The IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium conference will take place at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in 2028.
Auckland has won a bid to host the next IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) conference, which will take place at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in 2028.
The symposium is expected to attract at least 2,000 delegates and deliver $4.9 million in economic impact to the region. IGARSS provides a platform for sharing knowledge on airborne, satellite and ground-based sensors and their applications for societal benefit, particularly in the context of earth observation, disaster monitoring and risk assessment.
Ken Pereira, head of Auckland Convention Bureau, which provided support for the bid, said: “Hosting IGARSS will provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase research opportunities, foster global collaborations and contribute to the advancement of Auckland and New Zealand’s geophysical sciences, aerospace and engineering sectors. We’re looking forward to welcoming delegates to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for a rewarding conference and to enjoy the world-class hospitality and unique experiences we have on offer.”
The bid was led by Alejandro C. Frery, professor at Victoria University of Wellington and Gabor Kereszturi, associate professor at Massey University, with support from Professor Matthew Wilson, University of Canterbury, and Professors Nirmal Nair and Delwyn Moller from the University of Auckland, along with the wider New Zealand geospatial and space-related industry, including Rocket Lab.
Following the bid win, Frery said: “New Zealand is increasingly home to research, education and outreach initiatives in space-related topics and Earth observation. IGARSS 2028 will present new opportunities for New Zealand to continue growing its capability in this sector and cross-fertilise research with its now state-of-the-art aerospace industry.”
Prue Daly, general manager at NZICC added: “NZICC is proud to have been a partner in the successful bid for the IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium. Ka pai to everyone involved in bringing this important conference to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and we look forward to welcoming the IEEE delegates in 2028.”
IGARSS is the flagship conference of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society and is held annually, with the next one taking place in Brisbane in 2025.