Geneva has been chosen to host the 80th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world’s leading space industry event, at Palexpo from 8 to 12 October 2029. More than 10,000 representatives from space agencies, industry, research, government and academia are expected in Geneva. This award crowns a joint Swiss bid, with the Geneva component supported by the Geneva Convention Bureau, in close collaboration with the institutional and economic partners involved in the project, including the Department of Economy, Employment and Energy (DEE) from the State of Geneva.
Held annually, the IAC brings together key players from the global space sector: space agencies, companies, research institutions, start-ups, governments, scientists and astronauts. The Geneva edition will take on special significance as it will mark the 80th edition of the congress and the 60th anniversary of the first steps on the Moon – Apollo 11 (21 July 1969) – whilst opening up prospects for the future with the legacy project: the ‘Geneva Initiative for Space Diplomacy’.
The Swiss bid was led at national level by Swissmem, the Swiss Space Industries Group (SSIG) and the Swiss Space Office, which is attached to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) of the Swiss Confederation, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In Geneva, the preparation of the bid was underpinned by strong support from local and regional stakeholders, including the Geneva Convention Bureau, GESDA, the Canton of Geneva through the DEE, K.I.T. Group Switzerland, as well as the Canton of Vaud (Department of Economy, Innovation, Employment and Cultural Heritage (DEIEP)) and Space eXchange Switzerland (EPFL).
The Geneva Convention Bureau, and in particular its Senior Manager David Cougoule, initially defended the first phase of the selection process at national level, in order to position Geneva as the destination representing Switzerland for this major conference. He then supported the development of the Geneva element of the bid and the showcasing of the destination’s strengths to international bodies. Throughout the process, this approach was carried out in close collaboration with the various partner institutions.
‘This bid was built up over several years and required constant determination. A bid of this scale cannot be driven by the Convention Bureau alone. Its success relies on close collaboration between institutional, governmental, academic and economic stakeholders, both regional and national. It is this collective strength, combined with a robust bid and a genuine human touch, that enabled us to successfully defend Geneva’s case against formidable competitors such as Houston and Barcelona,’ explains David Cougoule. ‘This type of conference positions Geneva as a destination capable of hosting large-scale events. It is a wonderful opportunity for our city, and we are absolutely delighted to welcome the IAC to Geneva in 2029!’
A decisive Swiss mobilisation
The State of Geneva has also shown strong commitment to the project, notably through the involvement and support of Delphine Bachmann, Geneva Minister of Economy, Employment and Energy (DEE).
“Hosting the IAC 2029 represents a tremendous opportunity for Geneva. It is a chance to strengthen its international reputation, create lasting benefits for our economy and demonstrate, once again, our region’s ability to host world-class events,” comments Delphine Bachmann. “We have worked actively towards this. We can all celebrate this achievement together.”
This collective effort illustrates the ability of Switzerland and Geneva to bring together stakeholders from the private and public sectors around major international projects. It also draws on an ecosystem that is particularly conducive to exchanges between science, innovation, the economy and international governance.
For Geneva, hosting the IAC is therefore much more than just a major event in the conference calendar. It represents an opportunity to strengthen ties between the international space ecosystem and ‘International Geneva’, as well as to showcase Swiss expertise in technology, research and innovation, whilst reinforcing Geneva’s status as a city of multilateralism.
The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) has also played a key role in positioning International Geneva at the crossroads of space and diplomacy, highlighting not only the space sector stakeholders already based in Geneva, but also the need to involve the diplomatic community more closely in shaping solutions for its future.
Over 10,000 participants expected at Palexpo
From 8 to 12 October 2029, over 10,000 specialists and decision-makers from the space sector are expected in Geneva to discuss the major developments that will shape the future of space exploration and activities.
The congress will take place at Palexpo, whose facilities, extensive exhibition and conference spaces, and immediate proximity to Geneva Airport provide conditions particularly well-suited to hosting an event of this scale.
On the final day of the congress, the broader public will also have the opportunity to explore the IAC exhibition and engage with the international space sector.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating Space, Building Trust’, Geneva will, for one week, become one of the main meeting places for the global space community. The destination choice highlights the city’s strengths in terms of international cooperation, dialogue and innovation, as well as its capacity to host major international congresses.