• Stage 1 – each May IFLA issues a call for expressions of interest from member national associations, or similar representative association member, for the Congress to be held three years ahead. Submissions are due by mid July and must respond to the required criteria. The IFLA Congress Advisory Committee then makes a recommendation to the August Governing Board meeting on the selected shortlist of host candidates. IFLA will not accept submissions from non-member organizations;
  • Stage 2 – discussions are held with shortlisted host candidates between September and November. The Congress Advisory Committee will make its recommendation of two or three final candidates to the December Governing Board meeting;
  • Stage 3 – in January, IFLA will confirm further details for the Congress and in February undertake site visits. A final recommendation is made to the April Governing Board meeting. The successful and unsuccessful candidates are advised. Business arrangements and planning for the WLIC commence. At the WLIC [in August] that year the host and site for the WLIC in two years time is announced.