The 17th Ordinary IBU Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany, marked a pivotal moment as the IBU elected a new President, Executive Board, and Technical Committee, presented Awards for Excellence to outstanding National Federations, Organising Committees, and athletes in the fields of Biathlon 4 All, Sustainability, Gender Equality, and Social Media, and awarded the IBU World Championships 2031.

But behind the scenes, the Congress was just as vibrant: candidates and invitees started their days with morning jogs and walks, connected at the Welcome Dinner, enjoyed the lively Bavarian Night, and celebrated biathlon at the Gala Dinner. The evening was hosted by Christian Winkler of IBU Communications, who guided guests from one course to the next and from presentation to presentation, while the Doro Hanke Band kept the energy flowing with their excellent music.

The Welcome dinner

The Welcome Dinner in Berchtesgaden the evening before the Congress opened was a chance to reconnect with old friends and share ideas in a relaxed setting. As the biathlon community gathered, conversations flowed as freely as the local hospitality.

The candidates registration

On the first day of the Congress, candidates registered and collected their accreditations, setting the stage for the official proceedings ahead.

Active morning networking

Each morning at 6:30, groups of eager candidates met in front of the Edelweiss Hotel and set off for networking walks and jogs.

The Bavarian dinner

On Friday night, the IBU, candidates, and their guests gathered for The Bavarian Night at the Brräustüberl in Hofbrauhaus Berchtesgaden, where they enjoyed local cuisine and the famous Schuhplattler dance.

The Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner featured the Awards for Excellence and a final thank-you to the now IBU Honorary President, Olle Dahlin, presented with a personal touch by his long-time Swedish colleague Ingemar Arvidsson and IBU Secretary General Max Cobb. The evening was hosted by Christian Winkler of IBU Communications, supported by ceremony sound maestro Marian Hiller, and entertained by the Doro Hanke Band.