According to World Sailing, the organisation's 2026 Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony will take place in Qingdao, Shandong Province –"China's Sailing City" – from November 16 to 21, 2026.

This year's World Sailing Annual Conference will bring together over 400 international delegates and numerous sailing luminaries to pay tribute to the sport and jointly chart the future course of sailing development.

"We are truly honoured to have chosen this city, with its deep‑rooted sailing heritage, as the venue for our next Annual Conference. Qingdao hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games and has, for decades, continued to welcome competitors from around the world to a wide range of premier sailing regattas," said David Graham, Chief Executive Officer of World Sailing."The Annual Conference is always a particularly significant gathering, where the global sailing community comes together to discuss proposals, review the industry's achievements, exchange ideas on enhancing the experience for sailors at all levels, frankly address the various challenges facing the sport worldwide, and open up new opportunities for its development."

"The World Sailing Awards Ceremony is undoubtedly the highlight of the year's activities," Graham emphasised."It is an occasion to share and celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes across all disciplines, while also recognising those who have consistently dedicated themselves to innovation and the growth of sailing around the globe."

World Sailing is the global governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Founded in 1907, its vision is to inspire more people to embrace sailing. Leveraging the unique connection between sport, technology, and nature, all its members work together to protect the world's waters.

World Sailing is composed of 149 Member National Authorities (the national governing bodies for sailing in each country and region) as well as over 100 World Sailing class associations.