2025 Webinars and Presentations

String Evaluations in the Next Round: DNS Stability, String Similarity, and IDN Variant Justification

This session will include an update on the DNS Stability, String Similarity and IDN Variant Justification evaluations as part of the New gTLD Program: Next Round. The session will also be an opportunity to provide input on the details related to these evaluations.

GNSO: RySG BRG: Community Outreach and Next Round for dotbrands

Membership meeting of the Brand Registry Group (BRG) with a focus on community outreach and the next round for dotBrands.

GNSO Policy Briefing: https://go.icann.org/gnsobriefing

GNSO: RySG GeoTLD Group Membership and Community Outreach

Membership meeting of the Geographic Top-Level Domain (GeoTLD) Group with topics surrounding the Next Round that are of interest to the community.

GNSO Policy Briefing: https://go.icann.org/gnsobriefing

GAC: Discussion on New gTLD Program Next Round 2/2)

GAC discussion on matters pertaining to the next round of new gTLDs. GAC members will discuss materials in preparation for the next round of new gTLDs specifically the process for GAC Early Warnings which is under development by the GAC. GAC members will review other priority items pertaining to the Next Round of New gTLDs including the Applicant Support Program (ASP), Objections (including Early Warnings and GAC Advice), GeoTLDs, and Contention Sets.

GAC: Discussion on New gTLD Program Next Round (½)

GAC discussion on matters pertaining to the next round of new gTLDs. GAC members will discuss materials in preparation for the next round of new gTLDs specifically the process for GAC Early Warnings which is under development by the GAC. GAC members will review other priority items pertaining to the Next Round of New gTLDs including the Applicant Support Program (ASP), Objections (including Early Warnings and GAC Advice), GeoTLDs, and Contention Sets.

GAC Capacity Development Session on New gTLD Program Next Round 2/2)

The session will look into the role of the GAC in the next round of new gTLDs, with a focus on the GAC Early Warnings process, followed by a discussion, where GAC members will have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspective on the 2012 round.

GAC Capacity Development Session on New gTLD Program Next Round (½)

Overview and status of the next round of the new gTLD Program, including PICs/RVCs.

New gTLD Program: Next Round Implementation Status Update

In this session, the New gTLD Program: Next Round team will provide the community with a status update on the implementation of the program since ICANN83. The interactive discussion will cover the Applicant Guidebook, the Applicant Support Program, the Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program, and the outreach and engagement efforts to support them.

String Similarity Evaluation in the New gTLD Program: Next Round

This session will include an update on the String Similarity Evaluation project, which is part of the New gTLD Program: Next Round. Input will be sought on the mechanism for conducting string similarity evaluations and on similarity data collected from script experts. The mechanism will be used to identify possible contention sets for the manual review conducted by the String Similarity Evaluation Panel.

At-Large Plenary 1: Unravelling the Next Round of New gTLDs for Community-Based Top-level Domains Applicants

ICANN will publish the New gTLD Program: Next Round Applicant Guidebook for Public Comment in May 2025. The ALAC and the At-Large community will continue to examine it and to comprehend the implications of ICANN Board-adopted Consensus Policy recommendations and directions as implemented by the ICANN organization.This session will enable participants to better understand how implementation of selected policies of priority to the At-Large community will:

• Impact potential applicants of new gTLD strings, particularly, those that are Applicant Support Program-qualified and those applying to operate their string as a community-based TLD
• Steer the roles of the ALAC and At-Large community in the Next Round

GNSO: RySG: BRG: DotBrand Use Cases/Key Insights for the Next Round

Join us for an insightful session with the Brand Registry Group as we dive into the growing success of dotBrands in Europe. We'll showcase real-world use cases, highlighting how brands are leveraging their own top-level domains to enhance identity, engagement, and trust with their audiences. Additionally, we'll explore key strategies for dotBrands looking to participate in the upcoming ICANN application round, providing valuable insights on how to navigate the process and maximize the potential of their digital presence. Whether you're looking to apply for a dotBrand or already managing one, this session will provide you with the insights and strategies you need to succeed.

GNSO: RySG: GeoTLD Group Membership Working Session and Community Outreach

The Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG) GeoTLD Membership working session will discuss current topics affecting geographic TLDs. Discussions will also include next round topics of interest to geographic TLDs.

GAC: Discussion on the New gTLD Program Next Round

GAC discussion on matters pertaining to the next round of new gTLDs, including an update on the Applicant Guidebook status and specifically on priority topics of interest to GAC members. GAC members will discuss materials in preparation for the next round of new gTLDs building on the GAC Capacity Development Session on new gTLDs, including GAC Early Warnings and GAC Advice, PICs/RVCs, GeoTLDs, and Contention Sets.

New gTLD Program: Next Round Implementation Status Update

In this session, the New gTLD Program: Next Round team will provide the community with a status update on the implementation of the program since ICANN82. The interactive discussion will cover the Applicant Guidebook, the Applicant Support Program, the Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program, and the outreach and engagement efforts to support them.

Plenary 1: New gTLD Program: Next Round

The New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program in 2012 enabled the expansion of the Domain Name System (DNS) through the introduction of new top-level domains. The next round of applications (Next Round) targeted to open in Q2 2026 will further the expansion of the DNS.

This plenary will discuss the plan for the Next Round  with representation from a variety of languages/scripts as well as geographic and ethnic diversity. The plenary will highlight use cases, featuring successful stories on how different gTLDs are used. Panelists will also share what it looks like to operate a gTLD.

2025 Pre Event Webinar 1: Building Online Presence - Domain Names as Critical Digital Assets

Why are domain names important as part of building an online presence? Why is it important to manage domain names as part of a business's digital assets?

This session will share the value of domain names, featuring success cases from speakers representing multinational companies. Panelists will discuss the potential business opportunities, as well as other key aspects such as brand management and Intellectual Property (IP) protection, in relation to a well-managed portfolio of domain names.

At-Large Plenary 2: SubPro's Promise and the New gTLD Round

Since the end of the Round of 2012, starting with the Final Issue Report on New gTLD Subsequent Procedures, aka SubPro, it has represented the promise of a program with the issues defined in the GNSO charter for the New GTLD Subsequent Procedures Policy Development Process (PDP) fixed. Read more

String Similarity Evaluation and the New gTLD Program: Next Round

During this session, an update on the String Similarity Evaluation project, a part of the New gTLD Program: Next Round, will be provided. The session will cover and seek input on the mechanism for conducting string similarity evaluations based on similarity data collected from script experts and its use to identify possible contention sets for the manual review of the String Similarity Evaluation Panel.

GNSO: RySG GeoTLD Group Membership Working Session

Working session of the GeoTLD Group membership discussing the topics of the day, including the upcoming round for geographic TLDs.

Agenda wiki page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/A6ufBg

GNSO Policy Briefing: https://go.icann.org/gnsobriefing

Updating Systems for an Evolving TLD Landscape

The landscape of top-level domains (TLDs) is a dynamic one and about to become more so in the next few years. This session will bring together industry leaders from leading tech companies who will share their experiences and insights on how businesses are evolving their systems to support this shift. Read more.

GNSO: RySG BRG Membership Working Session

The RySG Brand Registry Group will discuss the steps needed for a company to start getting ready for applying for their .brand in the next round. Speakers from current .brand owners will also discuss the benefits of owning their .brand from a security and marketing standpoint. Question and answer opportunity toward the end of the session for prospective .brand owners.

Agenda wiki page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SqufBg

GNSO Policy Briefing: https://go.icann.org/gnsobriefing

GAC Discussion on the New gTLD Program: Next Round

GAC discussion on matters pertaining to the next round of new gTLDs, including an update on the Applicant Support Program which launched earlier in 2024, followed by an update on the Implementation Review Team (IRT), and priority topics of interest to GAC members. GAC members will discuss potential GAC advice and GAC communiqué language on priority issues pertaining to new gTLDs.

For more information: https://gac.icann.org/sessions/icann82-session-9-gac-prep-session-for-discussion-on-next-round

ICANN82 - Session 2 - GAC Capacity Development Session - New gTLD Next Round (Champions Toolkit)

Raise GAC awareness on the Next Round Champions Toolkit

• How it is being used (if it is)
• Empower GAC members to use the toolkit effectively
• Receive feedback from the GAC on their experience and suggestions to improve the toolkit

For more information: https://gac.icann.org/sessions/icann82-session-2-gac-capacity-development-session-new-gtld-next-round-champions-toolkit

ICANN82 - GAC Capacity Development Session (1 of 3)

Session of the GAC with the GeoTLD Group to:

• Get GAC members familiarized with the concept and practices of the GeoTLD space.
• Help GAC representatives understand what the Geo Tld group does, considering the leading up to the Next Round

For more information: https://gac.icann.org/sessions/icann82-session-1-gac-capacity-development-session-geotld-group

ICANN82 New gTLD Program: Next Round Implementation Status Update

In this session, the New gTLD Program: Next Round team will provide the community with a status update on the implementation of the program since ICANN81. The interactive discussion will cover the Applicant Guidebook, the Applicant Support Program, the Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program, and the outreach and engagement efforts to support them

Growth Opportunities in the Digital World

https://lnkd.in/dRZ6pn3E

Passcode: 9Lb$y+ua

Description: This webinar aims to inform stakeholders in Egypt of the Next Round Program and provide industry insights from experts in the field. ICANN staff will introduce the Next Round Program, and the Applicant Support Program. Invited speakers from Identity Digital and Registry Africa will share perspectives into the operational aspects of running a Registry. The discussion will be led by Baher Esmat, ICANN's Vice President or Stakeholder Engagement, Middle East.

The webinar is organized in partnership with Egypt ISOC Chapter (Internet Masr), the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), EiTESAL, Information Technology and Communication Chamber, and Digital Economy and Technology General Division.