All photos kindly provided by Geneva Convention Bureau

Palexpo will welcome more than 10,000 space industry representatives from 8 to 12 October 2029, as Switzerland looks to connect space innovation with international diplomacy through a new legacy initiative.

Geneva has been selected to host the 80th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in October 2029, bringing more than 10,000 representatives from space agencies, industry, research, government and academia to Palexpo for one of the global space sector’s leading annual gatherings.

Taking place from 8 to 12 October 2029, the congress will mark its 80th edition and coincide with the 60th anniversary of the first crewed Moon landing, achieved by Apollo 11 on 21 July 1969. Under the theme ‘Celebrating Space, Building Trust’, the event will examine developments shaping the future of space exploration and activities, while providing a platform to strengthen connections between the international space community and Geneva’s diplomatic ecosystem.

The successful bid was the result of a joint Swiss effort, led nationally by Swissmem, the Swiss Space Industries Group (SSIG), the Swiss Space Office, attached to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In Geneva, the bid received support from the Geneva Convention Bureau and a network of institutional, academic and economic partners, including the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), the Canton of Geneva’s Department of Economy, Employment and Energy (DEE), K.I.T. Group Switzerland, the Canton of Vaud’s Department of Economy, Innovation, Employment and Cultural Heritage (DEIEP), and Space eXchange Switzerland at EPFL.

The Geneva Convention Bureau played a central role in positioning the city as Switzerland’s candidate during the initial national selection phase, before helping develop the Geneva component of the bid and communicate the destination’s strengths to international decision-makers. Geneva ultimately prevailed against competitors including Houston and Barcelona.

“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, Senior Manager at the Geneva Convention Bureau. “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!”

Space diplomacy as a lasting legacy

Beyond the immediate benefits of hosting a major international congress, Geneva intends to use the occasion to reinforce its position at the intersection of scientific innovation, international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy.

A central element of this ambition is the proposed Geneva Initiative for Space Diplomacy, a legacy project intended to strengthen dialogue between the global space sector and the diplomatic community. The initiative builds on Geneva’s established international institutions and its capacity to bring together governments, researchers, industry and other stakeholders around complex global challenges.

GESDA has been instrumental in positioning International Geneva at this intersection of space and diplomacy. Its contribution to the bid highlighted both the space-related organisations already based in the city and the importance of involving diplomatic actors more closely in shaping responses to the challenges and opportunities associated with the future of space.

The project also reflects the broader potential of the congress to showcase Swiss expertise in technology, research and innovation, while reinforcing Geneva’s standing as a centre for international dialogue.

Delphine Bachmann, Geneva’s Minister of Economy, Employment and Energy, underlined the importance of the event for the region’s international profile and economic development.

“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.”

The successful bid demonstrates the ability of Swiss public and private stakeholders to coordinate around a major international project, drawing on an ecosystem where science, innovation, economic activity and international governance intersect.

Palexpo to welcome more than 10,000 delegates

The congress will be held at Palexpo, Geneva’s principal exhibition and convention venue. Its extensive conference and exhibition facilities, together with its immediate proximity to Geneva Airport, offer a setting suited to an event expected to attract more than 10,000 specialists and decision-makers from across the global space sector.

Over five days, participants will discuss the major developments influencing space exploration and activities, bringing together representatives of established space agencies and companies alongside research institutions, start-ups, governments, scientists and astronauts.

The event will also offer an opportunity to engage audiences beyond the professional space community. On the final day, the public will be able to visit the IAC exhibition and discover the work of the international space sector, extending the congress’s reach beyond its specialist delegates.

For Geneva, the award strengthens its position in the international congress market while providing a platform to connect its established strengths in multilateralism and diplomacy with one of the world’s most technologically dynamic sectors. The combination of a major industry gathering, a public-facing exhibition and a proposed diplomatic legacy gives the 2029 congress significance beyond the conference calendar, placing international cooperation at the heart of its ambition.
 

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