Sydney has been announced as the host city for the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2025.
The five-day event is expected to attract 4,500 delegates and generate an estimated $21 million in direct expenditure.
The congress will see all global space actors come together at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) 29 September – 3 October 2025, to cover the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.
The last time the Congress was held in Australia was in Adelaide in 2017, and it is credited as the key driver for the formation of the Australian Space Agency in that city.
Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is the world’s leading space advocacy body, advancing knowledge about space, supporting the development and application of space assets by promoting global cooperation. It has around 460 members across 72 countries including all leading space agencies, companies, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums worldwide.
The successful Australian bid was a collaboration between the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the New South Wales Government (Investment NSW) and business events bidding specialists BESydney.
BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith said the bid was a testament to the power of collaboration and what can be achieved when all levels of Government, academia, industry and business come together around a shared purpose.
“Business events are an incredible soft power diplomacy asset, with the ability to create impact for an industry, our country and our region before, during and long after the delegates arrive,” Lewis-Smith said.
“Whether it be solving global problems, advancing the frontiers of science or attracting the talent to build new industries, the gathering together of global ecosystems is a powerful lever for economic and social development.”
