Poznań, a city in Poland, is in the running to host the prestigious International Astronautical Congress in 2026. The final decision is set to be made soon, with Poznań competing against the Turkish city of Antalya.
Every year, the International Astronautical Congress draws more than 6,000 participants, including students and young professionals, who gather to engage with experienced experts on a wide range of space-related topics. The event features outdoor debates, special lectures, and an extensive exhibition showcasing the latest developments in the field of space science and industry.
Poznań has made it to the shortlist of candidates vying to organize the event, with Antalya as its contender. The decision will be reached during this year’s congress, currently being held in Baku. Key figures supporting Poznań’s bid include Jacek Jaśkowiak, the Mayor of Poznań, Tadeusz Kościński, the Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, and Professor Tomasz Łodygowski from Poznań University of Technology. They are joined by Tomasz Kobierski, the CEO of the Poznań International Fair (Grupa MTP), and its institutional partners.
The proposal, submitted by Grupa MTP in collaboration with POLSA (Polish Space Agency), THE WAY, COTI Conference Time, LOT Polish Airlines, BGK (Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego), Poznań University of Technology, Empiria i Wiedza Foundation, Space Technology Centre AGH UST, Poznań Convention Bureau, and the European Space Foundation, underscores the city’s commitment to becoming a hub for space-related activities.