ICC opens call for chambers to host flagship events

For the first time, ICC and its World Chambers Federation (WCF) present opportunities to host the World Chambers Congress and WCF Regional Summit through one connected portfolio cycle, allowing bids from chambers worldwide.

Four chambers will be appointed to host:

• three WCF Regional Summits in 2028-2029;
• one World Chambers Congress in 2029.

Why host an ICC WCF event?

Hosting can provide a platform to:

• strengthen chamber leadership and strategic relevance;
• raise the visibility of a chamber, city, region or country;
• convene members, businesses and institutions around shared priorities;
• mobilise government, destination and ecosystem partners;
• advance an ambition that matters to the business community.

Distinct pathways, shared momentum

Each hosting opportunity has a distinct role and identity. Together, they connect global ambition with regional action.

The World Chambers Congress is the largest and only international forum that brings together chambers to shape shared priorities, exchange strategic insight, showcase innovation and reinforce collective leadership. Hosting the Congress means providing a platform to convene the global chamber network and facilitate international business conversations.

WCF Regional Summits are platforms for business leadership and action. They convene chambers, businesses and stakeholders around the opportunities and challenges shaping a region. They allow chambers to bring regional business communities together around shared priorities and translate wider ambition into relevant action.

A Regional Summit is not a smaller Congress or a fallback opportunity. It is a distinct leadership platform with its own purpose and value.

The Congress shapes the agenda. Regional Summits activate it.

The first step towards hosting

The first formal step of the bidding process is a short Expression of Interest through the official bidding portal (available soon). Read the guidelines here to get prepared.

Chambers do not need to prepare a complete bid, detailed business plan, confirmed venue or final delivery model at this stage.

The Expression of Interest is designed to help chambers:

• explain their strategic motivation for hosting;
• identify the opportunity they wish to explore;
• provide an initial view of their readiness;
• begin a structured conversation with ICC WCF.

Expressions of Interest will close on 14 October 2026.

Join the candidate briefing webinar

Interested in hosting but unsure which opportunity is the right fit for your chamber?

Candidate briefing sessions will take place in September to explain:

• the value of hosting;
• the differences between the hosting opportunities;
• the host selection process and key dates;
• what is required at the Expression of Interest stage;
• the support available to prospective candidates.

Questions can be sent to WCFglobalevents@iccwbo.org.