For ten years, OIC Group and AO Spine have worked side-by-side to deliver one of the world’s most influential medical congresses – the Global Spine Congress (GSC). First secured through a competitive bidding process in 2015 and continuously renewed, the partnership has grown into a strategic alliance built on trust, shared purpose, and a seamless joint-working model.
The 2025 edition in Rio de Janeiro marked an important milestone: the ten-year anniversary of the Congress, which meant a bigger, more ambitious and more impactful event. Bringing together more than 2,200 participants from over 80 countries, GSC 2025 united spine surgeons, orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, allied health professionals, researchers, and industry innovators for four intense days of learning, collaboration, and discovery.
The event attracted a record 2,100 abstract submissions, hosted 94 scientific sessions across seven parallel stages, featured over 600 expert speakers and presenters, welcomed 12 international guest societies, and engaged more than 60 industry sponsors – making the GSC 2025 one of the most international, dynamic, and scientifically advanced editions to date.
Challenges
Delivering a global event of this scale and scientific significance in a bustling destination required detailed planning, agile responsiveness and a resilient partnership. Key challenges included:
Hosting one of the world’s largest spine surgery gatherings: Coordinating logistics, travel, safety, and venue operations for 2,200 participants, while integrating a seven-stage scientific programme, exhibition, and multiple special sessions.
Meeting rising expectations for inclusion, sustainability, and experience: Post-pandemic delegates expected a more accessible, human-centred, and environmentally responsible congress.
Navigating local regulations and safety requirements: Delivering a major medical event in a new region required close collaboration with local authorities to ensure medical, regulatory, and safety compliance.
Balancing global scientific excellence with local authenticity: Designing a congress that retained its international stature while celebrating the culture and energy of Rio de Janeiro.
Delivering AO Spine’s first carbon-neutral congress: Achieving verifiable environmental responsibility without compromising operational excellence.
Solutions
Backed by a decade of partnership, OIC Group and AO Spine delivered a congress that blended scientific depth, cultural richness, and meaningful sustainability outcomes.
A decade-strong partnership powered seamless delivery: OIC Group and AO Spine operated as a unified team, aligning on strategy, operations, scientific coordination, and experience design from the early planning through to onsite execution.
A scientific programme of exceptional scale and quality:
- 94 sessions across 7 stages
- 600+ speakers and presenters
- 2,100+ abstracts for oral and e-poster presentation
- Exclusive AO Spine member sessions on emerging global topics
- Interdisciplinary content spanning research, surgical innovation, technology, and clinical practice
Inclusive and human-centred design: A focus on accessibility, wellbeing, comfort, and connection ensured delegates from over 80 countries felt welcomed, supported and engaged.
Cultural and creative integration: Brazilian artistic elements and local talent were woven throughout the congress, reflecting Rio’s energy and identity while maintaining AO Spine’s scientific rigor.
Exhibition excellence & engagement innovation:
- 56 exhibitors filled a sold-out exhibition hall
- New engagement features such as a treasure hunt with 25 prizes, including one-on-one breakfasts with key opinion leaders.
First carbon-neutral GSC: Supporting AO Spine’s ‘Responsibility in Action’ initiative, GSC 2025 measured, reduced, and offset emissions using environmentally responsible solutions.
A strong local and international ecosystem: Collaboration with local authorities, Brazilian suppliers, cultural partners, and international institutions ensured a safe, inspiring, and compliant congress environment.
Outcomes
GSC 2025 delivered outstanding scientific, economic, environmental, and social impact – setting a new benchmark for global spine congresses.
Global reach and scientific impact:
- 94 scientific sessions driving cross-border knowledge exchange
- 45 symposiums, 22 theatre sessions, 8 pre-courses and workshops, and 6 members-only sessions
- 12 global guest societies participated, reinforcing the congress as a true international hub
- 2,100+ abstracts showcasing cutting-edge global research
- 2,200 participants from 80+ countries
Economic impact for Rio de Janeiro: The congress generated thousands of hotel nights, substantial local transport use, strong hospitality spending and extensive supplier engagement – reinforcing Rio’s position as a major destination for world-class medical events.
Exhibition and sponsor success: A sold-out exhibition hall with 56 exhibitors delivered the highest supplier and sponsorship revenue in the event’s history.
Sustainability legacy: AO Spine’s first carbon-neutral congress with investment in renewable energy and certified offset programmes, delivered tangible environmental improvements, including:
- Fully digital scientific program and signage
- Replaced plastic badge covers with eco-friendly alternatives
- Pens made from recycled materials
- Water stations throughout the venue to reduce plastic bottled water
- Catering teams trained to optimise ingredients and portion size to minimise waste
Social and cultural impact: The involvement of Brazilian suppliers, artists, and producers enriched the delegate experience, while enhanced engagement features strengthened networking, mentorship, and community building.
The Global Spine Congress 2025 marked a decade of partnership, a milestone in sustainable event delivery, and a powerful demonstration of what is possible when science, culture, and community come together. For AO Spine, working with an IAPCO Accredited PCO means having a trusted strategic partner committed to excellence, innovation, and global best practice. Through this collaboration, OIC Group delivered a congress that advanced global spine care, strengthened scientific progress, and set a new standard for sustainable medical meetings.
OIC Group - Global Spine Congress
OIC Group - Global Spine Congress
OIC Group - Global Spine Congress
