World Scout Conference 2027
Founding the Future Together
The UK Scout Association is bidding to host the 44th World Scout Conference in London in 2027. We hope to bring delegates from 175 member organisations to London for the largest assembly of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement to 'found the future' of Scouts.
It'll provide a unique opportunity to visit iconic Scout landmarks, collaborate on ideas, and strengthen international unity.
The Scout Association's legacy
2027 marks many milestones in UK Scouts history and we wish to welcome you to celebrate with us. The 44th World Scout Conference marks 120 years since Scouts was founded and 20 years since the 2007 World Scout Jamboree in Essex.
The UK hasn't hosted the World Scout Conference since 1979. The 44th World Scout Conference would mark the return of the conference to London for the first time since the first Conference in 1920.
Why London?
London has lots to offer as host city for the 44th World Scout Conference. It's a vibrant cultural hotspot that celebrates diversity with festivals and events from different cultures. London fosters tolerance and understanding, hosts restaurants serving food from all over the world, and is home to places of worship, all of which ensure a rich tapestry of multicultural diversity in the city. With two potential venues and exceptional transport links, the 44th World Scout Conference will be an efficient and sustainable event.
Led by Nigel Hailey — Deputy Director for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree and former UK International Commissioner — our team has experience in organising large-scale events, including a recent conference for 1,000 senior volunteers.
As well as housing iconic landmarks, London is within easy reach of Gilwell Park and Brownsea Island. We'll organise trips to both historic sites before or after the conference to celebrate. We'll also offer an accompanying person's package.
Possible World Scout Conference venues
We've got two venue options so we can make sure the conference is affordable and as sustainable as possible.
Olympia is near Hammersmith in West London. It offers exclusive use of the National Hall and plenty of breakout rooms. There are two hotels onsite and a further twenty within walking distance, from hostels to five-star offerings. It has an array of food and drink choices onsite. It's also where the first World Scout Conference took place in 1920.
ExCel sits on the River Thames in East London. It's a modern international conference and exhibition centre offering exclusive use of its new conference halls, lots of exhibition space and breakout rooms. There are also many onsite eateries, and 12 hotels within walking distance with a range of prices.
Our selected venues champion sustainability. They've both signed up to challenging sustainable targets. ExCel became certified carbon neutral in 2022 and Olympia is investing in the local community to support the mission to end homelessness. Both venues use caterers that serve local produce and support local businesses.
London has pledged to become net zero by 2030 and has taken many steps to achieve this goal. London set up the London Green Fund to invest in initiatives to reduce the city’s carbon emissions. Both venues are within the London Ultra Low Emissions Zone.
Travel information
By air
London has five international airports connected to the city through train, bus or London Underground. You'll find direct flights to more than 400 different cities across the world. The largest airport, Heathrow, has a network of 218 non-stop flights to 84 different countries. There are also London City, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports. Heathrow and Gatwick would be the official Conference entry points.
By train
On the Eurostar, you can travel by train to the centre of London from regional hubs across Europe. You can travel directly from:
- Paris, France
- Brussels, Belgium
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cologne, Germany
There are also multiple high-speed connections that connect Europe to these hubs, meaning our World Scout Conference will be accessible to many countries without having to fly, leaving a more positive impact on our environment.
Travel in London
The London Underground and Overground connects the city with regular fast trains, allowing delegates easy, affordable, convenient and sustainable travel around the city.
London also has one of the most accessible bus networks in the world, with its famous red buses.
We're working with the London Convention Bureau to secure delegate travel passes for Transport for London, encouraging the use of public transport whilst in London.
There are also the iconic black cabs, and both Uber and Bolt offer taxi services across London.
Travelling across London is very accessible. There are 92 Underground stations and 60 Overground stations with step-free access. All Elizabeth line stations, Docklands Light Railway and tram stops have step-free access.
Delegates from around half of WOSM's member organisations won't need a visa. For those who do, we're working with the UK visa office to offer support during the application process.
Visit the UK Government's website to check if you need a visa to visit the UK. The UK Government's website can also help you work out the cost of your UK visa application.
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel. We strongly encourage anyone who needs a visa to apply at the earliest opportunity. Standard processing times are around 3 weeks.
We're working with the London Conference Bureau and UK Visas and Immigration to provide support and application tracking for those who need to apply.
We'll provide detailed guidance on the process, timings and costs along with supporting documents like a personalised letter of invitation for those who need to apply for visa.
You can find detailed guidance on the UK visa application process on the UK Government's website.
London boasts a great range of accommodation across the city, from hostels to five-star stays. As most are conveniently located near Tube stations, it'll be easy getting around. The wide selection of accommodation helps make the World Scout Conference affordable for every delegation.