Unite To Fight: The world’s largest Long COVID and ME/CFS conference, organized by patients

• Services: Visual identity, video and print production, live direction, project management
• Client: Unite To Fight
• Role: Co organization and design
• Media: Livestream, social media, print
• Style: 2D and 3D assets, clear and accessible visual language
• Scope: 22 hour conference across 2 days
• Reach: More than 10,000 registered participants
• Accreditation: Up to 17 CME credits for healthcare professionals

Unite To Fight 2024 was the world’s largest conference on Long COVID and ME/CFS organized by patients. The project was developed as a long-term pro bono commitment with the aim of bringing together scientific expertise, patient perspectives and the work of international organizations, while drawing attention to the dramatic gaps in care and treatment.

The conference took place in May 2024 and featured 22 hours of programming across two days, with more than 10,000 participants from around the world. It brought together leading international experts in Long COVID and ME/CFS research. Renowned scientists presented the latest findings on post-acute infection syndromes. The program also included high level political and institutional voices, among them Prof. Karl Lauterbach and representatives of the World Health Organization, including WHO Director Maria van Kerkhove. Patient perspectives and advocacy organizations were an integral part of the program. The conference was CME accredited, allowing healthcare professionals to earn up to 17 CME credits.

Claus Ernst co-organized the conference and was responsible for the visual identity as well as the design and production of all video and print materials. This included animated content, visual frameworks for presentations and communication assets for social media. The goal was to create a clear and internationally accessible visual language that communicates complex content in a respectful and understandable way. In addition, he directed the live program via OBS. The international setup across multiple time zones required precise planning and close coordination within the team.

Unite To Fight 2024 received very positive feedback worldwide from researchers, patients, organizations and media outlets. The conference was widely covered nationally and internationally, including reporting by WDR, n tv, Radio Eins, Die Zeit, Süddeutsche Zeitung and other media.