The 9th IAA Planetary Defence Conference (PDC 2025) was hosted in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, from May 5–9, 2025. The conference, organised by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), brings together global experts to discuss threats posed by asteroids and comets, and strategies for planetary defence. Key topics include near-Earth object (NEO) discovery and characterization, deflection techniques, disaster response, and international policy coordination. South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation was one of the sponsors of the conference.

Prerequisites:

• Identify relevant stakeholders the nation wants to involve

• Build collaborative relationship with relevant stakeholders

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• 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: concept (1–2 mo), coordination & contracting (2–4 mo), promotion & arrangements (2–4 mo), delivery & follow-up (1–1 mo)

Pros:

• Increased Reputation - Enhances the host nation's reputation in the global space community

• Cooperation - Fosters internal cooperation

Considerations:

• Risk of Ineffectiveness - Organisers risk low attendance If not well-promoted or timed.