Introduction
While many of us are still shivering through winter, we are delighted to share exciting news from a very sunny South African. Preparations are well underway for the 41st SPNHC Annual Meeting, taking place 7-11 September 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa, proudly hosted by Iziko Museums of South Africa at the Iziko South African Museum. Our Local Organising Committee, working in close collaboration with the SPNHC Joint Organising Committee and Iziko Museum, looks forward to welcoming the SPNHC community to the African continent for the first time.
Call for Symposia, Workshops, and Themed Sessions
A sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal for a Symposium, Workshop, or Themed Session. The Program Committee is currently reviewing all submissions, and acceptance notifications will be issued no later than the end of March.
Call for Abstracts
There is still time to contribute to the 2026 Annual Meeting’s scientific program. The Call for Abstracts opens in early April and closes in late May, with the final program confirmed by mid-June. Abstracts may be submitted to both selected themed sessions and open call sessions. SPNHC membership is not required to participate.
Registration Rates
Early Bird Registration Rates will be available from the opening of registration through
July 31, 2025:
–SPNHC Member – $450 (USD)
–Non-Member – $550 (USD)
After July 31, prices for both members and non-members will increase by over $100.
Please note registration rates do not include VAT (currently 15%).
Details on registration rates for students and participants from low-income countries, as well as virtual participation options, will be shared soon. Details about virtual conference options and their registration rates will be announced soon. While registration is not yet open, these rates may be used for budgeting purposes.
Tours and Fieldtrips
The Local Organizing Committee, together with Iziko Museums and other partners such as SANBI and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, is curating a selection of field trips and tours that showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scientific richness of Cape Town and the broader South African landscape. More information will be announced shortly.
Exhibits and Sponsorship
The SPNHC Meeting is renowned for fostering meaningful connections among attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Recognizing that Cape Town may be a long-haul destination for some of our regular partners, the LOC is introducing flexible exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, including tabletop exhibits to reduce freight costs, as well as roundtables and additional speaking platforms.
An exhibitor prospectus will be released soon. For tailored sponsorship options, please contact Ruth Seyler (spnhc.conference@gmail.com), SPNHC Conference and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Ongoing Communication
As excitement builds for the first SPNHC Conference to be held on the African continent, the Local Organizing Committee is committed to keeping delegates well-informed as plans develop.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions; we look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in the Spring!
Sincerely,
Adriaan Jordaan
SPNHC2026 LOC Chairperson
Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates
spnhc2026@iziko.org.za
Iziko South African Museum
Cape Town, South Africa
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