World Design Congress Terms and Conditions

World Design Congress Terms and Conditions

Event Dates: 9 and 10 September 2025

Event Location: Barbican Centre, London, United Kingdom, or on the World Design Congress 2025 online platform for Online ticket holders.

1. Introduction

It is understood that each registered individual is expected to have read and agree to the terms and conditions below in advance of their attendance at the World Design Congress.

World Design Organization (WDO)® reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time and without prior notice.

The latest version of these terms and conditions is posted both in the online registration system and in the members’ area of the WDO website wdo.org/login.

Definitions

The following definitions are established for the purpose of this document only:

  • The 34th World Design Congress, hereafter referred to as ‘the Event’ will be held from 9 to 11 September 2025 and include a two-day conference (9-10 September) and one day General Assembly (11 September);
  • The coordinators of the Event are the Design Council, hereafter referred to as ‘Host Organizer’ and World Design Organization, hereafter referred to as ‘WDO’;
  • The Event will be held in London (UK), hereafter referred to as ‘the Host Country’;
  • Member organizations are entitled to representation at the World Design Congress by up to two (2) individuals, hereafter referred to as ‘Delegates’. Each member has one (1) vote, with the exception of Associate Members, in accordance with the WDO Constitution and Bylaws;
  • In addition to the two Delegates, each member is encouraged to host one (1) young professional at the World Design Congress. Aged 18 to 35, young professionals are invited to attend as Observers;
  • Collectively, Observers and individuals representing member organizations are referred to here as ‘Attendees’.

These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Canada – the country of domicile of the headquarters of WDO.

2. Participant Obligations

Registration

Delegates may access their online registration account using the link provided to their Official Contact to register, amend or cancel their registration, including substitution of attending Delegates, from the launch date of the registration site six (6) months prior to the Event, until 15 August 2025 at 23:59 BST, after which time all amendments and/or cancellations must be communicated directly to the Secretariat by email to
assembly@wdo.org

Travel & accommodation

Travel and accommodation costs and arrangements are the responsibility of Attendees.

WDO recommends Attendees purchase adequate personal health and travel insurance for the duration of their trip.

Attendees with food and other allergies, or particular dietary requirements, are advised to include this information as part of their registration details and pay special attention to the ingredients of meals.

Entry to Host Country

Attendees registered for the Event are not automatically guaranteed or granted entry to the Host Country.

Attendees are responsible for having a valid passport and if required, to apply for and obtain a valid visitor’s visa for entry into the Host Country for the duration of the Event.

Attendees are strongly advised to check the relevant visa requirements with the government of the Host Country in advance of their dates of travel. For information on visa requirements for the Host Country, visit: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/tourist-short-stay-visas

The government of the Host Country holds the right to deny entry to Attendees who do not meet the requirements of entry, or are prohibited from entering the Host Country in accordance with its laws and regulations.

Preparation & professional conduct

WDO will deliver communications of good intentions to the registered Attendees relating to the registration process, agenda and proceedings, and logistics.

Attendees are expected to read all communications regarding the Event issued by WDO and respond in accordance with the deadlines stated.

Delegates are expected to be familiar with and abide by the regulations in the WDO Constitution and By-laws that govern their participation in the Event.

Delegates are responsible for ensuring that all membership fees are paid in full prior to making arrangements to attend the Event. WDO will refuse entry to Delegates who represent a member organization whose membership fees are not paid in full prior to the Event.

3. WDO's Obligations

Confidentiality

When Attendees enter personal information into the online registration form, the Host Organizer and WDO will retain this information for event operational requirements only and will not share this information with any other party.

Cancellation and postponement

WDO reserves the right at any time, in accordance with the WDO Constitution and By-laws, to cancel or postpone the Event, to change the venue and/or timelines, to make changes or amendments to the published programme, and to withdraw the invitation issued to attend the Event.

Admittance

Registration for the Event does not guarantee entry. Specifically:

  1. Any Attendee who represents a member organization that is not in good standing with WDO will be refused entry to the Event, in accordance with the WDO Constitution and By-laws;
  2. Any Attendee who in WDO’s judgement is found to be unmanageable or a danger to the safety and participation of other attendees will be refused entry to the Event.

In the event that an individual is refused entry for any of the above reasons, no compensation will be given by WDO.

Liability

Neither WDO, nor the Host Organizer, nor their partners and/or sponsors, shall be responsible for:

  1. Loss of, or damage to, property belonging to, or travelling with, Attendees;
  2. Financial losses, or additional expenses, of any kind;
  3. Personal injury or death of any Attendees arising from the Event, which includes transportation and associated events and tours.

Privacy and consent to event photography and recording

By accepting these terms and conditions, Attendees hereby give their individual permission to have photos and audio or video recordings taken of them and for those images and recordings to be used for promotional purposes by WDO or the Host Organizer to aid its activities and to document the Event.

By attending the Event, you consent to the use of your image, likeness, and voice in such recordings without compensation or further notice.

Photographs and recordings taken during the Event may be used in marketing materials, social media, websites, and other media platforms associated with the Host Organization and/or WDO.

Other conditions

Donations made to the Design Council as a registered charity are non-refundable.

Buyers who also purchase “Eight Decades of Design: Design Council 1944-Today” must collect their copy at the World Design Congress Event, on 9 or 10 September 2025, by showing their ticket. In the event that you are not able to attend the event but have purchased the “Eight Decades of British Design: Design Council 1944-Today” book, you will be issued with a full refund for the cost of the book.

Accepting these terms and conditions, also means accepting those outlined by the Host Organizer found here: https://www.worlddesigncongresslondon.com/en/terms-and-conditions

Questions or additional information

If you have any questions regarding this declaration, please contact Dorothée Bolade, WDO Community Engagement Officer.

World Design Organization (WDO)®

e: assembly@wdo.org