Nearly 2,000 scientists from around the world gathered in Barcelona for the 2025 Congress of the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), a flagship event that has been held annually since 1987. This year's event was notable for its record attendance and scientific exchange, as well as the new sustainability and engagement initiatives introduced with the support of AIM.
The society’s goals were ambitious: to deliver a world-class congress, promote inclusivity and integrate sustainability into the event for the first time. Our role was to translate these objectives into reality by providing smart event solutions, innovative tools and operational excellence.
AIM’s team were committed to ensuring that all aspects and objectives were met, and in particular they:
• Delivered seamless logistics and participant services for 1,950 registrants, achieving an impressive attendance rate of 98.7%.
• Introduced a Congress App and social wall to enhance networking and engagement.
• Partnered with Climeet to measure the full carbon footprint of the congress, providing transparency and a baseline for future editions.
• Implemented sustainability measures, including renewable energy, reusable exhibition stands, local catering, digital-first materials and public transport cards for all delegates.
• Developed a strong communications campaign and social media presence to increase visibility before, during and after the congress.
Good results achieved!
• 1,900 abstracts were presented, including 500 oral presentations and 1,100 posters.
• 22 sponsors and 15 exhibitors occupied 3,476 square metres of space, strengthening the connection between academia and industry.
• 1,140 delegates (60%) provided feedback, offering valuable insights for continuous improvement.
• Most importantly, ESEB measured its carbon footprint for the first time, marking a turning point for the society.
This landmark edition reinforced ESEB’s global reputation and demonstrated how AIM teams can deliver value beyond logistics, creating a legacy of responsibility and measurable results.
