Billed as the most important gathering of World Sailing’s decision makers, the conference is held over a seven-day period in the first full week of November each year.

More than 1,000 delegates attended the 2016 Annual Conference in Barcelona, planning for the future and making important decisions that shape the sport moving forward.

Kim Andersen was elected as President of the organisation in the Spanish city.

The 59-year-old Dane unseated incumbent Italian Carlo Croce.

Candidates for 2019 are required to submit their initial bids to World Sailing by August 14, with management then due to review the submissions before the Board of Directors shortlist their recommendations.

Shortlisted cities will be invited to make a 10-minute presentation at this year's General Assembly in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, before delegates vote to decide the host.

"The Annual Conference is the most important meeting of World Sailing's stakeholders and partners," said World Sailing chief executive Andy Hunt.

"The decisions made at the conference influence the future of the sport and it is crucial that we work with strong and committed partners who mirror our ambitions.

"The Annual Conference creates local and tourist spend through hotel nights, local transport use, spend at restaurants and much more, ensuring it is attractive for host cities.

"Furthermore, it is an exciting opportunity to promote a host city and member national authority through traditional, digital and social media as well as bringing in sponsorship opportunities."

The World Sailing Annual General Meeting will be held at the Conference, along with the governing body's Forum, gala dinner and the World Sailor of the Year Awards.

Sarasota in the United States will host the 2018 Conference.