Each year, usually in May or June, the Annual Meeting of the Commission is held, either by invitation in any member country, or in the UK - the Secretariat's base.

The Scientific, Conservation, and Finance and Administration Committees meet immediately prior to the Commission.  There are also Sub-committee and working group meetings dealing with aboriginal subsistence whaling, welfare, infractions (breaking of regulations) and other groups as necessary to deal with current issues.

Commissioners may opt for their countries to be represented in any or all of these activities and most choose to do so.