An interstellar collaboration – Advancing the global space conversation at IAC 2025

The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) marked a defining moment for Australia’s space sector and for the Asia-Pacific region. Hosted in Sydney, IAC 2025 brought the world’s space community together to explore the latest advancements in space science, technology, policy, and industry collaboration.

Delivered by IAPCO member MCI Australia, in partnership with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Australian Space Agency, and the NSW Government, IAC 2025 represented one of the most complex and ambitious global congresses ever staged in the region.

Held in the Asia-Pacific for only the fifth time in the International Astronautical Congress history, the event presented a generational opportunity to elevate Australia’s position in the global space ecosystem, showcase the rapid growth of its space industry, and broaden understanding of how space-enabled services underpin everyday life.

In recognition of this achievement, MCI Australia, in partnership with SIAA, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and the Australian Space Agency, was named the winner of the IAPCO Driving Excellence Award for Collaboration at IBTM World 2025. Presented at the Meetings Leadership Network Reception in Barcelona, the award acknowledged the project as a benchmark for multi-stakeholder governance, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative delivery at scale. 

Challenges
Hosting the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Australia presented a set of complex strategic and operational challenges.

Geographic and financial risk: As only the fifth Asia-Pacific-hosted IAC 2025, the Congress faced historically lower delegate turnout outside Europe and North America, significantly increasing financial risk – particularly with the event budget being underwritten by SIAA as an industry association rather than government.

Complex stakeholder landscape: The collaboration brought together multiple high-profile partners – SIAA as host and financial underwriter, the IAF as programme owner, the Australian Space Agency and the NSW Government as co-hosts – each with different mandates, governance structures, and revenue models.

Global participation and local impact: To succeed, the Congress needed to drive strong international attendance, motivate industry participation, deliver meaningful local and regional impact, and ensure financial sustainability, all while positioning Australia as a creditable and collaborative global space nation.

Solutions
MCI Australia designed a highly structured, collaborative delivery model to align stakeholders and manage risk while driving growth and engagement.

Multi-party governance and transparency: Clear governance frameworks, budget controls, and communication structures were established to support shared decision-making, risk monitoring, and financial discipline across all partners.

Data-led strategy and reporting: MCI developed IAC-specific analytics and reporting tools, enabling transparent performance tracking and evidence-based decisions throughout planning and delivery.

Global marketing and engagement: A coordinated international marketing and communications campaign targeted both traditional space audiences and space-enabled industries. This included multiplier marketing across 184 scientific, trade, and industry associations, alongside the integration of space influencers to expand reach.

Innovative industry and delegate acquisition: New engagement models such as VIP Priority Windows, Industry Town Halls, and delegate acquisition workshops empowered recruitment ambassadors and maximised international participation and industry sales.

Outcomes
The collaborative approach delivered record-breaking results, positioning IAC 2025 as the most successful Asia-Pacific–hosted Congress in the event’s history.

Unprecedented participation: Over 26,000 registrations were achieved, including more than 18,000 attendees at the largest Public Day ever delivered at an International Astronautical Congress.

Scientific and industry excellence: Over 6,900 abstracts were submitted – the second highest in IAC history – while industry engagement exceeded expectations, achieving 110% of sales targets and welcoming first-ever Country Pavilions from 14 space nations.

Global visibility and regional leadership: The Congress attracted one of the largest United States delegations to Australia and showcased Indigenous space knowledge alongside global innovation, reinforcing Australia’s leading role in advancing space across the Indo-Pacific.

Financial sustainability: Despite its scale and complexity, IAC 2025 was delivered “in the black,” ensuring long-term sustainability for the host association and demonstrating the power of disciplined collaboration.