Request for Proposals: Host the Circular Economy Hotspot 2026 & 2027 in the Americas!
October 13, 2025
Are you ready to become the next host city or region for the Circular Hotspot in 2026 or 2027?
Holland Circular Hotspot and the Circular Economy Hotspot community are launching an open call to find the next 2026 and 2027 Circular Hotspot in the Americas.
This is a unique opportunity for governments and organizations to showcase local circular practices — from innovative business models and industrial solutions to pioneering regional and national policies. The mission? To make the event a catalyst for local circular development — sparking momentum, collaboration, and lasting impact.
A successful globetrotting event since 2016
What started in 2016 in the Netherlands as a pioneering event, the Circular Hotspot has grown into a global annual gathering celebrating circular innovation and collaboration.
In the Americas, Guadalajara, Mexico will be hosting the 2025 Mexico Circular Hotspot on November 5 and 6, 2025. The event aims to shine a spotlight on innovative circular economy practices. Its international and diverse outlook promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences between policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and captains of industry from the host country and beyond.
The concept of the Circular Economy Hotspot originated in the Netherlands in 2016 and has since traveled across Europe: from Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium and Catalonia to North Rhine Westphalia, Dublin, Wales, and most recently Slovenia. On a global scale, Hotspot events have been held in North America (Canada), South America (Chile and Brazil), Africa (Nigeria, South Africa and recently Ethiopia), and very soon in the Asia-Pacific (Taiwan).
Hungary has already been selected as the host for the 2026 and the Czech Republic for the 2027 editions of the European Circular Hotspot. In 2026 the event will also be organized in Botswana (Africa) and Saudi Arabia (Middle East).
The Circular Hotspot events are carried on the wings of Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH). Each host curates a programme that showcases how their country or region is advancing the circular economy transition, and how to accelerate and scale the movement even further.
How can you apply?
National and regional governments and organizations from the Americas are kindly invited to submit applications up until November 1st, 2025 by completing a very straightforward application form, which can be sent to:
rob.oomen@orbitat.mx and freek.vaneijk@hollandcircularhotspot.nl
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2025
Candidates are kindly asked to indicate that they apply to host the CE Hotspot in the Americas in 2026 or 2027.
Applications will be shortlisted by a panel of the local organizers of the current Circular Hotspot and Holland Circular Hotspot. The jury consists of members of previous and upcoming Circular Hotspot Event hosts.
Shortlisted applications will be invited to present their case on November 4th either onsite in Guadalajara or through an online jury meeting to Holland Circular Hotspot, former, current, and future CE hotspot organizers. Each candidate will have 10 minutes to pitch their proposal for hosting in 2026 Circular Hotspot (and 10 minutes for Q&A). All applicants will be notified of decisions by November 5th, 2025. On November 6th in the afternoon, the jury’s decision will be announced at the closing ceremony of the Mexico Circular Hotspot 2025 conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the jury decide on the winner?
- The jury will evaluate the quality (programme, network, innovative elements) of the programme, executability (organization, passion/drive, funding) and Local Impact. Originality will be appreciated. Some previous Hotspot emphasized the regional aspects or social aspects, the inclusion of Youth or the reconversion of an old mining site in the most sustainable industrial area. What will be your angle?
- The jury understands that, at the pitching stage, not all event commitments are finalized or contracts signed. What matters most is convincing them that you have what it takes to successfully deliver the event on time.
Will there be funding available?
- The programme should fund itself independently. Typical sources are cities or regions or governments supplemented by private sponsors from frontrunning CE companies.
- Potential support could come from international institutions or financial Institutions or leading knowledge institutes.
- In kind support is likely from local CE Hubs, Universities, Embassies, EU, Civil Society, multinationals and SME’s. Holland Circular Hotspot can also involve sponsors who further enhance the mission and that should be integrated into the programme.
What does a CE Hotspot Event look like?
- The event typically spans 2 to 3 days. It begins with a welcome reception at a symbolic venue, followed by a full conference day featuring presentations, workshops, and exhibitions. The final day is usually dedicated to site visits, showcasing local and regional best practices around specific themes. Matchmaking opportunities can also be included as part of the programme.
- You’ll be in good hands with Holland Circular Hotspot, who will guide you through the process and support you with any questions along the way. While our framework and experience from past Hotspot events will serve as a foundation, the character of the event should remain as local and context-specific as possible.
- Programming is often tailored to market segments where there is strong local momentum whether economic, environmental, or in terms of circular transition readiness. These typically include sectors such as construction, agri-food, plastics, manufacturing, and textiles. In addition, programmes usually address key cross-cutting themes like leadership, metrics, extended producer responsibility (EPR), procurement, and design, while also linking to broader priorities such as resilience, competitiveness, climate action, the SDGs, and job creation.
- Many of these sectors and cross-cutting themes carry a significant international dimension, making global collaboration and internationally focused programming a highly valuable aspect of any Circular Economy Hotspot event.
- The name and visual identity of the event, including the logo, are expected to align with the established Circular Economy Hotspot framework, ensuring consistency and recognizability across the global Hotspot community. Guidance on this will be provided to support a smooth integration with the broader branding.
Who should be part of a CE Hotspot Event?
The event should centre around the circular economy and be shaped through a triple or quadruple helix approach — engaging stakeholders from the public and private sectors, knowledge institutions, and civil society. It is neither solely policy-driven nor limited to business showcases, but a collaborative platform where all perspectives are represented.
Role of Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH)
CE Hotspot events are organized by organizers under the strategic guidance of the Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH). HCH supports the organizers in developing the event format and content and provides the framework and branding. HCH also actively supports the promotion and outreach of the event and can provide other services on demand. Organizers secure the presence of at least two HCH members at the event. HCH will open the event and co-facilitate the election for the future event.
Contact
For more information or to submit your proposal, please contact: