Following our recent article From Science to Connection: LCW at ESC 2025, we thought it only fair to lift the curtain a little further and share what really went down behind the scenes at ESC 2025. Spoiler alert: it involved a roofless studio, a banana-related catering crisis, and a milkshake finale worthy of a rockstar.
The Studio
Our fearless team, led by Shireen and Alex, set up shop in the huge IFEMA, Madrid – right next to the main auditorium – prime real estate, albeit with a unique architectural twist. The space was open-air, which added a touch of drama (and a few pauses) to our recording sessions. With pre-session precision and a healthy dose of patience, we made it work. Think of it as alfresco broadcasting – unexpected, but memorable.
What we know (and you should too)
Every event teaches you something, and ESC 2025 was no exception. Here are our top takeaways:
- Plan ruthlessly: Schedules are your best friend. Treat them like gold.
- Pad your schedule: Because things will run over. And you will need snacks.
- Know your deadlines: Especially for ordering equipment. Last-minute panic is not a vibe.
- Prepare for problems: Bring a kit of essentials. And yes, that includes AV and catering contact numbers – unless you enjoy manky bananas.
- Empathy matters: HCPs get nervous too. We’re all human (even if some of us run on caffeine and adrenaline).
- Celebrate your wins: Because you earned it. And because feedback is fuel for growth.
The Fun Bits
Of course, it wasn’t all logistics and learning. We found time to celebrate (properly), discovered our hotel, Only YOU, wasn’t just ours (who knew?!), and even managed to create an album cover. Yes, really. ESC 2025: The Mixtape, anyone?
And when it was all said and done, we wrapped things up with a well-deserved Oreo milkshake. Because nothing says “event complete” like a sugar rush and a satisfied sigh.
Until next time, ESC…..we came, we saw, we adapted.