The 24th World Orchid Conference was held in Dresden, Germany, from March 26 to 29, 2026, organised by the German Orchid Society. This event brought together orchid enthusiasts, researchers, and growers from around the world to share knowledge and celebrate the diversity of orchids.
What is the World Orchid Conference?
The World Orchid Conference is a major international gathering that takes place every three years in a different country. It serves as a key meeting point for people interested in orchids, whether they are scientists, hobbyists, or professional growers. At the conference, attendees can learn about new research, see rare orchid species on display, and exchange ideas about cultivation and conservation. The event helps strengthen the global orchid community and promotes the study and protection of these plants.
Why Dresden mattered for orchid lovers
Hosting the conference in Dresden gave attendees a chance to experience the city’s botanical offerings and connect with the German Orchid Society, which played a central role in organizing the event. Germany has a long history of orchid cultivation and research, and the conference highlighted local contributions to the field. For many visitors, it was an opportunity to see how orchids are grown and studied in a European context, with access to specialized nurseries, botanical gardens, and expert talks.
The OSSEA Fellowship honours
During the conference, the Orchid Society of South East Asia presented its Fellowship awards to individuals who have made important and visible contributions to orchidology. The Fellowship is a respected recognition in the orchid world, limited to a total of 36 recipients. Each Fellow receives a gold medal and is made an honorary member of the society. At the 24th World Orchid Conference in Dresden, the following individuals were honoured: Olaf Gruss from Germany, Ron McHatton from the United States, Julian Shaw from the United Kingdom, and Cássio van den Berg from Brazil. Their work has advanced understanding in areas such as orchid classification, cultivation, and conservation.
Continuing the conversation
After the event, the American Orchid Society offered a webinar titled ‘Take a Virtual Trip to Dresden, the 2026 World Orchid Conference,’ led by orchid expert Kay Perry. This allowed those who could not attend in person to learn about the conference’s highlights and the experiences shared in Dresden. Such follow-up efforts help extend the impact of the conference beyond its dates, keeping the orchid community engaged and informed. The World Orchid Conference remains a vital event for fostering collaboration and passion for orchids across borders and generations.
Conference Location and Organisation
The 24th World Orchid Conference was hosted in Dresden, Germany, from March 26 to 29, 2026, and was organised by the German Orchid Society (Deutsche Orchideen-Gesellschaft e.V.). World Orchid Conferences are held every three years in a different country.
American Orchid Society Webinar
The American Orchid Society later ran a webinar titled ‘Take a Virtual Trip to Dresden, the 2026 World Orchid Conference’, led by orchid expert Kay Perry. This webinar allowed those who could not attend in person to learn about the conference’s highlights and the experiences shared in Dresden.
Sources
Based on: aos.org · ossea.org.sg. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.