News published 19 April 20026

Update regarding the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress that the Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum were selected to host in Chicago in 2027.

Following discussions between the Board of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the Chicago hosts, we have mutually agreed that Chicago will instead host the 10th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2030, and that an alternative host will be identified for the 9th Congress in 2027 or 2028. This decision has not been made lightly and is due to the difficulty delegates from many countries around the world are experiencing in obtaining visas to enter the United States. Broad, global participation remains a key objective for the Congress. BGCI’s Board is very grateful to the Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum for their flexibility in this regard.

While the shift in timing is not what we had originally planned, our commitment to the Congress remains unchanged. We look forward to showcasing Illinois as a global conservation hub to this international botanic garden audience. Once again, thank you for your help in presenting a compelling narrative for hosting the Congress in Chicago.

Thank you for your continued partnership and enthusiastic support.