Driving Awareness for Infectious Disease Research on a Global Scale

How Tony Kirby PR delivered comprehensive media support to elevate ESCMID Global 2024’s impact.

Since 2019, Tony Kirby PR has partnered with the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) to provide comprehensive media support for their annual congress. Rebranded as ESCMID Global in 2024, the event broke new ground with its media program, achieving record-breaking coverage for infectious disease research worldwide.

Objectives

Maximising media attention and showcasing ground-breaking research

Highlight Infectious Disease Research

Drive awareness of key studies and global health challenges presented at the congress.

Engage International Media

Attract a diverse range of journalists, both on-site and online.

Strengthen ESCMID’s Reputation

Position the congress as a global leader in microbiology and infectious disease research.

Our Approach

A tailored strategy to maximise coverage and audience engagement

  • Program and Abstract Analysis
    Tony Kirby PR reviewed hundreds of abstracts, identifying the most newsworthy topics to craft compelling press releases.

  • Strategic Media Coordination

    Managed media accreditation and on-site press operations to support journalists attending in person and virtually.

  • Global Media Outreach
    Leveraged Tony Kirby PR’s extensive international media network to distribute content and ensure coverage across diverse regions.

  • Focus on Early Releases

    Introduced early press releases for key abstracts to spark interest before the congress began.

Key Highlights

Major achievements that elevated ESCMID Global 2024’s impact

Global Media Attendance: Hosted leading journalists from outlets like The Times, The Guardian, Medscape, Bloomberg, and a large contingent of European and international press.

Wide-ranging Media Coverage: Featured in top publications across Europe, including Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and El Mundo, as well as global outlets like CNN and BBC World Service.

High-Profile Research Topics:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Studies on AMR received significant attention, emphasising its growing global threat.
  • COVID-19 Aftermath: Research on long-term impacts of COVID-19 sparked widespread coverage.

Enhanced Media Access: Supported seamless interactions between journalists and researchers, enabling greater exposure for key studies.

Results

Expanding ESCMID’s reach and influence through impactful media coverage

Global Exposure: Coverage extended across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond, bringing attention to the congress’s vital work.

Increased Engagement: Strategic early releases and press events generated interest from media and delegates alike.

Strengthened Reputation: Positioned ESCMID Global as a premier event for cutting-edge infectious disease research.

Professional, adaptable, and proactive media support for global impact

Tony Kirby worked with ESCMID from 2019 to 2024, supporting our annual congress, which was known as ECCMID from 2019 to 2023 and rebranded as ESCMID Global in 2024. During this time, Tony handled program analysis, identified abstracts of interest alongside our senior team, and prepared press releases to engage the 60-80 journalists attending each year, both onsite and, since 2022, also online. Additionally, in 2020, Tony supported our online conference on COVID-19, “ECCVID”, held as an alternative to the cancelled annual congress.

Carla Seiler
Head of Event Organisation, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID)

Interested in achieving similar media success for your conference?

Contact Tony Kirby PR to learn how we can support your event and expand your reach.

  • Experience
    With over a decade of expertise in health and science media relations, Tony Kirby PR has a proven track record in delivering impactful results for leading organisations.

  • Global Reach

    Our extensive media network spans the UK, US, Europe, and beyond, ensuring that your message reaches influential audiences worldwide.

  • Personalised Service

    We create tailored strategies that align with each client’s unique goals, ensuring effective, targeted communication every step of the way.

  • End-to-End Support

    From program analysis to press room management and post-event media reporting, we offer complete PR support to make sure your event is covered from all angles.