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Space Industry Association of Australia hosts International Astronautical Congress

In partnership with the State Government of South Australia and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the Adelaide Convention Bureau (ACB) has won a bid to host the 2014 International Astronautical Congree (IAC2014) in September, 2017. 

"The IAC2014 is the world's most important annual interdisciplinary meeting for the space industry, regularly attracting over 3000 participants from more than 70 countries, including space professionals, academics, major corporations, government representatives, students and media," said ACB chief executive Damien Kitto. 

The announcement was made in Toronto last week that Adelaide beat out competition from Germany (Bremen), America (Orlando), Turkey (Istanbul) and Ireland (Dublin) to host IAC. It is the biggest congress ever to be hosted in Adelaide and is a result of a four year campaign. IAC2014 is expected to attract more than 3000 delegates, translating to roughly $AUD18 million for the state's vistor economy. 

"The legacy to be left to South Australia's space and related industries as a result of this win is priceless," said Mr Kitto. 

The Chair of the SIAA, Michael Davis, acknowledged the strong team effort of the bid, coordinated by bid leader, Brett Biddington AM and supported by the Adelaide Convention Bureau. 

"The decision to award the Congress to Australia demonstrates that Australia is highly regarded as an emergying player in the international space community," said Mr Davis. "We have been given the opportunity to demonstrate to the world we are making an important contribution as an industry to the economic and social well-being of our own nation, as well as to the international effort to harness the benefits of space science and technoogy to combat global problems. 

Mr Biddington also acknowledged the international significance of IAC2014 being held in Adelaide and it's effect on the Australian economy, indicating that it will "create new industry opportunties and rewarding careers for young Australians." 

In addition to the conference program, the IAC will feature a large exhibition component which is designed to attract support from space agencies and international space companies such as Lockheed Martin, China Areospace Tech. Corp, Airbus Defence & Space and Boeing Space Exploration. 

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