Planning & Hosting a WOC

What the WOCT Looks For in a Host

A World Orchid Conference is a major international event, and the WOCT looks for Hosts with the organization, experience, resources, and commitment needed to deliver a successful WOC.

A prospective Host must be an orchid organization; a city or country cannot submit a bid independently. Local governments, tourism authorities, conference centers, and other organizations may support a bid, but the bid must be led by an organization with established connections to the orchid community.

In evaluating proposals, the WOCT considers:

• Strong local orchid involvement and the organizational and financial backing needed to support the Conference.
• Experience in organizing orchid shows or other major events, particularly experience that demonstrates the ability to manage a large international exhibition.
• Suitable facilities and infrastructure for the exhibition, educational program, judging, social activities, and international visitors.
• A capable Host Organizing Committee, including individuals with sufficient experience, responsibility, and time to manage the long-term planning process.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the WOCT and its committees throughout the Conference's planning and delivery.
• A location that contributes to the worldwide rotation of WOCs, helping the Conference reach different regions and communities around the world.
• A commitment to meeting the WOCT's requirements, including its planning schedule, reporting requirements, financial responsibilities, judging standards, and Memorandum of Understanding.

The WOCT welcomes proposals from orchid organizations around the world and encourages organizations that may not yet have hosted a WOC to discuss their plans with the Trust before submitting a bid.

Selection Procedure

The Site Selection Committee is made up of six Trustees and six members chosen from registrants of the current WOC who have experience of previous WOCs and represent the world's regions. The Committee reviews all bids received and hears formal presentations at the next WOC. 

From the bids received, three to five of the most promising are invited to present their applications to the Committee. The Committee then recommends a suitable Host. A site visit may be needed to confirm that a bid is viable.

Bids must be submitted to the Board of Trustees three years before the WOC they propose to host. A city or country cannot submit a bid; only an orchid organization can. The Trustees of the WOCT vote to accept the Host.