Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)
Registration
When will registration for WGC2026 open?
Registration is now open! Secure your spot today and take advantage of early bird rates for a limited time: WGC2026 Registration
What registration options are available?
We offer several registration options to ensure accessibility and fairness for all participants. Please review the categories below to find the one that best fits your situation.
IGA Member
If you are a member of the International Geothermal Association (IGA), you qualify for the member rate.
Note: All registrations under this category will be verified by the IGA.
Non-Member
This category is for delegates who are not currently members of the IGA.
You are warmly invited to participate in WGC2026 and enjoy full access to the conference program.
Join us and become an IGA member here: JOIN US!
Student
Students are eligible for a reduced registration fee.
Please upload a clear photo of your current student ID (front and back) during registration.
Volunteer
Students can also apply to join the WGC2026 Student Volunteer Program and receive complimentary registration in exchange for helping during the event. Volunteers gain hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and more.
Special Category A
Delegates residing in one of the following countries are eligible for a discounted registration rate:
Angola | Ghana | Micronesia, Fed. Sts. | Sri Lanka |
Bangladesh | Guinea | Morocco | São Tomé and Príncipe |
Benin | Haiti | Myanmar | Tajikistan |
Bhutan | Honduras | Namibia | Tanzania |
Bolivia | India | Nepal | Timor-Leste |
Cambodia | Jordan | Nicaragua | Tunisia |
Cameroon | Kenya | Nigeria | Uzbekistan |
Comoros | Kiribati | Pakistan | Vanuatu |
Congo, Rep. | Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) | Papua New Guinea | Vietnam |
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Lao PDR (Laos) | Philippines | West Bank and Gaza |
Djibouti | Lebanon | Samoa | Zambia |
Egypt, Arab Rep. | Lesotho | Senegal | Zimbabwe |
Eswatini | Mauritania | Solomon Islands |
To qualify, your current address must live in one of the countries listed above.
Special Category B
Delegates residing in one of the following countries are eligible for an additional discounted rate:
Afghanistan | Eritrea | Malawi | Somalia |
Burkina Faso | Gambia | Mali | South Sudan |
Burundi | Guinea-Bissau | Mozambique | Sudan |
Central African Republic | Korea, Dem. People’s Rep. | Niger | Syrian Arab Republic |
Chad | Liberia | Rwanda | Togo |
Congo, Dem. Rep. | Madagascar | Sierra Leone | Uganda |
Yemen, Rep. |
To qualify, your current address must live in one of the countries listed above.
Which Countries qualify for a Registration in Special Categories A and B?
Special Category A
Delegates residing in one of the following countries are eligible for a discounted registration rate:
Angola | Ghana | Micronesia, Fed. Sts. | Sri Lanka |
Bangladesh | Guinea | Morocco | São Tomé and Príncipe |
Benin | Haiti | Myanmar | Tajikistan |
Bhutan | Honduras | Namibia | Tanzania |
Bolivia | India | Nepal | Timor-Leste |
Cambodia | Jordan | Nicaragua | Tunisia |
Cameroon | Kenya | Nigeria | Uzbekistan |
Comoros | Kiribati | Pakistan | Vanuatu |
Congo, Rep. | Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) | Papua New Guinea | Vietnam |
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Lao PDR (Laos) | Philippines | West Bank and Gaza |
Djibouti | Lebanon | Samoa | Zambia |
Egypt, Arab Rep. | Lesotho | Senegal | Zimbabwe |
Eswatini | Mauritania | Solomon Islands |
To qualify, your current address must live in one of the countries listed above.
Special Category B
Delegates residing in one of the following countries are eligible for an additional discounted rate:
Afghanistan | Eritrea | Malawi | Somalia |
Burkina Faso | Gambia | Mali | South Sudan |
Burundi | Guinea-Bissau | Mozambique | Sudan |
Central African Republic | Korea, Dem. People’s Rep. | Niger | Syrian Arab Republic |
Chad | Liberia | Rwanda | Togo |
Congo, Dem. Rep. | Madagascar | Sierra Leone | Uganda |
Yemen, Rep. |
To qualify, your current address must live in one of the countries listed above.
What are the registration rates?
Category |
Early Registration (On or before January 15, 2026) |
Regular Registration (On or before April 24, 2026) |
Late / Onsite Registration (On or after April 25, 2026) |
IGA Member | $1,575 CAD | $1,775 CAD | $1,975 CAD |
Non-Member | $1,700 CAD | $1,900 CAD | $2,100 CAD |
Special Category A | $1,300 CAD | $1,400 CAD | $1,500 CAD |
Special Category B | $750 CAD | $850 CAD | $950 CAD |
Student | $675 CAD | $800 CAD | $900 CAD |
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration Fee Includes:
- Admission to all scientific/technical sessions
- Welcome Reception
- Entrance to Exhibit Hall
- Coffee breaks
- Light Lunch
Short courses and field trips will be announced and open for additional booking closer to the conference date.
If you have any questions regarding registration or accommodations for WGC2026, please do not hesitate to contact us at wgc-2026-registration@venuewest.com
I am a member of an IGA-affiliated organization. Do I get the IGA member discount?
Yes! Here’s how to get it:
- Register as a member on the IGA website. Your national association can provide you with a special code that allows you to register as an individual member for free!
- Once you are registered as an IGA member, you can sign up for the WGC2026 using the special IGA member rate.
Which national associations are IGA-affiliated members?
The International Geothermal Association works with affiliated national and regional associations around the world. Members of these associations qualify for the IGA member discount:
Australian Geothermal Association (Australia) | Unione Geotermica Italiana (Italy) |
Geothermal Canada (Canada) | Geothermal Research Society of Japan (Japan) |
Geothermal Professional Committee of China Energy Research (China) | Geothermal Association of Kenya (Kenya) |
Geothermal Association of Colombia (Colombia) | Mexican Geothermal Association (Mexico) |
Estonian Geothermal Asoication (Estonia) | Dutch Stichting Platform Geothermie (Netherlands) |
Ethiopian Geothermal Association (Ethiopia) | New Zealand Geothermal Association (New Zealand) |
French Association of Geothermal Professionals (France) | Polish Geothermal Society (Poland) |
Bundesverband Geothermie (Germany) | Serbian Geothermal Association (Serbia) |
Hungarian Geothermal Association (Hungary) | Geothermie-Schweiz (Switzerland) |
Geothermal Association of Iceland (Iceland) | Geothermal Ukraine (Ukraine) |
Indonesian Geothermal Energy Association (Indonesia) | Geothermal Rising (USA) |
Iranian Geothermal Energy Association (Iran) |
Programme
What does the programme look like?
-
Short Courses: 6 & 7 June 2026
- Welcome Reception: 7 June 2026 (evening)
-
Technical Program, Panels & Roundtables: 8 – 11 June 2026
- Western Social Event (a.k.a. “Conference Dinner”): 10 June 2026
-
Field Trips: starting 12 June 2026
Please find more information about the program here: WGC2026 Program
When will I be able to sign up for short courses and field trips?
Short courses and field trips will be announced and open for booking closer to the conference date. Once available, you’ll simply be able to add them to your existing WGC2026 registration via the portal – no need to register again.
Accommodation
Is there accommodation arranged for the conference?
Yes, we’ve secured hotel block reservations at several Calgary hotels, and you’ll be able to book your room at special conference rates. Please find an overview here: WGC2026 Accommodation. Your can book during the conference registration process, where you can select your preferred hotel, room type, and complete your reservation directly.
VISA Application
Do I need a visa to attend WGC2026 in Canada?
Visa Requirements and Application
Please refer to the IRCC website to learn about a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) and the application process. Please note that visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the information presented by the applicant. While a special event code has been assigned to the event, it does not guarantee any advantage to the applicant in terms of a positive visa outcome. The applicant must meet all the eligibility criteria in order to receive a visa.
Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check the processing times calculator for guidance, but generally we recommend applying at least 24-32 weeks in advance of the departure date to ensure the attendee receives the visa in time for the start of the event. Participants coming in from most African countries should be advised it may take up to 325 days so you are encouraged to start your process early.
Biometrics Expansion
Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence, you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Since November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA.
Helpful Links
Will WGC2026 provide visa invitation letters?
All delegates who require a visa to enter Canada may request an official Letter of Invitation from the conference organizers upon registration to help facilitate the immigration process. Please note that Letters of Invitation are only issued to delegates who have paid their registration fees in full. The letter aims to assist participants for their travel to Canada and does not imply any commitment for the Conference Organizer to provide financial support. Please note that cancellations after the pre-registration cut-off may result in a partial or full cancellation fee.
It is recommended that you start the visa application process as early as possible. Processing times may vary by country.
A visa invitation letter is no guarantee to receive a visa, and it is the sole responsibility of the attendee to contact the embassy or consulate to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry into the country.
What if I register and apply for my visa on time, but still don’t receive it before the conference?
In these special cases, if you can provide proof that you applied for your visa with the special code, on time and without delay, we will issue a full refund of your registration fee.