Efforts to organize the IAC in Poland lasted nearly 2 years. and included several stages defined by the main organizer - the International Astronautical Federation IAF. The final stage, the selection of the organizer of IAC 2027, took place on the last day of this year's congress. More than five hundred members of the Federation - all space agencies, universities and companies and NGOs working in the space field - voted. The 78th edition of the event will be hosted by the city of Poznań. The IAC is another event after IMPACT, which builds the brand of the City of Poznań among domestic and foreign meeting organizers.In the autumn of 2027, the capital of Wielkopolska will be visited by nearly 10 thousand guests from all over the world. The theme of the congress will be “One Space. Shared Future.”

- Its first part, “One Space,” is intended to remind that space is a common space for all people - across divisions, and the Astronautical Congress (IAC) is a place whose domain is cooperation and catalyzing dialogue, which is particularly important for Poland in the current geopolitical situation, explains the Executive Head of the IAC 2027 Organizing Committee, Lukasz Wilczynski, President of the European Space Foundation. - “Shared Future,” on the other hand, is a glimpse into the future - the far and near future, as space will play an increasingly important role in the economic life of many countries. After the digital revolution, it will be space and any activity undertaken there by people that will drive the most modern economies, Wilczynski adds.

- Poland is experiencing a period of dynamic development in the space sector, which directly affects technological and scientific progress. The interdisciplinary nature of space activities also means the development of many branches of the economy, thereby improving society's quality of life. An example is satellite data, which is widely used in very many fields, such as spatial management, agriculture, environmental protection and emergency management. The use of satellite technology is therefore necessary not only to increase the efficiency of the administration, or increase the comfort of life of Poles, but is also a key element in raising the level of security and defense in the region,” noted Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk, and added, ”The organization of the IAC in Poland in 2027 is not only a prestige for our country, but also an opportunity to promote the region of Central and Eastern Europe, which is becoming a significant center of space innovation.

- The awarding of the organization of this largest global event of the space sector to Poland is evidence of the growing role of our country in the exploration and use of space. It is also a nod to the increasingly strong position of Polish companies winning more contracts and scientists participating in international projects. I am extremely proud of the victory. Looking a little more broadly, it is also symbolic - referring to the slogan of the future congress. It is a kind of “rebirth”, showing the growing strength of the CEE region - with Poland in the role of a leader,” notes Professor Grzegorz Wrochna, president of the Polish Space Agency.

The choice of Poznań as the host of the event was not accidental.

- Poznań has hosted many international events and is perfect for this role. Our advantage is our location - halfway from Warsaw to Berlin - and very good communication with European capitals. We are distinguished by an interesting cultural offer and excellent gastronomy. The choice of Poznan is also supported by excellent hotel facilities, but above all by the largest congress and trade fair center in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, located in our city. - notes Poznan Mayor Jacek Jaskowiak.

- For years, the Poznan International Fair has been the undisputed leader among trade fair centers in Poland and CEE. 15 architecturally diverse exhibition pavilions, a modern congress center, professionally prepared conference halls and event spaces for nearly 20,000 participants, make us an ideal partner for national and international event organizers,” emphasizes MTP Group President Tomasz Kobierski.

In addition to meeting all the requirements set by the IAF, the Polish side has taken additional measures to strengthen our candidacy. It obtained letters of support from the Polish government, including the Minister of Development and Technology, who headed the Organizing Committee, the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Science and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Words of support for the Polish candidacy also came from the European Space Agency, the European Union Space Agency EUSPA, countries of Central and Eastern Europe and from more distant countries: i.e. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan or India. Support was also expressed by Polish companies in the space sector and their organizations (the Space Sector Employers Association and the Polish Association of Space Sector Professionals).

Behind the preparation of the Polish candidacy for the IAC organization was the organizing office consisting of: Ministry of Development and Technology, Polish Space Agency, European Space Foundation (member of IAF, organizer of space-related events such as European Rover Challenge), MTP GROUP - Poznań Congress Center (organizer of national and international congresses), THE WAY (producer of national and international events), Poznań Convention Bureau (representing the authorities of the city of Poznań).

A few words about the history of IAC

The first edition of the IAC was held in 1950 in Paris. Since then, the congress has been organized every year in a different country. Poland hosted the IAC - in 1964, the 15th edition was then held in Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science. The IAC is the most highly regarded event in the global space sector, and each year attracts up to 10,000 participants, including ministers and parliamentarians from around the world, heads of space agencies and space companies, as well as representatives of the world of science. The next editions will be held: 2025 r. - Sydney (Australia), 2026. - Antalya (Turkey).

The International Astronautical Federation - IAF was established in 1951, since then it has 468 members from 75 countries, including leading space agencies (NASA, ESA, Canadian Space Agency (CSA), companies, research institutions (Aerospace Research Institute, CERN, Rocket Research Institute), universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums from around the world.