ICOM EXHIBITIONS, the International Committee for Exhibitions of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), invites institutional members and museums to submit proposals to host our Annual Conference in 2027.

About ICOM EXHIBITIONS

ICOM EXHIBITIONS brings together museum professionals working in exhibition development, design, production, touring, and management from around the world. Our Annual Conference is the committee’s flagship gathering. A multi-day event combining keynote presentations, paper sessions, workshops, museum visits, and networking opportunities for members across the exhibitions field.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome proposals from museums, museum associations, cultural institutions, or consortia of institutions in any ICOM member country. A strong proposal will typically demonstrate:

• Institutional capacity to plan and support an international conference of 100–150 delegates
• A compelling host city and venue with relevant museums, exhibition spaces, or cultural sites to visit
• Local partners (museums, universities, government cultural bodies) willing to co-support the event
• Logistical feasibility, including accessible venue space, hotel capacity, and reasonable international travel access
• Financial partnership, including an indication of what the host institution/city can contribute (venue, in-kind support, local funding, sponsorship connections)

Conference Format (Typical)

• 4-5 days, usually including:
  • Opening and welcome reception
  • 3 days of keynotes, paper/panel sessions, and workshops
  • Museum and exhibition site visits
  • Optional pre- or post-conference tours
• Attendance: 100-150 delegates
• Language: English, with the possibility of translation into French, Spanish, and the local language.

Responsibilities

The host institution together with possible partnering institutions organize the conference in collaboration with ICOM EXHIBITIONS Board. The two parties prepare the call for papers together.

Funding and registration

ICOM EXHIBITIONS provides a grant of up to €4000 to the host institution.

Additional costs are covered through registration fees and/or local partnerships.

Proposal Requirements

Please submit a proposal including:

1. A Letter of Interest signed by a duly authorised signatory of the host institution
2. Relevant experience
3. Proposed dates during the Fall 2027 (please indicate flexibility)
4. Proposed venue(s) (room capacity, accessibility, AV capability)
5. City and travel information (international airport access, accommodation options and average pricing)
6. Potential local partners (museums, tourism authorities, government bodies)

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by the ICOM EXHIBITIONS Board according to the criteria above. Shortlisted hosts may be invited to present their proposal (virtually) to the Board before a final decision is made. The Board reserves the right to request additional information or site visits before confirming a host.

Timeline

Milestone	Date
Call for Hosts opens	July 31st
Letters of intent due	September 4th
Shortlist announced	September 11th
Host presentations to Board	September 17th
Final decision announced	September 25th

How to Submit

Please fill out the form: https://forms.gle/1N5YjBD1LrZS2REa6 and submit the Letter of Intent (LOI) to the ICOM EXHIBITIONS email at chair.exhibitions@icom.museum by September 4th, 2026, with the subject line: “Call for Hosts, Annual Conference 2027 Proposal.”

Send any questions to: ICOM EXHIBITIONS email at chair.exhibitions@icom.museum; subject line: “Call for Hosts, Annual Conference 2027 Questions”

We strongly encourage prospective hosts to reach out informally before the submission deadline to discuss ideas and ask questions.