2026 GEBCO Symposium
The 2026 GEBCO Symposium, to be held in Cartagena, Colombia, from 8-9 October 2026, will bring together the global ocean community to exchange knowledge, inspire collaboration, and advance our collective understanding of the seabed and the ocean environment.
Under this year’s theme, “From a Seabed Mapping Strategy to Global Ocean Action”, the Symposium will explore mapping progress, ocean governance, marine spatial planning, biodiversity protection, innovation, sustainable ocean management, and more.
The programme will combine strategic discussions, technical sessions, interactive workshops, and action-oriented outcomes aligned with the Ocean Decade and preparations for UNOC4.
Registration and more information
To find out more and how to register if attending in person, visit the Symposium website.
Call for content - GEBCO Symposium 2026
The global ocean community will gather to explore the latest developments in:
🔹 Seabed mapping: Progress and Remaining Gaps
🔹 Data Gathering and Processing
🔹The Dilemma of Open Data
🔹 Innovation Driving the Future of Ocean Mapping
🔹 Mapping for Society and Sustainability
🔹 And much more
To submit a contribution, please fill out the questionnaire from the Symposium website.
The deadline to submit a contribution is Friday 10 July 2026.
Logistical Information
The GEBCO Symposium will be held at the Hotel Capilla del Mar in Cartagena. Symposium Attendees wishing to stay in the same hotel as the event can book a room with a preferential rate using the links below. Alternatively, there is a also a wide selection of hotels in the Bocagrande neighbourhood near the symposium venue.
Reservations in Colombian Pesos (COP):
Link to hotel website: https://bit.ly/CHRPSE-GEBCO
Code: CHRPSE
Reservations in USD:
Link to hotel website: https://bit.ly/CHRPSE-GEBCO-
Code: CHRPS