low-impact catering to reduce food miles and packaging waste.
- Introduced digital-first solutions to minimize printed materials, including abstracts and programs.
- Distributed public transport cards to all delegates, promoting greener mobility.
These solutions not only reduced environmental impact but also demonstrated leadership in responsible event management, setting a benchmark for future congresses in the field.
The results highlight the impact of the congress:
- Participation: 1,950 registrants with 98.7% attendance, one of the highest rates in ESEB history.
- Scientific Contribution: 1,900 abstracts presented through over 500 oral sessions and 1,100 posters.
- Sponsor Engagement: 22 sponsors, 15 of whom exhibited across 3,476 m², fostering industry-academic collaboration.
- Feedback: 1,140 delegates (60%) completed satisfaction surveys, providing actionable insights for future editions.
- Sustainability Milestone: First-time carbon footprint measurement, creating transparency and accountability for environmental impact and informing long-term planning.
By combining operational expertise, innovative tools, and groundbreaking sustainability measures, AIM Group enabled ESEB 2025 to achieve its objectives and leave a measurable legacy. The Congress not only reinforced its global scientific reputation but also set new standards for environmental responsibility and participant engagement, demonstrating the value of strategic event support in shaping the future of international scientific gatherings.