Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to plan your participation, from registration and the program to visas, accommodation and getting around Nairobi.
About the conference
What is GWX’26?
The Global Workforce Xchange ’26 (GWX’26) brings together recruiters, training providers, employers, investors, funders, policymakers and migrant workers to advance international labor mobility. Over two days, sessions explore recruitment, skills development, finance and investment, and innovation.
When and where does it take place?
GWX’26 takes place on December 2–3, 2026, at Fairmont The Norfolk, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
What language is the conference held in?
The conference will be held entirely in English. Interpretation services will not be available.
Registration and attendance
What time does registration open?
Registration opens at 08:30 on Wednesday, December 2, and the opening session begins at 09:00. On Thursday, December 3, proceedings begin at 08:45.
Can I cancel or transfer my registration?
Yes. Cancellations made on or before November 18 are eligible for a full refund of the ticket price.
If you are unable to attend, you are also welcome to transfer your ticket to a colleague at no charge. Please let us know at events@lampforum.org at least seven days before the conference so that we have every attendee’s correct details.
What should I bring?
Please bring a valid photo ID, which you will need to register on the first day.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend business casual attire.
Can I attend only one day?
Yes, you are welcome to attend a single day. That said, we encourage you to join us for both, as the sessions are designed to build on one another.
Will sessions be livestreamed or recorded?
Sessions will not be livestreamed. Some sessions will, however, be recorded and made available to view at a later date.
Agenda and sessions
What does the schedule look like?
Day 1 (Wednesday, December 2) runs from 08:30 to 17:30 and is followed by a networking dinner that ends at 20:00. Day 2 (Thursday, December 3) runs from 08:45 to 17:00.
The full program is available on the Agenda page and may be subject to minor changes.
What types of sessions are there?
The program combines plenary sessions for all attendees, breakout sessions in which you choose among several parallel options, and Community Roundtables, which offer dedicated space for peer exchange within specific regions and sectors.
What are the breakout tracks?
Breakout sessions are organized around four themes: Recruiting, Skilling, Finance & Investment, and Innovation. A cross-cutting session on Narrative Change completes the program.
Do I need to sign up for breakout sessions in advance?
Yes. To help us plan, please share your preferred sessions through our breakout interest form.
Who are the speakers?
Speaker details are available on the Speakers page. The lineup may be subject to minor changes.
Are meals included?
Yes. Your registration includes lunch and coffee breaks on both days, as well as the networking dinner on the evening of December 2.
Can I request dietary accommodations?
Yes. If you did not share your dietary requirements when you registered, please email events@lampforum.org before November 16 so we can accommodate your needs.
Venue and getting there
Where is the venue?
Fairmont The Norfolk, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi, Kenya. View on Google Maps.
How do I get from the airport to the venue?
The venue is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. We recommend arranging an airport transfer through your hotel.
Is Wi-Fi available at the venue?
Yes, Wi-Fi will be available at the venue.
Accommodation
Is accommodation included?
No. Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodation in Nairobi.
Is there a conference rate at the venue hotel?
Yes. GWX’26 attendees are offered a special rate of 150 USD per night at Fairmont The Norfolk. To book, please contact Evelyne Midesane, the hotel’s dedicated GWX representative, at Evelyne.Midesane@fairmont.com.
Which other hotels do you recommend?
The following hotels are all within a short drive of the venue.
| Hotel | Rating | Distance from venue |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Boulevard | 3 stars | 2-minute drive |
| Nairobi Serena | 5 stars | 3-minute drive |
| Kije Place | 3 stars | 3-minute drive |
| Sarova Stanley | 5 stars | 5-minute drive |
| Best Western | 3 stars | 6-minute drive |
| Radisson Blu | 5 stars | 8-minute drive |
Visa and entry to Kenya
Do I need a visa to attend?
All participants traveling from outside Kenya, with the exception of citizens of East African Community member states, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. Applications are submitted online through the official portal, etakenya.go.ke.
What do I need for the eTA application?
Please have the following ready before you begin your application.
Identification
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival, with at least one blank page
- A clear color scan of your passport’s biographical page
- A recent passport-style photograph taken against a plain background
- An active email address and phone number to receive updates on your application
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, required only if you are traveling from or through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
Purpose of travel
- Your GWX’26 invitation letter, provided by the organizing team
Travel and accommodation
- A confirmed round-trip or onward flight ticket showing your arrival and departure dates
- Confirmed hotel booking details covering the length of your stay
Payment and insurance
- A Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card to pay the 30 USD application fee
- Travel health insurance, which must be purchased through the Kenyan eTA portal
How long does the eTA take to process?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours (three business days). We nonetheless recommend applying at least one to two weeks before your flight.
Please make sure the names on your application match your passport’s biographical page exactly, including any middle names.
How do I obtain my invitation letter?
The GWX organizing team sends each participant an invitation letter within 24 hours of registration. If you have not received yours, or need another copy, please email events@lampforum.org.
Health and practical information
Do I need any vaccinations?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are traveling from or through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. We advise all attendees to consult their doctor or a travel clinic about other recommended vaccinations and malaria precautions.
What is the weather like in early December?
Early December falls within Nairobi’s short rainy season, so occasional showers are likely. Daytime highs typically range from 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 80°F), with overnight lows of 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 60°F). A light jacket and an umbrella are worth packing.
What type of power plug is used in Kenya?
Kenya uses Type G plugs and sockets, which have three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle. The standard voltage is 240V, so you may need a plug adapter and, for some devices, a voltage converter.
Exploring Nairobi
What should I see if I extend my stay?
If you have time before or after the conference, here are a few of our favorites.
- Karura Forest. Walk or run along canopy trails to waterfalls and caves, all within the city.
- Nairobi National Park. See wildlife grazing against the backdrop of the city skyline.
- Kibera Art Tour. Visit galleries, catch an exhibition and pick up gifts from Kibera’s thriving art scene.
- Weekend markets. Browse crafts, local food and one-of-a-kind finds.
- Live music at Bamba or Geco. Two of Nairobi’s best venues for an evening out.
Contact
Who can I contact with questions?
Please email the GWX’26 team at events@lampforum.org. For reservations at Fairmont The Norfolk, contact Evelyne.Midesane@fairmont.com.