The International Committee on GNSS (ICG) and the Philippine Space Agency co-organized and cosponsored the Workshop on the Applications of GNSS. The workshop aimed to address a wide array of GNSS applications for socioeconomic benefits and to focus on initiating pilot projects and strengthening the networking of GNSS-related institutions in the region.

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.