The BCB’S Legacy program aims to integrate long-term community benefits into events through structured methodologies, including defining legacy, aligning event goals with local needs, and evaluating impacts using KPIs such as community development and knowledge sharing.
In its first year alone, five congresses generated a positive impact in the territory, two long-term legacy projects were launched, fifteen collaborations were established with local partners, and more than 650 members of the local community directly benefited from programme activities. The initiative also engaged 58 students aged 7 to 14 and showcased four local initiatives within congress programmes.
One of the clearest examples is the project jointly developed by the Barcelona Convention Bureau and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), one of the two long-term legacy projects launched last year. More than a congress, ESGE Days 2025 became a long-term community project focused on colorectal cancer prevention and awareness. Its actions were designed not only for the week of the event but also for the years that follow, particularly to increase participation in screening programmes in low-participation neighbourhoods and underserved communities.
(Further information on the actions implemented at the ESGE project, the results achieved and the expected long-term impact can be found in the accompanying case study PDF and project video)
Behind these results lies a programme built around two fundamental questions.To define, on the first step, what legacy means to the organization, as interpretations vary widely. Finding a definition that aligns with organizational values and comfort level is essential before developing processes. To find the intersection between the event's topic and the needs of the local community, as this alignment is the only way to create meaningful and lasting impact.
To support implementation, BCB developed a seven-step methodology covering event analysis, objective setting, action design, implementation, measurement and evaluation.
Two additional factors have proven critical to success:
Engaging local stakeholders requires clearly demonstrating the value created by legacy projects. To support this, BCB has developed a strong communications strategy based on videos, testimonials and project summaries that showcase the benefits generated for both local and international organisations, while also encouraging future stakeholders to become involved.
A continuous impact verification: Legacy evaluation must extend beyond immediate post-event assessment to verify that intended community benefits persist over time, requiring follow-up monitoring one, two, and three years after project implementation.