London’s Olympia has secured a major international win, announcing it will host the 44th World Scout Conference in November 2027 – marking a poignant return to the venue where the very first global Scout gathering took place over a century ago.
The event, which brings together representatives from 176 National Scout Organisations worldwide, will welcome around 1,500 delegates to Olympia’s new International Convention Centre (ICC) from 29 November to 3 December 2027. The ICC, set to open in early 2026, forms a central part of Olympia’s £1.3bn transformation into a next-generation destination for international events, live entertainment, and cultural experiences.
A new era for an iconic venue
First opened in 1886, Olympia has long been a fixture in London’s event landscape – from hosting iconic exhibitions to major global conferences. Now managed by Olympia Events, in partnership with Legends Global, the venue is entering a new chapter designed to cement its position on the world stage.
The redevelopment project includes the creation of a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre, a 3,800-capacity live music venue, London’s largest purpose-built theatre in nearly 50 years, two hotels operated by citizenM and Hyatt Regency, and a diverse mix of restaurants and bars.
For the global events industry, the project represents one of the most ambitious transformations of a heritage venue in recent decades. The ICC will provide flexible, sustainable spaces purpose-built for modern international meetings — a major draw for organisations like the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), who sought a venue that balances global accessibility with cultural resonance.
A historic homecoming
The World Scout Conference is held every three years and serves as the key decision-making forum for the global Scouting movement. The 2027 edition will be particularly meaningful: not only does it mark 120 years since Scouting was founded, but it also celebrates a return to the site of the first-ever World Scout Conference and Jamboree, held at Olympia in 1920.
For the UK Scout Association, that history made the venue’s bid especially compelling.
“Olympia holds a special place in Scouting history, and this shared heritage makes it the perfect setting for such a significant moment,” said Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer and Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association. “We look forward to celebrating our history together and creating new memories that inspire the future of Scouting.”
The connection between the Scouts and Olympia goes beyond nostalgia. With Scouting now spanning almost every nation on earth, accessibility and cultural exchange are core priorities for the movement — and Olympia’s central London location offers both.
Delegates will be within easy reach of London’s transport network, hotels, and cultural districts, creating opportunities for informal learning and networking beyond the main sessions.
A venue built for the future
Olympia’s International Convention Centre is being purpose-designed to accommodate high-profile, multi-day conferences such as this one. Managed by Olympia Events and Legends Global, the facility will offer cutting-edge technology, integrated breakout spaces, and adaptable halls connected to the venue’s National, Central, and West Halls, providing a flexible footprint for events of varying scale.
Andy O’Sullivan, CEO of Olympia Events, described the announcement as a defining moment for the redevelopment:
“Hosting the 44th World Scout Conference is a hugely meaningful moment for Olympia. Scouting is closely linked to our venue’s history and welcoming this event back is a proud reminder of the global connections created here. Our redevelopment is transforming Olympia into a world-class destination, and we are honoured that this historic event will be part of its next chapter.”
That sense of continuity – linking Olympia’s rich heritage with its forward-looking reinvention – is key to the venue’s brand identity. Its combination of historic architecture and modern design positions it as a versatile choice for organisers seeking both prestige and practicality.
Looking ahead
As Olympia approaches the phased opening of its redeveloped spaces in 2026 and 2027, the World Scout Conference is expected to be one of the flagship international events showcasing the venue’s new capabilities.
The Olympia Events team will join London & Partners at IBTM World in Barcelona (18–20 November) to share more about the redevelopment and the opportunities it presents for large-scale association events and global conventions.
With its combination of heritage, innovation, and central London connectivity, Olympia is positioning itself not just as a venue, but as a destination that bridges past and future — and the return of the World Scout Conference symbolises exactly that.
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