The 2013 IAB meeting was held from 15–19 July at the Natural History Museum in London, one of the world’s leading centres for biodiversity research and home to one of the largest bryophyte herbaria worldwide. Organised by Jeff Duckett, Silvia Pressel and Jo Wilbraham, the meeting brought together the international bryological community for scientific sessions and exchanges centred on bryophyte research. A post-conference field excursion to North Wales, from 20–26 July, explored a wide range of bryologically rich habitats, from Atlantic ravines and mountain cliffs to former mine sites and coastal dune systems.