Looking Back - Taiwan 2024

The 23rd World Orchid Conference brought together over 650 orchid registrants worldwide, all eager to share their passion for these exquisite flowers. The event featured impressive displays from international and local organizations, with entries from the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan.

This conference was a gathering of orchid enthusiasts and a platform for innovation in orchidology. A highlight of the event was its unprecedented approach to judging: 200 orchid experts from 23 countries meticulously evaluated 1600 individual orchids using a cutting-edge, paperless voting system, underscoring the event's commitment to progress and efficiency. Additionally, the conference offered a wealth of knowledge through presentations on diverse topics by 100 speakers and 51 posters, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.

The conference was a platform that not only honored significant contributions to orchidology but also celebrated the promising research efforts of individuals. Three distinguished scientists were awarded the prestigious WOCT Medal for their outstanding work, and the Trust extended its recognition to students at four academic levels. This recognition celebrated the efforts of individuals from countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Slovakia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the USA, making them feel appreciated and valued for their contributions to orchid research and conservation.

Taiwan's WOC not only successfully achieved its objectives by showcasing the beauty of orchids and emphasizing conservation, but it also played a role in promoting global collaboration in orchidology. The conference's impact was felt worldwide, with attendees' feedback indicating that this was one of the most successful world orchid conferences to date, further solidifying the global community's commitment to orchid research and conservation.