IPBES 12

Project

In late 2024 the UK was successful with its bid to host the 12th session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) plenary, what would go on to be known as IPBES-12.  Defra, the department within UK government responsible for delivering the event, sought to appoint an event delivery partner who had the knowledge and expertise to help deliver such a landmark event for the UK. Amplitude is proud to have been chosen as that partner, working alongside Defra and with our colleagues from the IPBES secretariat to deliver the 12th Plenary session, held in the vibrant city of Manchester at the iconic Manchester Central Convention Centre. 

This global summit brought together almost 1500 international delegates, advisors, experts, scientists and policymakers to bridge the gap between biodiversity research and global policy, focussing on a specific assessment, the Business and Biodiversityreport. For Amplitude, this project was an exercise in technical precision and creative storytelling, providing a platform for some of the most critical environmental conversations of our time.

Process

Our approach to IPBES-12 was defined by a selection of key focuses; end-to-end project management supporting two key stakeholders (Defra and IPBES) and their teams, creating a robust technical infrastructure for a high-stakes international plenary with a high number of add on meetings and ancillary programs (dedicated Stakeholder Day and a Media Launch event) and last, but not least, developing a distinct, meaningful visual identity that resonated with the event’s core mission and the UK as the host destination.

Creative identity & brand development

A standout deliverable for this project was the creation of the event brand and identity. The brief was to showcase the stunning range of biodiversity found across the British Isles. Led by Chris Chapman, the Amplitude design team collaborated with Manchester-based illustrator Louise French to develop a unique aesthetic. By working closely with Defra to ensure scientific accuracy, we translated initial concepts into a core identity of 6 British landscapes, each with its own lead ‘mascot’ (a bird / mammal / fish / plant / insect / reptile) and number of secondary characters, all depicting subtle scenes of British business and all infused with the unique style of our local illustrator. The result was something completely bespoke and unique; bold, colourful and large-scale printed installations transformed the venue into the perfect backdrop to.

Full-service production & management

To support the complex requirements of the IPBES-12 plenary, Amplitude provided a comprehensive suite of production services:

  • Technical AV & stage management: Orchestrating the technical setup for the main plenary sessions which included interpretation services for the 6 official languages of the UN, and following the format of a typical UN meeting push to talk microphones for all delegations in plenary (900 pax) for the live, in-person negotiations. We also supported all of the smaller breakouts, regional and stakeholder consultations, ensuring seamless audio and visual services across the whole site.
  • Full event branding & signage: Managing the journey from digital design to physical onsite installation, creating a cohesive and immersive environment which included branded backdrops and 3D standalone lettering for selfie moments and lots and lots of team photo opportunities
  • Delegate experience: Handling everything from the first delegate check-in at Manchester Central for Stakeholder Day, plenary registrations, designing and managing the onsite event app and ensuring the press were also warmly welcomed at the Media Launch event at the Deansgate Hotel, at the end of the week, which celebrated the successful agreement amongst the delegations of the report.
  • Creating memorable moments: Facilitating high-impact moments, such as the unique opening performance by Bionic and the Wire, to set an evocative tone for the week's discussions, as well as executing the welcome drinks reception at the University of Manchester’s impressive Whitworth Hall with live music and key note speeches from senior faculty across the three leading Manchester universities.
  • Logistics & infrastructure: Managing the "behind the scenes" flow between two major city-centre venues to ensure a smooth experience for over 1,500 global experts. Amplitude also partnered with University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Salford University to co-ordinate a large volunteer program, where undergrad, post-grad and research students from associated disciplines gave their time in support of the event in exchange for access to policy discussions on a global level and the chance to network with scientists from across the world. It was important to all involved to engage the city of Manchester as much as possible, ensuring that IPBES-12 also left a positive impact on the city.

The impact

The energy throughout the week was exceptional. From the moment the formal plenary opened, our team worked tirelessly to ensure every technical cue and delegate interaction was handled with the highest level of professional care. By managing the full spectrum of production and project management Amplitude allowed the IPBES and DEFRA teams to focus entirely on their strategic goals. Friendships were formed and a wildly successful event was delivered, setting the bar for future IPBES plenaries.

The success of the event was a result of a massive team effort and a deep collaboration with all our event partners, including the fantastic teams at Manchester Central and the Deansgate Hotel.

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