In June 2025, the University of Groningen organised the European Polymer Congress (EPF), the biennial flagship event of the European Polymer Federation. Since 2001, this congress has been the meeting place for the international polymer community. The 2025 edition focused on Polymers for a Sustainable Future. The congress brings together scientists, students, and industry to share innovations, foster collaboration, and work collectively towards circular and sustainable polymers.
1300
Participants
6 days
Duration
Groningen
Location
Live
Format
By design
Together with the client, external circumstances were anticipated at an early stage, with major events taking place before and after EPF: the NATO summit, the TT Assen, and the renovation of the train station. While initially fewer participants and only half the number of abstracts were expected, the high level of interest forced us to make adjustments on several fronts. This required smart choices. We introduced e-posters and communicated clearly in advance to participants, ensuring everything ran smoothly on site. Interest from sponsors also grew rapidly. In close cooperation with the LOC, we handled and coordinated sponsor requests. By offering suitable sponsorship packages, the congress became attractive to more partners, which also meant adjustments had to be made to the layout. Through the congress app, we introduced gamification: scanning QR codes, quizzes, posting messages. This provided an easy, accessible way for newcomers, including many students, to encourage interaction. Sustainability was also a central focus, with a report and innovative suggestions based on our checklist.
Result
The congress received enthusiastic feedback from both participants and the client. “Best EPF congress so far,” one participant wrote. This was not only due to the scale and international character but also the energy and innovation the programme delivered. The doubling of student participation also gave the congress a forward-looking profile. Participants were eager to collect points in the congress app, which significantly increased interaction and visibility for sponsors. With growth to 1,300 participants, more than 1,200 abstracts, and a record 32 sponsors, EPF 2025 proved that content, organisation, and experience can reinforce one another optimally.
