Want to Host?
The call to host ICOE 2026 is now open.
Deadline to submit applications: 30 April 2024
The International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) is a global ocean energy event focused on the industrial development of renewable ocean energy. Held every two years, the goal of the conference and exhibition is to share recent experiences from research and demonstration efforts.
ICOE brings together hundreds of people from across the sector, including politicians, senior decision-makers and key industrial players.
The event is organised by a host country team, expected to engage with the full geography of the developing world of ocean energy. The delivery team can be a national/regional energy agency or association and/or government energy development agency.
In addition to the conference (with plenary and parallel sessions), the event should include a trade exhibition to strength the industrial approach and a poster session to attract researchers and young professionals. The event can additionally include side events such as technical visits, social activities and workshops.
The IEA-OES will lead the competitive process to select the host country team.
How to Apply:
Applicants to host an ICOE event should send an Expression of Interest to the OES, including the following information:
- An overall explanation on why the organization/entity wants to host ICOE. It should also include the organization’s understanding of the role and concept of ICOE and how that relates to the potential host’s mission and offerings;
- Proposed conference dates;
- Description of the proposed Conference venue and available conference facilities;
- Description of previous experience in the organization of international events;
- Management and administrative mechanisms which the host will put in place for the preparation and hosting of the conference;
- Outline of the staffing and support personnel available during the event;
- Description of side activities such as conference reception, gala dinner, and potential ties with other relevant events, including technical visits and workshops;
- An outline budget for the conference (applicants should assume complete financial responsibility for the offering);
- Any other information that the applicants consider will support their competitive bid;
- Contact information for the administrator(s) serving as the lead person(s) on the conference.
The proposal should be endorsed by the country delegate or should be accompanied with a support letter from the national government.
If the event application pertains to a European location: To avoid the overlap between ICOE and the Annual Conference of Ocean Energy Europe (OEE), both of which share a similar focus and audience, we encourage European candidates applying to host ICOE 2026 to actively seek collaboration and partnership with OEE.
Q&A:
1. The fact that the OES is advising applicants to seek collaboration with OEE when the conference pertains to be in Europe, does it mean that the preferred location for ICOE 2026 will be in Europe?
No, applications from all OES member countries are welcomed. When the conference is set to be hosted in a European city, the applicant is just encouraged to initiate discussions with Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) and consider collaboration.
2. If the conference will be in a European city, does that mean that collaboration with OEE is obliged?
No, there is no obligation to work together with OEE but to avoid conflicts with the OEE conference which share a similar focus and audience, we recommend ICOE be planned for 2026-Q1/Q2.
3. Is it expected that applications are submitted by a single applicant or is a consortium of partners also eligible?
Single organizations but also a consortium of two or more organizations can submit an application. Partners in a consortium should establish a financial and operational framework for the collaboration. It’s essential that parties negotiate terms that reflect a balanced sharing of responsibilities, risks, and benefits. Applicants should detail their proposed management and budgeting plans in their Expression of Interest according to the specific requirements, whether they are bidding in collaboration or on an independent basis.
