IAC HOSTS SUMMIT – Twelfth Session

Sunday 28 September 2025
Cockle Bay, Level 3,
International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC) Sydney
10:30-13:00

Introductory Video (1 min)

Welcome by Master of Ceremony (3 min)

  • Peter MARTINEZ, Chair of the IAF Congress and Symposium Advisory Committee (CSAC) / President, Secure World Foundation (SWF)

Keynote by Sponsor “Swissmem”: The Way to Mars Goes Through Switzerland - Fueled by Innovation IAC2029 (10 min)

  • Raoul KELLER, Secretary General SSIG, Swissmem, Switzerland
  • David COUGOULE, Senior Manager Convention Bureau, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation, Switzerland

Securing Sponsorship: The Backbone of a Successful IAC (40 min)

In the challenging landscape of IAC planning, securing sponsors is crucial for not only funding but also enhancing the overall experience for attendees. A robust IAC exhibition provides a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing innovations. To attract sponsors, it is essential to demonstrate value through tailored packages, targeted outreach, and engaging promotional strategies. By prioritizing these elements, the Host can forge robust relationships with sponsors that elevate the congress and drive mutual success. This panel will explore best practices, share case studies, and discuss innovative approaches to sponsorship strategy within the IAC context.

Moderator:

  • Steve EISENHART, Past IAF VP for Global Networking Forum (IAF GNF) / Vice President for Strategic & International Affairs, Space Foundation, United States

Panelists:

  • Dunay BADIRKHANOV, Chair of the Board (a/g) of Azercosmos, The Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan / IAC 2023 IPC Co-Chair
  • Christian FEICHTINGER, Executive Director, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
  • Lionel SUCHET, Chairman of the IAC 2022 Local Organizing Committee / Chief Operating Officer, Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
  • Lisa VITARIS, Director IAC 2025, Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA)
  • Enrico ZAPPINO, Executive Project Manager of AIDAA, IAC 2024 / Member of the IAF Congress and Symposium Advisory Committee (CSAC)

Ready to Take Off: Pitching Your IAC Vision for 2028 (40 min)

An interactive session where future bidders present their unique visions for IAC 2028. The session will conclude with a drawing of lots featuring questions prepared by the IAF Congress and Symposium Advisory Committee (CSAC). Each participant will have one minute to respond to their question.

  • Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: by Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) (10 min)
  • Mumbai, India: by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SatCom Industry Association (SIA-India) (10 min)
  • Samarkand, Uzbekistan: by Uzbekspace Agency (10 min)

Coffee Break (10 min)

Hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) as a Bridge for Unity (40 min)

The ethical implications of hosting the IAC amid geopolitical tensions require a careful balance. While the event can serve as a platform for unity and collaboration, it must also address the challenges posed by national policies and funding restrictions. Engage in a thought-provoking debate about the ethical implications of bidding for the IAC amidst geopolitical tensions, exploring how hosting the IAC can serve as a bridge for cultural and political unity, and ensuring that the congress remains a beacon for international collaboration in space and inclusiveness allowing Bone Fide participants from all over the world to attend.

Moderator

  • Christian FEICHTINGER, Executive Director, International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

Panelists:

  • Maria Antonietta PERINO, Director for Space Economy Exploration and International Network, Thales Alenia Space Italia / Member of IAF Congress and Symposia Advisory Committee (CSAC)
  • Jeremy HALLETT, Executive Chair, Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), Australia / Chair, IAC 2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
  • Arif KARABEYOĞLU, Board Member, Turkish Space Agency (TUA), Türkiye / IPC Co-Chair for IAC 2026, Türkiye
  • Clay MOWRY, President, International Astronautical Federation (IAF) / CEO, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • Łukasz WILCZYŃSKI, Chair of IAC 2027 Local Organizing Committee / President, European Space Foundation (ESF), Poland

Closing Remarks by Master of Ceremony (2 min)

  • Peter MARTINEZ, Chair of the IAF Congress and Symposium Advisory Committee (CSAC) / President, Secure World Foundation (SWF)

Group Photo

IAC Hosts Summit Lunch (13:00-14:00)

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