Explore Weekend Open Call
As we approach the 50th anniversary, we are opening a limited number of sessions to new and emerging voices through an open call.
The RGS Explore Weekend (6–8 November 2026, Royal Geographical Society, London) is the UK’s leading event for explorers pursuing a diverse range of purposes to meet and learn from each other. This multigenerational gathering typically attracts 350–400 attendees annually.
As we approach the 50th anniversary, we are opening a limited number of sessions to new and emerging voices through an open call.
What we are looking for
We are particularly interested in contributions that:
- Expose new or evolving forms of expeditionary practice
- Share practical, experience-based learnings
- Come from non-traditional or underrepresented pathways
- Challenge assumptions about what geographical exploration is and who undertakes it
Session format
Open call contributions will typically be delivered as short, structured breakout sessions
- Location: breakout rooms across the building
- Capacity: typically 15–35 people (intimate, discussion-friendly environments)
- Typical formats:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Hands-on demonstrations
- Facilitated discussions
Rooms will include standard AV facilities:
- Presentation screen and laptop
- Ability to show PowerPoint slides, video and audio (materials submitted in advance)
Sessions must:
- Make a clear contribution to promoting a broad and modern understanding of exploration
- Be tailored to an experience level relevant to attendees
Programme positioning
Open call sessions will primarily be scheduled within dedicated programme blocks, where multiple breakout spaces host parallel sessions. This creates a focused window in which participants can explore a range of topics and perspectives.
A small number of contributions may be integrated elsewhere in the programme where there is strong topic alignment.
Important things to be aware of
- Sessions will be attended by a limited number of participants due to room capacity
- We may invite some contributors to give a short (30 second) introduction on the main stage before their session
- Sessions will not be recorded, except by request and then only if technical capacity allows
- We regret that not all submissions will be selected
What we are not looking for
To keep the programme focused and useful for participants, we are unlikely to select:
- Purely personal expedition retrospectives without broader relevance
- Unstructured talks without a clear takeaway
- Sessions with a sales, marketing or promotional focus
Before you submit
Please consider:
- What will participants leave with after your session?
- How does your idea add something new to the Explore Weekend programme?
- Where does your contribution sit within the broad theme of geographical exploration?
Watch past Explore talks and read past programmes to get a flavour of what has come before.
Submit your idea
Applications are made via the form linked below. We ask all contributors, including those approaching us directly, to use this process so that we can fairly review and compare proposals
Submissions will be assessed based on:
- Alignment with programme intent
- Clarity and usefulness
- Contribution to diversity of perspectives
- Ability to deliver within a structured breakout format
Selection in competitive and space is limited. Selected proposals will be offered a complimentary full weekend ticket for the Explore Weekend.
If you have any questions before making an application, please contact the RGS Explore Team on explore@rgs.org