From gamified learning to sustainable design, how new expectations are reshaping scientific meetings

A new generation has entered the meetings industry. One that expects more than lectures and learning. Digital natives seek purpose, participation, and connection. At the European Polymer Federation Congress 2025 (EPF 2025) in Groningen, this shift came vividly to life. With over 1,300 participants, 1,200 abstracts and 32 sponsors, EPF 2025 was large in scale; yet its real success lay in its atmosphere: open, playful, and connected. The congress showed that when people are invited to join in rather than just attend, engagement happens naturally.

Gamification as connection, not distraction
At EPF 2025, gamification was used as a simple but effective way to encourage interaction. The congress app moved beyond its traditional role as an information tool. Even before the event began, delegates were already posting, sharing fun insights and connecting with others they hoped to meet. During the congress, participants could take part in small challenges, scan QR codes at exhibitors and post on the event feed. By doing so, they could earn points. “Gamification made the congress feel more accessible,” the Congress by design team reflects. “It lowered barriers, encouraged interaction and helped spark conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.” With many first-time attendees, the number of students tripling compared to previous editions, the app proved especially valuable in helping this new generation connect, participate and feel at home within the wider scientific community. The technology didn’t replace personal contact, it helped create it. 

Designing for Discovery
Beyond the app, every element of EPF 2025 was designed to invite exploration and connection. Interactive e-poster zones, concise scientific sessions and informal meeting points encouraged spontaneous encounters and meaningful exchange. Young researchers could present their work in approachable settings, bridging the gap between established experts and the next generation of innovators.

Hosted in Groningen, EPF 2025 reflected Europe’s collaborative spirit: diverse, open and inclusive. Congress by design worked with local partners to create an event that felt both seamless and welcoming, showing that connection isn’t just built in sessions, but in the way an event itself is shaped. Despite major external events taking place at the same time, including the NATO Summit and the TT Assen races, the congress became a living example of what happens when science connects through gamification.

Lessons for the industry
EPF 2025 showed that engaging the NextGen starts with curiosity and translating that into meaningful design choices. The congress proved that interaction doesn’t need to be complex; it needs to be considered. When people are given room to explore, to contribute, and to connect on their own terms, engagement becomes genuine.
Participation today is intentional. The new generation chooses consciously where to spend their time and expects that time to count. That means meetings must offer freedom of choice, flexible formats and opportunities to connect across generations. Before, during and after the event.
Three takeaways for designing with the NextGen in mind:

• Make participation effortless. Engagement grows when interaction feels natural; a clear app, a short quiz, or a playful challenge can make all the difference.
• Give ownership. Invite young participants to help shape sessions, moderate discussions or share ideas; involvement turns attendance into commitment.
• Design for connection. Create space for conversation and curiosity. The real value of any meeting lies not in the content, but in what happens when people, and science, connects. Connect generations. Pair mentors with students; make learning a two-way conversation.