We have received a load of inquiries from people around the world who want to join the forum in person. So far, we have only been able to extend an invitation to very few. But this year, we’ve reserved a limited number of seats for people coming from outside India who should be there but who are not yet on our radar.

Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and other expenses.

In case you want to get a personal invitation, here’s what to do:

1. Write an email and share with us your
   • name
   • organisation
   • email
   • phone number
   • country
   • short pitch (why you should get a personal invitation to join the forum).
2. Send it to samuel.augustin@gov.fi for processing.*

So sharpen your pencil, mail us and get your enthusiastic thumbs up. We’ll let you know within a week, if an invitation will be coming your way!

*Our co-host CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) manages the registration process.

Do you want to bring local circularity experts and enthusiasts together to connect and collaborate? We have an idea: host a WCEF2026 Studio! 

This year’s World Circular Economy Forum is held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India from 15 to 18 September. Anyone can participate in the forum online, but in-person attendance is by invitation only. To encourage broader participation in the forum and strengthen local circularity networks around the world, we have once again opened the call for applications to organise studio events.   

WCEF2026 Studios support the annual main event from anywhere in the world. They deliver all or part of the main forum programme while incorporating additional elements to select local audiences, live or online. Studios can be used to connect discussions on local circular economy topics and solutions with relevant content from the main event. Additional programmes can include local keynotes, round table discussions, workshops, and networking, for example.  

Studios can be held during the main event from 15 to 16 September or using the recordings of the sessions until 4 October 2026. 

The theme of the studio must be related to the circular economy, optimally connecting local topics with relevant WCEF2026 content. To qualify as a WCEF Studio event, the programme must feature at least one full session from the WCEF2026 main event, either livestreamed or shown as a recording. If organised during the main event, any additional programme should take place during the breaks or before or after the main event’s programme. 

Any language can be used in a WCEF Studio, but be aware that official forum content is only available in English. The host is responsible for all practicalities and expenses related to organising the studio, including the venue, possible virtual event platform, local programme content, invitations, registrations, marketing and communications, as well as possible translations.  

If you are interested in organising a WCEF2026 Studio, please fill in the application online.

For any questions, please feel free to ask Sitra at contactus.wcef@sitra.fi. The deadline for applications is 28 August 23:59 IST (UTC+5:30).

The WCEF2026 organisers welcome companies and organisations large and small to apply to host a stand at the WCEF2026 Expo Area at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, India. You can explore the variety of expo hosts presented at WCEF2025 for inspiration. Read more to find out how to apply!    

Application criteria

Our selection focuses on scalable circular innovations that drive sustainable growth, accelerate the green transition. We welcome multi-stakeholder solutions that address key leverage points—innovation, policy, finance, business and skill-building—to power a circular transition for people and prosperity. 

The applicant must commit to be actively present at the WCEF2026 Expo Area during the entire duration of the main forum on 15-16 September 2026 at Mahatma Mandir convention centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.   

Please note that no trading, commerce or sales activities are allowed at the expo area. Further terms and conditions for hosting will be sent to the selected expo stand hosts.  

Stand characteristics and costs  

The expo area will consist of a selection of around 150 stands. The basic set-up for each stand will include the use of:   

• Standard exhibition stands and fascia signage 
• Wall for signage and logo  
• Bistro table / meeting table     
• Carpet  
• Electricity for 3 devices (single phase 5A or three-phase 15A, upto 1kW*)
• One 46” screen  
• Lockable storage locker 
• Chairs- 4
• Graphic design and printing for sign and logo 
• Standard lighting through 3 LED lights 
• Wi-Fi connectivity 
• Delegate passes for 3 authorised representatives (personal, non-transferrable)
• Housekeeping of common exhibition areas

The stands are available in two sizes:

• Standard (9 m²) for INR 2,25,000 (USD 2,330)
• Premium (18 m²) for INR 4,50,000 (USD 4,660)

At additional cost, the stand host can add: 

• Laptop for INR 5,000 (USD 52) for 2 days or INR 2,500 (USD 26) per day
• Electricity load exceeding 1kW for INR 4,500 (USD 47) per kW

All taxes are included in the prices.  

The expo area stand hosts will cover their own travel and other expenses and make all related arrangements for these. Food will be provided within the expo halls during exhibition time for the fixed three representatives receiving forum passes. 

Please note that WCEF2026 is organised according to circular economy principles, so please do not bring future waste (e.g. brochures or giveaways) to the stands.  

Application

Submit your application online by 17 August 2026 at 23:59 IST (UTC+5:30). The application deadline has been extended. All international applications submitted by the original submission date (10 August) will be processed immediately and applicants informed of next steps. All Indian applications and new international applications will be processed after 17 August. The selection will be carried out within 10 days and all applicants will be informed via email. Please note that the forum co-hosts CPCB and Sitra hold the conclusive right to decide the WCEF2026 Expo Area stand hosts.   

More information

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India acts as the data controller for WCEF2026 and is responsible for managing the registration and expo application processes. If you have any questions related to the expo, please contact wcef2026expo@gov.in.