Explore 2025: programme outline
Find out more about the weekend's evolving line-up, including speakers, workshops, schedules, and locations. More details will be published as the event approaches.
Your next great journey starts here!
Tickets for Explore 2025 are on sale now. Use the code EARLYEXPLORE2025 by Friday 1 August for 20% off!
Friday 31 October
Afternoon programme to be confirmed.
7.00pm Postcards from the field
Be inspired by the latest tales of discovery from recently returned expeditioners and geographical fieldworkers.
Saturday 1 November 2025
Doors open 9.00am.
Morning and afternoon main stage talks take place in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre (OLT), including sessions on how to prepare for an expedition, engaging with local communities, raising funds, and keeping safe. Exhibitor areas and drop-in advice desks operate throughout the day.
10.00am Welcome
10.10am Opening address
10.20am-11.15am Main stage talks
A range of inspiring stories from past Explore attendees, illuminating the diversity of geographical exploration in practice.
11.15am Break and refreshments
Will you meet a future expedition partner in the coffee queue?
11.45am-12.45pm Main stage talks
12.45pm Lunch
Network with peers and experts, and meet the exhibitors.
1.15pm Lunchtime workshops
2.15pm-3.15pm Main stage talks
3.15pm Break and refreshments
3.30pm Expedition logistics and safety workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops covering challenging environments, field safety, and health and well-being.
5.00pm Pitch your plans
Get expert feedback in this Dragon's Den-style pitching session!
5.30pm-7.00pm Short film screenings
6.00pm Explorers’ bar
9.00pm (Optional) informal dinner at Wagamama (20-minute walk)
Sunday 1 November 2025
Doors open 9.00am for 9.30am start.
Morning and afternoon main stage lectures including the importance of purpose and legacy, designing an effective project, ethical and responsible practice, field research opportunities, and new technologies to assist in data gathering and media capture.
9.30am Opening remarks
9.45am-11.00am Main stage talks
11.00am Break
11.30am-1.00pm Field research and medical workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops covering field research approaches, medical skills, and other purpose-driven activities.
1.00pm Lunch
2.15pm-2.55pm Break
3.15pm-4.30pm Communication and storytelling workshops
A choice of specialist sessions exploring content creation and dissemination in the field and upon return.
4.30pm Your priorities tomorrow
Event ends 5.00pm. Building closes at 7.00pm.
Stay updated on Explore
Be the first to hear when new speakers and workshops are added to the Explore programme by joining our expeditions and fieldwork mailing list.
- You will be asked to create a free RGS account if you haven't already done so.
- Once logged in, navigate to My preferences and select News and events about fieldwork and expeditions.
Speakers
Meet the expert speakers and facilitators who have generously shared tales, insights and advice from their involvement in expeditions and fieldwork at the Explore weekend.
Is Explore for me?
The Explore weekend brings together a diverse community united by a belief in geographical exploration as a force for good. Find out what to expect from being part of this unique gathering.
What do Explore attendees say?
In this collection of video testimonials, speakers, participants, and exhibitors share what makes attending Explore a life-changing experience.
Frequently asked questions
Attending the Explore weekend in London can seem a major commitment. We respond in detail to commonly-voiced questions and concerns.