The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is excited to announce the call for applications to host the 28th edition of the ICOM General Conference, the global event that shapes the future of museums and drives cultural exchange worldwide.
The ICOM General Conference has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural event in Paris in 1948. Since then, twenty-six conferences have taken place around the globe, culminating in the next ICOM Dubai 2025. This global cultural hub brings together over 4,000 museum professionals from around the world to discuss the future of museums, cultural exchange, and innovation. Past conferences have made significant contributions to the global museum community, including the adoption of a new museum definition in Prague 2022, and the groundbreaking resolution on sustainability in Kyoto 2019.
Hosting this event offers cities a chance to shine on the international stage and make a lasting impact on the global museum community. First step: Submit your Expression of Interest by December 1, 2024 !
Benefits of Hosting the ICOM General Conference?
Hosting the ICOM General Conference allows your country and institutions to:
- Gain global visibility: showcase your country as a leader in culture, heritage, and museum innovation.
- Foster international collaboration: connect your local museum community and institutions with international professionals, building long-term partnerships.
- Drive economic and social impact: boost tourism, create jobs, and support local businesses through the conference.
- Leave a legacy: create new cultural policies and programs that have a lasting impact on the local and global museum sectors.
We are seeking visionary candidates that will:
- Create a sustainable event: focus on environmental, social, and cultural sustainability throughout the planning process.
- Promote inclusivity: ensure diverse participation, both in-person and virtually.
- Incorporate decolonizing practices: address the history and role of museums in a post-colonial world.
- Build a long-term legacy: align with ICOM’s Strategic Plan 2022-2028 to create lasting benefits for both the host city and the museum community.
Who can apply
The Call for applications to host the 28th ICOM General Conference is open to ICOM National Committees. To strengthen their bids, they must collaborate with a Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) and are advised to consult with a Convention Bureau (CVB).
Your Hosting Journey: Applying to Host ICOM General Conference in 2028
Candidates must complete the following deadlines of the 5 key steps of the application process to be considered for hosting the 28th ICOM General Conference to be held in 2028.
5 key steps
- December 1, 2024 – Submit your Expression of Interest (Vision, Theme, and Legacy)
- February 28, 2025 –Submit a detailed plan (Program, Financial, and Logistical Plans)
- June 30, 2025 – ICOM will conduct site visits
- July 31, 2025 – Approval of the shortlisted candidates by the ICOM Executive Board
- November 2025 – Host city election at the ICOM General Assembly
Are you ready to create a groundbreaking event that shapes the future of museums and leaves a lasting legacy? Submit your proposal and take the global stage in 2028!
The application process for hosting the ICOM General Conference has been streamlined to facilitate candidates and ensure a smoother, more efficient experience. This new approach aims to provide clear guidance and support throughout the application journey, making it more accessible for National Committees and their partners to prepare and submit their bids. Candidates must complete the following four key steps of the application process and meet the associated deadlines to be considered for hosting the 2028 ICOM General Conference.
The ICOM Secretariat remains at your disposal to provide guidance and support during all the application process. We are available to assist with any questions, offer advice, and ensure that you have the necessary information to prepare a strong application.
For additional assistance, feel free to contact conference@icom.museum
FAQ
- Can any country host? Only countries with an established ICOM National Committee are eligible to host the ICOM General Conference. Here is the list of the 129 countries and territories where ICOM is present.
- Can a country that has previously hosted the conference apply to host again? Yes, a country that has previously hosted the ICOM General Conference is eligible to apply to host the conference again.
- Who can apply? Eligible candidates to host the ICOM General Conference are the ICOM National Committees, supported by a Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) and/or Convention Bureaus (CVS).
- I am a National Committee; what should I consider when applying? As a National Committee, you should consider the following when applying to host the ICOM General Conference:
- Vision for the Event: Develop a clear and compelling vision for the conference, outlining your objectives, themes, and how you plan to deliver a memorable and impactful event.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage key stakeholders, including local government, cultural institutions, and industry partners, to gain their support and ensure their active participation.
- Public Funding: Identify and secure public funding opportunities to support the event, ensuring you have a sustainable financial plan in place.
- Professional Conference Organiser: Select a qualified PCO with experience in managing large-scale international conferences to assist in the planning and execution of the event which adhere to ICOM’s standards.
- Convention Bureau: Optionally consult with Convention Bureau to ensure that venue selection and related services meet the needs of the conference.
- I am a PCO – what should I do to apply? If you are a Professional Conference Organiser, you should:
- ICOM National Committee: Reach out to the ICOM National Committee in your country to discuss its interest in hosting the conference and assess their willingness to apply. Then, collaborate with the National Committee to submit the application by providing expertise, resources, and planning assistance as needed.
- What documents are required for submission, and what are the deadlines for each? You shall submit two documents:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): by December 1st, 2024
- Questionnaire: by February 28th, 2025
- When will the host for the 28th ICOM General Conference be elected? The host city for the 28th ICOM General Conference will be elected by the ICOM General Assembly on November 14th, 2025.
- Can I be assisted in the application phase? Yes, you can be assisted in the application phase. The Institutional Events Department of ICOM is happy to support National Committees and partners throughout the application process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at conference@icom.museum to book a meeting.
- Is there a specific format or layout required for the application? There is no specific format or layout required for the application; you can use the graphic style you prefer. However, please ensure that the application is formatted in A4 size, and A3 size may be used when necessary.
- In which languages can I submit the application? You can submit the application in one of the three ICOM official languages, English, French and Spanish. The application manual and documents will be provided in French and Spanish upon request.