There are several notable conferences related to PNT (list not exhaustive) of which some take place at the same location annual (to be aware for attendance) and some that accept bids for hosting them (option to apply to be the host, where geographically relevant). -

• ION GNSS+: https://www.ion.org/gnss/

• European Navigation Conference: https://enc-series.org/2025/enc2025/

• IEEE/ION PLANS: https://www.ion.org/plans/

• International Technical Symposium on Navigation and Timing: https://itsnt.fr/

• International Conference on Localization and GNSS: https://events.tuni.fi/icl-gnss/

• SatNav Africa Joint Programme office (JPO) related events: https://www.satnav-africa.com/index.php/en/news-and-events/events-satnav-africa

Prerequisites:

• Identify topics and attendees relevant to your priorities

• Ensure availability of relevant stakeholders

• Lead agency & budget

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

Attendance

• Ballpark: Free - USD 10K for 1 person per conference (varies widely)

• Includes: Travel & participation fee (some conferences can be free or allow virtual participation)

Organisation

• Ballpark: USD150-600K (program setup; varies widely)

• Includes: scoping & design, venue, AV and logistics, speaker travel and accommodation, communications and outreach, post-event reporting

Timeframe:

• Overall: 6–12 mo

• Phase: scoping (1–2 mo), consultation (2–4 mo), drafting (2–4 mo), validation (1–2 mo)

Pros:

• Global Visibility & Influence - Puts the host nation on the map as a serious player in the space or PNT community

• Capacity Building - Creates training and exposure opportunities for local scientists, students, and engineers

• Knowledge and Technology Transfer - Enables technology and knowledge transfer through workshops, side events, and collaborations

• Economic Benefits - Attracts hundreds of international delegates, generating revenue for hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors

• Regional Leadership - Positions the host nation as a leader in their region for space cooperation.

• Networking and Collaboration - Builds long-term relationships with space agencies, commercial players, and academic institutions.

• Future Collaboration Opportunities - Encourages future joint projects or satellite missions

Considerations:

• Incurring Upfront Costs - Budget for venue, logistics, security, translation services, and VIP travel support.

• Operational Complexity - Establish a skilled organizing committee to coordinate across government, academia, and private sector stakeholders.

International Logistics - Manage visas, customs for equipment, and travel arrangements for international delegates—tasks that are often time-intensive.

• Risk of Low Return - Promote the event effectively to ensure strong participation and justify the investment.

• Unrealized Partnership Risk - Follow up with concrete initiatives to turn event engagement into long-term partnerships.

• Infrastructure Demands - Ensure reliable internet, conference technology, media coverage, and secure facilities for any classified discussions.