23rd WOC Tainan, Taiwan
About the WOCT
Mission
The mission of the Trust is to encourage and improve the science, education, conservation, art, and practice of horticulture related to the Orchidaceae throughout the world, by organizing and promoting World Orchid Conferences (WOCs) and other conferences, meetings, seminars, and lectures around the globe.
Background
Since 1954, World Orchid Conferences have been held every three years, hosted by organizations in many parts of the world. Each WOC brings the global orchid community together for friendship, friendly competition, and the sharing of knowledge, and showcases the culture of its host region for residents and visitors alike.
Each WOC includes:
- Orchid exhibits
- Individual orchid entries
- Educational exhibits
- Judging of exhibits and entries by international experts
- Scientific lectures on botanical, horticultural, and conservation topics
- Social activities such as local tours
The 23rd World Orchid Conference, held in Tainan, Taiwan, in February 2024, was moved from the usual three-year schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular cycle resumed with the 24th WOC in Dresden, Germany, in 2026.
Bids to host the 26th World Orchid Conference in 2032 will be accepted in 2029. The deadline is normally three months before the current WOC; for the Tokyo WOC, it will be about mid-January 2029. Full guidance is on the Planning & Hosting a WOC page.