The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in researching, communicating and teaching a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of the 2017 celebration, with contributions by Sir Gordon Conway and Lindsey Hilsum, and Professors Andrew Cliff, David J A Evans and Henry Wai‐chung Yeung. The speeches include comments on the importance of geography for mapping extreme human experiences, engaging policy‐makers, understanding and tackling climate change and hunger, and inspiring others through teaching, fieldwork and travel.