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 as related to the Orchidaceae throughout the world by organizing and promoting the WOCs, other conferences, meetings, seminars, and lectures around the globe.
Background
Since 1954, World Orchid Conferences (WOCs) have been held every three years, hosted by organizations worldwide at various locations. These Conferences serve as a platform for the global orchid community to convene, fostering camaraderie, competition, and information exchange. Each WOC is a vibrant event characterized by local cultural elements, attracting residents and visitors alike.
Key components of each WOC include:
- Orchid exhibits
- Individual orchid entries
- Educational exhibits
- Judging of exhibits and entries by international experts
- Scientific lectures covering botanical, horticultural, and conservation topics in orchidology
- Social activities such as area tours
The most recent 23rd World Orchid Conference occurred in Tainan, Taiwan, in February 2024, marking a departure from the usual triennial schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cycle will resume with the Dresden WOC.
The opportunity to host the 25th World Orchid Conference will arise in 2029. Organizations interested in hosting this prestigious event should note that the application deadline is January 15, 2026. Detailed guidelines for the application process can be found in the Site/Venue Selection tab.
Additionally, applications are also open for hosting the 26th WOC in 2032, with an application deadline of 2026.
When submitting their application, organizations should clearly specify whether they are applying to host the 25th or the 26th World Orchid Conference. This will help us process the applications efficiently and ensure that each organization is considered for the correct event.
