On 21 August, the 2026 International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS 2026) concluded successfully. As the congress's exclusive conference services provider selected through a competitive tender, the China National Convention Center team of Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions and Events, a subsidiary of Beijing North Star Industrial Group (BNSIG), delivered end-to-end conference operations for the fourth time. The team was responsible for the opening ceremony, more than 400 academic presentations, and major activities including Mathematics Night, Physics Night, Engineering Night and the newly introduced Women Scientists Forum. It also coordinated core functions including VIP reception, on-site operations, media services and international affairs, once again demonstrating Beijing North Star Industrial Group's strong integrated capabilities in delivering services for major international events.
Spanning 13 days, this year's congress focused on frontier areas of basic science, including mathematics, physics, information science and engineering. It brought together recipients of the world's leading scientific awards, members of academies in China and abroad, and researchers from around the world. The congress provided an open, collaborative and high- level platform for international academic exchange, fully demonstrating the vibrant innovative momentum of the global basic science community.
Against the combined challenges posed by the congress's high profile, the large number of international guests, the intensive schedule and the event's coincidence with the flood season, the project continued to operate under its proven dedicated mechanism comprising one central office and eleven working groups. A comprehensive support framework consisting of an overall plan and multiple contingency plans was put in place to ensure unified command, tiered accountability and efficient coordination. The team planned proactively, conducted several scenario-based exercises for extreme weather during the flood season, and strengthened contingency arrangements covering guest attendance, dining and accommodation. It also established a dedicated command and dispatch system, breaking down and refining every critical stage of the opening ceremony, including the keynote address, awards presentation, group photograph and press conference. Multiple full-scale rehearsals covering all operational elements were conducted to ensure that every procedural checkpoint was fully implemented. This closed-loop management approach enabled all major activities to proceed smoothly and without error, providing a strong organizational foundation for the successful delivery of the congress.
Meticulous support across the full conference service chain underpinned the efficient operation of this organizational framework. With cumulative attendance exceeding 10,000, the team coordinated multiple work streams and locations, providing integrated support across catering, accommodation, transport, special conventions, media communications, international affairs and medical services. Catering arrangements accommodated the dietary customs of guests from different countries and served more than 10,000 meals over two weeks. The team coordinated several partner hotels and secured more than 2,600 room nights, while providing tailored reception plans for academicians and senior scholars. It delivered several specialized academic sessions to a high standard, with end-to-end control covering the production of event materials, on-screen content testing and live transitions. A media communications network spanning the full event cycle was established to support more than 100 journalists and preserve a comprehensive audiovisual record of the congress. The team also handled cross-border ticketing transactions involving more than 30 countries and regions and 17 currencies, maintained complete transaction records, and effectively mitigated risks associated with cross border settlement. Together, these comprehensive support services provided a solid foundation for the congress's intensive program of academic exchange.
Young volunteers were a particularly notable part of the congress's service operation.The team independently managed the entire volunteer recruitment and administration process. Following systematic training in service etiquette, academic fundamentals and emergency response, 88 students from seven universities took up posts covering international guest reception, venue guidance and support for field activities. Whether staffing airport pick-ups in the early hours or supporting outdoor activities in the rain, the volunteers fulfilled their duties with dedication and enthusiasm, providing professional and attentive service to guests from China and overseas. Their thoughtful work earned high praise from participating researchers. During the congress, the team received several handwritten letters of appreciation from overseas scholars and academicians, while many international participants spoke highly of their experience and felt first-hand the warmth of "Beijing Service."
After supporting the congress on four occasions, the team continues to move forward with dedication and resolve. From the integrated planning of major international academic events to service delivery marked by warmth and attention to detail, the team of Beijing North Star Industrial Group has continued to strengthen a service ethos defined by safety, professionalism, efficiency and a people-centered approach through extensive practical experience in large-scale international conferences. Going forward, Beijing North Star Industrial Group will continue to uphold the highest standards befitting the national capital in delivering "Beijing Service," consolidate its practical experience, and refine its end-to-end international conference service capabilities. It will strive to serve as a leading force in supporting the functional construction of Beijing as a center for international exchanges, a trusted national provider for major state and government events, and a principal driver of high-quality development in the capital's convention and exhibition industry, thereby contributing Beijing North Star Industrial Group's capabilities to the development of Beijing as both a center for international exchanges and a center for scientific and technological innovation.
