Picture this: A delegate from India pauses at the interactive wall in Lisbon, adding her message to the hundreds already written. A few steps away, a paediatrician from Turkey takes a photo at the postcard style backdrop for Athens, smiling as colleagues cheer her on. And in living rooms, offices, and hospital break rooms around the world, thousands of virtual participants follow the sessions with the same sense of curiosity and shared purpose that filled the halls on site.
This was EAPS 2025. Not just another medical congress, but a moment when the global paediatric community reconnected with the passion that brought them into this field.
The Bold Leap That Paid Off 
When Kenes Group decided to shift the EAPS meeting from a biannual to an annual gathering, sceptics wondered: Would the community show up? Would the energy sustain?
Lisbon answered with a resounding yes.
EAPS embraced a hybrid format that created a genuine year-round platform where speciality societies and experts could collaborate beyond borders and time zones. The numbers tell part of the story: 96.63% of delegates plan to return. But the real story is in what they said: energising, inclusive, innovative.
“EAPS 2025 stood out due to its successful launch as an annual hybrid event, which significantly expanded global accessibility,” said Violina Kodeva, Senior Account Manager at Kenes Group. “We seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technical innovations (like AI-powered tools) with highly engaging formats, resulting in a dynamic atmosphere that delegates repeatedly described as “fun” and “engaging”, clearly differentiating it from past editions.
Where Science Meets the Human Story
Months before anyone set foot in Lisbon, the story was already unfolding. The “Pathways in Paediatrics” podcast offered AI-narrated glimpses into the congress themes, while expert interviews revealed the faces and voices behind breakthrough research – the late nights, the eureka moments, the children whose lives changed the trajectory of entire careers.
“One of the key goals was to make EAPS 2025 as accessible and valuable as possible, “ said Yuliana Angelova-Kazankina, Marketing Manager. “By transitioning to an annual event with the option to participate either in person or remotely, we’ve made it easier for attendees to stay up to date with the latest advancements and continue expanding their skill sets, regardless of their location and budget.”
Then came The EAPS Pulse, an interactive wall that began quietly and ended as a vibrant collage of voices, languages and shared purpose. Delegates wrote greetings to the community in their native languages, reflected on what inspired them during the congress, and shared their hopes for the future of paediatrics. It became a living conversation, heartfelt and spontaneous, capturing the spirit of connection that defined EAPS 2025.
“A special, positive mark was the visible surge of community spirit demonstrated by the overflowing and highly popular EAPS Pulse interactive board, affirming the deep human connection at the event’s core. “aid Violina.
Yuliana added: “The EAPS Pulse quickly filled up with thoughtful, heartfelt entries (even overflowing beyond the pre-defined input areas) and became a vibrant display of community spirit. It also turned into a hugely popular photo spot, creating both a digital and physical moment of connection.”
When Everything Just Works
Behind every inspiring moment stood Polina Zdravkova and her operations team, ensuring that “seamless” wasn’t just marketing talk.
“Our main priorities were ensuring smooth on-site operations, clear navigation for delegates, and efficient coordination between sessions, exhibitors, and catering. We aimed to create a comfortable, well-organized experience for everyone involved,” said Polina, Senior Project Manager. “The Lisbon Congress Centre was an excellent venue – spacious, easy to navigate, and with all key areas located on the same floor. The venue staff were extremely professional, helpful, and proactive, which made a big difference. The event ran on time and within budget, and the positive feedback from delegates was the best reward. “
Delegates noticed. They praised Lisbon’s warm hospitality, effortless logistics, and that natural ease with which the agenda created space for real connection. With multiple touchpoints built into each day for sharing ideas, meeting peers and engaging with speakers, the congress felt less like a schedule to follow and more like a community coming to life.
A Conversation That Circled the Globe
While 21.4 million potential impressions on social media sound impressive, what matters more is what those millions were saying.
“EAPS 2025 became a global conversation on child health,” said Social Media Managers Stela Atanasova and Tsvetelina Vasileva. LinkedIn engagement hit 23.9%, but it was the Instagram reels capturing spontaneous laughter, animated discussions, and speakers passionately presenting breakthrough treatment protocols, that truly captured the congress spirit.
Opening day broke records. Comments poured in from Sri Lanka, France, New Zealand, Kenya, and beyond. And here’s the remarkable part: 85% of the sentiment was positive – a sign of genuine excitement, pride, and belonging.
“EAPS 2025 was a celebration of connection, discovery, and progress in paediatric science,” they added. “From the moment the first keynote sparked global conversations online, the energy of the event came alive across social media, uniting professionals, researchers, and advocates beyond the walls of the venue.”
Athens Is Already Calling
As EAPS 2025 came to a close, many delegates paused at the postcard-themed photo wall, a simple reminder that the next edition is already taking shape in Athens. The enthusiasm for 2026 was clear both on-site and online, with participants expressing a renewed sense of belonging to a community that continues to grow more connected and more inclusive each year.
EAPS 2025 showed that a scientific congress can be both rigorous and warm. It proved that meaningful learning can sit comfortably alongside creativity, and that a hybrid format can strengthen participation without losing the human element that makes this community special.
Looking ahead to Athens, the focus remains unchanged. The goal is to create a space where paediatric professionals learn from one another, exchange ideas, and advance the field together. The tools may evolve, and the programme may expand, but the purpose stays constant: supporting those who dedicate their lives to improving child health. 
Would you like to learn more about EAPS 2025? Please contact:
Violina Kodeva
Senior Account Manager
Visit: https://eaps2025.kenes.com/