International Conferences on Global Issues
Bellagio conferences establish new connections across disciplines and geographies, encourage dynamic, small group interactions, and promote innovative and creative thinking—all in a serene setting conducive to focused, goal-oriented work. Approximately one-third of the conferences that take place at the Bellagio Center over the course of a year are organized directly by the Rockefeller Foundation. The other conferences are arranged by people and institutions that share in the Foundation’s vision of expanding opportunities for poor or vulnerable people. For externally-organized conferences, chosen through a competitive process, the Foundation provides the facilities, accommodations, and some travel support at no cost to conference organizers or attendees. These selected conferences aim to contribute to our broader mission of promoting the well-being of humanity.
Selection Process & Criteria
Decisions for conferences are based on:
- the relevance of the project to the Foundation’s mission (including related social, political, economic, and gender issues)
- the conference framework and the feasibility of the proposed outcomes
- the potential for impact in the relevant field and/or on the lives of poor or vulnerable people
- the diversity of participants and perspectives,
- the qualifications of the conference organizer(s), and
- the suitability of the Bellagio Center for the proposed convening.
Applications are reviewed by the senior program leadership of the Rockefeller Foundation, who make the final selection.
See full requirements and application
Facility Information
Bellagio conferences are small, focused, interactive gatherings. One of the conference buildings can accommodate up to 19 participants, the other, up to 23. The small setting requires conference organizers to think carefully about which participants can best contribute to achieving the goals of the meeting, and the setting also promotes the dynamic interactions that are the goals of Bellagio meetings.
Due to space limitations, conference organizers must manage invitations to participants carefully.
The buildings are historic, dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but they are equipped with modern conference facilities. Resources include LCD projectors, audio-recording equipment, high-speed Internet access, DVD players, fax and photocopy services, and printers. Video conferencing is available in some meeting rooms.
