The World Archaeological Congress (WAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Bid Guidelines for the Eleventh World Archaeological Congress (WAC-11), scheduled to take place in 2029. As the only global archaeological organization with elected international representation, WAC remains committed to fostering inclusive and equitable dialogue within the archaeological community, promoting the protection of cultural heritage, and supporting scholars, practitioners, and Indigenous voices worldwide.
Held every four years, WAC Congresses provide an unparalleled platform for scholars, heritage professionals, and community representatives to engage in discussions on archaeological theory, heritage management, and pressing global issues such as climate change, conflict, and social justice. Past Congresses have attracted between 900 and 1700 participants, offering a space for intellectual exchange, professional development, and cultural collaboration.
We now invite bids from prospective host institutions for WAC-11, to continue this tradition of global engagement and scholarly excellence. The bid submission deadline is April 30, 2025, and all applications must adhere to the requirements detailed in the Bid Guidelines document.
Prospective hosts must demonstrate their ability to provide the necessary infrastructure, financial security, and organizational capacity to deliver an inclusive and impactful Congress. Additionally, alignment with WAC’s mission — especially in ensuring access for Indigenous groups and researchers from economically disadvantaged regions — will be a key consideration in the selection process.
We encourage all interested parties to review the Bid Guidelines for WAC-11.
For any inquiries regarding the bidding process, and the submissions of proposals, please contact Dr Ndukuyakhe Ndlovu, the Secretary, World Archaeological Congress (ndukuyakhe@googlemail.com).
We look forward to receiving proposals that reflect the diversity and collaborative spirit of WAC!
Koji Mizoguchi
President
World Archaeological Congress (WAC)