Large international conferences can offer a range of benefits to participants, such as access to new scientific ideas, an international perspective, and the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with peers from around the world. Young and early-career scientists, particularly from developing countries, may have limited access to funds to attend international conferences. The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) took the opportunity to support and engage young and early-career scientists from developing countries while organising a legacy event at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2015 Fall Meeting in San Francisco to mark the end of the IGBP. This policy paper discusses lessons learned and outcomes from this effort.