WADA - Request for Proposals for 2027 events

Page 1/6 February 2026 Request for Proposals

WADA seeks hosts for three special technical events to be held in 20271

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. WADA’s governance and funding are based on equal partnership between the Sport Movement and Governments of the world.

WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. Our key activities include scientific and social science research; education; intelligence & investigations; development of anti-doping capacity; and monitoring of compliance w ith the World Anti -Doping Code (Code)—the document that harmonizes anti-doping rules and policies in all sports and all countries.

As part of its mission, WADA regularly brings together stakeholders to support engagement and learning around its key activities and technical areas. As it looks ahead to 20271, WADA is inviting interested organizations and cities/countries to host one (or more) of the three technical events. These include, in alphabetical order:

1. Athlete Biological Passport Symposium

2. Global Education Conference

3. Therapeutic Use Exemptions Symposium

Following the World Conference on Doping in Sport held in December 2025 in Busan, Republic of Korea, and four Regional Symposium to be held in 2026, these three technical events are being prioritized for 20271. In addition, WADA will resume its Annual Symposium in Lausanne in mid -March 2027 which is already factored into the global anti-doping calendar.

WADA regularly receives informal expressions of interest from organizations and potential hosts for its various events; however, to better structure the hosting allocation for the abovementioned events , the Agency has decided to open a formal Request for Proposals whereby all stakeholders, including those who may have already informally expressed an interest in hosting a WADA event, can apply to host the events based on clearly established criteria.

events; however, to better structure the hosting allocation for the abovementioned events , the Agency has decided to open a formal Request for Proposals whereby all stakeholders, including those who may have already informally expressed an interest in hosting a WADA event, can apply to host the events based on clearly established criteria.

The present call outlines more details on each of the three events. Potential hosts will be required to provide responses related to the expected hosting requirements.

Each of the three events are summarized below, with links to further information for interested hosts.

1 Whilst 2027 is preferred, early 2028 may also be considered as WADA must be mindful of competing events (i.e., other WADA and/or anti-doping events).Page 2/6 February 2026 Athlete Biological Passport Symposium

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an essential tool for anti-doping programs to drive intelligent testing, investigations and resource allocation. WADA’s ABP Symposium is positioned as a key feature of the anti-doping calendar, bringing together leading experts and decision -makers to shape the future development and implementation of this tool.

The ABP Symposium underscores WADA’s leadership in ensuring the effective use of anti-doping data to drive strategic decision making by Anti -Doping Organizations (ADOs), supported by harmonized expertise from Athlete Passport Management Units (APMUs), ABP Experts, and ADOs worldwide.

For participants and partners, the ABP Symposium offers a unique opportunity to:

• Engage with global leaders in anti-doping science and policy; • Contribute to harmonization of best practices across regions and organizations; • Share successes and best practices around the use of the Endocrine Module and the blood steroid Markers of the Steroidal Module launched in 2023; • Gain insight into ABP changes taking effect in 2027; and • Upskill and strengthen new ABP programs implemented over the past five years.

By joining forces with WADA for the organization of this event, the host will help shape the evolution of intelligent

Markers of the Steroidal Module launched in 2023; • Gain insight into ABP changes taking effect in 2027; and • Upskill and strengthen new ABP programs implemented over the past five years.

By joining forces with WADA for the organization of this event, the host will help shape the evolution of intelligent testing, foster collaboration across stakeholder groups, and reinforce the integrity of sport worldwide.

The event typically unfolds over three days, and it welcomed close to 250 participants at its last edition. This will be the fourth edition of the ABP Symposium, having previously been staged in Doha, Qatar (2015), Rome, Italy (2018), and New Delhi, India (2022).

More details on the ABP Symposium and what is expected of the host city/country can be found here

Global Education Conference

The Global Education Conference (GEC) supports the continued advancement of education within the anti-doping system. Following the introduction of the International Standard for Education (ISE) in 2021 and its recent update, the next edition of the GEC will place a strong emphasis on the educational needs of athletes and athlete support personnel, as well as how educational principles can be applied to the occupational and technical development of anti -doping practitioners. It will also explore in greater depth the influence of Social Science Research (SSR) on anti -doping policy and practice. Within the framework of the GEC, participants will have access to a range of activities —including community conversations, plenaries, technical sessions, workshops, booths, and showcases—designed to enhance their learning and overall event experience.

The GEC offers a unique opportunity to:

• Reunite the anti-doping community to continue to advance the prevention of doping through education; • Act as a showcase of good practice between ADOs and reinforce the connection with WADA; • Provide clarity on the requirements of the 2027 ISE to evolve education programs; • Support the enhancement of the quality of programs in line with best practice; and

• Act as a showcase of good practice between ADOs and reinforce the connection with WADA; • Provide clarity on the requirements of the 2027 ISE to evolve education programs; • Support the enhancement of the quality of programs in line with best practice; and • Offer greater visibility on the inclusion of SSR and its role to inform policy and practice.Page 3/6 February 2026

This will be the fifth edition of the GEC, having previously been staged in Ottawa, Canada (2015), Beijing, China (2018), Sydney, Australia (2022), and Cannes, France (2024). The GEC itself typically takes place over two days; however, a set of associated activities now form part of what WADA calls the ‘GEC week ,’ taking place over five days. At the most recent edition, over 400 participants attended.

The possibility of aligning the 2027 GEC week with WADA’s governance meetings, namely an Executive Committee meeting and/or Foundation Board meeting may be considered and is encouraged.

More details on the GEC week and what is expected of the host city/country can be found here

Therapeutic Use Exemptions Symposium

The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Symposium is an essential high-level, technical forum designed to strengthen the global implementation, consistency, and quality of TUE decision-making within the anti -doping system. The Symposium also serves as a critical platform for structured dialogue between WADA and key stakeholders, facilitating the identification of emerging trends and shared challenges . By fostering a shared understanding of regulatory expectations and medical standards, the Symposium advances harmonization and supports the fundamental objectives of fairness and athlete protection in clean sport.

As the updated Code and International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) will come into force in January 2027, it is critical to engage physicians and ADO managers from around the world to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the revised requirements. As medical practice globally varies considerably, harmonization of rules and principles is challenging and ongoing dialogue is necessary.

This knowledge sharing event will:

in January 2027, it is critical to engage physicians and ADO managers from around the world to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the revised requirements. As medical practice globally varies considerably, harmonization of rules and principles is challenging and ongoing dialogue is necessary.

This knowledge sharing event will:

• Educate and inform participants about the general principles of TUEs as well as provide updates regarding the 2027 ISTUE; • Explore complex TUE situations via interactive case studies; • Present TUE data from around the world; and • Explore the significance of the diverse prescribing practices and cultural effects that impact medical practices and the treatment of athletes on a global scale.

The next TUE Symposium will offer the opportunity for dialogue between ADO TUE Committee members, medical professionals, TUE managers and administrators, and other ADO staff with tasks related to TUEs. The guest speakers will be experts in their respective medical fields who will present a variety of cases and will share their experiences. Participants will gain valuable expertise and insight into the TUE process for different medical conditions and acquire knowledge of the new ISTUE while navigating complex medical issues.

The event typically unfolds over two days, and it welcomed over 250 participants at its last edition. This will be the sixth edition of the TUE Symposium, having previously been staged in Bonn, Germany (2006), Strasbourg, France (2009), Paris, France (2014), Helsinki, Finland (2017), and Incheon, Republic of Korea (2023).

More details on the TUE Symposium and what is expected of the host city/country can be found here.Page 4/6 February 2026 Application Process

Structured Submission

Should an organization be interested in hosting one of these three events, they are encouraged to carefully read and consider the additional details related to each event (ABP, GEC, TUE) of what is expected of a host city/country.

They should then contact WADA’s Event Manager (events@wada-ama.org), clearly indicating which event or

and consider the additional details related to each event (ABP, GEC, TUE) of what is expected of a host city/country.

They should then contact WADA’s Event Manager (events@wada-ama.org), clearly indicating which event or events they are interested in. It is recommended to do so by Friday 27 March 2026.

Upon receipt, WADA’s Event Manager will provide a link to a structured RFP application form.

The submission form can be completed in English or French, WADA’s official languages.

Only applications submitted via this process will be accepted.

Final applications must be received by WADA by Friday 24 April 2026.

Certain core information will need to be provided and some supporting documentation will be requested in this submission phase. Interested parties can anticipate needing to provide information such as:

− the name of the official host or joint hosts; − the goals of the potential host(s) vis-à-vis the event; − the local organiser and the local secretariat if known; − the name/company of the proposed Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) if known; − the proposed dates noting any potential advantages or disadvantages with them; − the proposed or options for suitable venue/s; − an estimated budget, showing: o income o main sources of funding o high-level expenses/budget allocation o any additional sponsorship income o a template budget; − a n overview or draft of the chosen event’s project timeline; and, − the degree of involvement expected from WADA’s staff (e.g., support in registration, payments, communication, promotion etc.).

The table below outlines the intended timeline for deciding on hosts for the three events in question.Page 5/6 February 2026 Eligibility to Host

It should be noted that applications will not be considered by Code Signatory countries that do not adhere to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport; or by Code Signatory organizations that are

Eligibility to Host

It should be noted that applications will not be considered by Code Signatory countries that do not adhere to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport; or by Code Signatory organizations that are currently deemed non-compliant with the Code and/or that have not paid their annual contributions to WADA.

Agreement

After the successful host is awarded the event, WADA will propose a formal agreement that will set out the terms and conditions that will govern the cooperation between WADA and the selected host city/country.

Timeline and Decision Process

Date Item/Action Who 1 Week of 23 February 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) opened The RFP will be sent directly to WADA stakeholders and posted to WADA’s website. WADA 2 By Friday 27 March 2026 [Recommended]

Interested hosts request official application form Interested hosts contact WADA's Event Manager indicating which event/s they are interested in. A request can come later, but the deadline of 24 April 2026 cannot be extended. Interested cities/countries 3 Friday 24 April 2026 Due date for submission of formal applications responding to the Request for Proposals Via the official submission link/s provided by WADA’s Event Manager. Interested cities/countries 4 Monday 27 April 2026 Confirmation of receipt of formal applications responding to the Request for Proposals Or before, depending on date of receipt. WADA 5 Monday 27 April to Friday 8 May 2026 Submissions compiled and reviewed. Request for further information/clarification sent (if applicable); and responses provided. WADA to determine in this review process if any site visit is deemed necessary (see point below). WADA; Interested cities/countries 6 Monday 11 May to Friday 22 May 2026 Site visits conducted to review the facilities and information being proposed (if necessary) WADA to

any site visit is deemed necessary (see point below). WADA; Interested cities/countries 6 Monday 11 May to Friday 22 May 2026 Site visits conducted to review the facilities and information being proposed (if necessary) WADA to interested cities/countries 7 Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026 WADA Report compiled for consideration and decision Such decisions are to be taken by a selections committee, including the relevant internal WADA staff and WADA’s Director General. WADA 8 Week of 1 June 2026 WADA informs the selected hosts and publicly announces them WADAPage 6/6 February 2026 Questions

Any questions should be sent to the attention of:

Mr Riziero Pisani

WADA Event Manager Email: events@wada-ama.org

Other Future Opportunities

Should the event opportunities listed above not be feasible for interested hosts at this time, WADA still welcomes their expressions of interest and will maintain a log of interested hosts for other opportunities in the future. Such interest can be registered by writing to events@wada-ama.org.

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