Economic lift-off as international space congress lands in Sydney

From 29 September to 3 October, Sydney became the global epicentre for the space community as the city hosted the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025).

Bidding specialists Business Events Sydney (BESydney) secured IAC 2025 for the city in partnership with Investment NSW, the Australian Space Agency and the Space Industry Association of Australia. The Congress welcomed more than 7,400 delegates from 99 countries and injected an estimated $47 million into the local economy. 

BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe said, “Business events like IAC 2025 give us the chance to showcase our world-class research ecosystem, provide a global platform to our brightest minds to share their ideas and breakthroughs and spark new collaborations between local industry and the global community. 

“The work we do at BESydney underpins several initiatives led by the NSW Government, including the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035. Through the bidding and securing of international conferences and meetings, we elevate Sydney and NSW’s global profile, drive innovation and attract talent to live and work in our state.”

IAC 2025 delivered landmark outcomes for the Australian and global space community. The Australian Space Agency signed agreements with NASA and the European Space Agency, strengthening cooperation on space technology. National agencies pledged peaceful, interoperable lunar exploration, and spotlights were shone on First Nations knowledge in guiding sustainable space practices and closer engagement across the Pacific to spread benefits from space technology advancements.

IAC 2025 also created a ripple effect of city activations welcoming delegates, building connections with local communities and raising awareness of how space touches so many aspects of modern life. These ranged from massive digital welcomes at Sydney’s International Airport and a suburban street party in Chippendale to welcome delegates, through to space-themed museum exhibitions and festivals, a 10-metre inflatable astronaut towering over the city’s Martin Place central plaza, and a record-breaking 12,000 people registered for the congress’s ‘Space Day -Powered by LEGO®’. 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the success of IAC 2025 showed the importance of high-value events to the state's visitor economy.

“With over 7,400 delegates from more than 90 countries, IAC 2025 has delivered a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions," he said. 

"High-value events like the IAC are critical to the NSW Visitor Economy strategy, and its goal of $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, supporting local businesses and jobs and fostering industry collaboration and growth.”

Space Industry Association of Australia Director, IAC 2025 Sydney, Lisa Vitaris, said, “IAC 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Australians to engage with the space community on such an international level. The opportunities that will come from this event will be felt for generations, with this year’s program having such a strong focus on youth development and engaging young people with STEM subjects. 

“The conference will platform ideas from across the world and drive research and innovation, helping to improve economic activity and technological advancement on a national and global level.” 

Tourism Australia Acting Managing Director Robin Mack said supporting BESydney’s successful bid to host IAC 2025 via the Business Events Bid Fund Program is a massive opportunity for Australian tourism. 

"Our Business Events Bid Fund has been an incredible success since its inception, building a strong pipeline of future international business events that support a thriving visitor economy across Australia," Mr Mack said. 

"It's a highly competitive industry, with destinations around the world vying for these lucrative events. The Bid Fund offers vital support at the critical bidding stage and has helped to secure prestigious events like IAC 2025." 

Learn more about IAC 2025 here.