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Spring and Winter Conferences

SAVE THE DATE: AGM and Winter ’26 Conference, Saturday 14 November, 10.00 to 17.00 GMT, FREE and ONLINE

We hold a Spring Conference and a Winter Conference each year.

Upcoming and recent venues include Bristol, York, London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

No fuss, no formality – just a warm welcome and a great time talking flags.

  • in-person and online | flags past, present and future | international speakers and audience | meet and make friends old and new

FI Spring ’26 Conference sponsored by Flagmakers

Saturday and Sunday, 30/31 May, Bristol

Saturday 30 May, Gather Round, 15-16 Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8NX

10.30am: registration opens

11am – 6pm: presentations 

  • Cry God for Harry, England and St … who?: An exploration of the chequered history and strange resurrection of the English national flag – John Cartledge, Flag Institute; speaker at ICV25 Rotterdam; ICV26 Sydney; ICV27 London; ICV28 San Antonio; ICV30 Beijing

Special preview of presentation to be delivered at the 31st International Congress of Vexillology in Paris, 6-10 July 2026

The summer of 2025 saw an unprecedented eruption of flags on lampposts in many English towns and cities, with the cross of St George prominent among them. But who exactly was St George, what does he have to do with England, and what message were the organisers of this sudden outburst of vexillological devotion to him seeking to convey?

  • Always the bridesmaid … rank flags of vice, deputy or assistant presidents, ministers and officials – John Hall FF FFI, Flag Institute Chairman

For every Donald Trump there is often a JD Vance waiting just one step from power. Many countries have flags and standards for all manner of office-holders and their deputies. John will journey into the obscure recesses of the broom cupboard of state to explore symbols of rank, particularly those in the second or third tiers of protocol. And he will seek to answer that age-old question, ‘Why does an admiral have no balls at all?’

  • Flag flying regulations and protocol – Geoff Parsons MSc CEng FIET FFI, Flag Institute Chairman (former)

Demystifying UK flag regulations and protocol, this session aims to encourage confident and informed flag flying, supported by official Flag Institute guidance. Geoff will cover where and how flags may be flown, who is permitted to fly them, and the correct procedures for display, including order of precedence and position. It will highlight real-world examples of political sensitivities, conflicts with local authorities and breaches of flag protocol, inviting delegates to review sample displays and spot instances of non-compliance.

  • Subjective views on US state flags: 123 polling studies – Alan Hardy, Flag Institute; North American Vexillological Association Flag Design Committee

Furthering his interest in US state flags, in 2017 Alan established, within a public forum, a comprehensive methodology for soliciting viewpoints and administering polls on all current flags and known redesigns. From then until 2025, month-in/month-out, some 200,000 flags were assessed, and the resulting study has identified and advanced several front-running options for a vastly improved set of designs. This wrap-up presentation looks to assess the project and tries to point ways forward. How can changes be implemented without incurring vast expense or running the risk of built-in social blowback?

More speakers and presentations to be announced.

6pm – 7.30pm: Old Town walking tour

A bespoke walking tour through Bristol’s old town with experienced local guide Duncan McKellar. Duncan is the founder of the city’s top three walking tours and will lead us through historic backstreets to finish on the harbourside. Along the way we’ll touch on Bristol’s civic life, processions, public symbolism and maritime heritage, with chance to spot where coats of arms, guild histories and other emblems still shape the cityscape. We’ll discuss Bristol’s Saxon origins, its trading past, the Blitz and even 1960s rock and roll. Passing pirate haunts, merchant houses and Robinson Crusoe’s first port of call, we’ll end our unique stroll on the waterfront – at the pub where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his classic Treasure Island.

7.30pm: President’s Drinks at the Llandoger Trow

Sunday 31 May

10.00am – 10.40am: M Shed (part of Bristol Museums)

An expert guide will bring M Shed to life, introducing its galleries, explaining how M Shed came into being, and sharing memorable stories you won’t find on any label. The tour offers a lively introduction to Bristol’s past and present, giving a vivid sense of the city’s character and its place in the wider world. Whether you already know the city or are discovering it for the first time, the tour will add colour, context and plenty of talking points to the conference weekend.

11.30am – 1pm: SS Great Britain

An expert guide will lead a lively tour of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s legendary steamship SS Great Britain, revealing its remarkable story and the experiences of the passengers and crew who travelled the world on board. The tour explores daily life at sea, global routes and cargoes, and the ship’s role in transforming maritime travel. Along the way, our guide will highlight the use of flags and ensigns, adding an extra layer of interest for vexillologists. This visit promises an atmospheric journey through Victorian seafaring, engineering innovation, and the wider world that the SS Great Britain helped to connect.

Past events

AGM and Winter ’25 Conference

Saturday 15 November, 10.00 to 17.00 GMT, FREE and ONLINE

The Dublin Municipal flag – described by the Irish Times as green, featuring a central yellow harp and, in one corner, three white castles on a blue field – first flew over City Hall on 22 June 1885. The design combined elements of three existing flags: the Green Harp flag, the Green Ensign, and Dublin’s banner of arms. The banner of arms had served as Dublin’s flag until an incident on 23/24 March, when it was stolen overnight from the Mansion House, most likely by loyalist students from Trinity College. The theft was seen as a response to nationalist Lord Mayor John O’Conner, who declared in a speech that he would take down the flag if the Prince of Wales arrived in Dublin. The new flag represented a shift in civic identity. It is still in use today as the official flag of Dublin City Council and flies proudly throughout the city.

  • Rotterdam and Papendrecht: Flag histories and protocols – Edgar Zaagsma, Papendrecht municipal officer and Consul for the War Graves Foundation

This presentation had a dual focus: the city of Rotterdam and the municipality of Papendrecht. Edgar explored the history of the Rotterdam flag, the development of its municipal coat of arms, and the presence (or absence) of Rotterdam’s colours in everyday life. He then turned to Papendrecht, offering a brief overview of its flag and coat of arms, with particular stress on the official flag protocol written for the municipality. Edgar highlighted how and why this local protocol differs from the national approach.

  • Raising respect: How the International Center’s Flag Program builds cultural understanding – Peter Kirkwood, Protocol Officer, The International Center

The Flag Program of Indiana’s International Center promotes cultural awareness, civic pride and international understanding through the proper display and care of national, state and organisational flags. Run by the Office of Protocol, and featuring a complete United Nations flag collection and a growing number of flags and banners, the Program serves as a resource for schools, community groups, state and local governments and visiting delegations. Peter explored the Program’s history, outreach and alignment with global protocol standards. Showcasing flags as powerful symbols of respect and identity, he highlighted their enduring role in connecting nations and the communities of Central Indiana.

  • State emblems in Greece, 5th–3rd centuries BC – Jorge Hurtado Maqueda, President, Sociedad Española de Vexilología (SEV); presented by José Manuel Erbez, Secretary, SEV

Jorge explored the use of emblematic symbols in Classical and Hellenistic Greece, examining how states expressed authority and identity through visual means during a formative period in ancient history. He reviewed the extant sources and the interpretive challenges they present, considered how state emblems were deployed in land warfare and naval conflict, and concluded with a comparative reflection on Greek and Roman symbolism. Rich in historical insight and analytical depth, this contribution from the SEV offered a fascinating perspective on early state symbolism and the origins of vexillological practice.

  • Armenian revolutionary flags: Photography and propaganda – Maxim Saakyan, founder of Uncovering Roots; Leo Torosian, law student and political staffer

Producer Maxim Saakyan worked on this story with Leo Torosian for Uncovering Roots, a podcast that covers untold stories and that has featured in the Guardian and on Spotify. When Leo started researching Armenian revolutionary flags, he found hundreds of photographs. Fighters posing with rifles, daggers and, almost always, flags. Not the kind you’d see flying at the Olympics, but hand-stitched flags covered in swords, slogans, skulls, crosses and dates. These were not just battle flags, they were propaganda. Today, only a dozen or so of these flags survive. The rest exist only in staged photographs, carefully posed and sent across borders to fund raise, recruit and inspire. Together, Max and Leo demonstrated how flags became more than just symbols; they became evidence of a movement fighting for survival, statehood and honour.

  • Pride Flags of today: Origin, metamorphosis and current designs – Heather Binnington, retired teacher from the York Region District School Board (Canada)

Where did Pride Flags begin? Where have they been, and what do they look like today? Heather showed how these continually evolving flags adapt attentively to the communities they serve and provided answers to the questions regularly asked about the Standard and Progress Pride Flags.

Spring ’25 Conference

Saturday and Sunday 17/18 May, Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ

Day 1 ended with President’s Drinks and a River Cruise and featured six presentations:

  • The Contested legitimacy of Croatian symbols in the Anglosphere, 1973–99 – Stephen Rayner

Between 1941-45 Croatia’s already well-established symbols – the chequerboard and red-white-blue tricolour – were used by the fascist Independent State of Croatia. Thereafter, the use of such symbols in diverse nationalist contexts caused recurring tensions among émigrés and diasporas, while wider academic and media interest peaked with the adoption of the current Croatian flag in 1990, the Yugoslav Wars and the 1998 World Cup. Stephen explored how the contested legitimacy of Croatian symbols in the Anglosphere is more complex and multifaceted than previously acknowledged.

Mike’s presentation documented the heraldry, vexillology, branding, insignia, and visual identity of civil aviation in the United Kingdom. Starting with the formation of Imperial Airways in 1924, his talk outlined the development of a brand identity through the posters, aircraft markings, flags and insignia of the companies that later formed British Airways. Mike charted the introduction in 1931 of the Civil Air Ensign that recognised civil aviation as a worthy flag bearer alongside the RAF and armed forces. He also discussed the livery and tailplanes of BA, British Caledonian, and the flag carriers of the 1970s and 1980s.

  • An Introduction to Flags and Sashes – Gustavo Tracchia FF, founding member of the Argentine Association of Vexillology (AAV), NYC commissioner of the Buenos Aires CIDEC Foundation

The presidential sash is a national symbol closely linked to vexillology, and Gustavo’s introductory study highlighted some eloquent examples of this unexplored subject. In Hispanic America, use of the sash was widespread in the early 19th-century independence struggles. In consequence, on becoming legally constituted states, many nations issued executive orders mandating the use of a presidential sash along with the other national symbols, and the practice continues to this day. Examples of the presidential sash in countries outside Hispanic America showed its influence in old and emerging nations alike. Finally, Gus examined the sashes used by the Argentine provinces, and their links with the related provincial flag and/or coat of arms.

  • Uniting under one banner: Designing a Flag for Planet Earth – Oskar Pernefeldt (President), IFOPE–O

Oskar Pernefeldt, designer of the International Flag of Planet Earth and President of its related nonprofit organisation IFOPE-O, is dedicated to promoting a flag that represents Earth – transcending national borders and political divides. As the flag’s awareness agency, IFOPE-O drives its adoption through outreach, collaborations, and advocacy. Mentioned in the EU Parliament, planted on Antarctica, and used by refugee movements, this flag showcases the power of vexillology to shape identity and inspire global action. 

  • Colours: Symbolism for medium of communication – Danladi Kole Bako, visual artist, founder of Bankoleart and VexDrum

Colours are a powerful, often subconscious, medium of communication, evoking emotions and conveying messages beyond words though their symbolic meanings can vary across cultures and contexts. Danladi’s talk covered the importance of colour symbolism, both outdoor and indoor; human vision and perception; colour intelligence and colour as a form of hierarchy; and, finally, colour symbolism in vexillology.

  • An Introduction to standards, guidons, colours, guns and truncheons – Geoff Parsons FFI, past Chairman of the Flag Institute

A former naval officer now lecturing on naval flags and signal flags, Geoff explained the difference between royal, heraldic and military standards, and the different types of flag carried by cavalry units, infantry units and other branches of the armed services. His presentation covered units such as the Royal Artillery whose colours are represented by their guns, and the Gurkhas who carry a truncheon. He also described the colours of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Day 2 featured two guided visits:

Winter ’24 Conference

Saturday 16 November 2024, 10am-3.30pm GMT, online.

  • Flags and emblems of the clans of Ireland– Francis M. O’Donnell GCMM GCEG KC*SG KM KCHS KCMCO BA (Hons) FGSI, President, Genealogical Society of Ireland & Michael P. O’Crowley BA MBA MA EMEA, Chair, Committee on Flags and Heraldry, Clans of Ireland

Although the origins of many Irish clans pre-date written history, this topic is new to the world of vexillology. While Irish clans differ from Scottish clans, both display traits of language, culture, customs and a deep attachment to locality – with ancestral lands bearing place names that memorialise clan mythologies and histories over centuries and maybe millennia. This presentation explored how these elements are captured, reflected and proclaimed vexillologically.

Pier Paolo introduced us to the various flags that have flown over the land of modern Libya and its three constituent regions: Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan. The rich history of these regions is often overlooked, and their flags forgotten. Pier Paolo’s research draws on a wealth of documents – including contemporary accounts, historical analyses and official records – to shed light on the fascinating history of Libya.

  • The Star-spangled angle: Minnesota’s flag design process from the inside – Andrew Prekker, designer; Ted Kaye, Secretary, NAVA; Brian Cham, Flag Design Consultant, NAVA; Tyler & Jenae Michaletz, graphic designers

The new state flag of Minnesota is the polished result of extensive design collaboration and deliberation. In this group presentation, all the contributors to the finished design offered their insider perspectives on the process: Andrew Prekker explained the rationale behind his initial design submission; vexillologists Ted Kaye and Brian Cham explained the role of their expert advice; finally, graphic designers Tyler and Jenae Michaletz outlined the changes and finishing touches that led to the final design. All contributors had a unique impact on the process and are keen to chronicle the evolution of the design to aid public knowledge and future state flag design efforts.

  • Urban symbols: The Role and relevance of flags – Tareth Peacock, Flags in Focus

Tareth has travelled through many cities in different countries, exploring the unique flags that represent them. His interest lies in understanding the historical and cultural significance of city flags, the reasons for their creation and the symbols they include. One discovery is the varying degrees of usage achieved by city flags, which has led him to question their relevance in contemporary urban life. What is the purpose of city flags and their impact on local identity and pride?

 Spring ’24 Conference

Saturday 18 May 2024, Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL.

A sell-out audience enjoyed another day of great company and excellent talks:

  • A Flag for a polluted world: Antarctica Flag redesign proposal – Graham Bartram FFI FVAST, Chief Vexillologist, Flag Institute

Graham designed the flag for Antarctica in 1996 to symbolise its role as a hub for scientific collaboration, peaceful co-existence and nature conservation. Yet Antarctica now has another distinctive attribute – it is facing a serious threat from plastic pollution, which is harming its wildlife, its environment and its future. Graham’s presentation examined his proposed redesign of the Antarctic flag to highlight this escalating problem.

  • Flags of the Antarctic Territories and the southern regions of South America – Geoff Parsons, The Heraldry Society

Geoff reviewed the flags seen on his recent trip to an area rich in history and flag culture. Sailing aboard the MS Oosterdam, his destinations included Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Drake Passage, several Antarctic research bases, Cape Horn, Beagle Channel, Magellan Strait, Chilean fjords and Santiago.

  • Unravelling the Tino Rangatiratanga Flag (Māori Flag) through the eyes of its designer – Brian Cham, Flag Design Consultant, North American Vexillological Association

Designed in 1989, the Tino Rangatiratanga flag is the flag of the Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. It has come a long way from a napkin doodle to a national icon but has also garnered controversy. Brian talked with Linda Munn, its last living creator, to share her perspective on the flag and its story. Both contributors are proud to share this part of their homeland’s culture.

  • Flags and the law in England – John Cartledge, Flag Institute

In a preview of his forthcoming ICV30 presentation, John explored the main regulations and protocols governing flag design and use in England. Although there are some statutory requirements, in domestic and/or international law, most flag-related ‘rules’ in England are the product of tradition and common practice, which in some instances can be traced back for centuries and are derived from the medieval science of heraldry. This presentation focused on England because for constitutional and historical reasons, law and practice relating to flags differ in detail between the nations of the United Kingdom.

  • Interplanetary flag design: A new flag for Mars – Patrick Rennie, President, Mars Society UK

In this interactive session, Patrick Rennie introduced us briefly to the Mars Society UK, the current Mars flag and previous attempts to design one before we took a look at some new proposals and had a stab at our own redesign. 

Winter ’23 Conference

Saturday and Sunday 18/19 November 2023,  Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh.

We headed north for a very special weekend – our first conference in Scotland, our first 2-day event and our first collaboration with The Heraldry Society of Scotland.

Over 40 vexillologists – FI members, HSS members and visitors alike – enjoyed a feast of Scottish flags, heraldry and history.

Day 1 ended at the Royal Scots Club with a sell-out Presidents’ Drinks Reception and Dinner.

Also featured on the programme were:

  • Welcome: Councillor Robert Aldridge, Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh; Sheriff George Way of Plean, Carrick Pursuivant; Alasdair Hutton OBE TD OStJ, broadcaster, journalist, writer and narrator of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo; Kevin Greig, Fellow of The Heraldic Institute and The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; Fraser Thompson, Scottish Flag Trust, Sheila Collins, Ashfield (Trades House, Edinburgh), Philip Tibbetts, March Pursuivant Extraordinary and Flag Institute Communities Vexillologist; Graham Bartram, Flag Institute Chief Vexillologist

Day 2 featured two exclusive guided visits:

  • a morning tour of Trades House, led by Ian Robertson, Deacon Convenor of the Trades of Edinburgh
  • an afternoon tour of St Giles Cathedral’s fabulous Thistle Chapel and banners, led by Elizabeth Roads, Secretary of the Order of the Thistle

Spring ’23 Conference

Saturday 29 April 2023, Victory Services Club, London

  • Choosing a flag for the Cretan state –Mick McTiernan, military historian
  • The new Utah state flag – Erik Nystul, Utah State Flag Task Force
  • Flying high at St Patricks: Conservation during Covid – Rachel Phelan, textile conservator
  • From checkerboard to tricolor: Development and use of the Croatian coat of arms and flag throughout the centuries – Dr Mario Jareb, Croatian Institute of History and Matica Hrvatska

AGM and Winter ’22 Conference

Saturday 19 November 2022, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

Spring ’22 Conference

Saturday 23 April 2022, David Game College, London.

AGM and Winter ’21 Conference

Saturday 20 November 2021, People’s History Museum, Manchester

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