The Opening Ceremonies of the 2026 International Geography Championships will take place on the morning of Sunday, July 5 in the JW Ballroom at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa Khao Lak. The Ceremonies will consist of the traditional parade of countries and states followed be words of welcome and announcements about the coming week. Immediately after the Opening Ceremonies, Competing Students will take the Battery Exam, and parents and other adults in the Family and Friends will take part in the Family and Friends Geography Bee.
The Opening Gala Dinner, which is required for all guests staying at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, will take place on the evening of July 5, the first full day of competitions. The dinner will also feature various medals ceremonies as well as the final match of the Adults Division of the Family and Friends Geography Bee. The dinner will likely have two seatings to accommodate all guests.
The Closing Ceremonies and Gala Dinner will take place on the evening of July 11, the final day of competitions at IGC 2026. The Gala Dinner is required for all Competing Students, all guests at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, and at least one accompanying adult for any families who are exempt from the Stay to Play Policy. The Closing Ceremonies and Gala Dinner, which will likely be held in two stages so that everyone can be accommodated, will also feature the final medals ceremonies and the announcement of the overall champions of IGC 2026!
Throughout check-in day on July 4, and at various other times during the week when mandatory events are not otherwise in session, our staff will conduct informal buzzer practice sessions, some of which may be poolside or on the beach, weather conditions and space availability permitting.
The Press Corps, which was a popular part of the 2025 International History Olympiad, will also be open to all students coming to IGC 2026 as well. Students will have a chance to report on the competitions, field trips, and other events at IGC for the IGC website, the IAC social media accounts, and potentially media outlets in their hometowns and regions. Further details will be forthcoming in advance of IGC.
As in 2024, IGC 2026 will feature an optional Family Scavenger Hunt on arrival day, July 4, which at IGC 2026 will be for families enrolled in the Family and Friends Program. This will feature various quizzes and other tasks, and provide students and families with an opportunity to get to know the resort grounds firsthand. Details will only be posted immediately prior to the beginning of the competition.