RGS Explore Weekend programme
Find out about the RGS Explore Weekend 2025 programme, including speakers, workshops, schedules, and locations. More details will be published as the event approaches.
Book your ticket!
Tickets for the RGS Explore Weekend 2025 are now on sale, costing 拢95 for members and 拢125 for non-members.
Friday 31 October 2025
Afternoon programme to be confirmed.
6.30pm 鈥� Postcards from the field
Be inspired by the latest tales of discovery from recently returned explorers. This event is included in the price of a full weekend ticket.
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Today is all about igniting your passion for exploration with a series of main stage talks from seasoned expeditioners and field professionals sharing their stories and expertise. After lunch, dive deeper into the practical side of expeditions with focused workshops, and put your plans to the test in our pitching session. As the day winds down, relax and network at the Explorers鈥� Bar before the evening film screening.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10.00am | Welcome |
| 10.10am | Opening address |
| 10.20am-11.15am | Main stage talks
A range of inspiring stories from past Explore Weekend attendees, illuminating the diversity of geographical exploration in practice. View confirmed speakers.
|
| 11.15am | Break and refreshments
Will you meet a future expedition partner in the coffee queue?
|
| 11.45am-12.45pm | Main stage talks |
| 12.45pm | Lunch with Firepot
Network with peers and experts, and meet the exhibitors.
|
| 1.15pm | Lunchtime workshops |
| 2.15pm-3.15pm | Main stage talks |
| 3.15pm | Break and refreshments |
| 3.30pm | Expedition logistics, skills and safety workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops in several categories. Challenging environments: mountains and trekking; polar and Arctic; desert and savannah; tropical forests Mode of transport: vehicle-supported expeditions; bicycle journeys; paddling rivers and oceans Leadership skills: team building and conflict resolution |
| 5.00pm | Pitch your plans
Get expert feedback in this Dragon's Den-style pitching session!
|
| 5.30pm-7.00pm | Film screening
An exclusive screening of Expedition Amazon in partnership with National Geographic. .
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| 6.00pm | Explorers鈥� Bar |
| 9.00pm | (Optional) dinner at Wagamama
A 20-minute walk away on Kensington High Street.
|
Sunday, 2 November 2025
The second day of the Explore Weekend is dedicated to equipping you with in-depth knowledge for your next expedition. The day kicks off with a series of specialised workshops on field research and purpose-driven travel. In the afternoon, fine-tune your plans with practical medical workshops and explore communication and storytelling techniques to share your findings with the world.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9.00am | Doors open |
| 9.30am | Opening remarks
With this year's Explore Weekend chair Paul Rose
|
| 9.45am-11.00am | Main stage talks |
| 11.00am | Break |
| 11.30am-1.00pm | Field research and purposeful travel workshops
Select one of the subject-specific workshops covering field research approaches, ethical and responsible travel, and other purpose-driven activities.
Marine science and exploration Human, medical, and social science fieldwork Biodiversity surveys and conservation Earth and environmental sciences Mapping, including the use of drones for fieldwork Responsible travel Citizen Science, for those willing to help collect important data without being a professional scientist |
| 1.00pm | Lunch |
| 2.15pm-3.15pm | Main stage talks
A series of talks running in parallel with the expedition medicine workshops.
Expedition medicine workshops These three 45-minute workshops run in parallel with main stage talks. Topics include:聽
Medical planning, including comprehensive kits Women鈥檚 health for all Well-being in the wild |
| 3.15pm-4.30pm | Communication and story-telling workshops
This choice of specialist sessions explores content creation and dissemination both in the field and upon return. Select one workshop from the following options:聽
Visual storytelling through film, video, shorts, and reels Storytelling and public speaking opportunities Planning your social media strategy Writing projects, including blogs and subscription services Creating educational resources, including podcasts and radio Creative projects: art, exhibitions, photography and more |
| 4.30pm | Your priorities tomorrow
Closing remarks with this year's Explore Weekend chair Paul Rose.
|
| 5.00pm | Event ends |
| 7.00pm | Building closes |
- Conference
Challenging maps and exploration symposium
Join us for a day of expert panels discussing the connections, historical and contemporary, between maps and exploration. Event sponsored by the Sunderland Collection.
London and onlineOpen to allThursday 30 October 2025 - Workshop
Inclusive fieldwork and expeditions seminar: race and disability
This seminar, facilitated by Equal Adventure, introduces the inclusion of disability and race in expeditions and fieldwork. It is designed for field leaders who want to develop a more inclusive approach to their expedition and fieldwork practice.
LondonOpen to allThursday 30 October 2025 - Short talks
Welcome home: postcards from the field
Short talks from recently returned expeditions and field research projects 鈥� hear what they did and the lessons they learned. Followed by a chance to meet, connect, and celebrate their work.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)Open to allFriday 31 October 2025
Stay updated on the RGS Explore Weekend and more
Be the first to hear when new speakers and workshops are added to the programme by subscribing to the Society's monthly exploration, expeditions and fieldwork newsletter.
- You will be asked to if you haven't already done so.
- Once logged in, navigate to and select News and events about fieldwork and expeditions.
Speakers
Meet the expert speakers and facilitators who have generously shared tales, insights and advice from their involvement in expeditions and fieldwork at the RGS Explore Weekend.
Is RGS Explore for me?
The RGS Explore Weekend brings together a diverse community united by a belief in geographical exploration as a force for good. Find out what to expect from being part of this unique gathering.
What do RGS Explore attendees say?
In this collection of video testimonials, speakers, participants, and exhibitors share what makes attending the RGS Explore Weekend a life-changing experience.
Frequently asked questions
Attending the RGS Explore Weekend in London can seem a major commitment. We respond in detail to commonly-voiced questions and concerns.