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Expression of Interest for Future Wikimanias

The Wikimania Steering Committee is inviting community groups and regional collaborations to submit expressions of interest (EOI) in hosting Wikimania 2028. This page can also be used to express an interest to start a conversation about further years.

Wikimania is the annual international conference that brings together members of the Wikimedia movement, fostering collaboration, learning, and celebration of free knowledge. The event is guided by the Steering Committee, organized by a core organizing team of volunteers and closely supported by the Movement Communications team in the Wikimedia Foundation.

Expressions of interest for 2026 and beyond

Interested community groups do not need to have a venue selected, contracts drafted or sponsors lined up. The Wikimania Steering Committee and Wikimedia Foundation staff are here to help. The points below give some idea of minimum requirements for hosting Wikimania and some of the responsibilities of the hosting team/organization. We will be taking into account various factors about potential sites and hosts, especially the cost, accessibility, security, global rotation of Wikimania, and the strength of the organizing team.

Why host Wikimania?

Hosting Wikimania offers your community a unique opportunity to engage a region and foster collaboration while contributing to the global Wikimedia movement. It’s a chance to bring people together in an engaging, collaborative environment and highlight the impact of Wikimedia projects worldwide.

Timeline

  • The call for the Expression of Interest will remain open from December 2, 2024 to January 27, 2025 at 23.59 anywhere on earth. CLOSED
  • Initial reviews will take place from close of applications in April 2025 through to May 2025
  • The reviews will be followed by interviews with short-listed candidates in May 2025 and June 2025
  • We hope to announce the location for Wikimania 2027 in July 2025 or August 2025

What we’re looking for

We welcome Wikimedia community groups and regional collaborations that are enthusiastic and capable of managing the logistical and organizational responsibilities of hosting this large-scale conference. While it’s not necessary to have a venue or sponsorship agreements in place yet, there are a few key factors that will be considered:

Proposal

The proposal should highlight the benefits of hosting Wikimania in the proposed region, such as activating local communities and establishing strategic partnerships in the host country. Innovative, "out-of-the-box" proposals are encouraged, as long as they provide alternative value to the Wikimedia movement by promoting programming concepts aligned with the movement's strategic goals. Additionally, the proposal should include a goal and vision for how the conference could leverage a project or address an issue relevant to the hosting team, country, or region.

Factors we will be looking at:

  • Capacity to organize: A core team of local or regional volunteers involved with the Wikimedia movement will be responsible for organizing the conference. This team will be supported by the Wikimania Steering Committee, the Wikimedia Foundation, and professional event organizers
  • Location suitability: The expression of interest does not require an exact city or venue to be identified at this stage.
  • Safety and security: Ensuring the personal safety of all participants is the highest priority, requiring a welcoming environment that respects diverse identities, expressions, affiliations, races, genders, and abilities. Additionally, freedom of expression is essential; local laws and government policies must not expose participants to undue risk due to their association with the movement.
  • Global rotation: We aim to balance hosting locations across different regions to ensure global representation and participation.

Travel and visas

  • It is ideal for the proposed location to be close to an international airport and not require extensive travel upon arrival. Please keep in mind international travelers.
  • An easy, accessible visa process is key to international participation.
  • This could mean few visa restrictions, accessible electronic visas, or embassies / agencies found in many global cities Wikimedians would be traveling from.
  • Contact with the relevant government department to facilitate the visa process is welcomed.

Hybrid format and remote attendees

  • Seamless virtual integration with in-person components is a high priority for Wikimania as a hybrid conference
  • Make sure your proposal talks about how Wikimedians will be able to remotely participate at Wikimania.

List of submitted expressions of interest (CLOSED)

Submitted by organized collaborative groups

  • 2027
    • South America or Hispanic Community
    • South Asia or Indic Community
      • India (city to be determined)
        • considering 2028 too
  • 2029
    • Open Movement Global Thematic Community

Submitted by an individual or single affiliate

Individual
Third party organization
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