The IWC holds an annual meeting every year, generally in May or June. Individual working groups or committees may meet at other times during the year, often to tackle a specific issue or question. The meetings are attended by member nations of the IWC, as well as government and non-government observers, including IFAW.

Voting
Every dues-paying member has one vote, regardless of its population, its economic power, or whether it is engaged in whaling. Non-binding resolutions on any matter concerning whales and whaling may be adopted by a simple majority of member states voting “yes” or “no.” Binding decisions (for example, an overturn of the current moratorium on commercial whaling) require a three-quarter majority.