Mission Possible: How ICC Sydney Supported the Delivery of the Largest and Most Technically Ambitious IAC
Magazine:
10th Feb, 2026
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When the world’s space community converged on Sydney for the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), the scale, ambition and complexity of the event demanded more than a venue. It required a true delivery partner.Hosted at International Convention & Exhibition Centre - ICC Sydney, the prestigious International Astronautical Congress transformed the city into the global epicentre of space, science and innovation. Over one extraordinary week, ICC Sydney showcased what is possible when strategic collaboration, technical excellence and people-first delivery come together at scale.
A global gathering with local impact
IAC 2025 welcomed more than 7,500 delegates from 99 countries, including 40+ heads of international space agencies and representation from over 40 space agencies worldwide, including NASA. Across the venue, 450+ companies, institutions and governments showcased their solutions over 19,000 square metres of exhibition space, while more than 200 technical sessions explored the future of space exploration, sustainability and technology.
The congress delivered an estimated A$47 million (approx. €28 million) boost to the local economy, with 60+ NSW businesses exhibiting and thousands of international visitors engaging with Sydney as a destination for innovation-led events.
Public engagement was equally powerful. IAC’s Space Day, powered by LEGO®, attracted 19,500+ registrations, opening the doors to the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.
From competitive bid to global stage
Sydney’s journey to hosting IAC 2025 began in 2021, with a highly competitive global bid process led by BESydney in close collaboration with ICC Sydney, the Space Industry Association of Australia, the Australian Space Agency and Investment NSW.
The bid highlighted Sydney’s strengths in accessibility, inclusion, safety and proximity to the CBD and iconic harbour, alongside Australia’s rapidly expanding space sector, now home to more than 500 active space-related organisations. A coordinated site inspection brought federal and state stakeholders together, presenting a united and compelling case.
For ICC Sydney, the bid was not just about winning the event. It was about demonstrating end-to-end partnership, from early operational planning through to bespoke delivery at scale.
A venue transformed
IAC 2025 took over more than 135,000 square metres of event space across ICC Sydney’s Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre. A custom audiovisual solution activated every LED screen across the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre, and the immersive LED Activation Zone, creating a unified visual identity and an always-on sense of momentum.
At the heart of the technical delivery was ICC Sydney’s in-house AV team, which managed 2,500+ presentations through the Speaker Preparation Centre, supporting up to 700 presentations per day. More than 800 pieces of content were quality-checked and delivered with precision, making this the most expansive technical programme in the history of the congress.
Innovation in action
The event experience went well beyond traditional conference formats. Highlights included a Mission Operations Centre truck housed within the Exhibition Centre and a live message transmission to the moon, delivered in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum.
A gala dinner in ICC Sydney’s Grand Ballroom celebrated Sydney’s culture through locally inspired menus and live performances, while the public Open Day exceeded expectations with astronaut meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits and hands-on STEM experiences.
The Department of Education hosted STEM activities for children under 12, while UNSW’s “Rover and Rockets” display connected students with real-world space projects, reinforcing IAC’s commitment to education, inclusion and future talent pathways.
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Operational excellence under pressure
Delivering an event of this magnitude required flawless coordination. ICC Sydney worked closely with Professional Conference Organiser, MCI Australia, international stand builders and government agencies to manage complex logistics, waste reduction and the responsible return of exhibition materials.
Security was a critical focus. ICC Sydney’s teams worked hand in hand with NSW Police, precinct authorities and federal agencies to manage VIP movements, public demonstrations and the arrival of high-profile guests, including ministers, international agency leaders and a rare lunar sample. Integrated security protocols and emergency response plans were rigorously tested and executed with care and respect.
Media operations were supported seamlessly, with ICC Sydney’s communications and AV teams facilitating live television crosses and global media coverage from within the venue.
Watch the highlights of the event here
A legacy beyond the event
For ICC Sydney, hosting IAC 2025 was more than a milestone event. It was a statement of capability. The congress demonstrated how a world-class venue, backed by expert teams and deep industry partnerships, can deliver complex, high-stakes international events that leave a lasting legacy.
As Lisa Vitaris, Executive Director of IAC 2025 Sydney, reflected, the delivery reinforced themes of innovation, inclusion and learning, including the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the future use of space technologies.
For the global meetings and events industry, IAC 2025 stands as a powerful case study in what is possible when ambition is matched with execution. Sydney did not just host the world’s space community. It helped shape its future.
In partnership with Business Events Australia.
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